Swimming with Humpback Whales

[AlwaysThere4YouX]

A lot funnier if you picture the whales are talking! lol hippie stoner whale FTW!

[ModellMeister]

i wanna harpoon it

[HodgeYMusic]

My heart would pop out of my chest!

[dexter432432]

beauty!

[wetwomen]

Tonga and the Dominican Republic have legal swim with whales programs.

You can also swim in the areas around Tahiti.

Anywhere else it is ILLEGAL to swim with Humpbacks. Also unsafe.

contact kissingwhales@gmail.com for more info.

[Andreaslillfreakact]

@wetwomen what is unsafe about it?

[Keithosullivan12]

what does one have to do to be able to do this?

[TheNewFilmGeneration]

2:13 to hear whale saying "WITHIN"

[TheNewFilmGeneration]

so scary

[MyTbradley]

If I am ever so lucky one day !!!!

[adolfoarias]

im sooo terrified of whales,and i know they're harmless.but still.

[taylor6string]

I know they're harmless but I would be FREAKING OUT!!

[wetwomen]

leaving a place today where they do just that!

[devilledevil98]

I'm grabbing my harpoon gun and getting some whale fat and lamp oil bitches!!!!

[wetwomen]

totally understand your point of view. i limit swims and swimmers. last year due to the very small number of whales in the area we pulled our boat completely. we do whale counts involving all yacht people, villagers, whale swim boats and tourists as part of an education program for the children of tonga. immersion is a way to learn about a culture or a species. not all swim operators in countries where it is legal to swim are safe enough for the people or the whales. some operators are very good

[MikeGleeson1]

Whale swim license?? As if a certificate is going to ensure safety around these giants. I understand that whales are peaceful creatures, but theres a reason that its "illegal" to swim with them in most countries. Just because you found a couple countries that will let you do it, doesnt make it right. I understand that swimming with these giants fulfills some sort of spiritual need, but I also believe that you are endangering them AND the divers by repeatedly swimming with them.

[danielroblezz]

O.O

I WOULD OF FUCKING SHIT MY PANT !!!!

[satanovskaya]

The facebook fan page isn't available anymore?'??? :( I'M REALLY REALLY INTERESTING ON THIS!!!!

[bugabugaman]

Please name of the song !

[beneathyourlove]

This is absolutely beautiful. Whales are such majestic and caring creatures. If only we get the chance to communicate with them. You are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to swim with them and thank you for being careful and non harassing them.

I mean, if I ever had the chance to do this then I probably would say no because the deep ocean scares me and I cannot swim. Also whales are huge and seeing them up close would probably make my heart beat like a racehorse.

[wetwomen]

For more info about swimming with whales check out my book

"Kissing Whales Healing Dolphins' by Rebecca Goff

[wetwomen]

Absolutely illegal to swim with humpback whales in the USA and Australia. I DO NOT do it period where it is illegal.

However there are 3 places in the world where it is legal to swim with humpbacks with varying laws/ rules.

These whales were filmed in tonga where up to four people can enter the water ONLY if accompanied by a trained guide (I am trained and certified, also hire a tongan guide who is operating under a permit). The boat/ company must have a whale swim license (permit). No BS

[emilymeraz]

Ive asked so many people about swimming with whales and they all say it is illegal no matter what. i dont get how anyone can have a permit or be able to do it? whats the process or is it really bullshit n ur just careful?

[katy1423]

Omg I have a fear of whales and this is scary lol

[JennyferJ99]

What song is this?

[JennyferJ99]

This is so awesome. I would give anything to live by an ocean!!! Whales are amazing and beautiful animals!!!

[wetwomen]

@mario3512 No the whales are not dead, just us if we wake them up. Remember, I am super whale swimmer, know them all by name and they only act like this with me. other people wake them up, the whales run off and if too close people can get splatted by a whale tale.

yes japan is killing them for scientific purposes which may end up on a dinner plate, they do sell whale meat.

