Humpback Whales in French Polynesia 2024
Don't miss the opportunity to observe humpback whales and swim up close with these ocean giants
Best time: August–October
At the end of June or in early July, humpback whales come up from Antarctica to breed and give birth in the waters surrounding Tahiti, Moorea, Rurutu, and Bora Bora. During late October or November, when the newborn calves are strong enough, humpbacks migrate back to Antarctica.
Best time to see whales in French Polynesia
The peak season to observe whales in French Polynesia is between mid-August and late October. It's the best time to come if you want to see these majestic mammals, their amorous game, and the newborns. Some agencies offer excursions with professionally trained guides who help to ensure the marine mammals are respected and not bothered. If the weather is nice, and the whales are in a resting phase, you can even snorkel with them.
Best places to see whales in French Polynesia
Moorea is perhaps one of the best places for diving or snorkeling with whales. The island usually operates small tours with not more than 20 people per boat. In addition to whales, wildlife encounters in Moorea include dolphins, sharks, and rays. Another great location to swim with humpback whales is the remote Austral Islands. These islands are less touristic and definitely lie off the beaten path.
Humpback whales tours in French Polynesia
Moorea whales watching tour
French Polynesia provides a wide range of guided tours where you can not only watch but also swim with the whales. The Humpback Whale Swim and Snorkel Tour, for example, gives a chance to explore the depths of Moorea's spectacular lagoon with majestic humpback whales and spinner dolphins. The half-day cruise also includes pink whip ray stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, leopard rays, and grey sharks, all for $142.
Tahiti whales watching tour
Another option is the Tahiti Whales Watching Tour. With experienced guides and comfortable boats, the tour is suitable for all ages. The 3-hour trip has safe and respectful conditions for approaching the animals. Prices range from €85 to €145.
Rurutu whales watching tour
If you are looking for a whale-watching tour in Rurutu, Snorkeling with Humpback Whales tour could be one of the options. Over the weekend, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the company of humpback whale mothers and calves in the crystal-clear waters of Rurut. The package features 6 nights of accommodation, 5 full days of free diving with whales, an experienced humpback whale guide, airport transfers, and breakfast at the hotel.
Bora Bora whales watching tour
A Half Day Whale Watching Tour on Bora Bora promises a great experience, as the boat is equipped with a directional hydrophone that helps to locate whales by singing. The 3.5-hour tour provides the group with a professional guide and can be postponed due to bad weather conditions to put the maximum of chances to catch glimpses of whales. The Half Day Whale Watching Tour costs €125 for adults (ages 12+) and €109 for children
Practical info
When is the best time to observe humpback whales in French Polynesia?
Humpback whales in French Polynesia can be observed between mid-August and late October. Professional tour guides can provide excursions for interaction with these mammals. Snorkeling is also possible during favorable weather conditions.
Where are the best spots to dive with humpback whales in French Polynesia?
Moorea and the Austral Islands are popular spots for humpback whale diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. Moorea offers tours with a maximum of 20 individuals per boat, encounters with dolphins, sharks, rays, and humpbacks. Austral Islands, on the other hand, provide secluded tours, natural encounters with whales as they breach, and their eerie songs reverberating across the Pacific Ocean waves.
What other marine animals can be seen while swimming with humpback whales in Moorea?
Swimming with humpback whales in Moorea offers excitement beyond these massive sea creatures. Snorkeling unveils blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays, reef fish, and sea turtles. Dolphins can also swim and play alongside boats, providing another highlight for tourists to capture on video or stills.
When do humpback whales migrate back to Antarctica from French Polynesia?
Humpback whales leave French Polynesia to begin their return migration to Antarctica from late October to early November. During their stay in the waters surrounding Tahiti, Moorea, Rurutu, and Bora Bora, they mate and give birth to their calves. The long journey back to Antarctica, roughly 8,000 to 9,000 kilometres, occurs when their newborns are strong enough to undertake the journey.
Which islands in French Polynesia offer fewer tours and quieter wildlife encounters?
Tourism regulations, cultural traditions, and remote locations have preserved the natural habitat of the Austral Islands, rendering them quieter and with fewer tours. This location also provides an opportunity to swim with mother and calve in one of the few rare breeding spots in the world. Rurutu island, among the Austral Islands, is notably the best and renowned location to spot humpback whales in French Polynesia.
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