Humpback Whale Snorkeling: Tahiti Peninsula with Guide

Whales approach close enough to hear their calls underwater.

Snorkel with humpback whales migrating through Tahiti Peninsula waters on a guided 4-hour excursion in small groups aboard a locally built boat. The crew provides safety equipment, snorkeling gear, guide commentary in English or French, and refreshments. Swimming ability and comfort in open ocean are required to enter the water with the whales, and sightings are not guaranteed.

The experience

Each October through November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to breed and calve in the warm waters around Tahiti, and this excursion puts you in the water with them during that window. The boat holds small groups and departs with a professional guide and captain trained in the regulations that govern approach distance and time in the water. If conditions allow and you meet the swimming requirements (comfortable in open ocean swell, able to swim 200 meters without assistance), you'll enter the water with a maximum of six snorkelers plus the guide. The crew handles all safety protocols and equipment setup.

The 4-hour outing includes snorkeling gear, a guide who explains whale behavior and migration patterns, bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea on board. Observations are not guaranteed. The whales' movements and sea conditions determine whether launching happens on any given day. Children under 12 and non-swimmers participate as observers on the boat instead, and children 12 to 18 need parental consent to enter the water. The crew reserves the right to keep anyone on board if conditions or individual comfort levels warrant it.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and safety gear.
• bottled water and snacks.
• hot coffee and tea.
• professional guide in English or French.
• captain and crew trained in whale approach regulations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 20 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Polyn'Easy Dive and Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in whichever language you choose. Strong swimmers who are at ease in open ocean swell get in the water. Everyone else observes from the boat and still sees the whales.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I snorkel with the whales if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Only swimmers comfortable in open ocean and able to swim at least 200 meters without help can enter the water with the whales. Non-swimmers and children under 12 stay on board as observers and still see the whales from the boat.

What happens if the whales don't show up that day?

Whale sightings are not guaranteed. The crew makes the decision to launch based on sea conditions and whale activity. You'll still get the full 4-hour excursion on the water, but launching with the whales may not happen.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, safety gear, guide service in English or French, bottled water, snacks, and hot beverages are all included. Gratuities are not included.

When can I actually go snorkeling with whales in Tahiti?

The whale season runs from July 20 through November 20, when humpbacks migrate through Tahiti Peninsula waters to breed. Outside that window, the activity does not operate.