Blue whales are the biggest whales and man are they FAST!

[JennyferJ99]

@wetwomen They are not really hunting them for the research. Thats just a ploy they try to get others to shut up. They're just after the meat. Why else would they hold up signs that say things like We're Collecting Tissue Samples or We're Analyzing Stomach Contents? I wish they would quit. Whales are too beautiful to be hunted for any reason.

[DABS139]

@wetwomen You forgot the jizz in his pants!

[wetwomen]

trust me, i can totally relate lol.... there are moments

[a7xfanboylolololol]

ok.... if i was in the water and i saw that... id shit my pants and swim like hell. i know there harmless but still

[wannabethug7]

I'm surprised you guys get that close to them, aren't these the whales that like to jump in the air and slam back in the water, whale crashing down on you would murder you instantly.

[Natheyja]

@wannabethug7 Those whales are sleeping but yeah, humpback whales are known for being very playful. They really make amazing jumps and smack their tail on the surface. But they swim pretty fast would be very irresponsible to go that close to the whale. I don't think anybody would do that :)

[wetwomen]

@Natheyja ONLY SWIM WITH A PERMITTED GUIDE SWIMMING LEGALLY

(like i do) who knows wind, waves, currents, boats, whale behaviors, what to do if sharks arrive, great swimmer, water safety expert and much, much more ILLEGAL TO SWIM WITH HUMPBACKS IN HAWAII and most other places

[wetwomen]

@wannabethug7 I am so lucky the whales are amazing gymnasts that never land on me or my boat. HOWEVER i RESPECT the whales and NEVER HARASS them! Very important. I spend much more time not getting in with whales than getting in. I am a proffesional and only swim in perfect conditions including legally, safely and non harassing.

Whales HAVE LANDED ON PEOPLE and boats. REMAIN A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM WHALES

[wannabethug7]

@wetwomen I wasn't trying to intend you didn't do this safely. Was just pointing out how lucky you guys was to find them calmly swimming by you. Since they usually like to spend their free time jumping in the air. Also there's never any professionalism when it comes to dealing with animals in my eyes. Wild animals will always be unpredictable, safety should always be the highest concern when viewing them.

[LoveJacinta]

That is the cutest thing ever! i didn't know whales slept!

[DominateroftheWorld]

Whales are one of the coolest creatures on earth

[Katy16659]

Ahhhh I am so scared of whales lol

[Dreaklock]

Don't they attack swimmers? Especially if they have babies? I was on a boat once when some whales swam by. They were beautiful and I wanted to jump in and swim with them, but I was too afraid they'd attack me. 

[Natheyja]

@Dreaklock They won't attack people, never ever heard of such thing happening. Whales and dolphins can hear boats coming from far away and if they don't want to let people close they will swim away. Humpbacks and many other whales are very curious about humans and they like to come close by to inspect human boats, kayaks etc.

[starrodkirby1]

They cute :3

[rockandroll6880]

I personally wouldn't do this. Even if they are sleeping. They're still freaky

[Kitjune1996]

i have a fear of giant whales

[wetwomen]

the boat is a great place to watch the whales. often, the best possible views are with you safe and dry.

[animalLuverify]

bveautiful animals. I perfer to stay in the boat though. They are so big and they scare me with their size.

[wetwomen]

check out the youtube video Baby Naturalist 2. Great footage of baby whale sleeping and swimming around people. info on whale conservation issues

[wetwomen]

yes, these are sleeping, even when sleeping they still have to go to the surface to breathe air. Mums about every 20 minutes, babies (calves) about every 5 minutes. Whale eyes can see above water and below water.

A good well trained guide knows from the whales behavior when to approach and when to stay away to keep both whales and people safe.

[DominateroftheWorld]

@wetwomen whales sleep? I always thought they didn't sleep like fish... unless fish dont sleep too?

[CptSmokeAlot]

Momma whales like don't move dear their visions based on movement.

