Swim with Humpback Whales
in french polynesia
location revealed after booking
whale swim: Expedition description
This 7-day expedition takes you to a remote, secret location in French Polynesia — far from the tourist crowds — where only three boats operate in the entire area. You’ll head out on 7 dedicated whale trips, offering rare, respectful encounters with these gentle giants. This expedition we are focusing more on the whales and water activities!
Afternoons are free to hike, kayak, paddleboard, or enjoy wildlife presentations — the perfect balance of adventure and connection.
This expedition is limited to just 8 people - current laws allow 6 people in the water at a time, so there will be a rotation where 2 people observe from the boat during each swim.
If you’re after an off-the-grid, whale-focused experience… this is it.
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, hammerhead, oceanic white tip
Dolphins
Pilot Whales
Lots of Fish
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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - fresh food cooked in our eco lodge
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 Papeete, Tahiti (Exact location will be revealed once you reserve)
Extra food & drinks not mentioned above
Tips/gratuity - 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 and weights (there are no weights in the lodge so you must bring your own)
Wetsuit (Recommended 2-3mm short or long - water temperatures averages range from 25°C/77°F to 28°C/82°F)
Warm clothing - it can sometimes 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
Mosquito repellent - we are in the jungle, there are lots of mosquitos.
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.
This expedition is limited to 8 guests. Due to new regulations in French Polynesia, only 6 people are allowed in the water with whales at a time — so we will have a rotation system for entering the water, each jump 2 people will observe from the boat.
Want to join us?
Where will you be staying?
For this expedition, we stay at a small, family-run pension in a remote area accessible only by boat, this hidden gem offers a rare kind of peace — the kind that’s hard to find in a world that never stops buzzing.
The property has five unique bungalows, each with fans and comfortable beds. Meals are prepared locally using fresh ingredients and traditional Polynesian home cooking. It’s a simple but comfortable stay that combines boutique-style accommodation with an authentic homestay experience.
Surrounded by lush greenery, local fruit trees, and tropical flowers, the lodge sits right on the water, with direct access to kayaking and snorkeling in vibrant, untouched lagoons. Fall asleep to the sound of waves. Wake up to birdsong and fresh fruit.
It’s not just where you stay — it’s part of the adventure.
Dates Available 2026
4 - 17 October: SOLD OUT
18 - 24 October: SOLD OUT
Want to join us?
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!!
Take shuttle from Meeting point in Papeete to our our boat which will take us to our remote location.
Arrive by boat, meet and greet in Secret Location
Check in to accommodation
Relax, check out the quiet sunset beach spot.
Welcome briefing
Family Style Dinner
Day 2-6: Adventure days!!
Breakfast
4 hour boat trip (up to 7 trips during 5 days)
Lunch
Afternoon activity (2 extra boat trips, hikes, beach strolls, educational talks and more)
Hangout and Family style dinner
Day 7 - Time to leave :(
Breakfast
Say final goodbye’s
Travel back to Papeete
Book onto another expedition and do it all again!! ;-D
Area Information
Weather:
The French Polynesia is 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:
19-28°C / 66-82°F
Water temp:
25-27°C / 77-81°F
(2-3mm wetsuit recommended)
Water visibility
15-30m / 45-60ft
Want to join us?
in addition to the secret location, we have a expeditions in rurutu too:
2026 dates
now available
CLICK HERE to see full details!
