Hooray for Humpbacks!

Travelling is more than ticking boxes

We believe travelling is more than ticking boxes off your bucket list. It’s about creating lasting memories and inspiring others to connect with and appreciate the natural wonders above and below the ocean’s surface. And for us, it all started below the surface.

Driven by a deep passion for both the polar regions and the marine world, we became pioneers in organizing polar diving and snorkelling expeditions. Our first adventures took place in cold, frigid waters, but we knew there was more to discover. What motivated us was the rare chance to witness life beneath the sea—up close and personal.

In the polar regions, we curated the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside one of the world’s most awe-inspiring creatures: the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The feeling was infectious. And as we followed the annual migration of these gentle giants—from the cold waters of the north to the warmth of the south—we realized we, too, were called to make this journey.

Travels to Tonga

One such destination is the Kingdom of Tonga, a small island nation in the heart of the South Pacific. Made up of 36 inhabited islands, its calm, shallow waters offer ideal conditions for in-water encounters. Tonga is a destination worth visiting in its own right, but when timed with the humpback whale migration, it becomes truly unmissable.

Southern humpback whales undertake one of the world’s longest animal migrations. Recent photo-identification and genetic studies have revealed at least five distinct breeding populations across Australia and Oceania (1). These whales travel approximately 6,000 kilometres from the nutrient-rich Antarctic waters, up past eastern New Zealand, and into the warm, protected waters of the South Pacific (2).

The “Tonga Tribe”

Known as the “Tonga Tribe,” this group—estimated at around 2,000 individuals (3) —is studied through research methods like photo-identification to track population size and migration patterns.

From July to October, the Tonga Tribe migrates north to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. Every year, Waterproof Expeditions partners with local tour operators, marine biologists, and professional photographers to bring these incredible experiences to you. We know the feeling of gently slipping into Tonga’s warm, crystal-clear waters and locking eyes with these majestic creatures. Our first trip to Tonga kicks off in just a few weeks—and the excitement is building!

Heading North with the Whales

Shortly after our ‘Snorkeling with Gentle Giants’ journeys wrap up, our attention shifts to the north—to Tromsø. Next on our expedition calendar: the ‘‘Winter Whales of Norway.’

Like Tonga, Northern Norway is a prime destination for witnessing humpback whale migration. However, here we observe different behaviour. Rather than breeding, the whales come to feast—taking advantage of the Norwegian spring-spawning herring (Clupea harengus L.), a cornerstone species of the local ecosystem.

The Importance of Norwegian Herring

The Northeast Atlantic humpback whales migrate from regions as far as Northern Africa or the Caribbean to the icy waters where the Arctic meets the Atlantic. This convergence of water temperatures supports the herring’s life cycle (4), making Tromsø and the surrounding fjords an incredibly productive feeding ground—not just for humpbacks, but for orcas and a range of marine life.

An estimated 10,708 humpbacks roam the Norwegian and Barents Seas, and photo-identification studies indicate that 400–500 individuals are present in these waters during the winter months (5). Interestingly, these whales are increasingly observed adopting orca feeding strategies—though who’s learning from whom is still up for debate. What we do know from over 15 years of experience in these fjords is that this seasonal spectacle is nature’s version of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

It’s a breathtaking sight: multiple whale species and flocks of seabirds feeding together under golden Arctic skies. It’s unforgettable.

Supporting Research and Conservation

After sharing our enthusiasm for the humpback whales of Tonga and Northern Norway, we feel it’s important to highlight how this knowledge is made possible. Understanding animal movement is vital for conservation. For humpbacks, photo-identification has proven to be an effective, non-invasive tool. By identifying individual whales over time, scientists can track migration patterns, study habitats, monitor population health, and uncover life histories—all through the power of photography.

Our Partnerships

We’re proud to announce that Waterproof Expeditions is deepening its collaboration with the non-profit organization Happy Whale through their Whale ID programme. By contributing photos and data, we aim to further connect our guests with the natural world. Learning the story behind the whales you see on the water makes every sighting more personal—and more powerful.

As we said before, we believe travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations. It’s about making meaningful connections, sharing unforgettable experiences, and diving deeper—both literally and figuratively—into the wonders of our planet.

Citations

1. Photo-identification confirms that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanggliae) from eastern Australis migrate past New Zeland but indicates low levels of interchange with breeding grounds of Oceania. Franklin et. all 2014
2. Cultural change in the songs of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Tonga. Eriksen, et. all 2005
3. Abundance of humpback whales in Oceania (South Pacific), 1999 to 2004, South Pacific Whale Research Consortium et al. 2006
4. Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, 2022.
5. Characterizing humpback whale behavior along the North-Norwegian coast. Utengen, et all. 2024