Vietnamese Divers Swam With Sperm Whales in 2026
A group of travelers from Vietnam documented marine wildlife encounters during a 2026 expedition to Mauritius.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Wildlife
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In 2026, a group of 10 Vietnamese travelers, including underwater photographer Nguyen Van Vang, swam with sperm whales in Mauritius. The group also encountered sea turtles and dolphins as part of their international diving expedition.
Why it matters
These expeditions highlight the growing interest in ethical wildlife photography and deep-sea exploration among amateur divers. Such trips require advanced certification and specialized equipment to safely interact with marine animals in their natural habitats.
Nguyen Van Vang utilized an underwater camera set-up costing approximately US$9,616, which included an aluminum waterproof housing priced at US$3,850. The group maintains diving capabilities consistent with SSI Level 2 certification, which allows for depths of 20-30 meters.
The players
Nguyen Van Vang
He is an underwater photographer and freediver who holds an SSI Level 2 certification.
The details
The group practiced capturing marine life by maintaining distance to avoid disturbing the animals while coordinating poses with models. During their 2026 travels, the group also visited diving sites in Panglao, Komodo, and Koh Tao.
Timeline
Nguyen Van Vang began practicing photography in 2010.
Nguyen Van Vang started freediving in 2024.
The group visited international diving destinations throughout 2026.
Planned future diving trips are scheduled for 2027.
Culture Shift
The growing popularity of specialized wildlife photography indicates a shift toward immersive nature tourism among amateur enthusiasts. This trend follows the safety frameworks set by Scuba Schools International (SSI) certification standards.
Adopting this hobby requires significant financial investment in specialized gear and the completion of rigorous deep-water certification courses. Travelers should anticipate substantial planning time to align professional photography goals with safe, non-invasive wildlife interactions.
The takeaway
Engaging with large marine mammals requires significant preparation and strict adherence to non-interference protocols to ensure both diver safety and animal welfare. Enthusiasts should prioritize obtaining professional certifications to safely navigate deep-water environments.
What happens next
The group has planned a series of diving trips for 2027, including excursions to the Maldives to see tiger sharks, Moorea in French Polynesia to encounter humpback whales, and a return trip to Mauritius.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in marine conservation and Wildlife photography.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuoi tre news.
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