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If you’ve been following any Tonga-related social media accounts, you will have seen the excitement about the new snowy-white calf born this year.  After analysing the photos from various encounters, our marine biologist Alice Forrest has been able to confirm there were in fact two separate white calves!

Photos by: Alice Forrest (left), Tris Sheen, Adam McKnight (top right)

Alice, together with Tris Sheen from Whale Discoveries, analysed the fluke shots of both mothers as well as photos of both calves to confirm that they were separate individuals.

No white calves have previously been documented in Tonga (that we are aware of), so to encounter not one, but two this year, is extremely rare. It also shows the power of citizen science, and how much we can learn from a simple photo.

One of my favourite times of year in Tonga is when Garrett and his family turn up for their annual pilgrimage to swim with the whales. I love the enthusiasm and connection they have with the whales. their latest v-blog really captures the essence of their last trip here with  us in Tonga. Can’t wait to see you guys again next season. I love this video!!

Looking towards 2020, we have just released our new dates for the upcoming 2020 season, if you missed out this year and are looking to book next year or the year after, here is what we have on offer:

Vava’u
Tour 1 – 13th -21st July (7 Days)
Tour 2 – 24th – 31st July (7 Days)
Tour 3 – 3rd -11th August (7 Days)
Tour 4 – 12th – 20th August (8 Days)
Tour 5 – 24th Aug -1st Sept (8 Days)
Tour 6 – 4th Sept – 13th Sept (7 Days)
Tour 7 – 12th – 22nd Sept (8 Days)
Tour 8 – 25th Sept – 3rd Oct (8 Days)
Tour 9 – 5th – 13th October (7 Days)
Tour 10 – 14th – 23rd October (8 Days)

Haapai
Tour 6 H – 1-Sep – 12-Sept (7 Days)
Tour 7H – 12th – 20th Sept (6 Days)
Tour 8H – 22nd – 30th Sept (7 Days)

Contact us for more details or to book your 2020 tours.

You never know what to expect when you are out on the water in Tonga with the humpback whales. We had this rambunctious calf propel itself out of the water at full speed and breach in front of our group. Truly a memorable moment.

Check out the feature from USA Today

We experienced some unique behaviour with this female Humpback last season and I managed to capture an interesting perspective showing the enormous tail and body above and below the surface. This image was awarded at the Asferico International Nature awards in the underwater category in 2018. We can learn so much from documenting unique behaviour from these majestic mammals. check out some of the talented photographers and their inspiring works of nature at the Asferico awards.

Check out some of the most amazing scenery in the south Pacific, truly a photographers paradise.

A little snippet of the amazing underwater encounters we have had this season in Tonga with the whales. very action packed, 2018 will be here before you know it, so check out the tour dates if you want to join us.

Some beautiful aerial footage of Tonga and the whales to entice those thinking of joining us next year. If you want to see this in 2018 join us for the chance to swim with the whales and see some amazing behaviour, not to mention stunning tropical islands.

This week we are launching our new series of inspirational  photos of Tonga showcasing all that this beautiful South Pacific paradise has to offer.

At Swimming with Gentle Giants, we strive to offer the best service possible and we think this should extend to our website and your experience from the first contact with us. so please let us know what you think of the new site. If there is anything missing you would like to see don’t hesitate to let us know.