[XBoyZontherun]

If I get reborn, I wanna be reborn as a whale, and I'll talk to the man in charge and asked him if I can be a new species of whales, that are equipped with torpedos so I can torpedo the shit out of whale fishers...

[Archimedes555453525]

Such graceful, peaceful animals. I hope the conservationists will be able to keep them from becoming extinct, I want to see them with my own eyes.

[wetwomen]

more videos, more pics and a way to find me in tonga

search face book fan pages for "Humpback whale swims Puataukanave"

[Jennyy996]

I'd love to swim with a whale! I'll guess i'll put in on the old "what i have to do before i die" list. It would be an AMAZING experience.

[wetwomen]

I am with Blue whales this week. TWICE as BIG as these HUMPBACKS. Really fast. Really, really fast.

Humpbacks still my favorites, only ones I like to swim with too. Best to only swim with a real certified swim guide who knows how to keep you and the whales safe.

[swizzplane]

@wetwomen I thought they are gentle. Whales will be safe from us right ? Its we who need to be careful incase they attack us ?

[ladymadam3]

That looks scary. I would never want to swim with anything that big, no matter how harmless they are.

[cheddachayze]

although whales are said to be harmless and simply curious of humans...i think i'd still shit my pants if i was that close to one of them...in this case 2 of them!! lol fairplay tho m8 :)

[Zaf531]

I would be REALLY scared 0-0

[meroko15701]

SPEAK WHALE!

[BloodyScream61]

you're so damn lucky ! =D

I LOVE WHALES ! <3

[wetwomen]

dolphins only switch off half their brains when "sleeping", not sure if that is the same with whales or not. mum definately sleeps lightly. if we get too chatty or move around to much she will open one eye and give me a look - we then settle or quiet and she dozes off again. more beautiful footage on our facebook fan page

Humpback Whale Swims Puataukanave

[stufaman]

I think they were 'asleep'. I understand whales don't actually go fully asleep. They just half switch off to rest.

I'd love to 'meet' a whale. I fear whales' fate is to be a massive reminder of just how man will never stop anything in the persuit of paper and coins, until it's too late.

But then again if we muck up the icecaps enough, the whales will have the last laugh.

[qlawsjc]

that would be sooooooo scary!! that thing is big as hell! lord i couldnt do that

[h5y]

I have few dreams in my life, but snorkeling with humpbacks is one of them!! The beauty of them in the water just makes me wish I was there during this video!

[DragonflyOnBreak]

The whale and her baby are beautiful! You guys are so lucky!

[saroyalete]

oh my god, such beautiful video but what a bad song!!!

[Katjart]

My boyfriend just swimmed with a hunchback for close to 40 minutes... It was life-changing for him. This film gives me an idear of what it was like. You can skip the music though, my boyfriend says they make the most beautiful and eerie sounds.

[muse191]

I dont care how friendly a whale might be...that would be one of the scariest things ever.

I dont like seaweed touching me while i swim...let alone a whale.

[vinepez]

I'm jealous!

[judoisoww]

i love whales you can't kill them anymore it's not needed

[wetwomen]

@judoisoww Most whales in the world have come back to prewhaling population levels or within 10-15% of that number. Not so the Tonga whales you see here. These are still endangered due to very low population numbers.

[judoisoww]

@wetwomen i know that i've spent alot of time looking into it fin,right,sperm and blue whales may never recover to prewhaling populations humpbacks a very gradually regaining something i am glad for but people can't see past the fact i'm australian and we are a former whaling nation but we changed our ways with whales and we are changing our ways with dingoes etc i wish people could just understand no one eats the meat and there is zero need to kill them

[wetwomen]

@judoisoww sadly whale meat was just found being sold at an expensive place in Los Angeles California. A couple of years ago the japanese started giving free "whale meat" burgers to japanese school children so that they could "develop a taste for whale meat". Tongans, many of whom have eaten whale meat in this lifetime LOVE the taste of whale meat, they love talking about it and are not happy they are no longer allowed to do so. Not all Tongans but many of the ones over 40.

