trips
Marine Photography Trips
Testimonials
Tonga Whale Expedition, Aboard the NAIA – September 2 – 12, 2011
Tonga Whale Expedition, Land Based - September 13 - 26, 2011
Tonga Blue Water Adventure - January 2011
Since 1993, I have been traveling to remote destinations throughout the pacific rim with the goal to dive beautiful reefs and photograph our underwater world. Over the years my passion has not diminished. If anything it has grown and I have a learned a lot about diving, marine life, international travel, and photography. When guiding trips I use this expereince to ensure everyone has an incredible time and goes home with fantastic photographs. I am always available to answer questions, share my knowledge, critique images, and offer suggestions.
As a photographer, I know that pictures speak louder than words. However, when it comes to adventure travel and trips dedicated to marine photography I think the words of previous clients say a lot.
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Testimonials
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
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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
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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
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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
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Tonga Whale Expedition, Aboard the NAIA – September 2 – 12, 2011
NAI'A's 10-day trips begin in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa, and extends north into the untrammeled coral atoll wilderness of the Ha'apai Group, where the greatest number of humpback whale pods are found -- but almost no other boats, save the fishing canoes of villagers.
Sailing throughout this maze of islands and reefs, the location and activity of the whales largely determines the precise course of each new day. These are wild animals and this is no zoo! However, our experience has proven the mornings to be the best time for whale spotting and swimming encounters. Later in the afternoon NAI'A finds a safe evening anchorage near a dive site.
Our 10-day itinerary to includes time for Whales, Volcanoes & Virgin Coral Reefs and our daily schedule is very flexible. Usually our days on board are so busy - spotting, observing, photographing and swimming with whales; kayaking, snorkeling or zooming out to record whale song from the skiffs; visiting a village or scuba diving virgin reefs - that our chefs become somewhat miffed about slaving over a delicious gourmet meal only to have everyone rush outside screaming "WHALE" as soon as it is served!
From the sight of the first breach at dawn, to the silhouette of whales resting at sundown, these expeditions are a special and rare kind of ocean adventure in a particularly picturesque part of the world. It's no wonder the whales like it here.
On this trip Mark Strickalnd, web: www.oceanic-impressions.com and I will be featured as guest photographers and will be available to answer questions, talk story, & critique images. The trip is $4,986. At this time no fuel surcharge is being applied. The final call however will be made 2 months prior to the cruise. Contact me to make a booking at dhimages@maui.net
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Tonga Whale Expedition, Land Based - September 13 - 26, 2011
For the sixth year in a row, I am organizing an adventurededicated to Humpback whales in Vavau, Tonga. The goal is to observe and photograph Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales. This adventure is limited to five participants, so each person gets the most out of the experience. I charter a small boat that has the proper permits and specializes in working with film crews and scientists. The captains respect the whales while 
understanding photographers needs. Their goal is to look for cooperative mother and calves, and the only way to do that is be patient.
Just because its legal does not mean swimming with whales is easy. The fact is whales are wild and are not on anyone's schedule. They come or go as they see fit, and all encounters are on their terms. For the safety of the whales, and fairness to others, several protocols are followed. The standard is to observe their behavior and let them get used to our presence. If they feel we are not a threat, they will relax and that's when good interaction happens.
I have found that with the exception of a heat run that most encounters are best when swimmers float motionless and as needed swim together in a parallel course not an intersecting course with the whales. Imagine how you would feel if several large fish were swimming at you from multiple directions. I would feel threatened, so it only makes sense that the whales do too. Staying in a group allows the mother to relax and become comfortable with our presence. Once this happens the baby is free to check us out.
When it comes to nature photography, the daily plan is to hurry up and wait. As a result a lot of time is spent looking at the horizon for whale sign. When whales are sighted, many factors have to come together before we get in the water. These include the demeanor of the whales, good visibility, low winds, and flat seas.Some days the water the water is clear and there are no whales. Other days there are plenty of whales but visibility is poor, the skies are really dark, and the light is terrible. Thats why the trips are for 8 days.
Just getting to Tonga can be an adventure. From most places it takes 2 days to get to, and one long day to return. The airlines in this part of the world are safe, but follow a logic not many people understand. I tell people to bring along their sense of humor and two extra books, as the flights don't always operate as advertised. Please make sure you purchase trip insurance and be prepared for excess baggage fees.
Continental Airlines and Air Pacific Airlines are the best airlines to use to get to Tonga. The trip includes 10 nights accommodation, 8 days of boat charter, round trip transfers from airport to accommodation lunch & water on the boat. In Tonga operators are not allowed to run on Sunday.
10 nights accommodation, 8 days of whale swimming is $4,750 based on double occupancy, per person. The accommodations begining on September 13th. The first day on the boat is September 14th. The last day on the boat is September 22nd. On September 23rd, you can begin your journey home. At this time no fuel surcharge is added, but the final determination will take place 60 days prior to the trip. If imposed the charge will be an additional $20-25 per person per day.
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Tonga Blue Water Adventure - January 2011
This trip includes 6 nights accommodation and 5 days of blue water adventure in Vavau Tonga. During our time and as
weather allows, we will explore two FAD buoys, sea mounts, the North Bay, the Southern Banks, and Late the Volcano. Our goal is to see sharks, big schools of Tuna, Pilot and false Killer whales, and if lucky a Sperm Whale, Whale
Shark, or bait ball. This will be followed by five nights and 4 days of diving in Pacific Harbor Fiji doing the shark dive 2 or 3 times,
as well as a wreck and soft coral dive. Tentative dates Jan 8-20, 2011 Price estimate is $4,900 based on double occupancy. Flight and
meals not included. Because of the nature of blue water adventures this tour is limited to four participants.
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Email questions to Douglas at dhimages@maui.net
