Humpback whale photography expedition, Tonga

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 expedition are strictly limited to just 5 people. Join us for excellent under-water photo opportunities 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 ‘C’Scape’, 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 four in the water and one top-side for surface shots or for changing film etc. After 8 years of having photography groups in Vava'u, this number works perfectly.

The photography group will be supervised by Australia’s best Professional wildlife photographer, Darren Jew (Winner of 2009 APPA's 2009 Science, Environment & Nature Photographer of the Year, 2007 Canon/AIPP Australian Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year and Threatened Species Category winner, ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2006), who will be on hand to help you with your camera equipment and get the most from your photographic opportunities both in and out of the water. Darren has photographed wildlife all over the world, in particular the Antarctic, Africa and Australia 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.