Moorea is world-renowned for humpback whale encounters. Its spectacular landscapes, with the island’s iconic peaks in the background, offer magical in-water experiences and unforgettable memories. Sea days also provide numerous snorkeling opportunities, both offshore and on coral reefs, where you may see rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins.
However, Moorea’s popularity has its limits: with over 45 authorized whale-watching operators, it is common to share encounters with other boats or wait your turn to approach the whales.

Tahiti, on the other hand, is still relatively unknown and little advertised for whale watching. Yet, the chances of observing and swimming with whales are just as high as in Moorea. Tahiti’s main advantage is low traffic: fewer boats, less crowding, and thus a more intimate and authentic experience, often in full immersion with the animals. Landscapes are less dramatic, and reef snorkeling opportunities are more limited, but if your priority is spectacular whale encounters, Tahiti is definitely worth considering.

Included:

• 5 full days at sea searching for humpback whales
• 6 nights accommodation in a private villa
• Lunches during the sea days
• Professional photos and videos of your expedition

Not included:

• International flights and transport to the accommodation
• Breakfasts and dinners (nearby shops, snacks, and restaurants allow you to choose your own meals)
• Tips for the team
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, external activities)

To ensure safety and quality of the experience, certain prerequisites are required:

Skills and physical condition:

• Intermediate to advanced snorkeling skills required (beginners are not accepted)
• Comfort and confidence in the water during in-water encounters
• Good physical condition to fully enjoy the sea days

Mindset:

• The expedition is for people passionate about the ocean and wildlife
• It is not designed for those seeking a superficial “fun” experience or motivated by selfies with whales or social media popularity

Flottation device

For the expeditions, all our guests are asked to wear a form of floatation. Local regulations requite to wear an indidividual flottation device such as life jackets, shortys and wetsuits. Tou can bring your own equipment and we have 3mm tops available onboard for all guests, free of charge.

We accommodate 5 participants maximum. This small group allows us to:

• Enhance sharing with the team: the guide, captain, and photographer trip leader can provide personalized attention, answer your questions, and share in-depth knowledge of marine life and the ocean
• Ensure safety: fewer participants allow optimal supervision and safe guidance during boat trips and in-water encounters
• Optimize whale approaches: fewer people in the water means less disturbance to the animals, increasing the chances of respectful and immersive encounters and observing natural behaviors

Humpback whales are wild animals, and each encounter is unique. Observation and in-water swimming can never be guaranteed. However, a five-day expedition on the water maximizes your chances of multiple encounters and witnessing a wide variety of fascinating behaviors:

• Whales playing with dolphins
• Resting at the surface
• Powerful and spectacular singing
• Interacting with their calves
• Occasionally, close encounters with humans

Important: Only surface snorkeling is allowed with humpback whales; freediving is not permitted.