Swimming with Whales in Moorea: Small Group Tours

Get in the water with humpback whales on your terms

Swimming with humpback whales in Moorea is a 3 to 4 hour activity for up to 6 guests per boat, with a local guide, snorkeling equipment and the chance to encounter the whales that migrate through these waters between July and late November. Strong swimming ability and snorkeling experience are required to enter the water; those who prefer to watch from the boat can book the non-swimming option instead. Life jackets are required by French law unless you bring a neoprene wetsuit.

The Experience

The boat holds only 6 people, which is the government limit and what keeps the encounter unhurried. Your guide is a local waterman trained in respectful wildlife interaction—the team has been doing this since 1984—and knows where the humpbacks are moving and how to approach them without stress. The 3 to 4 hour outing runs between July and late November, when the whales are in Moorea's waters; other animals show up too depending on the day. Snorkeling equipment is on board if you need it, and bottled water is provided throughout.

Getting in the water requires strong swimming ability and snorkeling experience; ocean conditions and whale behavior can shift the effort from easy to moderate or harder. If you don't want to swim, you can watch the whole thing from the boat—the show is visible from the deck. French law requires a life jacket for all whale swimmers unless you're wearing a neoprene wetsuit (shorty or full suit); the operator has jackets on board and can arrange wetsuit rentals through a third party if you ask ahead. Your guide speaks English or French.

Pickup is included. Bring your own sunblock and towel; the operator does not provide them. If you have spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or are pregnant, this activity is not a fit—talk to the operator before booking if you have any health questions.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and bottled water.
• local guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup.

Good to know

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

Operated by Moorea Expedition

Is this one for you?Book this for a morning or afternoon when you're in Moorea between July and late November and want to swim with the whales instead of watching them from a distance—the 6-person limit and the guide's knowledge of the animals mean you're not part of a crowd, and you can choose to stay on the boat if the water isn't for you that day.

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Top questions

What are the humpback whales like when you swim with them in Moorea?

Humpback whales migrate through Moorea's waters between July and late November. The guide reads their behavior and approaches them in a way that keeps the animals calm; the small group size means you're not part of a crowd rushing at them. What you encounter depends on the day—sometimes you'll see calves, sometimes adults, sometimes other marine life instead.

Do I have to get in the water, or can I stay on the boat?

You can choose. If you want to swim with the whales, you need strong swimming ability and snorkeling experience. If you'd rather watch from the boat, the operator runs a non-swimming tour option—ask about it when you book.

What's the life jacket situation?

French law requires a life jacket for anyone swimming with whales, but you're exempt if you wear a neoprene wetsuit (a shorty or full suit counts). The boat has life jackets on board, and wetsuits are available to rent from a third party—contact the operator in advance if you need one.

How long is the tour and when does it run?

The tour is 3 to 4 hours long and operates between July and late November, when humpback whales are in Moorea's waters. Pickup is included.

What swimming and snorkeling experience do I need?

You need strong swimming ability and snorkeling experience to enter the water. Depending on ocean conditions and whale behavior, the effort can range from easy to moderate or more challenging. Snorkeling equipment is available on board if you need it.

What's included and what should I bring?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a local guide in English or French, and pickup. Bring your own sunblock and towel; the operator does not provide them.