Swimming with Giants

Scott Portelli · Issue 13, Jun/Jul 2003 · pp. 32–36

Products mentioned: Nikonos V, Minolta 7xi, Kodak Elite 100, Provia 100f

32 There are few words to describe the exhilaration of swimming with a Humpback whale. And, as with many travel adventures it can be hard to share the emotion of the experience. But, for anyone who is looking for the adventure of a lifetime, not to mention the unique photographic opportunities, you cannot surpass the experience of interacting with these awe inspiring creatures. Oh, and no! The whales aren’t going to eat you. In August last year I had the opportunity to swim with Humpback whales in the tropical islands of Vava’u, Tonga. Each year between August and October Humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica to warmer waters to give birth. The islands of Vava’u provide sheltered waters for the females to nurture their young through the first stages of their life. Each morning we would embark on our search around the islands for cooperative whales. Once we spotted whales, we woul…