I had an amazing experience with JustTheWild. The trip was perfectly organized, and photographing the southern right whales was truly impressive. There were whales everywhere, and we always focused on entering the water only with those that showed curiosity about us.
Every day we managed to get in the water, taking turns with the rest of the photographers, as only one person is allowed at a time with the safety diver. The team from the local operator was extremely kind and enthusiastic, always doing their best to find the whales that would give us the best photographic opportunities.
Overall, an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in marine wildlife photography.
Six days in the water with Just the Wild delivered more than I could have ever hoped for. Not only did we have extended and profound interactions with humpback whales, but we also got to swim with pilot whales, oceanic white tip sharks and rough tooth dolphins. The guides and crew were exceptional. They understood the behaviors of the animals, positioned us to have the most productive interactions possible and kept us safe. The lunches on the boat were particularly good - kudos to Caine for those.
Fantastic adventure in a stunning environment. The southern rights are big, curious and active and, with only the guide and 1 person in the water, the experience is amazing and intense. Generally not a lot of swimming so relatively easy to concentrate on photographing these impressive and unique whales.
If the weather is poor then there are great opportunities to see and photograph some of the other wildlife of Patagonia
The trip is brilliantly organized and particularly impressive is the effort Caine, the crew and the local organisers take to make sure everyone has a great experience. They all care passionately about the whales and the wildlife and the trip is thoroughly recommended.
Peter Batchelor (trip 2, 2025)
Fantastic experience with an emphasis on respectful interactions with the whales. Everybody was great from Caine (who took the time to answer all of my questions and needs), to the owners of the Botazzi company (who made us feel at home and like we were part of the family), to the government guide Hector (who went out of his way to take us on land excursions every night), to the boat captain and safety diver. It was clear that everyone on this trip loves these whales and are proud of their home. The boat was comfortable and spacious and we had plenty of water and snacks. This trip was well thought out and planned through and through. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who has a love for whales, wildlife, and photography.
It was WONDERFUL! Everything about it - lodging, food, staff, transportation, boat trips, boat captain & crew, trip guide (divine!) sperm whales (oh my!). I wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend this trip.
I traveled twice this past year with Just the Wild - last January to Dominica to see the sperm whales and this past November to see the big blues in Timor-leste - and it may sound like hyperbole but it was nothing short of life changing!
As a child I was torn between my two loves: art and science, specifically marine biology. I chose art in the end and fast forward 30 years to a somewhat disenchanted life as a Creative Director in advertising looking for a change. I stumbled across Just the Wild and after a few years of following Caine's IG and emails, finally decided it was now or never.
I'm so so so glad I did! It wasn't just the whales - which we're breathtaking, beautiful, mind-blowing and just so, so, so cool - it's the people you meet. The other guests, the boat captain and first mate, the hotel owners and staff, the dive shop instructors - everyone is just amazing. Travel gives you such an amazing perspective of the world and I can't recommend it enough. Caine has taken care to find the nicest and most knowledgable folks to work with and support. Up till last January I had been snorkeling exactly twice, both times in the shallows. But I'd always dreamed of seeing my favorites: the cetaceans. Between the other guests (special thanks to Wayne and Ellyn) and Caine, I quickly acclimated to open water snorkeling and now I can't wait to get back in the water! And speaking of the dude himself, as a wannabe marine biologist, to have a guide that's not only knowledgable but as excited about the animals we're interacting with is infectious.
I have a new found desire to pursue a live that supports swimming in the ocean as much as possible - from getting my scuba certification to exploring the world of underwater photography. And, of course, booking a trip to see the humpbacks in French Polynesia with Just the Wild ASAP!