Thinking about Tonga

I went to Tonga for the first time in 2006, to swim with whales legally. Tonga is one of the few places in the world that has organized whale swimming under permit. I learned that swimming with whales fills my heart with joy. Just floating along in the presence of whales is incredible, but when…

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Humpback Amore – Image of the Week

This portrait was created in 2015, in Vavau’ Tonga. I had chartered a boat to swim with whales for 10 days, This was the 8th day and due to a life threatening emergency, turned out to be the last. That morning, we left the harbor and went south looking for signs of whale activity. After…

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Tip for photographing whales from a moving boat

Maui is the vacation destination for over 10,000 Humpback whales this season.  Whale watching is one of the must do things for locals and visitors.  Since they are moving it is important to have a fast shutter speed when creating the image.  For that matter so is being stable.  If your on a moving boat…

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A Breach from Tonga

I have just returned home after enjoying 10 days in Vavau’ Tonga. This was my fifth whale season in a row. While conditions made it a bit more challenging than the last few years, we were able to witness heat runs, mother and calf interaction, male singers, and social groups. One of my favorite images…

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2011 Trips to Tonga for Whale Swimming

On Sept 2-12, 2011 well known marine photographer Mark Strickland and I will be guest photographers on a special 10 day cruise to the Ha’apai island group of Tonga. This area is remote, has pristine coral reefs, and a lot of whales. This will be my 6th season in Tonga and I am looking forward…

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