Every season, waiting in Tonga for the arrival of the first humpbacks is an exciting time. When the whales finally break the surface, spouts rising high into the blue sky, it gives my searching eyes resolution. The ocean is whole again with their presence. Below the surface, submerged in the dancing blue rays, their song fills all the vacancies and vast, wanting openness.

The migration is led by the younger whales — subadults, the not-yet sexually mature, and the newly mature. It’s these individuals, often the females, that roll around excitedly with other whales and us lucky humans. Like teenagers escaping to the pub, flirting, getting silly, feeling good.

Sassy was a young female. She was hanging out with another subdued whale, and I suspect they had played with the resident spinner dolphins that day. This had set their hype for engagement with us. As soon as we entered the water, it was game on. She swam toward us with no respect for personal space. Although I cannot swim like a dolphin, she sure tried to play as if we could move that fast.

We dodged and weaved out of her way. I strongly discourage contact with whales, even when they are insistent on it. My guests became tired and exited the sea; my daughter and I stayed for as long as permitted, which in Tonga is 90 minutes. It was an intense and thrilling engagement with a huge wild animal who was insistent on interaction.

I have written the story of Sassy into my first book, which I am about to print — The book tittle is “Being Whale”

I have worked as an in-water guide for 17 years in Tonga with my husband and children, running our swim-with-whales business. In this time, I have had multiple swims with whales I have seen before. It is a calming relief to see a whale repeatedly over a span of time, knowing they are alive and safe, or content and happy to stay in a single location over several weeks.

Tongan whale-swim regulations are very good; they provide adequate protection and freedom of movement for whales. It is important that all abide by these regulations. Ninety minutes is the maximum time allowed to engage with a single whale or group encounter. This is more than enough time to approach politely and introduce yourselves. If the energy and etiquette of all present is matched — and I mean whale and human — then magic happens. A whale can become confident with your presence and accept you around them, want to investigate you, or even play.

I have to admit, the most personal and intimate encounters are when I am alone, or with one other person, in the sea with a whale. It is then that I can focus purely on the whale; I can selfishly be absorbed in every detail, movement, and feel of her individuality. Luckily for me, I have had many opportunities, and I have an insatiable quest to meet with whales.

That’s tricky, as I love colour, especially in the ocean. But displaying an image in black and white, I feel, takes away distraction; it enhances the concept of character and individuality. You look at the whale with a stronger sense of being and presence. It feels very honest.

The ocean is forever moving, changing, and reflecting not only the sky above, but the health of our planet. The ocean is freedom and play, yet it contrasts dramatically with something life-threatening and formidable. The ocean demands respect; it becomes moody or effervescently happy. It provides so much life and so many integral elements for life on our planet.

I love to escape beneath its mesmerising surface and be entertained by the play of light, the colours of fish and coral, or purely the endless hues of blue it is capable of. If you place a whale in there, then all heavens are in one place!

I have not met a blue whale underwater; that would be sensational. I would love to know them just a little. 

They have needs and wants, like all living creatures sharing this majestic planet. We are not so dissimilar. I would love people to understand how sensitive they are, how innocent and careful they can be around the tiny figure of a human. I wish for humanity to love and cherish all animals, no matter their size or kind; they all deserve the chance to live out their best lives too.

Tony Wu, Christian Fletcher, Cristina Goettsch Mittermeir.

Get out there, be comfortable, and patient. Play around and don’t get too serious. Do what you are attracted to, not what everyone else thinks.