Swimming with Whales Sept 10-20th on the Naia

Whale Swimming in Tonga on the Naia 2011

Well known professional marine photographer Mark Strickland and I will be co-hosting an exclusive 10-night trip in Tonga aboard the renowned live-aboard vessel Nai’a, in late August 2011. This special, limited-load trip will be dedicated to observing, photographing and especially swimming with the large population of Humpback Whales that visit these islands every year to mate and give birth.

The itinerary is designed to provide the best possible opportunities for quality in-water time with these magnificent animals, Of course the whales themselves decide when it’s playtime, but we’ll be employing some special tactics to tilt the odds in our favor as much as possible. For one thing, instead of competing with the growing number of day trip vessels operating out of Vava’u, our trip will concentrate on the little- visited island group of Ha’apai. There are lots of whales in these waters, but almost no other boats.

Another key strategy will be to limit the number of guests to 12 instead of the usual 16. This approach does make the trip more expensive, but I firmly believe it is worth it to make the most of our time. Both Mark and I have spent many hours among marine mammals in various conditions and locales, and we keep coming to the same conclusion: the fewer people in the water, the better the encounters.

The Nai’a has two 30 ft. tenders, providing ample space for 6 passengers plus guides in each boat. This way we can rotate two small groups in and out of the water from each boat, to ensure the most time in the water for every participant.

Other than a lunch break on the big boat, we’ll spend most of each day patrolling in the tenders, scouting for the whales’ telltale spouts and flukes. We’ll mainly be looking for mothers and their calves, but will likely come across heat runs, singing whales, romantic displays and dramatic breaches. Mostly, though, we’ll be looking for curious, playful calves and their mothers, since such encounters can sometimes last for hours.

The main focus of this special trip is in-water whale encounters, where we’ll be using snorkel gear only. If you’re a diehard diver and can’t resist bringing scuba gear that’s fine, but please realize

that diving opportunities will be limited to dusk and night night dives beneath the boat. In my opinion it’s not worth dragging your dive gear along, especially considering today’s restrictive baggage policies.

Swimming with humpback whales requires patience. If you swim straight at the whale, it will swim away and everyone on the boat will look at you with angry eyes. If you float in a small group and stay still, the baby whale will get curious and come to check you out. In order to ensure good encounters for everyone we have prepared guidelines for behavior in the water and will forward them after the deposits are received.

Payment will be based on Naia’s standard rates, which for 16 passengers would be $4895 p/p. However, for our trip with only 12 passengers, it works out to about $6530 p/p, not including airfare, alcohol or tips. Nai’a does apply a fuel surcharge, which is currently $14/person/day. If it changes, we’ll be given three month’s notice before our trip. Happily, there are no port fees, local taxes or other hidden charges. For more about Nai’a, visit http://www.naia.com.fj/tonga/index.html

If you wish to come, please don’t delay - DEPOSITs are being accepted.

As many people will purchase 2 week tickets in and out of Fiji, there is an option to add a few days of shark diving in Pacific Harbor Fiji before or after the live aboard. Participants will be met at either Nadi or Suva airports and driven to Pacific Harbor where they will spend 3 nights at the Uprising resort. Two days of shark diving with Beqa Adventure Divers and transportation to Suva or Nadi airport is provided. The cost will be around $750. Scuba gear can be rented.

Whale Swimming in Vavau Tonga Sept 21-30, 2010

Tonga – Sept 21-30, 2010

For the fifth year in a row, I am organizing a nine day adventure in Vavau, Tonga to swim with and photograph Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales. This experience is limited to a small group, so each person gets the experience of a lifetime.

Just because its legal does not mean swimming with whales is easy. The fact is whales are wild and not on anyone's time schedule. They can come or go as they see fit, and all encounters are on their terms. For the safety of the whales, and fairness to others, several protocols need to be followed.

That means we won't just motor up to the humpbacks and jump in the water. The standard is to watch the whales to observe their behavior and let them get used to our presence. If they feel we are not a threat, they will relax and that's when good interaction happens. There will be a maximum of four people plus guide in the water at any time.

I have found that with the exception of a heat run and really relaxed mother and calf, that most encounters are best when swimmers float motionless or swim together in a parallel course not an intersecting course with the whales. Imagine how you would feel if several large fish were swimming at you from multiple directions. I would feel threatened, so it only makes sense that the whales do too. By swimming and floating in a group, the whales are better able to become comfortable with our presence.

When it comes to nature photography, the daily plan is to hurry up and wait. A lot of time is spent looking at the horizon for whale sign. When whales are sighted, many factors have to come together before we get in the water. These include the demeanor of the whales, good visibility, low winds, and flat seas.

Just getting to Tonga can be an adventure as it is a remote location. From most places it takes 2 days to get to, and one long day to return. The airlines in this part of the world are safe, but follow a logic not many people understand. I tell people to bring along their sense of humor and two extra books, as the flights don't always operate as advertised. Please make sure you purchase trip insurance and be prepared for excess baggage fees.

Continental Airlines and Pacific Airlines are the best airlines to use to get to Tonga. If you don't have a travel agent McCoy travel in Hawaii will be happy to take care of all your travel arrangements. They specialize in Fiji and the pacific.

This trip we will be staying in the Puatake Hotel right on the water, in the center of town. The rooms are large, and have a/c and internet hook ups. Each room has an incredible harbor view. The boat will meet us up at 8AM and drop us off after 4PM each day. A catered lunch will be provided.

The cost is $4,740 per per person and includes 10 nights hotel ( double occupancy), 9 boat days with catered lunch featuring some fruit, veggies, salad, fish or chicken, muffins, cookies, coffee and cocoa, as well as bottled water on the boat. If traveling alone, add an $800 single room adjustment. The cost of the trip can be split up into 2 or 3 payments depending on when you commit to the trip. The cost of the trip must be paid in full by July 1st, 2010.

In Vavau, there are two good cafes for breakfast, and ½ dozen good restaurants for dinner. One place has the best Italian food I have ever eaten. There places that serve meat, fish, indian food, mexican food, spanish food, pizza, and lobster. The prices are very reasonable.

Shark Dive

Depending on the length of your vacation plans, there is an option to add a few days of shark diving in Pacific Harbor Fiji before or after the Vavau trip. Participants will be met at either the Nadi or Suva airports and driven to Pacific Harbor where they will spend 3 nights at the Uprising resort and two days of shark diving with Beqa Adventure Divers. Roundtrip transportation to the Suva or Nadi airport is provided. The cost will be around $750. Scuba gear can be rented.