Humpbacks of Tonga

Posted by lylefk@reddit | whales | View on Reddit | 34 comments

Aloha,

I wanted to share some of my favorite images from this past season in Tonga, 10 days in the water with the whales. Came home with over 4,500 images and 2tb of video from my favorite place in the world! IMO, Tonga is the best place to swim with them responsibly. Hope you enjoy!

Lyle

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DevilishLovers@reddit

these photos are so beautiful, how long have you been taking photos of them? (,,•o•,,)

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Thanks! Well, I live on Maui so topside since 2012 and I've been leading trips to Tonga to swim with them since 2016 :)

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DevilishLovers@reddit

that's super awesome!! sounds really fun hehe

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Diver_Dave@reddit

I’m headed there in October for the 5th time! My favorite experience in the world.

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Nice! I've been going since 2016

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Diver_Dave@reddit

Wow! Do you prefer early or late season?

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Ooooh that's tough. I love them both. Early, I guess if I had to pick.

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Diver_Dave@reddit

I’ve only done late season. So now I have a new goal!

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Early is nice because you get these playful juveniles and adults showing up early to the party. Not so many calves of course, so it's a trade off. We had lots of heat runs this season too, seemed like every other day.

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Diver_Dave@reddit

Jealous!!

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Humble_Asparagus_997@reddit

Do you go with a group or specific outfitter? I'm hoping to go in the future and have been looking at a few different options

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Diver_Dave@reddit

I go with HumpbackSwims.com. Nadia Aly is a great trip leader. DM me if you want an introduction. I’ve done sperm whales, humpbacks, and orcas with her!

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Humble_Asparagus_997@reddit

Thank you very much! I'll check out her site and reach out to you soon 🙂

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Did you do orca in Mexico? Or Norway. Guessing Mexico?

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Diver_Dave@reddit

Mexico. In La Ventana.

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Does Nadia still go out on the boats with the groups, or just organize it these days?

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Diver_Dave@reddit

She still goes out, but it all depends on schedule. I had lunch with her today in California, so she’s not there this week!

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lizzyote@reddit

They're dancing!

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Occult_Asteroid2@reddit

There should be more videogames with whale factions.

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plantmom363@reddit

Beautiful!

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brydeswhale@reddit

Amazing.

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DPool34@reddit

WOW

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lylefk@reddit (OP)

Thanks 🫶🏼

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Justtryin2getby@reddit

These are incredible!!! Would you happen to have any from your time with Orcas? I would love to see those. You have a wonderful photographic eye! ☺️♥️

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