[judoisoww]

@wetwomen those "whale meat' burgers where very often dolphin meat and dolphin meat contains up to 2000 ppm of mercury. tonga and japan would make so much more out of whale watching australia makes more money in one year of eco tourism than japan makes ever in modern whaling it's government subsidized so tax payers pay for it and the demand for the meat is very low

[stemwhacker]

I would love to do this someday! Is there a website or locations where you can sign up for this?

[judoisoww]

@stemwhacker just swim in an area where they are seen and hope they come to you your not allowed to aproach them but they don't read the regulations as whale lovers like myself say just come close as you can and look interesting and they will come to you

i've been with them when they came into the shallows it was amazing

[wetwomen]

@judoisoww We only swim legally and by permit in Tonga. In Hawaii fines are up to $25,000.00 and you can also have your boat impounded or any camera equip. Think about it.

While it is impossible to never run into a whale or dolphin if you are a deep water swimmer, if you do not do so on a regular basis (swim in deep water) you may be unaware of hazards both environmental and physical. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING WHAT IS RECOMMENDED BY THIS POSTER. SAFETY FIRST and ALWAYS OBEY THE LAWS!

[judoisoww]

@wetwomen as i said THEY don't read the regulations i've never followed closely to a whale before i don't want to disturb them but they are often curious about you and aproach you and then you didn't breach any laws if your swiming and a humpback comes to say hello it can be dangerous i was nearly flipped out of my kayak once very scary but still a highlight in my life so far fines are equally high here in aus to. but my mate pissed off a dolphin and was nearly drowned out of retaliation

[wetwomen]

@judoisoww so true the whales do not obey the regs. see video response above.

sounds like you have had some cool times in Australia.

[judoisoww]

@wetwomen i know last year when i went on a tour we didn't see that much but a few days afterwards was just padeling around a jetty on fraser island in queensland australia and i encountered a leather back sea turtle a stingray and then 2 humpbacks. it was incredible they came right under the jetty and i saw them in their entirty as they moved around i wish i had brought me camera would of got some amazing pics. i'm saving money to get a diving certificate in hope to see them closer

[wetwomen]

@stemwhacker Sure come on out with us. August and September are prime time ( winter time in tonga but still warm) For more information check out FaceBook Fan Page for "Humpback Whale Swims Puataukanavi"

See you there!

[weav8060]

bizarre music

[smatyboy]

thx !!nice

[DarthAlexisNicole]

this is amazing

i would love to swim with a whale

i really want to walk with the penguins! lol

[peepeestinky]

My penis is absolutely enormous and is often mistaken for a whale. I hope that when you walk with the penguins, they kill you.

[Marksman230591]

You know, it's videos like this that sometimes make me think it'd actually be cool to have Aquaman's powers: you can breathe and swim underwawter like you live in it, and communicate with marine life. That'd be worth a lot, if you ask me.

[wetwomen]

@Marksman230591 VERY COOL. Tourists usually think my husband Ty IS aquaman he can swim around with no scuba or anything for so long. When he would practice holding his breath just floating I would have to keep people away who wanted to "save" him!

[LCDLGAZ]

Mom was quite trusting of you around the "little" one. Very neat.

[wetwomen]

@LCDLGAZ Total respect for mama and what she wants. Then when she invites me to come hang out, it is the best.

[amecia4you]

Awesome Rebecca!

[MadAidy]

such a beautiful and graceful creature :) thank you for sharing your video :D

[snappa931]

great video, i do a lot of fishing out off coffs harbour, new south wales (bout 250 miles north of sydney). over the last 20 years the number of humpbacks have steadily increased off our coast. i always enjoy seeing whales but there size makes them intimidating. those whales appeared very peaceful. were they sleeping?

[imperiallion]

thats fucking crazy to swim in the water with these beasts. Just thinking about them feet away from me with no protection is a terrifying thought. What if they suddenly moved and hit you with their tails, break every bone in your body.

