Whale & Wonder was born from this dual love — for the untamed ocean and for intentional, luxurious travel.
I believe luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about experience — waking up on a remote island, diving into sapphire water before breakfast, connecting deeply with nature, and emerging changed.
Every dive has taught me something — about grace, breath, patience, and presence. Through Whale & Wonder, I share these moments of awe, alongside curated travel inspiration for those who crave elegance and adventure.
Whether you're a diver, a dreamer, or simply seeking a different kind of escape, I'm so glad you’re here.
Let’s travel deeper — with style, with soul, and with wonder.
I’ve shared stillness with sperm whales in the open ocean and wandered the world in search of places that offer both wild beauty and meaningful stillness.
- Hilary
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@hilaryxphoto
Blending luxury travel with ocean exploration, I create visuals and narratives that invite others to experience the wonder beneath the surface. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity, mindful adventure, and a profound connection with the natural world.
discover with me
Sharing the world’s most breathtaking underwater moments
Your favourite
How the story began
My story starts where land meets sea — with a lifelong draw to the water and a need to go deeper, to feel something vast and humbling. Over time, that pull led me from coral reefs to the open ocean, from casual snorkeling to earning my scuba divemaster license and AIDA 3 freediving certification. What began as curiosity became devotion.
I found myself sharing quiet moments with humpback and sperm whales, learning the language of breath, patience, and stillness. That’s when Whale & Wonder took shape — a way to turn these awe-filled encounters into something lasting and shareable.
Today, I live at the intersection of exploration and elegance — blending underwater storytelling with intentional, soul-stirring travel. Through Whale & Wonder, I create content that invites others to experience the ocean not just as a destination, but as a source of meaning. I swim with majesty, I travel with purpose, and I bring others along through every story I share. Whether it’s diving with whales at sunrise or curating UGC that feels both raw and refined, this journey continues to unfold — guided by wonder, and always going deeper.
How it's all going now...
with style, respect, and wonder.
Freediving taught me more than breath control — it taught me trust, patience, and presence.
When I’m not deep in the ocean or behind the lens, here’s a little more of what makes me me — the curious, the unexpected, and the just-for-fun.
I once held my breath for over four minutes.
It’s my favorite way to wake up, reset, and feel grounded wherever I go.
I never start a travel day without a swim.
No matter how many times it happens, it never stops feeling like magic.
I’ve shared the ocean with whales in four different countries (so far).
About Hilary Kao
Fun Facts
hi there
Take a closer look beneath the surface.
This curated collection brings together moments from my underwater journeys, travel adventures, and creative projects — all captured with intention, awe, and artistry.
From the silent beauty of whales to the texture of remote coastlines, each image tells a story of depth, wonder, and connection.
my portfolio
get to know
Hilary Kao
My current fixations include:
mornings near the sea
marine wildlife documentaries
I believe the best kind of luxury is salty hair, sandy toes, and a soul full of wonder.
scuba divemaster and AIDA 3 freediver
I am certified
