The boat departs at daybreak from the sandy banks of ‘Utangake, an island within the Vava’u region in the northeastern corner of the Kingdom of Tonga. Though these picturesque islands are ringed by stunning reefs, the boat, filled with eager tourists clad in snorkeling masks and wetsuits, heads further offshore where the swells gently rise,… The post Why Swimming with Humpback Whales Is the Ultimate Wildlife Experience appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

The Kingdom of Tonga, located in the heart of the South Pacific, has become a premier destination for eco-conscious travelers seeking the incredible opportunity to swim with humpback whales in the wild. This island paradise offers one of the few regulated opportunities worldwide to respectfully encounter these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. In… The post Swimming with Whales in Tonga: Your Guide to Common Questions appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

Back in 2011, Dalton Ambat, an Oceanic Society naturalist, and Wayne Sentman, our director of conservation travel, were leading a liveaboard trip through Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s remote northern reaches when they were hit by an unexpected storm. Famous for its uninhabited limestone islands and healthy coral reefs, the north of Raja Ampat is so remote… The post Raja Ampat Snorkeling: Our Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

Heidi Friedlander’s 50th birthday was on the horizon. She and her husband, Josh, watched as their three children graduated college and stepped into adulthood. For a tight-knit family that had a catalog of memories exploring the world together, this transition brought a bittersweet realization—life was changing. “Having young adult children kind of just reminds you… The post Cherished Memories from a Borneo Family Tour of a Lifetime appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

According to Palauan creation myth, the god Uchelianged, displeased by the emptiness of the ocean, lifted the islands of Palau from the ocean bed. Atop one such island, a giant clam burst open birthing a plethora of lifeforms, including humans. When you see Palau’s Rock Islands rising like giant lime-stone mushrooms from crystalline waters, it… The post Discover Palau’s Legendary Rock Islands appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

We are proud to announce that Oceanic Society has awarded 20 small grants to sea turtle conservation projects in Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Phillippines, the Republic of the Congo, the U.S.A., and Venezuela. The grants were made as part of our State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) Program, a global… The post Meet The 20 Global Sea Turtle Projects to Receive Grants This Year appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

Every winter, gray whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic to the warmer waters of Baja California. From December to May, lucky whale watchers can spot these majestic giants on their journey off the coast of California! Whale Watching from Half Moon Bay As many as 20,000 gray whales migrate past Half… The post Half Moon Bay Whale Watching is Back! appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

We are delighted to announce the publication of the 2025–2026 Oceanic Society Expeditions Catalog, now available online and in print. The catalog showcases dozens of incredible nature travel experiences across destinations worldwide. Each trip has been designed and selected by Oceanic Society’s travel experts to provide unforgettable nature experiences that support ocean conservation. Request Your… The post Our 2025-2026 Expeditions Catalog is Here appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

Oceanic Society is excited to announce the release of our 2023–2024 Annual Report. This year’s report highlights our achievements and our commitment to improving ocean health by fostering connections between people and nature to tackle the root causes of decline: human behavior. The report details our efforts in various programs, including combating ocean plastic pollution,… The post Celebrating Impact: Our 2023–2024 Annual Report appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more

The world of sustainable seafood is complex and sometimes overwhelming, with conflicting advice and confusing labels. But fear not, we’re here to set the record straight on a few common misconceptions. Below are five popular myths about seafood that you can stop believing: Myth #1: Sustainable seafood is too expensive. While some premium catches may… The post 5 Seafood Myths You Can Stop Believing appeared first on Oceanic Society ..read more