A whale of a time

Every year humpback whales migrate from the Southern Ocean to warmer waters around the islands of the South Pacific. For four months, between July and October, they breed and give birth. Tonga is one of the best locations to see them up close in all their glory. In other words, Garry and I couldn’t have chosen a better time to visit the islands of Ha’apai in Tonga.

Yesterday, we ventured out to swim with the whales. Months ago, we booked a half-day tour that promised us the experience of a lifetime. We weren’t disappointed! Over a period of five hours, we swam with the whales on three separate occasions. Each encounter was truly spectacular.

Our first encounter involved a mother and her calf serenely swimming past us in a series of leisurely arcs. The water was crystal clear. I couldn’t believe how close we were to these majestic creatures. The image that opens this post was pulled from a video taken by another guest on the boat. You can watch an extract from the video above. Garry and I were about ten metres to the left of the cameraman. We later, came upon a small pod slapping the water with their fins and flicking their tails into the air. You can see some of this behaviour in the final image above. 

Our second swimming encounter was the day’s highlight. Much to our astonishment we watched a mother and calf playfully engaging with one another underwater. The enormous mother then pivoted onto her tail underwater and slowly pirouetted in front of us. The video footage taken by other tour guests barely does justice to the incredible encounter. Sadly, I had an issue with my mask and missed most of the ballet while trying to fix it.

Our final encounter was almost as memorable. We initially came upon a young whale breaching and flipping in the distance. Our boat approached and quietly followed it and three adults before being given permission to enter the water. Suddenly, without warning, the young calf breached just metres from those already swimming. 

Garry and I were still on the boat as the drama unfolded. However, I can assure you the experience was just as enthralling from our vantage point. Check out the video above, taken by one of the swimmers, plus a brief video extract filmed from the boat. The still images were taken by me.

Garry and I then entered the water in time to witness the mother passing less than ten metres in front of us before returning to the depths. The video above captures this moment. I’m visible initially on the right-hand side in yellow flippers. Garry also appears briefly in yellow flippers, a little further on.

Without a doubt, today’s whale encounters rank up there with the best of our excursions in Antarctica and the turtle nesting expedition Mum and I enjoyed in South Africa. Enjoy the videos I’ve posted here.

PS. We’ve already booked a second whale swimming tour before we leave Matafonua Lodge. Conditions are forecast to be perfect for this next excursion. Stay tuned for more breathtaking footage.