Humpback whale photography expedition, Tonga
| country: | Tonga |
| departures: | 2008: 12 Sep 2009: 11 Sep, 25 Sep |
| price: | From AU $4600 (9 days) excluding flights. Single room from AU $2653. Watch a  |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Each winter, spectacular southern humpback whales return to the Kingdom of Tonga’s sparkling, clear waters.
These 15-metre, 40-tonne giants of the ocean come back to the Pacific’s coral islands to court and breed, after a long migration from their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica’s icy seas. Come and join them in the calm lagoons of Tonga’s Vava’u group of islands. Be there, in the water, in one of just a handful of places in the world that offer such whale encounters, under strictly managed conditions. Snorkeling close to these gentle leviathans is an inspirational, even life-changing experience.
As well as being expertly guided to photograph and observe the whales above and below the surface, your journey might rediscover something else you've not experienced in a while – time and space for yourself. Your expedition will introduce you to Vava'u's local people and customs, take you snorkeling through coral gardens and limestone caves, bring you together with new friends, or leave you free to just comb unspoiled tropical beaches. This tour offers more opportunities to be in the water with the whales than any other group expedition on the market in Vava'u, so places on this special WhaleSwim expedition are strictly limited to just 5 people. Join us for excellent under-water photo oppotunities with the South Pacific humpback whales!!
How you’ll see and swim with the whales
After breakfast each morning, the expertly operated whale-watch boat 'Maris King', will come along side the jetty each morning to take you on your day’s adventure. Whale encounters can’t be guaranteed every day, but every day will be unforgettable, exploring uninhabited islands and cays, and being rewarded with priceless photographs for your efforts.
The Tonga whale watching guidelines allow just 4 people and a guide in the water at one time with the whales. This allows 4 in the water and one top-side for surface shots or for changing film etc. After 4 years of having photography groups in Vava'u, this number works perfectly. The photography group will be supervised by Scott Portelli, who will be on hand to help you get the most from your photographic opportunities both in and out of the water. Scott has photographed wildlife all over the world, in particular the Antarctic, and has spent 3 seasons with us in Tonga photographing the humpback whales. You will be returned to the hotel for the coming evening’s relaxation.
These 15-metre, 40-tonne giants of the ocean come back to the Pacific’s coral islands to court and breed, after a long migration from their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica’s icy seas. Come and join them in the calm lagoons of Tonga’s Vava’u group of islands. Be there, in the water, in one of just a handful of places in the world that offer such whale encounters, under strictly managed conditions. Snorkeling close to these gentle leviathans is an inspirational, even life-changing experience.
As well as being expertly guided to photograph and observe the whales above and below the surface, your journey might rediscover something else you've not experienced in a while – time and space for yourself. Your expedition will introduce you to Vava'u's local people and customs, take you snorkeling through coral gardens and limestone caves, bring you together with new friends, or leave you free to just comb unspoiled tropical beaches. This tour offers more opportunities to be in the water with the whales than any other group expedition on the market in Vava'u, so places on this special WhaleSwim expedition are strictly limited to just 5 people. Join us for excellent under-water photo oppotunities with the South Pacific humpback whales!!
How you’ll see and swim with the whales
After breakfast each morning, the expertly operated whale-watch boat 'Maris King', will come along side the jetty each morning to take you on your day’s adventure. Whale encounters can’t be guaranteed every day, but every day will be unforgettable, exploring uninhabited islands and cays, and being rewarded with priceless photographs for your efforts. The Tonga whale watching guidelines allow just 4 people and a guide in the water at one time with the whales. This allows 4 in the water and one top-side for surface shots or for changing film etc. After 4 years of having photography groups in Vava'u, this number works perfectly. The photography group will be supervised by Scott Portelli, who will be on hand to help you get the most from your photographic opportunities both in and out of the water. Scott has photographed wildlife all over the world, in particular the Antarctic, and has spent 3 seasons with us in Tonga photographing the humpback whales. You will be returned to the hotel for the coming evening’s relaxation.
how this holiday makes a difference
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We strictly abide by the Whale-Watching Guidelines therefore there are only ever four people plus the guide in the water with the whales at one time.
When whale-watching:  Dumping rubbish, particularly plastics, can kill whales and other sea life through accidental swallowing or entanglement |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |