Quotes: 

“As the darkness lifts from the Tongan waters, the spectacular Vava’u Group is revealed- a random collection of 34 rugged islands freshly thrust from the subterranean world, much like giant stepping stones, in the deep blue Pacific waters…”

“…the strange cavernous void opens before us.  It’s difficult to say how far the blackness continues, but the air is pungent with an acrid earthy tinge and stillness of the air is unsettling.  The sensation of fluttering in the dead air slowly…”

“From the masthead, the water colors change like moods—reflecting the ever changing complexity of the bottom.”

"As we leave the main channel for the outer islands, the area truly is postcard setting for south Pacific sailing.  This is what is advertised in the travel brochures.  In the islands protective shadow, the waters remain calm, colors abound, and the fragrant wispy gently air fills our sails.”

“With the impressive surroundings on such a raw and grandiose scale, it’s easy to miss the wonderworld at our feet.  Another universe exits in these tidal pools.  The surging waters are rich in nutrients and oxygen, providing a fragile habitat for some interesting critters.  Like an out of synch chorus line of uncoordinated dancers, the brittle stars endlessly sway to the rhythm of the tide.”

The journey through the Vava’u Group has been bittersweet.  Great sailing conditions, exceptional diving, and beautiful vistas, but we still haven’t found the whales.  Tomorrow will be our last chance.  Our last chance to see the whales of Tonga.”

“After swimming with the whales, they seem to understand that these particular humans are harmless… and that we simply want to appreciate them.  Just as we think this day can’t possibly get any better, the whales put on one final show.  A commanding encore performance.”