Incredible moment two humpback whales breached off Byron Bay coast captured by amateur photographer

DAVID Cavagna captured the photograph of a lifetime during a whale watching cruise off the coast of Brunswick Heads last weekend, producing an image that would rival the work of National Geographic’s finest photographers.

The Myocum landscaper and builder secured a last-minute place on a Wild Byron Sea Safaris tour after a cancellation and was rewarded with the spectacular sight of two humpback whales breaching in perfect synchrony.

“We were about an hour into the trip when we saw two whales head lunging together, so we decided to stay nearby and see what developed,” he said.

“After multiple breaches by both whales I looked over at the skipper Glenn and we both acknowledged we could be in for something special.

“Not long after, the whales began doing half breaches almost in sync.

“I could sense the elusive double breach may happen, so I checked my camera settings and stayed ready.”

A few minutes later, the pair launched from the water in a perfectly synchronised double breach, creating a once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity.

“I am so glad I was able to lock onto them almost as soon as they began the breach, holding down the shutter for the entirety,” Cavagna said.

“I’m pretty sure I yelled out with excitement once it was over and quickly looked down to see if I had managed to get the whales in focus.

“I was so amazed I had managed to capture the whole event and spent the next few minutes reliving it with the others on the boat.

“Being able to share an experience like that with a small group of people is pretty special. Everyone was elated at what we had all just been privileged to witness. The excitement level was through the roof.”

Cavagna’s passion for photography began while studying graphic design at university, but it wasn’t until he received a Sony a6000 for his 40th birthday that the hobby became an obsession.

“I’m turning 47 this year, so for the last six years or so I have been pretty much taking photos in all my spare time,” he said.

“My personal life pretty much revolves around photography and wildlife experiences.

“This tour will go down as one of the most memorable I’ve been on. We were blessed with multiple breaches and surface activity and extremely close encounters with the whales, as well as dolphins.

“Every whale watching tour is different, providing new and exciting photographic challenges. But sometimes I put the camera down and just take it all in.”

Marine scientists estimate that a record 50,000 humpback whales will migrate along Australia’s east coast this season, with peak viewing from June to October.