humpback whale

Natures Great Events – 2021 Humpbacks, Minkes and Orcas

In 2021 we are launching a new series of whale experiences in Australia and Norway. Whether you are interested in experiencing the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef or the wonders of the Northern lights, there is something amazing for everyone in this series.

 

Humpback whales at Ningaloo Reef, WA

As the humpbacks arrive in large numbers to breed and give birth, you will bear witness to one of nature’s great events. The crystal clear waters of Ningaloo Reef are the perfect place for nurturing mothers teaching their calves how to be whales, while groups of whales demonstrate their overwhelming presence. Your day is filled with excitement, only stopping to explore the coral reefs and abundant marine life that inhabits the Western Australia coastline.

 

Minke whales, Great Barrier Reef, QLD

Minke whales make their way through the Great Barrier Reef during the winter months which makes June and July the best months to experience these beautiful creatures up close and personal. These inherently curious whales have been known to seek out and investigate vessels in the water and enjoy interacting with swimmers which makes for a wonderful experience.

 

Orcas, Norway

This trip is for anyone interested in orcas, humpback whales, Northern lights and spectacular fjords. The best time of the year for this phenomena is November and January when the balance between light and access to herring and whales is at its best. The winter days in Norway provide excellent light for photography. We will spend the daylight hours looking for whales and other wildlife and, if the opportunity occurs, snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

For more information contact us through the website or directly via email at scott@scottportelli.com or +61 (0)402124453

Swim with Whales in Tonga 2020

Just released our new dates for 2020, we still have spaces available for next year, so if this has been a life long dream, come join Swimming With Gentle Giants for the experience of a lifetime.

Tour 1 – 11th -22nd July (7 Days) – Vavau – 4 spaces available
Tour 2A – 23rd – 30th (7 Days) – Vavau – 4 spaces available
Tour 2 – 23rd July – 1st Aug (7 Days) – Vavau – Fully booked
Tour 3A – 1st -12th August (7 Days) – Vavau – 3 spaces available
Tour 3 – 1st -12th August (7 Days) – Vavau – 1 space available
Tour 4A – 11th – 19th August (7 Days) – Vavau – Fully Booked
Tour 4 – 12th – 20th August (7 Days) – Vavau – Fully Booked
Tour 5 – 22nd Aug -2ndSept (7 Days) – Vavau – Fully Booked
Tour 6 – 4th Sept – 13th Sept (7 Days) – Vavau – Fully Booked
Tour 6H – 1st -12th Sept (7 Days) – Haapai – Call for availability
Tour 7 – 14th – 25th September (7 Days) – Vavau – Call for availability
Tour 7H – 12th – 22nd September (6 Days) – Haapai – Call for availability
Tour 8 – 25h Sept – 3rd Oct (7 Days) – Vavau – 2 spaces available
Tour 8H – 22nd – 30th Sept (7 Days)- Haapai – 3 spaces available
Tour 8A – 29h Sept – 3rd Oct (7 Days) – Vavau – Call for availability
Tour 9 – 5th – 13th October (7 Days) – Vavau- Call for availability
Tour 9A – 7th – 13th October (7 Days) – Vavau- Call for availability
Tour 10 – 14th – 23rd October (8 Days) – Vavau – Fully Booked

The Pod Podcast – feature

Marc West interviews Scott Portelli about whales, the ocean, marine life and all things underwater in his Ocean Swimming Podcast series:

Synopsis:
Scott Portelli is an acclaimed wildlife and underwater photographer, and has swum with whales and other magnificent creatures of the deep in some of the world’s most exotic locations, like Antarctica, Tonga, the Falkland Islands and Norway. Among many other awards, Scott was awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2016, and he runs tours that you can join up with around the world to swim with whales.


Photo by Joanna Lentini

Ignite Sydney Talk – 1000 Days underwater with whales

Late last year I was asked to speak at an event called ignite Sydney. The idea of Ignite is simple – make the presenters stick to a rigid format of 20 slides, each of which changes automatically after 15 seconds, giving a guaranteed 5 minute presentation. this is not as easy as you might think and 15 seconds is really not a lot of time, but it was a great experience and a well organised event which I had the privilege of being a part of. I look forward to seeing the next installment of this long standing Sydney event. below is my talk about my life spent with humpback whales.