underwater photography trips to Ha’apai Islands Group, Kingdom of Tonga
Guided Underwater Photography Tours with Professional Underwater Photographer
Marine Photography Trips
Travel Dates 2013
Whale Discoveries : 8 days Ha’apai Islands, Tonga : 23rd to 30th September, 2013
This cruise is dedicated to Photographing Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales above and below the surface with special host Douglas J Hoffman
These trips are on 'Wildlife' a 54 foot sailing catamaran and are limited to five people. Cost is $4,600 AUD per person.
Whale Discoveries
Dave and Tris Sheen, owners of Whale Discoveries have over 180,000 miles of sailing behind them and more than 28 years whale watching and swimming experience. Their goal is to provide guests an amazing experience that helps them appreciate all life in the sea and become advocates for sustaining our environment.
Wildlife, a 54 foot sailing cat, all the comforts you will require in an eco friendly way. Our social and business priorities include reducing our overall footprint to ensure we do our best to support our delicate ocean and its inhabitants. The vessel itself has four cabins and a shared head. Please refer to vessel details at www.whalediscoveries.com for more information.
Special host Douglas J Hoffman is a seasoned diver with over 10,000 hours in the water, and has been leading photography dedicated trips specializing in Humpback whales since 2005. In addition to earning a Master of Photography Degree, Douglas has also received numerous international awards.
This photographic expedition is limited to five guests, so each participant gets the most out of the experience. In addition to be being the guide in the water, Douglas will be available to talk story about photography, critique images, and share techniques.
September 23-30, 2013
Departing and returning to Pangai Harbour in the Ha'apai group of Tonga this incredible expedition will take us all through the pristine & untouched extremities of Ha'apai.Day 1
0900 Step aboard and meet our friendly and professional staff who will introduce you to the safety and comforts of the vessel. We will do a whale swim briefing as well, then its time to go sailing and whale watching. Once underway Douglas will talk about whale photography. The tips covered will help throughout the charter. If we should find whales right away the orientation will happen after dinner.In the late afternoon we will settle down at the nights anchorage and enjoy the first of many beautiful dinners over Tongan sunsets.
Days 2-6
An early start will find us sailing among the multitude of islands and reefs of the Ha’apai island group. Humpback whales congregate in this area and with very few inhabited islands we are able to fully explore this virtually untouched area. We know a few very productive bays that are popular with mother and calves and will make sure to visit them.These days are dedicated to getting everybody in the water with humpback whales. Our professional staff will maximize your opportunities to swim with and photograph a large variety of different whale behaviors. At night we anchor at different island locations according to weather conditions and whale activity.
Day 7
We will look for whales as we sail back towards Pangai harbour for the final night of expedition.Day 8
Guests will depart between 0800 and 0900 in the morning. We will help arrange transfer to airport or another resort as needed.Please note that this itinerary is subject to weather and safety conditions and may be changed accordingly. This Voyage covers some 200 nautical miles and guests must be aware that there is a possibility of encountering rough ocean conditions.
8 day trip cost is $4,600 AUD
Interisland flights
Please visit www.chathamspacific.comTongatapu to Ha'apai flights run twice daily except Sundays.
Whale Discoveries : 8 days Ha’apai Islands, Tonga : 2nd to 9th October, 2013
This cruise is dedicated to Photographing Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales above and below the surface with special host Douglas J Hoffman
These trips are on 'Wildlife' a 54 foot sailing catamaran and are limited to five people. Cost is $4,600 AUD per person.
Whale Discoveries
Dave and Tris Sheen, owners of Whale Discoveries have over 180,000 miles of sailing behind them and more than 28 years whale watching and swimming experience. Their goal is to provide guests an amazing experience that helps them appreciate all life in the sea and become advocates for sustaining our environment.
Wildlife, a 54 foot sailing cat, all the comforts you will require in an eco friendly way. Our social and business priorities include reducing our overall footprint to ensure we do our best to support our delicate ocean and its inhabitants. The vessel itself has four cabins and a shared head. Please refer to vessel details at www.whalediscoveries.com for more information.
Special host Douglas J Hoffman is a seasoned diver with over 10,000 hours in the water, and has been leading photography dedicated trips specializing in Humpback whales since 2005. In addition to earning a Master of Photography Degree, Douglas has also received numerous international awards.
This photographic expedition is limited to five guests, so each participant gets the most out of the experience. In addition to be being the guide in the water, Douglas will be available to talk story about photography, critique images, and share techniques.
October 2-9th, 2013
Departing and returning to Pangai Harbour in the Ha'apai group of Tonga this incredible expedition will take us all through the pristine & untouched extremities of Ha'apai.Day 1
0900 Step aboard and meet our friendly and professional staff who will introduce you to the safety and comforts of the vessel. We will do a whale swim briefing as well, then its time to go sailing and whale watching. Once underway Douglas will talk about whale photography. The tips covered will help throughout the charter. If we should find whales right away the orientation will happen after dinner.In the late afternoon we will settle down at the nights anchorage and enjoy the first of many beautiful dinners over Tongan sunsets.
Days 2-6
An early start will find us sailing among the multitude of islands and reefs of the Ha’apai island group. Humpback whales congregate in this area and with very few inhabited islands we are able to fully explore this virtually untouched area. We know a few very productive bays that are popular with mother and calves and will make sure to visit them.These days are dedicated to getting everybody in the water with humpback whales. Our professional staff will maximize your opportunities to swim with and photograph a large variety of different whale behaviors. At night we anchor at different island locations according to weather conditions and whale activity.
