Humpback whales are some of the most widely distributed whales in the world. Getting in the water with them can however only be done in very very few places. Going to Tonga allows us to see the whales in their environment as they come to the warm tropical islands to mate and raise their calves before starting their migration back to Antarctica. Getting to encounter and photograph humpback whales in the water is truly a life changing experience.

Snorkeling with humpback mothers and their calves is extremely unique. This situation in nature is generally an extremely sensitive one, as moms are often defensive of their newborns. In Tonga, the humpback mothers generally float near the sea floor, where it is cooler, while keeping an eye on their curious and playful calves that often come investigate us. The mother humpback whales are forty to fifty tonnes, even the calves are two tonnes in size yet they are extremely careful around us.

The other big reason that humpback whales come to Tonga is to mate. To make her partner selection, a female humpback will swim in a straight line, with multiple males following her in what is called a heat run. The female continues to swim until one suitor is left, possibly the male with the strongest genes. In this way, the female humpback ensures strong genes are passed on to her offspring, which will be born eleven months after mating.

You will not only see and swim with humpback whales, but you will learn from our local guides how humpback whales have played an important role throughout their history on the islands. They will address our impact as humans on our surrounding wildlife and how to best live side-by-side.