WHALE TOUR – Watching and Swimming with Whales

Travelers dreaming of a close encounter with the majestic humpback whales will find this Moorea tour to be a compelling option. Offered by Temoana Tours, this 4-hour experience promises not just the thrill of spotting whales but also the rare chance to swim alongside them in their natural habitat. With a stellar rating of 5.0 from dozens of reviews, the tour thrills many while maintaining a respectful, eco-conscious approach.

What we love about this tour is the dedicated, knowledgeable guides who demonstrate genuine passion and respect for the creatures and the ocean. Also, the small group size—up to six travelers— ensures personalized attention and less crowded, more intimate moments with the whales. On the flip side, some might find the weather conditions variable, and because the tour is weather-dependent, sightings are not guaranteed. Still, if you’re after an authentic, respectful, and well-organized whale experience, this tour suits travelers who value quality over quantity and are prepared for the physical activity involved.

Who is this Tour Best For?

If you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone eager to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, this whale tour will resonate deeply. It’s particularly ideal for those comfortable with physical activity—swimming with whales isn’t a casual stroll—and for travelers who appreciate guides with a deep respect for wildlife. Families with well-swimming kids, seasoned snorkelers, and those on a quest for a meaningful, eco-friendly encounter will find this tour especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of six travelers, expect a more personalized and less crowded adventure.
• Eco-Respectful Approach: Guides prioritize the safety of both whales and guests, observing wildlife from a respectful distance.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides with over 15 years of experience lead the tours, enhancing understanding and safety.
• Flexible and Weather-Dependent: The tour proceeds only when conditions are safe and whales are active, which may mean some waiting.
• Authentic Encounters: Many reviews highlight close-up views and swimming with whales, including mothers and calves.
• Value for Money: At $327.95, the tour is considered a worthwhile investment given the memorable experience and expert guidance.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Meeting Point and Departure

The tour begins at the Quai des croisières in Moorea, a conveniently located spot for travelers staying on the island. The company offers pickup options, making logistics more straightforward, especially if you’re staying at a hotel or nearby.

The Boat and Group Size

You’ll be on a small boat—a crucial point for many reviews praising the intimate setting. The boat’s open-air design means you’ll be directly exposed to the elements, which some might find invigorating or challenging depending on the weather. The maximum of six participants ensures that everyone gets ample opportunity to see the whales up close, with the guides able to focus on individual safety and experience.

The Search and Observation Phase

Once underway, your guides will scan the waters for signs of whales—blowing, tail slapping, or breaching—and will only proceed with launching into the water when conditions are safe and the whales are behaving naturally. This cautious approach is key to respecting the animals and ensuring a meaningful encounter.

Swimming with Whales

The highlight for many is the chance to swim with humpbacks—an activity that’s both exhilarating and requires a decent level of swimming ability, as noted in reviews. Expect to be in the water for short periods, but those moments can be profound. Multiple reviews mention seeing mothers and calves close by, sometimes just a few meters away, creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Return and Additional Experiences

After the whale encounters, the tour winds down back at the meeting point. Many travelers choose to follow up with a lunch in Moorea, often mentioning the opportunity to swim among sharks and stingrays at nearby motus, which can be another highlight of your day.

What to Expect During the Tour

Weather and Sea Conditions

Because this tour depends on weather and whale behavior, you might find yourself waiting patiently or adjusting expectations. Some reviews mention large swells and choppy waters, which can make the experience more physically demanding. It’s recommended to have moderate to good physical fitness and be comfortable in open water environments.

Guide and Crew

The guides are consistently praised for their dedication, professionalism, and passion. They’re attentive to safety, respectful of the whales, and eager to enhance your understanding of marine life. For example, one reviewer said, “Nicolas and Henua made our experience a 10/10,” describing their knowledgeable and caring approach.

Duration and Group Size

At about four hours, the tour is a manageable half-day activity—long enough to have a good chance of seeing whales but not so long as to become tiring. The small group size makes it easier to follow instructions and get in the water multiple times if the opportunity arises.

Cost and Value

At $327.95 per person, this tour sits on the higher end, but reviews suggest it delivers excellent value. Participants often emphasize the quality of guides and the intimacy of the experience, which can be worth the extra expense. The inclusion of pickup service adds to the overall convenience.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback

What Travelers Loved

Many reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with comments like “Henua was a super cool guy,” and “Nicolas and Henua made our experience a 10/10.” The close-up interactions with whales, especially swimming with a mother and her calf, stand out as the most memorable moments. Several mention the respectful, non-intrusive approach of the guides, which enhances the authenticity and ethics of the experience.

Challenges and Considerations

A few reviews point out unpredictable whale behavior, which means sightings and swimming opportunities can vary. Some found the weather conditions harsh, with rain and large waves, making the experience physically demanding. A rare critique involved perceived inconsistency in whale proximity and the number of opportunities to swim, but overall, most found the experience worthwhile.

The Value of This Tour

For the price, you’re paying for more than just a boat ride—you’re investing in expert guidance, small-group intimacy, and a respectful encounter with these gentle giants. The guides’ commitment to marine conservation and safety reassures travelers that their experience benefits both humans and whales.

Considering the variety of reviews, the high praise for guides, and the authenticity of encounters, this tour offers a compelling reason to visit Moorea with the goal of witnessing one of nature’s most incredible spectacles.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are comfortable in open water and eager for a personal, respectful wildlife encounter. It’s ideal for those who value expert guides and are willing to wait for the right conditions. Families with capable swimmers, seasoned snorkelers, and eco-conscious travelers will find this especially rewarding. If your goal is to see whales up close and in a natural, non-intrusive way, this trip fits the bill.

The Sum Up

This Moorea whale tour from Temoana Tours offers a quality, intimate, and environmentally sensitive experience that many reviews rate as unforgettable. The combination of small group size, experienced guides, and the chance to swim with humpbacks makes for a compelling adventure, especially for those eager to connect with nature in an authentic way. While weather and animal behavior can influence the experience, the dedication of the crew to safety and conservation shines through.

If you’re seeking a meaningful outdoor activity that balances excitement with respect for wildlife, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want more than a quick glance at whales and are prepared for a physically active, emotional encounter in the open sea.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 4 hours, allowing enough time for whale searching, observation, and swimming.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup options are offered, making it easier to get to the meeting point in Moorea.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and less crowding.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Yes, swimming with whales requires a moderate level of physical fitness and swimming ability, as noted in reviews.

What if I don’t see whales?
Since the tour is weather and whale activity dependent, sightings aren’t guaranteed, but guides do their best to find the whales.

Is the tour environmentally responsible?
Absolutely. Guides prioritize the safety and respect of the whales, observing strict distances and ethical standards.

Can children join?
While not explicitly mentioned, the physical activity suggests it’s best suited for travelers with good swimming skills and moderate fitness.

What should I wear?
Expect to be in a small open boat, so wear appropriate swimwear, a rash guard or sun protection, and bring a towel.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe, with full refunds available if canceled due to poor weather.