Day 7
We will look for whales as we sail back towards Pangai harbour for the final night of expedition.Day 8
Guests will depart between 0800 and 0900 in the morning. We will help arrange transfer to airport or another resort as needed.Please note that this itinerary is subject to weather and safety conditions and may be changed accordingly. This Voyage covers some 200 nautical miles and guests must be aware that there is a possibility of encountering rough ocean conditions.
8 day trip cost is $4,600 AUD
Interisland flights
Please visit www.chathamspacific.comTongatapu to Ha'apai flights run twice daily except Sundays.
Email questions to Douglas at Dhimages@maui.net
Guided Underwater Photography Tours |
Testimonials
Richard Stewart of Ocean Realm Media...
"Dear Douglas, your work is truly amazing! Such a consummate perfectionist, an awesome eye for creativity with an infusion of environmental passion - this is the blend that fuels such vision seen in your images!"
Dwight Okumoto, Past president of Professional Photographers of Hawaii...
"Douglas has innovative ideas with his photography. His dedication to continually improve in his trade is a plus with the industry's high standards. He has been an active supporter of our Hawaii State association and the Professional International association."
Mark Strickland Marine Photography...
"I've known Douglas for many years, and he's always impressed me as a very talented photographer and teacher. Perhaps more important, though, is his dedication to customer service. Whether he's leading an international expedition, directing an art project or teaching a photo workshop, Douglas is not satisfied until his clients have had the best possible experience. I recommend him highly."
Ken Fields Photographer...
"I am very impressed with the specialized underwater photography of whales, dolphins, sharks and other sea life by Douglas Hoffman. His skill is evident in his work and his finished products are some of the best I have ever seen."
Tim Rock Photographer, editor, group leader, writer...
"I have worked with Douglas in many facets of the travel and photography business. I continue to do so. He is knowledgeable, personable and dedicated. He has made me happy with the results of our endeavors and, even more importantly, made my clients happy with their endeavors. And I am very particular about whom I bring into contact with my clients. You will get professional results with Douglas."
Randy j Braun Photographic Artist...
"I watched Doug make steady and serious progress during the past 10 years that I have known him as a fellow professional photographer, and workshop leader. Doug takes his craft seriously, and he works with passion. Doug has shared professional advice with me, and I consider his knowledge and stature within the fine-art photography industry to rank amongst the top of our pier group. I give a top-notch recommendation for Douglas Hoffman."
Doug,
We loved meeting you aboard the Nai’a in Tonga this year. You and Mark made the trip. Your advice on behavior in the water to enhance our encounters was greatly appreciated. Your photography class onboard was wonderful. Your photo tips and most importantly the loan of your camera to my husband that flooded his was just incredibly generous. To top everything off, you were funny and just a delight to be on a boat with. I will carry the memory of your quote from one of the days when I was a bit miffed at a photo op ruined by a fellow snorkeler but trying to be grateful for the opportunity to be in the water with the magnificent whales. You said, “It’s not all about the shot. That’s what I say when I’m lying!” Thank you for leading a great trip. We hope to travel with you again soon.
Lauren Greider – San Diego
I recently returned from my third dedicated whale photography expedition with Douglas Hoffman, and couldn’t be more pleased. There is always an element of luck involved with such endeavors, and we enjoyed some very good fortune on this trip. More important, though, are factors that only come together through the efforts of a capable group leader: thorough planning, attention to detail, and a flexible, conscientious attitude that is invaluable in remote locales. As always, Doug sought out the most experienced captains and operators, and generally made sure things ran smoothly, often in spite of considerable difficulties. He also offered valuable insight on whale behavior and photographic techniques, and invariably treated his guests fairly and respectfully. I think everyone who participated in this trip would agree: Doug is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to travel with… I recommend any of his expeditions highly.
Sincerely,
Mark Strickland
Oceanic Impressions Photography
American Society of Media Photographers Member since 1997
Doug's desire to please his customers is matched only by his passion for photography and love for the sea. I consider Doug not just a Guide, but a true Teacher and Friend.
Eric Gerlach
Canada
My name is Marty Wolff. I had the great pleasure and good fortune recently, to have selected Doug Hoffman as my Tongan Humpback Whale Swim Guide. We have since become friends. I had heard from another Marine Photographer that Doug did the guided trip to Tonga and then, by chance (are there really accidental meetings?), we bumped into each other at Mauis' Annual WhaleDay. His calmness was reassuring immediately. We spoke about his prior guide experiences & he quickly convinced me that the investment of time & money would be well worth it. An understatement! He prepared us very well for the trip so that we had very realistic expectations. The Boat & Captain selected in Tonga were excellent. These choices were key. His other great trait was his insight into putting together a group of people that would work as a swim unit. The experience itself was awesome. We swam for 7 days in a row, being on the water for about 6 hours a day, and spent at least 2 hours each day actually in the water with either a Mom & Calf or a competition group. I have had some pretty incredible water events in my days on this planet. For me, it was an unforgettable event & the Images I came away with were stellar. Thanks Doug!
Marty Wolff
Marlin Creative
Maui
Douglas is a pleasure to travel with, staying upbeat and always keeping customer needs in the fore. His extensive knowledge of whale behavior is a real plus and his photographic expertise helps put people in the right place to get the optimum shots. I look forward to my trips with Douglas.
Tim Rock
Guam
