Whale hello there!

A baby humpback comes close by and surfaces to check me out when I'm on my kayak.

Mom and her Minion

A Southern Pacific Humpback Whale cow(mother) and calf, rest in the shallow waters of French Polynesia.

Whale Side Eye

A sub-adult Humpback Whale approaches and inspects us, several miles off of Mo'orea. This particular individual was playing with a large group of Risso's Dolphins, which were very elusive.

Spinner Social Network

A small group of spinner dolphins(nai'a) rests and passes a near shore reef. Current Hawaii law prohibits approaching this species within 50 yards. This was taken before that law was passed.

Monk Seal Bubble Bath

This rare and critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal happened to be at one of my favorite snorkel spots. Managed a brief picture before it went back to napping somewhere in the reef. I gave it space and did not follow it. The picture is zoomed and cropped for effect.

Whale's here looking at you, kid!

A very friendly South Pacific Humpback Whale spy hops directly in front of me. This whale swam with us for 2 hours. More to come from this encounter, so stay tuned! This was taken in French Polynesia, where it is legal to swim with the whales.

Whale Boop

A very curious Humpback whale approaches within inches. So close you could boop it! But nobody every did, and the whale never actually touched any of us, even though it was close enough to do so! Taken legally in French Polynesia.