The first humans arrived in Tonga around 3000 years ago but long before that the islands were being visited every year by migratiing humpback whales.

After gorging themselves on Antarctic krill during the summer the tongan humpbacks set off on a 4500km journey that takes them through the great southern ocean, along the coast of New Zealand and into the wide expanse of the south pacific ocean before finally arriving in the sheltered waters of the kingdom.

From June through October the whales bask in the warm, sheltered waters of the kingdom. It is the dual imperatives of calving and mating that bring the whales here. They are the original tropical island honeymooners.

For more stunning whale photos, click here