French Polynesia Humpback Whales - 2025

WEEK 1 - AUGUST 14-20 - 5 spots left

WEEK 2 - AUGUST 20-26 - 5 spots left

For booking or questions contact Nathan Minatta (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 3 half days on the water and two 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. 

Trip Cost: 3,800 USD pp, 600 deposit pp

• Half payment due April 15th

• Full payment due July 15th

Inclusions: 

•  5 days on water, 3 half days, 2 full days. 

• Expert local guides, captains, and permits

• Fresh fruit and drinks on the boat 

• Digital access to all photo/video by Emmy Award winning videographer

Exclusions: 

• Airfare and transport to Mo’orea (Closest airport is Tahiti International Airport- code PPT)

• Accommodation

• Travel insurance. 

• Gratuities 

• Personal expenses (food, gifts, drinks) 

What to Bring/Requirements:

• VALID PASSPORT

• Snorkel, mask, fins (no surfins)

• Weight and weight belt optional

• 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)

Important information, Please Read:

Cancellations: Cancellations prior to March 1, 2025 may receive full refund. Cancellations after March 1 and prior to July 1, 2025 may receive a 50% refund. Cancellations after July 15, 2025 cannot be refunded. 

Disclaimer: While your guides have spent the last four 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. That being said, whales are very active in windy/rainy weather and the boat will always go out as long as it is safe. Please plan accordingly if prone to sea sickness as the boat cannot always return.