Why I Traveled Halfway Around The World Just To Swim With The Humpback Whales of Tonga
Earlier this year, I had large ambitions of crossing off a huge bucket list item that’s been a long time coming, so this year, for my birthday, I went to swim with Humpback Whales in the paradisic South Pacific!
This trip was going to be epic, so I knew I couldn’t keep it all to myself.
Our new friend and local Tongan guide observing the mother and calf humpback whales as I photograph them underwater from a distance
Throughout my time as an underwater photographer, I have met some amazing people, and when I started planning this trip, my mind immediately went to this group of amazing women whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and shooting on multiple occasions here in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
As soon as I figured out the logistics and gathered all the necessary information, I sent these friends a message, and without hesitating, they confirmed with a huge “YES!” Their shared enthusiasm instantly intensified my excitement for this trip.
The perfect underwater moment caught in a photo features a friend freediving with the humpback wahles of Tonga
Our friend observing the mother and calf humpbackwhales underwater as I capture the photo
The beautiful moment where the baby humpback whale shows us its tail (fluke) underwater
Let me give you the “where,” “why,” and “when” of this trip.
From June to October, Tonga is a haven for Humpback Whales, who migrate from Antarctica to Tonga to give birth and care for their newborn calves in the warm, safe, and relatively shallow waters. This unique environment allows you to interact with these gentle giants as they leisurely swim with their offspring.
After spending four full days with them, it almost seems like the mothers appreciate the entertainment we provide for their little ones while they catch a well-deserved rest. Can you relate?
The playful humpback whale calf showing off for his personal underwater photoshoot in the calm and clear waters of the South Pacific
Can you see now why it’s been on my bucket list for so long? What made it so memorable for most people is the connection you feel to these large marine mammals; although they may be giants in comparison, their presence is awe-inspiring yet familiar.
Now that I am back home and going through all the epic photos I took of the whales and my friends, I can’t help but smile and envision myself underwater among the gentle whales of the South Pacific.
The serene moment of the humpback whale baby posing for his underwater photoshoot
On the boat with my friends, observing the the whales breach as we wait for our whale swim
In between swimming with the whales in Tonga, we had a few underwater photoshoots
Life is all about moments like this—moments you can go to and relive over and over.
I’ve been so inspired by this trip that I am already working on the next. Except this time, I want to extend my invitation to you.
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More photos below!
Having an epic underwater photoshoot with my human friend and my new whale friend in Tonga
The amazing moment I took a photo of a whale breaching in Tonga with a remote island in the background
Up close and personal with these gentle giants that are the humpback whales of Tonga. I am so happy to have had this experience of being the underwater photographer for this underwater photoshoot based travel trip.