Yesterday afternoon we had the most incredible whale encounter. After 17 days of wind, rain, heavy ocean swells, and bad luck with our shots, we got the clear glassy day we were dreaming of. There was no wind on the water so it was perfectly smooth and the dramatic green mountains behind us on Mo’orea were lit up by the afternoon sun. We spotted a whale playing in the water- a calf. We slowly and silently swam in their direction, making sure to let the whales dictate the interaction. Chelsea and I stopped swimming as the mother, calf, and a male escort turned and swam directly towards us. The whales lifted their bellies at us, we locked eye contact, and they continued on their way. The moment lasted 30seconds, but it felt like forever. Overcome with awe, beauty and gratitude, a crying @chelseakauai and I hugged in the water. I’m officially adding this dive to my top 5 ever. Huge thanks to @kahaiatours for taking us out!

@meganhassa and I found the most perfect palm tree, leaning over the shallow water at sunset. I tried going out on it, and the whole thing started bouncing up and down and I almost fell off with my camera. Meanwhile Megan just casually walked to the end and back with no hesitation

Mo’orea- a beautiful little island waaay off in the South Pacific. Known for its lush pineapple plantations, laid back atmosphere, surfing, and as a habitat for humpback whales. This island is nothing short of magic.

Last night’s incredible sunset from the water. I accidentally dunked my 1Dxii without a housing in the waves because I was holding it so close to the water... I think the shot turned out pretty cool though. The sunset was absolutely nuts, so that definitely helped. Shoutout to @kahaiatours for taking us out!

A mother and her calf gently swim past while a group of sharks hang out in the shallower waters near the reef. The ocean around Mo’orea is teeming with life of all shapes and sizes.

Exploring the jagged reefs surrounding Motu Tiahura. It takes around 30 mins to walk around the entire island, but we got so distracted every 5 mins by all the beautiful spots to shoot. Thanks to @lagoon_vibes for taking us out here in their beautiful new boat!

Glassy mornings on the water. When you can see the bottom 60+ feet below, you know it’s going to be a good day for diving. This place just keeps blowing me away 🤯

I had always imagined how swiming with a whale might be like- a massive majestic creature that makes you feel insignificant and fragile, gently floating past you...kind of like a whale shark maybe. In reality it’s so much more than that. For starters, hearing a whale’s song is the most hauntingly beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. The sound echoes all around you as the curious baby splashes around at the surface. Diving with a whale makes you realize their intelligence and deep awareness of your connection with them. It’s not like diving with anything else because you come away feeling like you’ve met someone new.

My first time scuba diving in tropical waters. We found this huge bait ball and swam around it, watching it change shape as each fish tries to get away from the outside and into the centre- safe from predators. @topdive_polynesia

French Polynesia is quickly becoming one of my favourite places I’ve travelled to. It is absolutely stunning here, the people are incredibly friendly, the mountains look amazing, and there is an entire world underwater. Day 1 complete ✅