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Jelly Fish Tonga harbour

ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition 2011

Scott Portelli was named Runner up in the underwater category at the ANZANG Nature Photography competition 2011 http://anzang.samuseum.sa.gov.au/index.php?blog%2Fshow%2FUnderwater-2011.html

Humpback Whale Calf

10th Celebrate the Sea Underwater Festival 2011

Scott Portelli received a Merit of Excellence award in the Colour Print Photographic category at the 10th Celebrate the Sea Underwater Festival 2011

Humpback whale Book

10th Anniversary Edition – Humpback Whales of Tonga

I have been coming back to Tonga every year for the past 10 years and have been lucky enough to see some amazing behaviour and have some remarkable encounters. This book commemorates my ten years visiting Tonga, I hope I can continue to do this for another 10 years. Please email me if you would like a limited edition signed copy of the book.

Tonga underwater collage freedivers whales coral

Half way through the season and we have had some amazing encounters

We have had some amazing encounters with the Humpbacks and had some fun snorkelling around the islands reefs and caves. It is only half way through the season and the whales are still arriving in numbers. stay tuned as we keep you up to date with what is happening in Tonga.

Sperm Whale

ADEX 2011 Photographer of the year competition

Scott Portelli was awarded 2nd place in the wide angle category of the ADEX 2011 photographer of the year competition. Along with his video of the Azores which also received second place in the underwater video of the year.

 

This image taken under a special permit granted by the Regiao Autonoma Dos Acores, Secretaria Regional Do Ambiente E Do Mar, Dreccao Regional do Ambiente.

Sei Whale Promotional tile

2012 expedition in search of Blue whales, Sei whales and Brydes whales of the Azores

During the month of April some of largest Balleen whales can be seen migrating past the Azores and often feeding in the area.

 

This image taken under a special permit granted by the Regiao Autonoma Dos Acores, Secretaria Regional Do Ambiente E Do Mar, Dreccao Regional do Ambiente.

Sperm Whale close up underwater photograph by Scott Portelli

At the 2011 Beneath the Sea competition, Azores Sperm whale receives an honorable Mention

Sperm whales are amazing creatures to be in the water with and every encounter was unique, I can’t wait to be back with these whales again in the mazing Azorean waters off Portugal.

 

This image taken under a special permit granted by the Regiao Autonoma Dos Acores, Secretaria Regional Do Ambiente E Do Mar, Dreccao Regional do Ambiente.

Humpback Whales

Tongan Humpback Whale Photo and Azores video Highly commended at the 2011 British Underwater Image Festival

Annouced at the 2010 BUIF awards in London, this Humpback whale photograph was Highly commended in the wide angle category, Iwas also luck enough to have my video of the Azores Highly commended. I feel so lucky to be celebrating 10 years with these amazing Humpbacks in Tonga.

Sperm Whale close up underwater photograph by Scott Portelli

Sperm Whale Photograph from the Azores Commended at the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards

This photo taken on my last day in the Azores is one of the most amazing experiences I had in the water with a Sperm Whale. I have spent the past 10 years taking people to swim with whales and I do feel privileged each and every time but there is always a moment that surprises even me. Look forward to seeing these amazing creatures again this June.

 

This image taken under a special permit granted by the Regiao Autonoma Dos Acores, Secretaria Regional Do Ambiente E Do Mar, Dreccao Regional do Ambiente.

blue marlin

Annouced at the 2010 ANZANG Nature Photography awards.

Scott was named runner up in the Our Impact category of the 2010 ANZANG Nature Photography competition for a shot of a Blue Marlin taken in Tonga in 2009. The Marlin had been tagged and released and was gasping and showing multiple wounds to its eye and body. This was a sad sight to see but a good reminder of how we have an impact on the ocean.