Whale Watching and Swim Tour Tahiti: Small Group, Max 6 Guests

Search for humpback whales in open ocean with a certified local guide and a maximum of six people aboard.

A small-group whale watching and snorkeling activity in Tahiti where you search for humpback whales with a certified guide and captain aboard a modern, comfortable boat. The tour runs four hours and includes wetsuits, snorkeling gear, towels, and snacks. In-water encounters happen only when sea conditions, whale behavior and safety allow: the guide assesses each situation and decides whether swimming is possible that day.

The experience

Humpback whales migrate to French Polynesian waters each year to breed and give birth, and this tour positions you to find them in open ocean. You'll travel with a maximum of six guests aboard a modern boat with sea leather cushions and shaded seating, guided by a certified local captain and guide who shares knowledge of whale behavior, migration patterns and conservation. The boat carries all snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and towels. You bring a strong swimming ability and comfort in open water.

Whale watching from the boat is guaranteed. In-water snorkeling alongside whales is not. The guide and captain assess sea conditions, visibility, whale behavior and safety regulations before deciding whether swimming is safe and respectful that day. If conditions allow and you meet the swimming requirements (confident in open ocean, able to fin-swim at a brisk pace for short intervals, between 15 and 65 years old), you can enter the water. A recovery sled at the back of the boat helps you exit the water safely. If conditions don't permit swimming, you observe and photograph whales from the boat, and can snorkel in sheltered areas if you choose.

The tour runs four hours and includes local snacks and fruit juice. Pickup is included. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet the boat at the departure point. You'll need to enter and exit the water independently and have the strength to use the recovery sled to reboard the boat.

What’s included

• The tour includes premium snorkeling masks, snorkels and fins.
• wetsuits and towels.
• local snacks and fruit juice.
• all safety equipment.
• and pickup to the departure point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 21 Nov

AgesAdult (9 to 65 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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 today

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wild Explorer Tahiti

Is this one for you?You search for whales from the boat with a small group of up to six people and a certified guide, so the experience stays intimate and personalized. In-water swimming happens only when the guide and captain judge conditions safe and respectful. If you're a strong, confident open-ocean swimmer between 15 and 65, you may get to snorkel alongside whales. If conditions don't allow it or you prefer to stay aboard, you watch and photograph from the boat instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim with the whales, or do I stay on the boat?

Swimming with whales depends on sea conditions, visibility, whale behavior and safety that day. The guide and captain decide whether in-water encounters are possible. If they're not, you watch and photograph whales from the boat, and can snorkel in sheltered areas instead. Swimming requires you to be a strong, confident open-ocean swimmer between 15 and 65 years old, able to fin-swim at a brisk pace for short intervals.

What happens if we don't see whales?

Humpback whales migrate to Tahiti's waters each year to breed and give birth, so sightings are likely during the season. The guide and captain search actively, sharing knowledge of whale behavior and ocean conditions along the way. Whale watching from the boat is the core of the experience, whether or not in-water swimming occurs.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes premium snorkeling masks, snorkels and fins; wetsuits; towels; local snacks and fruit juice. All snorkeling and safety equipment is provided. Pickup is included. You can also use public transportation to meet the boat.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is six guests, ensuring an intimate experience with the guide and captain aboard a modern, comfortable boat with shaded seating.

What swimming ability do I need?

For whale swims, you should be comfortable fin-swimming in open ocean at a brisk pace for short intervals and be a confident, strong swimmer. You must be between 15 and 65 years old and able to enter and exit the water independently, with enough strength to use the recovery sled to reboard the boat. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay on the boat or snorkel only in sheltered areas.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs four hours, including time searching for whales, possible snorkeling, and time aboard the comfortable boat with shaded seating.