Whale Season in Tonga and French Polynesia 2023

A curious Humpback whale.

I’m constantly surprised by what I see in the ocean. It’s a place full of mysteries. I also feel incredibly lucky to be able to spend so much time documenting the lives of whales and to be able to share these moments with you all, through my photography and in person on trips.

Selfie with a Humpback whale.

Before this season, I wondered if I would see anything new after more than 200 days in the water with humpbacks. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In the 2.5 months I spent in Tonga and French Polynesia, I came across scenes I had never imagined. From a curious minke whale that circled us for over an hour, to a juvenile humpback with buoyancy issues who would rub against the sandy sea floor, and a playful calf that swallowed the bubbles that I blew out.

Barnacles on a Humpback whale.

Breaching Humpback Whale.

Humpback whale struggles with its buoyancy.

Encounter with a Humpback mother and her calf.

A curious Minke whale.

I took 36,000 photos, and spent even more time without my camera, interacting with the whales, and using my eyes to appreciate the scenes that took place in front of me.

A mother Humpback whale nurturing her calf.

After spending a season in Tonga and French Polynesia, it’s always nice to come back home. But I must admit, I do look forward to next season!