AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

AU NZ
Brett Lobwein
-
Advocate

Tonga Humpback Whale Workshop

Vava'u, Tonga, Mascot, NSW
Wed 17 Sep
Brett Lobwein
Image: Alpha 1 (A1)
Brett Lobwein
-
Advocate
Tonga Humpback Whale Workshop
Vava'u, Tonga, Mascot, NSW
Wed 17 Sep
Brett Lobwein
Image: Alpha 1 (A1)
Brett Lobwein
-
Advocate
Tonga Humpback Whale Workshop
Vava'u, Tonga, Mascot, NSW
Wed 17 Sep
Brett Lobwein
Image: Alpha 1 (A1)
Once in a lifetime workshop - experience nature at its BEST!

About the event

Join Sony Digital Imagining Advocate Brett Lobwein for a once in a lifetime workshop to the tropic waters of Tonga! During this workshop we will be able to witness and capture these gentle gaints in their nursing grounds. 

Small Group with only 6 guests! Means we can provide you with quality time with the whales. 

Tonga is world famous for it's Humpback Whales. The dates that this workshop has been selected are the perfect time to be able to experience the bond between mother and calf. Plus there will be plenty of other whale behaviours for us to capture, like exhilarating "heat run" or competitions for females. 

This Tour Includes:

  • Boat with experienced crew for the 5 days we will be on the water (the boat will collect us from our private whalf). We will spend around 7 hours on the water each day. 
  • Hosts - Brett has extensive experience with whales and Tonga. He will provide you with personal guidance on whale behaviours, ensuring that you are in the right place at the right time to capture that image. Natually any photography questions and advice will be provide on-tap! 
  • 7 Nights Accomodation 
  • All Meals (Breakfast in our private accomodation, Lunch on the boat, and Dinners) 
  • Lectures and workshops 
  • Daily snorkeling on reefs and caves
  • Airport transfers in Vava'u 

Itinerary 

Day 1 Arrival (Flight)

Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation (Check-in 1 pm). In the evening your guides will meet you for dinner and give you a briefing about the upcoming tour and what to expect during your time in Tonga.

Day 2 -4 Swim with whales

Pick-up from your accommodation for a day of whale watching & snorkeling.

Day 5 – Day of rest (Sunday)

Sundays are a day of rest in Tonga, so it’s a great time catch up on a good book or just relax on a beach.

Day 6 – 7 Swim with whales

Pick-up from your accommodation for a day of whale watching & snorkeling.

Day 8 –Departure (Flight)

Our driver will be waiting for you at your accommodation to take you to the airport (Checkout 10am). As flight schedules can change, we recommend confirming your flights the day before you leave.

Accommodation

Tour costs include 7 nights in a premium shared accommodation on beautiful Neiafu Harbour. If you wish to extend your stay or arrive early and depart later, we can organise accommodation. Any dates outside the tour packaged will be charged accordingly.

How to get there


If you are traveling from Australia, we recommend flying to Vava'u via Fiji. Please reach out if you have any questions about best options. 

COSTS

Total tour cost = $6,990 USD per person 

Single Supplement (additional) $2,500 USD

Required deposit - USD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Note: All costs are in United States Dollars. 

By click Book Now on the Sony Scene event you are simply registering your interest in this workshop. We will then be in contact to arrange the booking. 

Techniques covered

  • Underwater Photography
  • Telephoto Topside Photography 
  • Freediving for Photography 

What to bring

  • Underwater Housing for Camera 
  • We suggest you bring your own mask, snorkel and fins as it is always more comfortable and less problematic having gear you know. 
  •  Sunblock 30+ (ideally reef-friendly) 
  • Sun glasses Wetsuit (mainly for buoyancy as the water temperature is about 25°C) 
  • Mask, fins, snorkel 
  • Camera (We can recommend cameras if you wish to buy one before you get to Tonga) 
  • Swimmers 
  • Sun hat 
  • Beach Towel (Mainly for the boat) 
  • Spray jacket/Windproof jacket 
  • Summer attire shorts, T-Shirts, sandals, 
  • Bug spray 
  • Basic medical supplies

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

Please reach out if you don't have a camera to see what we can do with loan equipment
Summer attire shorts, T-Shirts, sandals for around the island. Tonga is very casual. Wetsuit recommend for when we are in the water.
Personal expenses, like extra food or drinks.
There is no age limit, as long as all participants are good swimmers and very comfortable in the water. Please keep in mind that it is a long day and we will not be returning to the resort during the day.
Yes please call me on 0409557477
Pricing is listed in the description of this Sony Scene event. By clicking Buy Now you are simply registering your interest. We will then arrange invoicing etc.
Wed 17 Sep 2025, 1:00PM - Wed 24 Sep 2025, 2:00PM
Suitable for all levels
Event capacity: 6
A$11,000 per/person    Book now

Advocate

Brett Lobwein

Brett Lobwein is a passionate and environmentally-minded photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Having grown up on the waterways of the Port Hacking River in ...

Read more

Brett was very professional and friendly, providing insightful advice on the Sony camera equipment and whale behaviour. ”

Peter Mcgee, Whale Photography Workshop
Ice Lines

Brett Lobwein was knowledgeable on both photography and whales. He was helpful and his passion for photography and whales was contagious. ”

Sharron Clark, Cronulla Whale Photography Workshop
Event capacity: 6
Book now