Swim with Humpback Whales in French Polynesia
2027 Expedition open for booking
Swimming with Humpback Whales
French Polynesia's warm, shallow waters draw humpbacks south from Antarctica each year. They arrive to birth calves, nurse and raise them, find mates, and for a few weeks, share the ocean with us.
On our expeditions we will not only show you humpback whales in the wild, but also their varied and dynamic behaviors. We will look for singing males, dancing whales, mum and calf pairs, and even mini-heat runs where multiple whales can be charging and playing out in the deep blue. Our most exciting behaviors can be when we find the humpbacks paired up with another species like rough-toothed dolphins, pilot whales, and even melon-headed whales.
Our days are long, we focus on your story, not just getting you a look. We aim to give you the best outcome by reading the animals, respecting their behaviors and letting them dictate the moments. When we get that right, you may find yourself face to face with a humpback with its pectoral fin outstretched towards you.
We operate small groups of five clients. Five full days on the water, no half days, no water fall tours, just our complete focus on what we do best, and that is, bringing you to the most magnificent story you will share.
2026 Expedition Dates- Mo’orea Island - SOLD OUT
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Expedition Details
Mo’orea, French PolynesiaDATES - 2027
August - 15-22
November - 22- 29PRICE - $3,990 USD
Accommodation is not included as we have found that client enjoy the option to chose relative to their needs. We have a geographic restriction, but there are 3 resorts and dozens of AirBnB and vacation rentals in the area.
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Itinerary + Gear
ITINERARY
Day 1. Arrive in Tahiti- Land in Papeete (PPT) , and transfer to Mo’oreaDay 2-6- 5 full days on the water looking for humpbacks and other marine life - 730/8 am - 330/4pm
Day 7. Transfer back to airport for flights home
What to bring
- Wetsuit- minimum 2-3 mm wetsuit top (mandatory regulation)
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Wet weather jacket (lightweight water proof/windproof shell)
- Camera (although we will photograph most of the action for you)
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Inclusions and Exclusions
INCLUDED
Full days on the ocean looking for humpback whales, pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine life.- 5 Full days on the ocean looking for humpback whales and other marine life
- Lunches each day on the water
- Experienced Local Guide and captain
- Non-alcoholic drinks on board
- Professional digital imagery taken during the expedition
EXCLUDED
- Airfare and Ferry to Mo’orea
- Accommodations
- Airport Transfers
- Additional expenses (alcoholic drinks, gifts, personal expenses)
- Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Gratuities ($150-300 per guest)
- Required Gear
When to go ?
From our many years of experience guiding humpback whale encounters in French Polynesia, we’ve found that August and September are the peak months for seeing the whales at their most dynamic. During this time, the migration is in full swing, and you can witness heat runs, competitive males, and social groups playing and dancing in the warm waters. These months offer the highest chances for thrilling, high-energy encounters that leave a lasting impression.
By October and November, the pace slows. The focus shifts to mother-calf pairs, and mating behaviors taper off. While these months still offer beautiful experiences, it’s the lively interactions of August and September that have consistently proven to be the most spectacular, based on what we’ve seen over nearly a decade of guiding in these waters.
FAQ
How many people are on each expedition?
We keep our groups small, and limited to 5 on our humpback expeditions, to ensure a personalized experience. Our smaller groups allow for more meaningful interactions and greater flexibility, which means more opportunities to connect with the whales.
Do I need to be an expert swimmer or freediver?
No! While a certain level of comfort in the water helps, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer or freediver to join us. Our guides will support you, and we offer plenty of opportunities to experience the whales on your own terms. The focus is on patiently observing, not on competing with the animals.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, you will need to be comfortable swimming in the open ocean with a mask, snorkel, and fins, without aid (no flotation devices) or assistance (such as someone holding you). However, we understand that the first day or two can bring a bit of anxiety, and we’re more than happy to take things slow. If you’re feeling nervous, just let us know, and we’ll guide you through it — you wouldn’t be the first to experience those nerves, and we’re here to help.
What can I expect during an encounter with a whale?
Every encounter is unique, but our goal is always the same: to create a safe, respectful space where you can witness the whales on their terms. Some days may bring up-close moments, while others may involve watching the whales from a distance. What’s certain is that each encounter will leave you with a deep appreciation for these magnificent animals.
Can I take photographs during the expedition?
Absolutely! We understand the importance of capturing these moments, but we also encourage you to enjoy the experience beyond your camera. The key is to balance receiving the moment while also documenting it. If you’re an avid photographer, our guides will provide tips for capturing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
What happens if we don’t see whales during the trip?
While we can’t guarantee whale sightings (because the whales are, of course, the ones in control), we’ve designed our expeditions around the best time and locations for sightings. We aim to provide you with an unforgettable experience, whether it’s through other marine life encounters or the stunning environment of French Polynesia.
How can I prepare for the expedition?
We recommend arriving well-rested, with a positive attitude, and ready to embrace the journey. Our humpback whale expeditions involve being on the water for most of the day, so it’s important to be physically prepared for the conditions. We'll also provide a detailed packing list and tips to ensure you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How do I book my spot on an expedition?
Booking is simple! You can book directly on our website through our secure booking platform (link above). If you have any questions or would prefer to speak with a member of our team before booking, feel free to reach out to us via email or text us via Whatsapp. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes—we’re happy to offer custom payment plans for anyone who needs more flexibility. Whether it’s splitting payments over time or adjusting dates, we can tailor something that works for you. Just reach out and we’ll walk through options together.
Expedition Leader -
Dr. Caine Delacy see his bio here
PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of $1500 is require to reserve your booking
The balance is due 180 days prior to departure.
No surcharge fees for credit card payments
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations made more than 150 days prior to departure will receive a refund (less an administrative fee of $500 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellations made <150 calendar days prior to departure will not be refunded. It is advised and recommended that you get travel insurance.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel.
Buy Travel Insurance.