Moorea: Humpback Whale Swim & Boat Tour with Hydrophone

Summary

Swim with humpback whales in Moorea’s wild lagoon, listen to their songs, guided by locals who know these waters best

You’ll float in Moorea’s lagoon listening to real whale songs through a hydrophone before slipping into clear water to (maybe) swim alongside humpbacks—always guided by locals who respect their space. Expect moments of silence and sudden awe as you watch these giants surface or hear them sing beneath your fins.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the first time the boat engine cut out and everything just went weirdly quiet. It was early but already hot, and I could taste salt on my lips from the spray. Our guide, Hina, motioned for us to hush — she dropped a hydrophone into the water. Suddenly this deep, echoing song came up from below. I’d heard about humpback whales in Moorea before, but actually listening to them under our feet? Gave me goosebumps. Someone next to me whispered “it sounds like space,” which honestly, yeah.

I didn’t expect how much waiting there’d be — scanning the horizon, squinting at every splash or shadow. Hina kept us laughing though (she teased me for confusing a dolphin fin with a whale tail — fair). When we finally spotted two dark shapes surfacing near the reef, my heart was pounding so hard I almost forgot how to put my mask on. The water felt cooler than I thought it would when we slipped in. You can’t really describe seeing a humpback up close; they move slow but somehow you feel tiny and clumsy next to them. At one point I caught myself just floating there, not even breathing through my snorkel properly because I was so focused on watching a calf roll under its mother.

We didn’t always get close — sometimes Hina said no-go if the whales seemed stressed or the current picked up. She explained how important it is not to push it, which made sense once you saw how protective the mothers were. Still, just being out there with everyone quietly bobbing in the blue, listening for another song through that hydrophone… I still think about that part more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day whale watching tour

• Walk in the bay
• Observe humpback whales
• Listen to whale songs with hydrophone

Top questions

Can you swim with humpback whales in Moorea?

Yes, during July–November you may be able to swim with humpback whales on this tour if conditions allow.

Is swimming guaranteed on this whale tour?

No, swimming depends on whale behavior and weather; safety and animal respect come first.

How long does the Moorea whale tour last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours (half day).

Are snorkeling gear and drinks included?

Yes, masks, snorkels, fins and drinks are provided during the tour.

Can infants join this whale watching trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What months can you see whales in Moorea?

The main season is July through November each year.

Will we hear whale songs during the tour?

A hydrophone is used so you can listen to whale songs from the boat if whales are nearby.

What’s included

Your half-day includes boat time with a local guide who uses a hydrophone so you can listen for whale songs; all snorkeling equipment is loaned out (mask, snorkel, fins), and cold drinks are offered while onboard before returning after about four hours exploring Moorea’s lagoon together.