By Andrew Parker
Vava'u Tonga is a paradise. Flying from Nukua'lofa in an ancient Beech twin aircraft adds to the excitement as your bleary eyes spot the azure blue waters of the Tonga archipelago. Tonga is a jewel in the pacific and a most amazing destination, named by Captain Cook as 'the friendly isle's Cook was taken by the laid back demeanor of the locals and the natural beauty that is Tonga Tapu.
Tonga offers something quite special and unique. This is one of two places in the world where by royal decree (Tonga is a kingdom not part of the commonwealth) you can actually swim with the Humpback whales that visit each year to give birth, socialize and make the next generation of whales. Here you can have the opportunity of a lifetime, swimming in deep waters with some of the largest most intelligent beings to have evolved on this planet.
To say that this experience was exciting is an understatement. To swim with such a being is awesome. It brings all things into perspective with a deep and profound clarity. To have a 50 tonne mammal gliding effortlessly past you completely aware of your presence and taking care of you by not swatting you is a gift as rare as the most precious jewel. To connect with such a powerful and gentle being is an experience that is deeply spiritual and moving. My business is to bring people and cetacea (whales and dolphins) together. 
It is a double edged sword. Any presence of humanity generally puts some level of pressure on the wild dolphins and whales. It must be done with utmost care and sensitivity with experienced guides who know the whales and more importantly care for those whales. The whales themselves seem to know who we are and definitely respond to gentle approach, quieter people who can prepare themselves by opening their hearts to each other, the whales and the experience tend to have amazing interactions. Body language is key and whales are masters of body language!
I had the privilege of hosting a group from our own area of Newcastle, Sydney metropolitan area and interstate. 14 of us in total made the journey to paradise. Our intention was to meet with and swim with these southern Humpbacks and we were gifted that experience ten-fold. What we got was something even greater. In this world of push and shove, where we join in the complete destruction of countries and everywhere around us we see war, the whales offer us something different. As human beings I become desensitized by constant media bombardment and it is easier to disconnect. I become insular and separated and less ready to engage in my natural environment. A couch potato perhaps.
This is an opportunity not to be missed! It is time to get off your couch and engage with this magnificent world we have. This very summer 50 of these Humpbacks are to be slaughtered in our southern ocean whale sanctuary. It is time to go and meet them, listen to them and love them. It is time to be inspired to live this life to the fullest.
I would like to thank Ron Hunter's Dive expeditions in Forster, Kerry Smith our video man from PVD Australia, Beluga Dive Vava'u, The Paradise Hotel Vava'u and and my magnificent team of participants who together helped create the best experiential workshop I have ever held. You can view the DolphCom web video blog http://www.dolphcom.com.au/AudioVideo.html and view / book on any of DolphCom's upcoming dolphin and whale programs here in Port Stephens and overseas via the website www.dolphcom.com.au
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