12 February 2026

Last summer, Arksen Adventures and 10 Percent for the Ocean travelled to the pristine waters of Vava’u, Tonga, alongside National Geographic explorer Arzucan “Zuzu” Askin, to support the advancement of humpback whale research. It is one of the most significant humpback whale biodiversity studies undertaken in the region in more than 30 years.

Led by Ocean Science Expedition and legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the expedition brought together scientists, filmmakers and local voices to deepen understanding of humpback whale populations during a critical period for the species.

A select team of researchers and visual storytellers joined the expedition to document both the scientific and the human stories behind it. The result is Oseni, a powerful short film that follows Aunofu, a Tongan voyager, as he shares an urgent truth: despite their majesty, humpback whales face mounting pressures in their ancestral waters. The film is both a tribute to cultural stewardship and a call to protect one of the ocean’s most iconic species.

Alongside filming, the team collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to support ongoing research into the genetic diversity and population health of Tonga’s humpback whales; data that will help inform conservation strategies across the South Pacific.
 

The Creators Behind the Film

 
Phoebe Maria, also known as Soulfocus Media, served as director and photographer on the project. A visual storyteller and female empowerment advocate, Phoebe’s work is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and reconnecting humanity with the natural world. With over a decade of experience working independently across the globe, her artistry bridges visual storytelling, activism, and spiritual connection.

Reflecting on the expedition, Phoebe said:

Witnessing the dance between the mother and calf reminded me of the infinite love and devotion that motherhood carries a force that flows through all beings, from humans to animals, in countless layers of care, protection, and tenderness. It was a reminder that we, too, are part of nature. By cultivating this awareness, we naturally begin to honour the world around us, helping to restore balance across the entire ecosystem. My mission is to reconnect people to the beauty, wonder, and fragility of our world, each frame an invitation to pause, to feel, and to honour our responsibility to safeguard all living beings for generations to come.

My expedition with Arksen Adventures was unforgettable. From the moment I arrived in Vava’u, I couldn’t take my eyes off the place, vibrant reefs, lush rainforests, and an incredible community. I’ve grown up alongside humpbacks, but nowhere have I experienced them as closely as I have in Tonga. Thanks to Arksen Adventures, I was able to combine my creative vision with the spiritual ethos of Vava’u and capture moments that will stay with me and my audience forever.

Alexander Forrest Expedition photographer-filmmaker

Experience Vava’u Firsthand

 
As part of its commitment to meaningful exploration, Arksen Adventures offers a range of expert-led expeditions and masterclasses designed for pioneers of adventure. Among them is the Tonga Dive Adventure, an extraordinary opportunity to swim with humpback whales while staying in boutique island accommodation.

Led by adventure photographer, expedition leader, and aerospace engineer Harper Dammann Smith, this extremely rare expedition is one of only a few permitted access visits to the region this year. Timed to coincide with peak breeding and calving season, the journey offers world-class encounters with humpback whales alongside expert guidance, enabling guests to dive deeper, refine their technique, and interact respectfully within this remarkable marine environment.

Watch Oseni on YouTube below. Sign up to the Tonga Dive Adventure HERE.