FOR BOOKING AND ALL QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT TRIP HOST NATHAN MINATTA AT nateminatta@gmail.com
Trip Description
Ever dream of swimming with a humpback whale? Every year, the beautiful island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia is visited by these otherworldly giants from July to November. They arrive at the island to mate, nurse their young, and rest from a long migration. As you cruise around the island, surrounded by a beautiful reef and a tropical mountainscape, they can be found playing, cruising, breaching and singing songs that will vibrate through your whole being. The experience is magical.
The last few years I have had the incredible opportunity to experience this phenomenon first hand. Whether watching from the boat or swimming alongside these graceful creatures the moments have been unforgettable. The best way to understand it, is to experience it for yourself. Therefore I decided to help bring the opportunity to others.
When planning this trip there were a few important key details that were important.
First comes respect. These magnificent animals can be very willing to interact and share their ocean environment with us but in the end, it is their environment. We made sure to work with local guides and boat captains that are unwilling to compromise the whale’s safety (and ours) or their space in order to provide a forced interaction.
Second-give back. Our captains and guides are also involved in research for both whale and shark species around the island. We wanted to support the local community, especially those interested in long term protection and conservation for this island paradise.
Third-experience. I wanted to provide an amazing experience for anyone who chose to embark on this journey with me. We are keeping the tour size to a minimum number. Smaller tour groups allow more time in the water and more opportunity to engage these wonderful animals.I have also tried to maximize boat days with 4 half days on the water and one full (a detailed itinerary can be found below). These days will consist of cruising around the island looking for whales and getting in the water with them as much as possible. Other species we may run into include dolphins, sea turtles, rays, pilot whales, oceanic whitetips, and more.
Last, but not least- remember. This tour includes underwater photos and videos taken and edited by Nathan Minatta, an Emmy award winning videographer. When you don’t have to worry about capturing the moment you can fully immerse yourself and enjoy the experience. You can rest assured the memories are being memorialized for you.
While no diving certification is necessary for this experience (all interactions are done snorkeling) it is recommended to be comfortable in the ocean and strong swimming skills are ideal.
We are offering two sessions, each session is open to six guests.
Itinerary
Session 1 Aug 22-Aug 28, 2024 (Sold Out)
Day One- Arrive in Mo’orea and settle into Accommodations
Day Two, Three, Four- Half days on the water from 10-2pm looking for whales and whatever else we can find!
Day Five- Full day on the Water. 6:30-2pm
Day Six- Last boat day, 10 am-2pm
Day Seven- Travel day, back to the airport in Tahiti or on to other islands.
Session 2- Aug 28-Sept. 3, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Day One- Arrive in Mo’orea and settle into Accommodations
Day Two, Three, Four- Half days on the water from 10-2pm looking for whales and whatever else we can find!
Day Five- Full day on the water- 6:30-2pm
Day Six- Last boat day, 6:30am-11am.
Day Seven- Travel day, back to the airport in Tahiti or on to other islands.
Trip Cost: 2700 USD pp, 600 deposit pp
- Full payment due May 1, 2024.
Inclusions:
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5 days on water, 4 half days, one full.
- Expert local guides, captains, and permits
- Fresh fruit and drinks on the boat
- Digital access to all photo/video by Emmy Award winning videographer
- Time permitting, Line Diving sessions with freediving instructor
Exclusions:
- Airfare and transport to Mo’orea (Closest airport is Tahiti International Airport- code PPT)
- Accommodation (see below for optional add on)
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses (food, gifts, drinks)
What to Bring/Requirements:
- VALID PASSPORT
- Snorkel, mask, fins (no surfins)
- Weight and weight belt optional
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Wet-suit, spring suit or thermal top ( If prone to cold full wet-suit recommended)
- Weather jacket/windbreaker
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Go pro/camera if desired (will have photographer on boat)
Optional Housing Addition:
As a home base for the group, we have rented a beach front property with shallow beautiful reefs directly behind the house and access to some depth (via a reef ledge) a short swim away. There are kayaks and paddle boards available to use, a full kitchen, and two full bathrooms. The property manager can also arrange massages on the property with notice.
Your guides will be staying on the property and want to give guests the opportunity to share the space as well. Space is limited and on a first come/first serve basis.
One of the guides will perform daily upkeep and cleaning of common areas. They can also run small errands during the day or if you need a day off from boating can help arrange and/or join land activities. If specific tours/activities are desired we can help coordinate with advanced notice.
There are three spaces available:
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Premium room (one available): AC private room, king bed; with ocean view and terrace; private access to full bathroom; however bathroom will be shared with other guests through outdoor entrance. $1000/room for the week.
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Standard room (two available): Private room; King bed with mosquito netting and fan. Cool nights last year meant at times it was too cold with the fan $700/room for the week.
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Economy Room: Three queen beds, shared space. Loft area. This is more of a hostel style accommodation for more affordable travel. $300/Bed for the week.
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For all rooms: Check in 4pm, checkout 10am
You are also free to book your own housing. There are many nearby options from luxury hotels to lower cost hotels and airbnbs). We are happy to help guide your choice. However, if not housing with the group, you may need to arrange daily transport to our housing for transport to the boat.
Important information, Please Read:
Car Rental: Car rental is not fully necessary on the island. Your guides will have one vehicle and if selecting the accommodation add on we will help determine if any additional vehicles are necessary. If housing on your own, based on your location and personal preferences we will help you decide whether it is necessary.
Cancellations: Cancellations prior to March 1, 2024 may receive full refund. Cancellations after March 1 and prior to July 1, 2024 may receive a 50% refund. Cancellations after July 1, 2024 cannot be refunded.
Disclaimer: While your guides have spent the last three seasons swimming with these magnificent animals and daily encounters are possible, in the end these are wild animals and we cannot guarantee any sightings. For this reason we have booked multiple days on the water to maximize the potential for incredible encounters. All activities are weather permitting.
