Have you ever dreamed of swimming side by side with some of Earth’s largest mammals? If your answer is yes, you need to put French Polynesia on your bucket list. It is one of the few places in the world you can legally swim with humpback whales.
Swimming with these beautiful animals is by far the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. I’ve swam with mothers and their newborn calves, playful juveniles, large male singers, and a group of 6 traveling whales! I’ve even been lucky enough to swim with a pod of rough tooth dolphins as they played with a juvenile humpback.
Rules & Regulations
During the months of July – November, the Antarctic population of humpbacks head to Mo’orea to give birth to their babies, mate, and rest. While there, the whales do not eat, and the mothers use all of their energy to produce milk for their newborn calves.
As they come to French Polynesia to rest, it is important to follow all regulations put in place to protect the whales in this environment. Due to these regulations, underwater observation is not allowed until August 1st, and the boats are not allowed to come within 100m (300ft) of the whales. This means that in order to reach them, swimmers need to be able to swim at least this distance (often more if the whales move around a bit). Other important regulations to keep in mind is that there is no free diving allowed with the whales, and no chasing them, especially mothers and calves.
Types Whale Swimming Tours
There are several options for booking whale swimming boats. These include public tours (the cheapest option), private tours, and group expeditions. Having done all three types of tours, here’s a few things I think are important to consider when deciding which is the best option for you and your family:
Public Tours
The first option is a public tour. They are the most affordable option typically costing $100-$150 USD/pp for 4 hours. Many will stop in the lagoon to swim with black tip reef sharks and sting rays at the end of the tour. However, public tours will often include people who are in Mo’orea for a cruise stop, or just doing whale swimming for a day and may not be as well educated on how to properly swim with whales.
Private Tours
Next are private tours, which are great because you can go at whatever speed is best for your group! In my case, when it was just my husband and I who are experienced swimmers, we were able to get in the water five times. During a four hour tour we swam with a mom & calf, juvenile, as well as fast moving adults multiple times. You also get to know your guides better and appreciate all their knowledge and experience. Private tours run $700-$1000 USD per half day (4 hours).
Group Expeditions
The last option is a group expedition. These trips usually run between 6-8 days and are organized by international companies or photographers. You also are with the same people every day who theoretically are coming just to swim with whales, so the group’s activity level is typically more consistent.
In 2022, my husband and I went on an expedition with Whale Swim, who organize your boat, accommodation, transportation while on the island, and most meals for the trip. Their team has worked together for many years and we had a really special experience bonding over our love of whales. These tours typically run about $4k-5k/pp for a week trip.
I have also been swimming with the following companies all who respect the whales and follow regulations set by French Polynesia:
For photography services on our private tour we hired the wonderful Joeva Dachelet. See her beautiful work here.
Swimming with humpback whales is an unbelievable and life changing experience. I will never get tired of playing with my giant best friends under the sea. If this is something that calls to your heart, I encourage you to go for it! You won’t regret it.
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