Swim with Humpback Whales in Tahiti
The Trip
On our 7 day expedition, we’ll spend 5 days on the crystal clear waters of Tahiti, swimming with humpback whales and any other ocean animals we come across (like eagle rays and sea turtles).
With a small group size, our own private boat and experienced skipper and guide we’ll be free to explore the ocean and secure the best in-water interaction possible with the whales. Each night, we will return to our luxury waterfront resort.
What
A week of swimming with humpback whales in blue water
Where
The island of Tahiti
in French Polynesia
When
28 Sep - 4 Oct
5 Oct - 11 Oct
Price
$5,200 USD
The Experience
Surrounded by the islands of French Polynesia, we will be up early every day to head out in our own private boat and search for some whales to swim with! We will be out on the ocean for hours for 5 straight days!
Each day, we will observe the whales' behaviour, and choose the best opportunities to swim with these magical creatures. Nothing beats staring into the eyes of a whale that has chosen to swim with you.
The group size will be very small (only 5 people), so that we can create some great friendships and have the best time possible with the whales: a smaller group means better interactions.
We will be with the best boat crew and skipper on the island, who know the whales personally, and will also take us to their special spots to swim with other animals (turtles, sharks, rays).
We will also take a half day tour to explore the nature of the island of Tahiti, and take in its waterfalls and sights.
Once we're exhausted from our ocean time, we will return every day to the luxurious Te Moana Resort, to stay in our oceanview apartment (see more below).
Here we can swim in the pool, watch the sunset over the ocean, and sip on drinks while we look through photos from the day. Throughout the week, there will be a whale biology presentation, a photography workshop, and a videography workshop.
Where are we staying?
We will be staying in an ocean apartment inside the luxurious Te Moana Resort. We will be right next to the ocean, and just a 2 minute walk to where the boat will pick us up each day.
The resort has an oceanfront pool, a swim-up bar, two restaurants, a lounge bar, gym and even an in-house snorkelling reef.
We will have ocean views, our own sun deck, kitchen & living room area. We will all live here together throughout the week, sharing meals and becoming like a big family.
Buffet breakfast from the resort is included every morning, so we can power up for our long days in the water!
Included
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5 days on the boat (4 full & 1 half)
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6 nights / 7 days in the luxurious Te Moana Resort
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Snorkeling gear
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Breakfast, lunch and snacks on the boat
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A half day tour exploring the island of Tahiti
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Trip photos and videos
Not Included
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Flights to/from Tahiti
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Dinners and drinks
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Airport transfer
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Travel insurance (required)
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrive in Tahiti
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Check in to accommodation
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Relax and organise gear, set up cameras
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Dinner all together
Day 2
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Full day on boat looking for and swimming with whales
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Whale biology presentation
Day 3
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Full day on boat looking for and swimming with whales
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Photography workshop
Day 4
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Half day on boat with whales
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Afternoon tour exploring tahiti
Day 5
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Full day on boat looking for and swimming with whales
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Videography workshop
Day 6
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Full day on boat with whales
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Group dinner
Day 7
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Relaxed morning
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Check out of accommodation
Conditions
Who Can Join?
Anyone who can swim! All the in-water activities will be snorkelling, so you don't need any qualitifications. This is the best way to see the whales, as they are always coming up to the surface to breathe.
You need to be a comfortable swimmer and confident snorkeller for this trip, as we will be swimming 100 metres from the boat to where the whales will be, and then back again afterwards. We will also be climbing in and out of the water on a ladder, so you need to be physically fit enough to do this.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for this trip. Must include emergency medical care, cancellation policy and cover snorkelling.
Accommodation
Prices are based on a shared occupancy (either double bed or twin beds). We will all be staying together in an ocean apartment inside Te Moana Resort.
Payment
A deposit of $1,200 USD is required to secure your spot.
Group Size
We will have a small group size (5 people) for this trip.
FAQ
Who is this trip for? Anyone that wants to spend time with the whales! You do need to be able to swim confidently and be comfortable with snorkelling. We will be out in open water, swimming 100 metres to and from the whales each day.
Do I need to be a photographer? No! This trip is open to everyone, you just need to be a confident swimmer. Our main focus is on spending time with the whales, and appreciating being in the water with them. Being able to take photos of them is just a bonus! There will be a photography and videography workshop, but these are completely optional. You can also just go and sip on a cocktail by the pool instead!
Can I get a private room? Sorry, not for this trip. Because of the design of this trip, we will all be sharing rooms. I've found this makes for forming a great group friendship. We'll come as strangers, and leave as a family.
Are we guaranteed to see whales? This is nature, and it is wild. The whales are there every year. But I can't make guarantees! There is no guarantee for how the interactions will be. You can't guarantee anything in nature. We want to experience these animals in the wild, that's what makes it so special! French Polynesia, is probably the BEST place in the world to swim with humpback whales.
Why on Tahiti? Whilst Moorea (the next island over) is well known for its whale watching, this also means there are a lot more boats there! We'll be in much quieter waters, with far less people around, and will always strive to be the only people in the water with the whale. We want our interactions to be completely on the whales' terms. If a whale chooses to swim with us, then it is the whale's choice! This makes it much more special. All of the best interactions I've ever had with whales have been in the waters just off Tahiti.
Do I need travel insurance? Absolutely, 100% you do. You will need to provide proof of travel insurance before coming to Tahiti.
How can I join?!? Simple, just click the apply button and fill out the application form, and I'll get back to you ASAP. There are only 5 places on each trip available, so get in quick!
Have any more questions? Feel free to contact me before applying for this trip.