Humpback whales breach for a variety of reasons including communication, fighting, barnacle and parasite removal, waking up, playing and more. For humpback whales calves like this one, playing is an important way to build muscles and prepare for the long journey to Antarctica.
Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.
If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more
To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media