Humpback whales play with free-divers in Tonga

[paulmila]

Hi Triswebb,

Are you a local Tongan operator? Did you ever see the whales when you were scuba diving? When we dove we heard them but didn't see them.

Paul

 

[paulmila]

Hi Scuba Ape,

Yes they were but because of the way sound travels underwater we could never tell what whale was making which noises. Also, it wasn't as loud in person as on the video. I think the volume was amplified for recording.
Paul

 

[paulmila]

Hi Simmonsjr,

Yes, it was absolutely amazing. Very humbling to be in the presence of giants!
Paul

 

[paulmila]

Hi NTSILVER,

I think I replied, but here is more detail:
Yes, NAI'A goes to Tonga during whale season, July through Oct/Nov. Not sure of the exact current schedule. The encounters are stricly snorkeling and free diving, as you saw on the video. When the whales were not around we did some scuba diving and we heard them all around us but didn't see them.
Paul

 

[paulmila]

Hi, Wand94nard,

Hey, just book a trip and you can experience the same thing. Check out the NAI'A website.
Didn't see where you are from, but if it's easier for you to travel to the Dominican Republic, a less expensive trip to the SilverBank can get you into the water with humpbacks too.
Paul