Whale Pestering in Tonga

Is this sort of thing harmful to the whales? I don't know. It's delicate. I think it could be, if they were hounded incessantly day after day. But the local operators are pretty careful, and if the whales don't want to be bothered, it's pretty easy for them to take off.

I think whales face much bigger problems than me -- like how climate change will impact their food supply. And there's value in simply reminding people that these big fellas exist.

Category:

Travel & Events

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• humpack
• whale
• swimming
• tonga
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[Danusha7800]

You're afraid of tiny crabs and spiders but you dive with these bloody 60 tons submarines!!! You ARE nuts Matt!

Hello from Russia! If you're ever in Siberia (how was the train btw?), we'll dance with you!

Stay cool!

[mszs]

Lets hope this whale never gives you a slap with its tail! You would be the first man in orbit without a rocket!

[mixanya80]

=)

[iguanadelosmangos]

Nice video, great underwater footage! I have 2 Mexican Pangas and we leave from Punta Lobos, Todos Santos, Baja Cal. Sur. The dangers do exist but staying at a distance will always give you the better photos/movies. We have had many whales approach our boat(motor off) and come along side where my guests and I have had the life time experience of touching them before swimming away. After the "touch and tell" they often breach, my belief is because they can and they feel no threat from us.

[104daze]

Woah, meeting a mother and her calf might be dangerous, since I hear that mommy whales are really, really defensive when pregnant. Not so sure when the baby's already out, though :P

[yenee94]

killer whale!!!! run, I mean, swim for your life!!!

[FOYSAL15]

wow, what a nice video.......thanks for it

[FOYSAL15]

wow, what a nice video.......thanks for it

[ireannek]

seems like you all are the pesters!!

I live my paradise of Tongatapu!!!!

[Maruragakari]

@xfrenno2 what if, what if, Thats life. Make the right choice.

[xfrenno2]

What if a Shark was coming that moment or what if the whale wasnt that friendly ?

[missymcr1]

@CRAZY3603601 I'm seeing them In Dallas this October! I'm really excited.