MOOREA, Tahiti

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Discover the ultimate adventure Swimming with humpbacks in Tahiti. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside majestic humpbacks in their natural habitat on an exclusive, small-group tour. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Moorea, guided by experts who ensure a safe and ethical encounter with these incredible creatures. My inclusive packages cover everything from accommodation, transfers and boat trips making your experience seamless and unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned whale swimmer or a first-timer, my whale swim package offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and witness the magic of humpbacks up close.

Where We Are Staying

Moorea – my favourite little slice of paradise and one of true jewels of the Pacific. Just a quick 25-minute ferry ride from the mainland, this island has it all: white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, lush green mountains, and that laid-back Polynesian charm that’s impossible not to fall in love with. Out on the peaceful west coast, Haapiti Beach is one of my happy places – soft sand, calm turquoise water, and sunsets that will take your breath away. Our place is right on the lagoon, with bungalows that look up to jurassic mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.

In addition to swimming with whales you can enjoy other activities from paddle boarding and kayaking to snorkelling, hiking, and beyond ….all from our resort (relaxing and doing absolutely nothing at all in the afternoons is also an option). However you spend your time here, you’ll feel the magic of Moorea from the moment you arrive.

swimming with humpbacks

Each day, we spend approximately four hours on the water for our whale swimming experience in Tahiti. Our boat carries a small group of 10 guests, accompanied by an experienced skipper, a whale swim guide, and me as your trip leader.

To ensure a safe and respectful experience, guests are divided into two groups, taking turns entering the water. The decision of when and how to swim with the humpbacks is always at the discretion of the captain and guide, prioritising respectful interactions that allow these incredible creatures to return to Moorea year after year.

Every humpback swim is unique, ranging from peaceful moments with resting whales to exciting encounters with playful calves. Whether it’s a slow-moving mother and calf or a high-energy heat run, we adjust each drop accordingly, always keeping the humpbacks’ best interests in mind.

Swimming & Fitness

The encounters involve swimming at the surface with snorkels rather than scuba diving, allowing for a low-impact interaction with the humpbacks. While deep dives are occasionally permitted under the guide’s discretion, most of the time, participants will remain at the surface.

It’s important that all guests are confident swimming in open water and can tread water comfortably. Some encounters require extended periods of swimming, making familiarity with your gear essential. The experience of swimming with humpbacks can vary from tranquil to physically demanding, depending on ocean conditions and the whales movements.

As these are wild animals, every day brings different opportunities, and while we aim for incredible encounters, we cannot guarantee lengthy humpback swims daily.

Gear

For the best humpback swimming experience, I recommend investing in high-quality snorkel gear, including a properly fitted mask, snorkel, and fins. A well-fitted wetsuit (1.5–3mm) is also recommended, as you’ll be in the water for extended periods.

Being comfortable in your gear is crucial, so practice using it before your trip. A good setup can make or break your swimming experience. If you need recommendations, feel free to reach out to me.

The Boat

At over ten meters long and six meters wide, this catamaran is the perfect way to get out on the water and experience nature up close. Even with all that space, we keep it intimate – only 10 guests plus crew on board – so there’s plenty of room to relax.

From the 40-square-meter deck, you’ll have incredible views of the lagoon, the island of Moorea, and the endless Pacific Ocean. A canopy overhead keeps you shaded from the hot island sun (and the occasional tropical shower), so your trip is comfortable from start to finish.

Getting in the water is easy, the boat has a sturdy ladder with two handrails, making it easy to slip in for a swim or snorkel.

Our captain, Maire was born and raised right here in Moorea, and he knows this lagoon the way only someone who grew up with boats and surfboards as part of daily life can – with instinct, passion, and a deep love for the ocean.

With over twenty years of experience, he’s our very own Aquaman – a true man of the sea – guiding guests with warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine respect for nature. Since 2001, Maire has been known as one of Moorea’s most skilled and trusted whale guides, admired not just for his expertise, but for the way he honours and protects these incredible animals.

