Lesley Rochat

Swimming with humpback whales is a humbling experience, one filled with both excitement and awe. At 18m (60feet) one is truly in the presence of a gentle giant.

It’s these times that I love freediving photography the most - shooting them on one breath allows for minimal disturbance, more intimate encounters, and a deeper feeling of connection with the natural world.

I’m incredibly privileged to have led expeditions where we spent many hours with them. These two photos are some of my favourite.

Conservationists fought hard to save these magnificent animals from commercial whaling but they still face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, noise pollution, and climate change.

Follow along for my upcoming expeditions - both land and sea - where conservation, respect for wildlife, guest safety, and meaningful encounters, is our focus.