What travelling with us is like

We’re working guides, not hosts who appear for dinner after someone else has run the day. We’re used to long hours on boats, changing weather, wet gear, early starts, guests being nervous, plans changing and wildlife doing absolutely whatever it wants.

We like doing this. Enough that, even after the long days, we keep talking about where to go next. Paikea is our way of inviting a few more people along.

You can ask us.

You don’t need to arrive as an ocean person, photographer or wildlife expert. There should be room to ask a question, admit you’re nervous and learn something along the way.

Tell us what you’re comfortable with and what you’re unsure about. Each trip will have its own activity and swimming requirements, which we’ll talk through before you book. Not every trip will suit everyone, and we’d rather work that out together beforehand.

The plan is a starting point.

Wildlife does not follow an itinerary. Weather can change a day, and waiting is part of spending time on the water. We want people to understand that before they come, not find it out after arriving.

We can’t promise an encounter. We can tell you what draws us to a place, explain the trip as it develops, and make space for a conversation about whether it’s right for you.

The bits between the boat days

Tee loves getting to know the people in a group. Hannah wants you to get to know the place. Between us, we hope there’s plenty to talk about over a meal afterwards.

The conversations on the boat, a meal afterwards and the little moments nobody could have planned are part of what we hope you take home.

Still taking shape.

Our first Tonga trip runs in October 2026 and is sold out. The Tonga 2027 dates haven’t been released, and Mag Bay for November 2027 is still an idea we’re exploring. Joining either list starts a conversation; it isn’t a booking or a reserved place.

Before you book a future trip, we’ll share the dates, group size, prices, what’s included, activity and swimming requirements, who is operating the activities, and the booking and cancellation terms. You don’t need to commit before those details are available.

A few practical questions

Can I come on my own? You’re welcome to put your name down on your own. Ask us about the group and room arrangements when trip details are released.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer? Being curious doesn’t replace being comfortable in the water. Requirements depend on the activities and conditions. Tell us about your swimming and snorkelling experience, and we’ll talk about whether the trip is a good fit before you book. Please don’t send medical details through this website.

What if the weather changes? Boat days and wildlife encounters depend on conditions. We’ll explain the confirmed trip’s weather, itinerary-change and cancellation arrangements before you book, rather than promise that every day will go to plan.