Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

Travelers looking for a truly unforgettable experience in French Polynesia often consider the chance to swim with humpback whales—one of nature’s most majestic creatures. The Swimming with Whales in Moorea tour offers just that, promising an intimate encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on over 260 reviews, it’s clear many visitors find it worth the expense and effort.

What makes this tour especially appealing? We love the focus on small-group intimacy and personalized guides who know their way around the ocean and its residents. Plus, the opportunity to see whales up close and personal—sometimes even swimming alongside them—is a rare treat. That said, it’s not a tour for everyone: strong swimming skills are a must, and the ocean conditions can be unpredictable, especially during rough seas.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who are comfortable in open water and eager for an authentic, eco-conscious encounter with marine life. Non-swimmers aren’t left out—they can stay on the boat and enjoy the sights. Overall, if you’re craving a connection with nature and don’t mind a bit of physical effort, this tour could be a highlight of your Moorea trip.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 6 guests) enhances personalized service and safety.
• Seasonal whale encounters from July to late November, with a focus on humpbacks.
• Strong swimming skills required for those wishing to join the water adventure.
• Respectful approach to whales, with guides emphasizing safety and conservation.
• Multiple water opportunities—up to three swims during the trip, depending on conditions.
• Includes snorkeling gear and bottled water, but you should bring sunblock and towels.
• Limited to about four hours, making it a manageable half-day excursion.
• Pricing around $305, offering good value given the exclusive experience.

There’s a certain thrill in the idea of swimming alongside whales, and this tour aims to make that a reality. The main goal is to find humpback whales—those enormous, soulful creatures—and give participants the chance to see and swim with them. The season runs from July through late November, and depending on ocean conditions and whale behavior, you might also encounter dolphins, stingrays, sharks, or turtles.

The experience begins with a pickup from your accommodation, making logistics simple and hassle-free, plus it keeps the group small—just six travelers per boat—which is crucial for maintaining a respectful distance from the whales and ensuring personalized attention. Arriving at Moorea Expeditions’ meeting point, you’ll board a small, well-equipped vessel that promises an intimate and less crowded atmosphere than larger tour boats.

What to Expect on the Tour

The core of the tour focuses on finding humpback whales. Once the guides spot the whales, their primary goal is to allow you to swim with them, if conditions permit. Due to new regulations in 2025, only six guests per boat are allowed to swim with humpbacks, which enhances safety and keeps the experience exclusive.

Snorkeling gear and flotation devices are provided—important for safety and comfort—though strong swimming abilities are necessary. Several reviews highlight that swimming with whales is a high-effort activity: you need to be comfortable in open water, confident with mask and snorkel, and prepared to move quickly. As one review notes, “You have to swim fast and be aware of your surroundings,” so this isn’t for the faint of heart.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the tour offers the chance to watch the show from the boat. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and professionalism, emphasizing their efforts to respect the whales’ space while maximizing opportunities for close encounters. When whales are near, it’s often a breathtaking moment to see a mother and her calf swim right past, sometimes just a few feet away.

The Marine Life and Environmental Focus

This tour is about more than just whale watching—it’s an educational experience. Guides typically share insights into whale behavior and the marine ecosystem, helping travelers appreciate the importance of conservation. Several reviews mention guides being extremely knowledgeable and giving clear safety instructions, which adds to the overall confidence and enjoyment.

What the Experience Feels Like

Imagine the silence of the open ocean, broken only by the songs of the whales and the splash of your snorkel. Some lucky travelers have described moments of looking a whale in the eye or seeing a baby whale swim just beside them, making it the stuff of dreams. As one reviewer puts it, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with a mom and her calf,” capturing just how special these encounters can be.

The Challenges

While the experience is often described as magical, it’s also clear that not everyone will be able to swim with the whales. Ocean conditions, whale behavior, and individual swimming ability all factor in. Several reviews mention choppy seas or the need for seasickness pills, so prepare accordingly. If you’re less confident in open water, you might prefer the non-swimming option—which still offers excellent viewing opportunities.

At approximately $305 per person, the price might seem steep, but when you consider the small group size, expert guides, and the chance to see whales in their natural environment, the value is quite high. Compared to larger, less personalized tours, this one emphasizes quality over quantity, creating a more meaningful experience.

The inclusion of snorkeling gear and bottled water keeps the essentials covered, but travelers should bring sunblock and towels—things that make a big difference for comfort and convenience. The half-day duration (around four hours) offers enough time to find whales, enjoy multiple swims or views, and return comfortably without feeling rushed.

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

Many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. One reviewer describes the guides as “very knowledgeable and gave clear instructions,” which greatly enhances safety and enjoyment. Several mention the respectful approach taken by the crew, emphasizing their care for the whales and the environment.

Others highlight how lucky they felt to see a mother and calf swim past, describing it as “breathtaking” and “unforgettable.” These authentic moments are precisely what this tour promises—an encounter that leaves a lasting impression.

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers comfortable with swimming and open water. It’s perfect if you seek an authentic, environmentally conscious encounter with marine life, especially humpback whales. Non-swimmers or those with limited swimming skills can still enjoy the trip from the boat, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The tour suits those who value small-group intimacy and personalized attention—a rarity in wildlife tours—and are willing to pay a premium for a chance to get close to these gentle giants. It’s also ideal for nature lovers who appreciate the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides and witness an incredible display of ocean life.

Final Thoughts

Whether you end up swimming with a mother and her calf or simply watching from the boat, this tour provides an authentic window into Moorea’s marine ecosystem. From the moment you’re picked up until you return, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the ocean and its creatures, guided by experts committed to safety and respect for nature.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and memorable experience in French Polynesia, this tour offers not just a fleeting glimpse but a chance to connect with the majestic whales in their natural habitat—something you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.

What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The tour is limited to 6 guests per boat, ensuring a more personal and intimate experience compared to larger excursions.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Yes, non-swimmers can stay on the boat and just enjoy watching the whales and other marine life, which many reviews highlight as a positive aspect.

When is the best time to do this tour?
The main whale season runs from July to late November, when humpback whales are in Moorea’s waters. The tour operates during this period, weather permitting.

What should I bring?
Bring sunblock, a towel, and any personal gear you might need. Snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided, but bringing your own wetsuit can be helpful if you want to avoid the French law requiring life jackets.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s best for travelers who are comfortable in open water and strong swimmers if they want to join the swim. Non-swimming options are available, making it more family-friendly.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides for their safety awareness, respect for whales, and ability to share interesting insights about marine life.

What if I don’t see whales?
While sightings are common during peak season, there’s no guarantee. The tour offers a full refund if canceled due to poor weather, and many reviews mention seeing dolphins, sharks, or other marine creatures even if whales aren’t spotted.

Are photographs included?
No, professional photos aren’t included, so bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro if you want to capture the moments.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour won’t be refunded, so plan accordingly.

Swimming with whales in Moorea is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those craving a genuine connection with wild marine life. With knowledgeable guides, careful attention to safety, and a focus on environmental respect, this tour delivers a meaningful experience. It’s best suited for adventurous, confident swimmers who want to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

While the price reflects the exclusivity and quality of the experience, many find it well worth the investment for the memories—and the stories—that will last a lifetime. Whether you swim alongside a mother and her calf or enjoy watching from the boat, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the majesty of Moorea’s ocean ecosystem.

Note: Always check current conditions and regulations, and consider bringing your own wetsuit if you prefer to avoid life jackets—French law allows wetsuit wear for whale swimming tours.