Swim in Moorea with Humpback Whales and More

Taking a trip to Moorea for a swimming with humpback whales adventure is something many travelers dream about. While I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gathered plenty of details to give you an honest look at what you can expect. If you’re captivated by marine life and want a genuine, respectful encounter with these gentle giants, this tour offers a unique window into their world.

Two things we really love about this experience are the small group size—limiting to just 8 guests—which guarantees a more personal and less crowded outing, and the expert guiding and live commentary that helps you understand every encounter. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that availability fills up quickly, so planning and booking well in advance is essential.

This tour is ideal for anyone with a moderate fitness level who is comfortable in the water and eager for an authentic, close-up encounter with whales, dolphins, and sharks. It’s perfect for travelers who value marine conservation and wish to observe whales in their natural behaviors during their migration season.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 travelers for more personalized attention.
• Seasonal Activity: Only available from July to November.
• Respectful Wildlife Viewing: Strict rules to ensure safety and wildlife wellbeing.
• Inclusive Amenities: Snacks, drinks, wetsuit, and snorkeling gear provided.
• Expert Guidance: Live commentary and biologist oversight enhance the experience.
• Highly Rated: Consistently positive reviews, with a perfect 5-star rating.

Exploring the Moorea Whale Swim Experience

An Introduction to Moorea’s Marine Magic

Moorea, part of French Polynesia, is a standout destination for viewing humpback whales during their winter migration from July through November. This period is when these whales come to the warm waters to mate, give birth, and nurture their calves. For travelers, it’s one of the few places worldwide where you can actually enter the water with whales—a privilege that makes this tour particularly special.

This tour is designed with respect for wildlife and safety at its core. The guiding principle is to observe whales without disturbing their natural behaviors—meaning no chasing or invasive tactics. The entire experience is built around small groups to keep encounters intimate and meaningful.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Two aspects really shine. First, the expert guides and live commentary provide rich context during the trip, transforming what might be a simple swim into a learning experience. Second, the tour’s limitation to small groups improves the chances of genuine, close-up encounters—something many whale watchers seek but often don’t get with larger tours.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is availability—since tours fill quickly, especially at peak times, booking well in advance is a must. Also, this is a seasonal activity, limited to mid-July through mid-November, so if you’re visiting outside these months, you’ll need to look elsewhere for marine excursions.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting with Convenience: Hotel Pickup and Meeting Point

Most tours begin with hotel pickup from Moorea’s accommodations, making logistics straightforward. Once on board, you’ll be greeted by your guides, who are usually marine biologists or experienced naturalists. The boat ride to the whale zones lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery of Moorea’s coast.

Observation and Water Entry

The core of the tour is watching humpback whales during their migration. Guides use live commentary to explain whale behaviors—like mating rituals, singing, and mother-calf interactions—which you’ll be able to observe from the boat. If the whales display surface activity, the biologist on board will assess whether it’s safe and appropriate to enter the water.

Once approved, you’ll don snorkeling gear and wetsuits—which are provided in various sizes (XS to 4XL)—and slip into the water. This is where the magic happens: being face-to-face with these gentle giants as they go about their natural routines.

Different Encounters You Might See

Guests often enjoy observing mothers and calves, with some tours catching whale songs or playful behaviors like breaching or spyhopping. Reviewers like Jessica praised her experience, saying it was “an exceptional show, a dream come true,” highlighting how close and engaging these encounters can be.

Additional Marine Life Interactions

Beyond whales, the tour may include sightings of dolphins—spinner, rough-toothed, or pilot—beaked whales, and pelagic sharks such as silky or oceanic whitetips. These supplementary encounters enrich the experience, offering a broader view of the marine ecosystem.

Food, Beverages, and Comfort

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy fresh fruits, snacks, beverages, and even alcoholic drinks, making the four-hour experience feel relaxed and indulgent. The boat provides snorkeling equipment and wetsuits—essential for comfort and safety in the water.

The Value of This Experience

At $412.98 per person, the price might seem steep at first glance. But considering the intimate group size, expert guidance, all equipment included, and the rare opportunity to swim with whales in their natural habitat, the value becomes clearer. Plus, the high praise in reviews—with many guests describing the experience as “incredible” and “a dream”—indicates that most find it well worth the cost.

Why This Tour Is Worth the Investment

Because small-group tours limit crowds and maximize opportunities to observe whales closely, you’re more likely to have meaningful encounters rather than just passively watching from a distance. The presence of a biologist onboard ensures that every interaction prioritizes the whales’ safety and natural behaviors, which is a significant benefit for eco-conscious travelers.

Considerations for Travelers

• Booking early is crucial, as the tours tend to fill quickly.
• Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, as entering and exiting the water involves some effort.
• The tour is seasonal, so plan your trip during July-November.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, windjacket, and towel to stay comfortable on the boat and during water activities.
• Children from age 5 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Authentic Encounters: Hearing from Past Guests

Jessica’s glowing review captures the essence: “Mareva is very experienced and we had an exceptional show, it was a dream for us.” Such feedback emphasizes the importance of experienced guides and the quality of encounters, which are often shaped by the guides’ expertise and respect for the whales.

Another reviewer appreciated the personalized nature of the tour, noting that “Thanks to them, I highly recommend,” highlighting that the tour is not just about seeing whales but about learning and respecting them.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventure-minded travelers who cherish wildlife encounters and are comfortable in open water. It’s ideal for those looking for a respectful, eco-conscious activity that offers rare access to nature’s gentle giants. If you’re traveling with children or family, the moderate age limit of 5+ makes it accessible, provided everyone is comfortable in the water.

The Sum Up

Swim in Moorea with humpback whales offers a combination of adventure, education, and natural beauty that’s hard to match. The small-group setting ensures closer encounters, and the presence of knowledgeable guides makes every moment more meaningful. While the price might seem high, the quality of the experience and the chance to interact directly with whales in their natural habitat provide real value for those eager to connect with marine life authentically.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, animal-loving travelers who want a respectful, deeply immersive experience. It’s perfect for those who treasure authentic encounters and are prepared to plan ahead to secure a spot during the short seasonal window.

FAQ

How many people are on this tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring a more intimate experience and better opportunities for close encounters.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, guide services, live commentary, hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks. Towels are not included.

When is this tour available?
It runs only from July 20 to November 20, aligning with the humpback whale migration season.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including boat time, water entry, and observation.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No previous experience is necessary, but you should feel comfortable in the water and be prepared for some physical activity involved in entering and exiting the water.

Can children join?
Yes, children from age 5 are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult and comfortable in the water.

This whale swim adventure in Moorea offers a rare opportunity to see and connect with one of nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural environment. With careful planning and respectful handling, this tour promises to be a highlight of any trip to French Polynesia—a truly memorable, life-affirming experience.