A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is thereby a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.
Ansel AdamsSwimming alongside humpback whales has been my wife's dream for many years. So in September 2024 we travelled to the Kingdom of Tonga - the only place in the world were you can do it ethically. It was quite a trip from Poland but it's a different story.
To be honest I thought we are going to see something extraordinary, but I didn't fully comprehend what we were about to witness.
The first time I heard a whale sing was the most profound experience of my life, and that is no exaggeration. The first time I actually saw them underwater took my breath away. It's as if you're reading poetry that you don't understand, but the words are so beautiful and powerful that you feel overwhelmed with emotion, yet filled with deep happiness.
But we also learned a lot about the fragility of the ocean ecosystem and the importance of spreading knowledge about its preservation...
...and how crucial it is to prevent mass tourism from having a negative impact on places like Tonga.
It only takes a few irresponsible operators who swim against the rules to teach tourists inappropriate behaviour.
It only takes a few demanding tourists with lots of money to turn observation into harassing.
0. Pick places with the strict whale swimming regulations, like Tonga
1. Let the whales choose you, not the other way around
2. Choose licensed operators who respect regulations and care about sustainability. Do the research
We can recommend:
Vava'u area: Treasure Island Eco Resort Tonga
Ha'Apai area: Sea Change Eco Retreat
3. Avoid places where the only goal is to get a selfie with a whale at any cost
4. Educate yourself on whale behaviour
5. Listen to your guides
6. Do not dive and do not chase whales, especially young ones (calves)
7. Understand that you are not actually swimming with them, but alongside them. They share the piece of the ocean with you, they were there first.
8. Have high hopes but low expectations for a whale encounter. Remember that nature is unpredictable.
Tony Anderson - Éphémère
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