I jumped off the boat and emerged through the bubbles to see three humpback whales moving at a high speed, beautifully lit by sunbeams in the clear blue water. A baby, its mother close by, and a huge battle scarred male. He let out an explosive burst of bubbles which shrouded the mother and her baby as the three of them disappeared into the blue. Whales blow bubbles for a variety of reasons including feeding, while battling for a mate, and to hide the females from the eyes of other suitors.
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