Swim with Humpback Whales
in french polynesia
rurutu, Austral archipelago
AUGUST - OCTOBER
rurutu whale swim: Expedition description
Every year from August to October, thousands of humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the crystal clear shallows of the South Pacific to give birth, raise their calves, and mate.
This program combines swimming with humpback whales and immersion within Polynesian culture — our goal is to help you become one with the people, whales, and ocean.
We get away from the more touristy Mo’orea and Tahiti (and the 20+ boats), to the small island of Rurutu in French Polynesia’s remote Austral Archipelago (pop. 2400), where there are currently only 5 tourism boats on the island. This small island becomes your home and the Tavita family becomes your family for the week.
During this trip, you live with them and learn about what makes the island unique through the smiles, music, food, whales, nature, legends, and mana — the life force of this magical place.
More information on the expedition…
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Most common species:
Humpback Whales
Also chance of seeing:
Reef Sharks - white tip, black tip, grey
Pilot Whales
Lots of Fish
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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner cooked by our amazing hose family. All delicious fresh food!
All nights accommodation (double occupancy, single occupancy upgrades sometimes available)
All Boat Tours and Activities mentioned up to 7 boat trips
Afternoon activities
Guide and Captains
Photos and Videos
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Flights/transfers to Austral Islands (Exact location will be revealed once you reserve)
Extra food & drinks not mentioned above
Tips/gratuity - we are not fans of the forced tipping culture. So, if you feel inclined to leave a tip because you had an amazing time and you feel we did an exceptional job, the team would be delighted and grateful for your generosity :)
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Full snorkel gear - Snorkel, Mask, Fins, Weight Belt, Wetsuit (Recommended 3-5mm long - water temperatures averages range from 22°C/72°F - 27°C/81°F)
Warm clothing - it can get cold in the early morning and evenings).
Waterproof clothing - especially on the boat, when wet and with the wind it can get cold.
Reef safe sunscreen/protection
A good attitude :) this is nature, there are no guarantees with what we can see, and being on a remote island there aren’t luxuries.
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$4500 USD per person.
Early bird price $4250 USD per person until 1st January 2025
More than just swimming with humpback whales…
This trip isn’t just about seeing the wildlife, it’s about indulging in Polynesian culture.
The Tavita family are some of the nicest, most welcoming people you will ever meet. Rurutu island is home to many wild fruits and veg, that we can learn about and harvest ourselves with the family, which will then be served up fresh for dinner!
During the season there can be cultural events that we are invited to, where many of the locals all gather to sing and dance, and proudly show their heritage.
“The whales were obviously incredible, but the thing I will really take home are the memories with the Tavita family!”
Start as strangers. Leave as family :)
Dates Available
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Group Leader: Jamie
Session 1: Aug 25 - Sep 1 (1 spot available)
Session 2: Sep 1-8 (SOLD OUT)
Session 3: Sep 8-15 (SOLD OUT)
Session 4: Sep 15-22 (SOLD OUT)
Group Leader: TBD
Session 5: Sep 22-29
Session 6: Sep 29 - Oct 6
Session 7: Oct 6-13
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Group Leader: TBD
Session 1: Aug 31 - Sep 7
Session 2: Sep 7 - 14
Session 3: Sep 14 - 21
Session 4: Sep 21 - 28
Session 5: Sep 28 - Oct 5
(More sessions possible to open)
Itineraries
*Please note that the itinerary may change slightly due to weather, current marine life sighting reports, and other factors out of our control.
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Day 1: Arrival! Wooooo!!
Arrive, meet and greet in Secret Location
Check in to accommodation
Relax, check out the quiet sunset beach spot.
Family Style Dinner
Day 2-7: Adventure days!!
Breakfast
Boat Day
Lunch at host family’s restaurant
Afternoon activity (Island tour, hikes, beach strolls, and more)
Hangout and Family style dinner
Day 8 - Time to leave :(
Breakfast
Say final goodbye’s
Fly back to Tahiti
Book on to another expedition and di it all again!! ;-D
Area Information
Weather:
The Austral Islands are characterized by tropical conditions with warm temperatures, high humidity, and some rainy days, typical of many South Pacific islands. Evenings tend to be cold, so bring long pants and a jacket/jumper.
Temperature:
19-26°C / 66-79°F
Water temp:
22-24°C / 70-77°F
