ABOUT MOUNU...
Mounu Island is a 6.5-acre eco-resort in Tonga’s Vava’u archipelago, surrounded by white sandy beaches and coconut palms. Built by Allan and Lyn Bowe with the help of local tradesmen in 1996, it offers a peaceful retreat with a focus on sustainability and preserving the natural environment. The Bowe family pioneered whale swimming tours in Tonga. They bring 30 years' experience of living here, employing and collaborating with the local people, and taking guests to swim with humpback whales,
Visitors can be as adventurous as they like with action packed days or laze in the sun watching the world go by.
With ongoing environmental projects including advocacy for the protection of the Whales, Mounu Island provides a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in a pristine, natural setting. Allan and Lyn's daughter Kirsty Bowe continues her parents' legacy.
How to find Mounu Island
Mounu Island is a secluded, remote paradise located in the stunning Vava’u archipelago of Tonga.
Its exclusivity and natural beauty make it the perfect escape, but reaching this hidden gem requires planning. Whether flying from nearby islands or internationally, there are several routes to explore.
You can fly via New Zealand to land in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga and then transfer to Vava'u, or fly directly into Vava’u from Nadi, Fiji:
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Fiji Airways offers routes from Nadi to Nuku’alofa or directly into Vava’u.
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Air New Zealand flies from Auckland to Nuku’alofa
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Qantas flies from Sydney to Nuku’alofa.
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For domestic connections, Lulutai Airlines offers flights between Tonga’s islands Contact them at info@lulutai-airlines.to or reach out to Discover Tonga at support@discovertonga.org, who can assist with booking your domestic tickets.
ALL GUESTS TO TRAVEL WITH FULL TRAVEL INSURANCE
HISTORY OF MOUNU ISLAND
1993
The Birth of Humpback Whale Encounters
Allan and Lyn brought their 70ft charter boat to Tonga in 1992 and fell in love with the Country, its people and the whales. Allan swam several times with the whales that year, fearful at first that turning into fasination and awe which he wanted to share with others.
They returned in 1993, Lyn running the Bounty Bar in Vava'u and Allan obtaining the first license to swim with the whales.
Trips would depart at 10am and be back by 2pm. Allan invited scientists from around the world in the first few years so he could learn more about the whales. Over the years and with camera development observations of in water behaviour of the whales has helped the scientists have a better understanding of the whales.
Allan advocated for the local artists in Tonga to make smaller handicrafts that tourists could take home. The sleepy township of Vava'u is now recognised as one the best places in the world to swim with the whales. A close encounter of a special kind.
Allan worked hard to develop the whale watch regulations, whale swim guide training and encouraged/mentored the young local girls and guys to have a newfound respect for the whales.
1996
Mounu Island as we know it...
Allan and his wife Lyn took their dream one step further when they built Mounu Island - a secluded eco-resort nestled in the Vava'u archipelago. The island became so much more than a resort; it was a place of refuge in order to relearn from nature and from oneself.
Lyn's passion is visable in the gardens and paths that meander through the Island.
Allan's passion for conservation came alive in leading projects such as rat eradication on Mananita, volcanic mount surveys, reef surveys and the conservation of turtles to ensure this haven was to be enjoyed by future generations.
The loved Vava'u, the people of Vava'u, the whales and were proud to call Mounu their home
2006-2024
Sustainable Whale Watching & Protection advocates
As license numbers have increased in Vava'u so has our team's determination to ensure we act responsibly both on the water with the boat and in the water as guests in their domain.
Our skippers and guides are licensed and knowledgeable. They will ensure your day is safe and educational and that you come away with a newfound respect for the whales and the environment.
It is a privilege to be able to swim with whales and when done in sustainable way we can ensure the whales will remain in their long-time breeding grounds.
It is important to understand that it is not guaranteed that we swim every day.
Understanding whale behaviour and following the regulations is paramount. At no time do we put stress upon the whales. Weather and sea conditions also play a major role - not every day is flat calm and although we do look for whales in sheltered areas some days you could be swimming in open ocean in choppy conditions.
That being said to get the most out of your experience it is worth putting some time into being swim fit and confident using your mask, snorkel and fins.
**WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR** KIRSTY INTERVIEW