Page 48 - Islands Business October 2023 edition

Safari

HERE BE HUMPBACKS

By Anirban Mahapatra of southern winter, a substantial population of humpback
whales migrate from their native waters in the Antarctic to
Mixing business with a spot of leisure is something many of warmer climes in the tropics.
us have routinely done on work trips. From indulging in lavish The clement waters around Tonga have traditionally been
beach time to celebrating a closed deal, to a quiet walk in a favourite seasonal sanctuary for these giant cetaceans.
the woods after an exhausting conference, or a weekend of Migrating north for several thousand kilometres, the whales
resort-style R&R to round off a field visit — the options are begin to arrive in Tonga around the end of June. For the next
endless. four months, they mate, birth and raise their young in these
But have you ever marked the end of a work tour with a waters, before heading back to the nutrient-rich waters of the
thrilling swim in the open ocean, in the company of gigantic Antarctic at the start of the southern summer.
humpback whales? If your answer is ‘no’, chances are you To afford visitors an unparalleled (albeit strictly controlled)
haven’t been to Tonga yet. chance to interact with one of the ocean’s most intelligent,
Arguably one of the most mind-blowing animal encounters sentient, and massive creatures, Tongan authorities allow a
in the wild, humpback snorkelling safaris take place as limited number of boats run by licensed operators to venture
a heavily regulated tourism experience in Tongan waters out to sea during what has come to be known as the Tongan
between July and October every year. Through these months whale watching season.

48 Islands Business, October 2023