[wetwomen]

@imperiallion Can be. That is why we repeat. "highly trained specialized guides". Even then, you can be eaten by some kinds of whales (not these) or killed easily.

[valleystylez]

wow. This is a very beautiful sight. I really have to do something like this before i die. Everything in this video is nice, but the song sucks fucking dick.

[ClarkesonTheMarksman]

I take it the mothers are not protective over their calf when the presence of people intrude? I do not mean that as an insult :) peace

[wetwomen]

Mum's are absolutely very protective of their calves (as well as very loving). Boats can be disturbing and there are those who are abusive. On the other hand, when you think about it, whales swim with turtles, dolphins, fish and multiple other beings in the sea, we are just one more thing. When done with care and respect, it seems like the mother whales use us a baby sitters sometimes. Mum sleeps while baby swims to us and plays. But the mums are ever watchful. The whales are curious creatures.

[Marksman230591]

Has anyone been known to get close enough to a humpback to touch it wihtou responding agressively? I'd really love to swim with one and at least touch it before I die.

[bubblerings]

Yes.

But, if they feel threatened, you may be touching one, right before you die... maybe not.

They appear clumsier than other whales, due to the huge pectoral fins. Might clobber you by mistake.

One was rescued from fish netting, recent story... it nudged each rescuer, gently, as if to thank them for cutting the net off it's tail.

[wetwomen]

@bubblerings LOVE this Comment. Yes, they can be aggressive. Stick to those trained guides.

Hey bubblerings, call me, love to get some of your awesome photos for one of my sites.

[wetwomen]

@Marksman230591 Whales have reached out to touch me in the water and to touch my husband on the boat. Watch the video on Facebook Fan page for "Humpback Whale Swims Puataukanave" where a girl pets a whale from the boat. Beautiful footage done by a pro while I was shooting this film.

[ellendomb]

We only get in the water if the calf is curious and the mom is hanging back letting the calf explore. Lots of times they disappear as soon as we get in the water (you don't see those videos)

[JCfreak88]

thats looks pretty scary

[wetwomen]

It can be scary, especially if you are with very active male whales in a competition pod, the waves are high or other tricky ocean conditions. There are also things besides whales in the ocean, like sharks. Do not recommend anyone try this without a highly trained guide working under permit. Remember in Hawaii it is illegal to swim with whales. This is filmed in Tonga which has very strict rules controlling whale swims. When done correctly and lawfully, it is absolutely amazing.

[Cty2]

awesome experience amazed u can get that close

[wetwomen]

all the time. whales just coming back to tonga. will put up footage from this year in a couple of months. thanks for watching.

[ronimmmm]

why didn't you touch them?

[wetwomen]

they touch me

[eksrazor]

I know what you mean. Beautiful, powerful video. Gives me strength to carry on the fight for whales.

[wetwomen]

very cool. they are worth fighting for. will be sure to put more videos up for you and everyone else who cares for these amazing creatures. check out the dolphin videos, swam with the pod for 9 years. "Rebecca swimming with bimini dolphins"

beautiful

[VanishaVampire6]

It´s very good to see that ther´s still people who loves and respects the living things. I´m glad to see your love for these amazing creatures. Have you heard about Sea Sheppard, theyre trying to save them in a very effective way.

[orcaship]

i loved to do this soooooooo much! and this was an amazeing video you lot are soo lucky ^-^ i would off doen eney thing to see that <3

[idlenessss]

people are scared of whales? They dont scare me at all...I really feel they are sentient and have an understanding of what is right and wrong. That's why I feel terrible about them being hunted. I actually honestly dont mind if stupid animals are hunted and killed but whales are just too intelligent, have too much personality.

[S0XF0X]

Life is life. I don't agree with killing whales for food, as it's not needed, but intelligent animals aren't, nor should they be, immune to death. If deer would as intelligent as whales, with their numbers that they have, I'd still eat 'em. It's better than harmone injected, anti-biotic fed, inhumanely treated cows. Just my opinion...now I'm hungry....

