TONGA
July 19 - 25, 2027

Recommended gear

Computer / Digital Accessories

  • Laptop with charger and Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom or Photomechanic (not mandatory)

  • Portable hard drives like Lacie hard drives

  • Card reader

  • All cables for drives, computer, card readers, storage devices, etc.

  • Power converters/adapters for all international quests

Other 

  • Wetsuit (3mm–5mm)

    • Tonga water is cooler than you expect

    • Also provides sun and jellyfish protection

  • Neoprene socks or booties (optional but nice)

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Dry bag (10–20L)

  • Waterproof phone pouch

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Hat & light jacket (windy boat rides)

  • Seasickness medication (very common in Tonga)

Camera Gear

  • Cameras (Simple & Reliable):

  • GoPro (Hero 10 / 11 / 12 or similar)

    • Wide field of view is ideal for large whales

    • Easy to use in the water

    • Floating hand grip or short pole (bright color = easier to spot)

    • Spare GoPro batteries (cold water drains faster)

    • Large, fast microSD cards (128–256 GB)

  • Optional: second GoPro as backup

  • Optional step-up camera

    • Compact waterproof camera (e.g. Olympus TG series)

    • Simple underwater housing if needed

  • Battery charger

  • Extra batteries

  • Memory cards (bring plenty)

  • Sensor cleaning supplies

Lenses

  • 24-70mm for portraits

  • 70-200mm lens for portraits.

  • Polarizing filter(s)

  • Lens hoods for all lenses

  • Lint-free cloth to clean lenses and blower ball for dust

  • Lensbaby if you have one (or else you can try ours)