Photography

Capturing your whale swimming experience is encouraged, and you’re welcome to bring GoPros or underwater cameras. I will have my camera onboard daily and can share photography tips back at the resort. However, I also recommend taking some moments to put the camera down and fully immerse yourself in the experience of swimming with humpbacks—the memories will last a lifetime.

Getting to Moorea from Tahiti

To begin your humpback swimming adventure, you'll first need to fly to Faaʼa International Airport, also known as Tahiti International Airport, is the international airport of French Polynesia. Then make your way to Moorea island. Moorea is located about 44 km (27 miles) from Tahiti, and you can get there by ferry or plane.

Ferry:
The ferry is the most popular and affordable option. Three companies – Aremiti, Terevau, and Vaeara’i – operate multiple daily trips between Papeete (Tahiti) and Vaiare (Moorea). The crossing takes 30–45 minutes, depending on the vessel. Boarding is from the ferry terminal in central Papeete, close to shops and restaurants. Ferries run from about 5:00 am to 5:00 pm; there are no night crossings. Advance booking is recommended during busy periods such as weekends and holidays. Most ferries can carry both passengers and vehicles.

Plane:
For the fastest option, Air Tahiti offers flights from Tahiti Faa’a International Airport to Moorea Temae Airport. The flight takes about 10 minutes. While flying is more expensive than the ferry, it can be a good choice if you are connecting directly from an international flight or if ferry times do not match your schedule.

Both options are reliable and offer beautiful views of the ocean and islands along the way.

Currency Exchange

Currency in Tahiti
The official currency of Tahiti and all of French Polynesia is the CFP franc (XPF), which is pegged to the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, larger shops, and many restaurants, but smaller businesses, local markets, and some excursions may require cash.

What to Expect & What to Bring

• ATMs are available in Papeete and on Moorea.

• Currency exchange is available at airports, some banks, and major hotels, but rates are usually better at ATMs.

• Bring a Visa or Mastercard (they’re the most widely accepted). American Express is accepted in some places but not everywhere.

• Tipping is not customary, but small gestures of appreciation for exceptional service are welcomed.

• Prices in Tahiti are generally higher than in many countries, as most goods are imported.

Tip: Always carry some small change and lower-value notes for roadside fruit stands, snacks, or souvenirs in local markets.

Food / Local cuisine

All breakfast are included in the package and 2 dinners out (first and last night).
For the rest of the week you have the option to eat your own meals at home or head out to see what the island has to offer.
For those who prefer to have their own food we will do a supermarket trip on day 2, after your first whale swim.

One of my favourite things about Moorea is the food – it’s such a tasty mix of fresh island flavours and French flair. You’ll see a lot of beautiful, fresh-caught fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and lagoon fish, and you’ve got to try poisson cru – it’s the national dish, raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk, and it’s delicious. Tropical fruits are everywhere (the pineapples here are some of the sweetest you’ll ever taste), along with coconut in both sweet treats and savoury dishes.

You can eat your way around the island at casual beach cafés, local food trucks (called roulottes), or go all out at one of the fancier French-Polynesian restaurants in the resorts. Thanks to the French influence, there’s no shortage of fresh baguettes and pastries too – perfect with your morning coffee. Most places are open-air and laid-back, so you can enjoy your meal with a view of the lagoon, mountains, or a perfect Moorea sunset.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moorea, transfer to our resort, relax and settle in for the afternoon, dinner out and welcome briefing.
Day 2: Swimming with humpbacks, depart in the morning (4 hours on the water). Shopping trip to supermarket for those who wish to buy food for the week.
Day 3 - 6 : Morning humpback whale swims, afternoon exploring the island, snorkelling, or relaxing !
Day 7: Final humpback swim in the afternoon, farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure day, transfer to Ferry terminal or domestic airport.

Please note: The itinerary may change based on weather conditions and whale activity.

Payment Options

Payments can be made via bank transfer to my New Zealand bank account or through Wise.com for secure international transactions.