[wetwomen]

Totally agree with anti biotic inhumane treatment of cows and other "food" animals. organic meat is better. hunting, subsistance, the best. our grandson's mama is hawaiian and they hunt and eat dear. dear wipe out the vegetation in many parts of hawaii and like goats, there are too many. I feel without conservation in fishing, people will eat whales when that is all that is left if not before. I am vegetarian, have been for 35 years. My family is not. Sugar is not an animal is it??

[wetwomen]

oops -deer

[iversonsmove3]

tht is so cool, where abt is it?

[penolva]

Do you think you got a bit too close and frightened the baby, you have to be carefull

[wetwomen]

Thanks you are right you do have to be very careful. The babies are curious and come to check out people. Mama makes sure it will be okay or you would never near baby, mama is makes sure.

Unfortunately, baby whales stay very close to the surface and come up to breathe much more often than mum so boats have to be especially careful not to hit babies. We do swim with a trained guide under permit only.

[l0Arita0l]

Godzilla has the head of a Humpback whale...

[bertram33]

Those must be Obama whales, very lazy

[40AcreMule]

That is an insult to whales. At least they are smarter than Obama. They have much larger brains.

[MislOlA94]

omg those things are so scary looking!!!

i think i would cry!!! lol

[wetwomen]

they are really big and at first you are scared but then all of a sudden you just want to be close to them. and many people do cry but not because they are afraid.

it is an amazing experience but you have to be very careful to be sure the whales and the people are safe. do not try this on your own and always follow the laws around approaching whales. we were with a trained guide under permit.

[cuteperson92]

omg omg omg i love whales dolphins and porpoises ther Are so awqesome:D

[SACKMASTERKING]

great vid! i hope one day i can swim with whales too! what is the name of the song???

[wetwomen]

"Wake up" by Alicia Keys is the music. Thanks

[ClarkesonTheMarksman]

Nice choice.

[leopardchick15]

wow. they are so beautiful. i love them.

[FreeKuTheOrca]

Wow, thats amazing such beautiful creatures

[RolnThundr]

whoah! this must have been a breathtaking experience of a lifetime! you guys are lucky! thanks for sharing FreedomForOrcas

[wetwomen]

thanks for what you do FreedomForOrcas. I am absolutely totally against captive whales and dolphins for any reason. keep up the good work.

[buffytariq]

wow i want to do that!

[FreedomForOrcas]

Absolutely gorgeous! I envy you!

One day, I will swim with these beautiful animals.

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[blueeyedblonde22]

I'm really scared of whales, but I like them.. I don't know how to explain it. I think they are great creatures and I think we need to save them, but at the same time I am scared of them. Anyways this must have been cool for you

[wetwomen]

pretty much everyone is scared of how big they are. then suddenly you think, "I have to get in with them". they are absolutely amazing. the humpback whales are like no other whales. I would not swim with other species. Have traveled the world to check out many species of whales but only the humpback whales do what they do. It always is very, very cool. thanks

[dash5775]

It's not swimming with the whale that seems scary. What seems scary to me is the massive size and swimming out with one in the deep, blue, open ocean.

[ellendomb]

Minke whales (much smaller than Humpbacks) off Australia seem to be curious about people, and let us snorkel with them similar to the humpbacks in Tonga and Silver Banks (N. of Dominican Republic.) Agree with you re experienced/licensed operators and non-interference with the whales

[wetwomen]

@ellendomb cool

[rikiboum]

Once, I swum with the flamingos. Best experience ever !

[meltrustsno1]

This is incredible! I have tears in my eyes. I've been wishing for years to swim with these beautiful animals!

[scubahumpback]

thats incredible! I saw some in Cabo but nothing like that!

[Fiieb]

Wow, that's incredibly .

It must be very exciting to be so close to these big animals.

[egarauj]

Was that in the south pacific?

[wetwomen]

yes it was in tonga

[littlebitdramatic]

This is amazing.