Ha’apai, Tonga
August 11 - 25, 2018
Tonga is a real special place. Every year, humpback whales come to the warm waters around the Tonga islands, to give birth and socialize with other whales. It has been on our radar as a trip, for a few years now. We finally decided to visit this place in 2017 to find out what the excitement was all about, and well, we get it. Tonga is amazing.
We decided to bring groups out here for the 2018 season, and again, Tonga delivered. We had a lot of fun, with many, many encounters with moms and calves, big males trying to court the females, heat runs (which is where many males are competing for the affection of females in season), breaching whales, . It was just freaking amazing. Here is a photo journal for our 2018 trips. Hope you enjoy…
Calf coming up from the depths for a breath of air.
On Sunday, we are not allowed to go out on the boats, so we spend the day snorkeling in the shallows in front of our hotel. The reefs are stunning.
There are rules when it comes to how close you can get to the whales here, however, baby humpback whales do not care.
Big male trying to impress a nearby female humpback. Incredible image by our good friend Vicki Bennett.
Thanks again to everyone who joined us. It was such an amazing time. Luv you guys.