Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

Imagine standing on the deck of a boat in the crystal-clear waters of Moorea, knowing that in just a little while, you might be in the water swimming alongside some of the most majestic creatures of the ocean—humpback whales. That’s what this Swimming with Whales in Moorea tour promises. It’s an adventure that’s as awe-inspiring as it sounds, drawing travelers who crave genuine encounters with nature and love marine life.

What really draws people in are the personalized small-group setting and the chance to see whales in their wild habitat—not a zoo or a tank. Plus, the option for non-swimmers to stay warm and dry on the boat while everyone else ventures into the water is a thoughtful touch. But, of course, there are considerations, like the need for strong swimming skills and the unpredictable nature of seeing whales, which can affect your overall experience.

This tour is perfect for those who are genuinely eager to connect with marine mammals in their natural environment and who are comfortable in open water. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience, are okay with the chance of not seeing whales every time, and value guides who know their stuff, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Small group size: Only six guests per boat, ensuring more personalized attention.
• Seasonal focus: The main goal is to swim with humpback whales between July and late November.
• Age and skill requirements: Strong swimming abilities and snorkeling experience are necessary.
• Experience from the boat: Non-swimmers or those who prefer to stay dry can enjoy the scenery from the boat.
• Regulations: French law requires life jackets unless you wear a wetsuit.
• Additional marine encounters: Dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and turtles may also appear.

What to Expect from the Tour

This half-day adventure kicks off with a convenient pickup, usually from your Moorea accommodation, making the start smooth and hassle-free. The tour lasts around 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the water, see wildlife, and soak up the island’s stunning scenery. The small group size—limited to just six people—means everyone gets more attention, and guides can focus on safety and educational insights.

The Core Objective: Swimming with Humpback Whales

Between July and late November, your main goal is to encounter and swim alongside humpback whales. These gentle giants visit Moorea waters during this season, and with a little luck, you’ll get to see a mother and her calf or a male whale resting. It’s important to note that per government regulation, only 6 guests are allowed to swim with whales at a time, which helps protect the animals and ensures a more intimate experience.

The Water Experience

Snorkeling gear and flotation devices are provided, but it’s essential that you feel comfortable in open water. The effort involved can be moderate to challenging depending on ocean conditions and whale behavior. Guides emphasize safety and respecting the whales’ space, so patience and confidence in snorkeling are needed. If you prefer to stay dry, you can enjoy watching the whales from the boat, which many reviews commend as a worthwhile alternative.

The Legal and Safety Aspects

French law mandates life jackets for whale swimming tours, but there’s an option to bring your own wetsuit—either a shorty or a full suit—to bypass this requirement. The crew provides life jackets on board, and wetsuits are also available for rent through third-party suppliers.

The Experience Itself: A Closer Look

Many travelers praise the knowledge and professionalism of the guides. One reviewer called their guide “very knowledgeable,” appreciating the insights into whale behavior and marine life. This educational aspect adds depth beyond just the thrill of swimming with whales; it helps you understand and respect these creatures more profoundly.

The Moments that Shine

Several reviews mention breathtaking moments, like swimming alongside a mother and her calf, or watching whales surface right in front of them. As one guest shared, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with a mom and baby whale,” highlighting the extraordinary encounters possible here.

Others appreciated how respectful the guides were, ensuring the whales weren’t stressed or disturbed. Someone noted, “The guide respected the whales and made sure we didn’t stress them,” which is crucial for ethical wildlife tourism.

The Variability of Encounters

While many rave about seeing whales—sometimes multiple whales or even a calf and its mother—others mention that whale sightings are not guaranteed each tour. One review said, “It was a great experience even though we saw no whales and the seas were rough,” which reminds us that nature can be unpredictable. But even in such cases, travelers still enjoyed dolphin swims or spectacular views from the boat.

The Challenge of Open Water Swimming

A recurring theme is that the swimming part requires strong skills. Several reviews emphasize the importance of being comfortable snorkeling and moving swiftly in open water. For instance, one traveler noted, “You need to swim fast and be aware of your surroundings,” which means this tour isn’t suited for everyone.

The Cost: Is It Worth It?

At roughly $305 per person, this experience isn’t cheap—yet, many mention it offers true value. The small-group size, expert guides, and the chance to see whales up close make it a special, intimate experience that justifies the price for marine wildlife lovers. Plus, being able to swim with whales in their natural habitat makes it a bucket-list-worthy activity.

The Itinerary and Practical Details

The tour starts from Moorea Expedition, where you’ll be picked up and transported to the boat. Once on board, the crew explains safety procedures, snorkeling equipment, and what to expect. As you set out into the water, you’ll be on the lookout for whales—guided by experienced staff who track whale movements.

If whales are spotted, the crew will position the boat carefully, respecting regulations and the whales’ comfort. Guests then have the opportunity to swim alongside the whales—which can include a mother and her calf or a male whale—sometimes multiple times, if conditions allow. Some reviewers mention that they got to enter the water twice, which significantly enhances the experience.

On days with no whale sightings, the trip still offers valuable time on the water, dolphin sightings, and the chance to enjoy Moorea’s scenic beauty from a boat. Non-swimmers or those preferring not to enter the water can stay on the boat and enjoy views of the whales breaching or spouting.

What to Bring

• Wetsuit is highly recommended if you want to avoid wearing a life jacket, as French law allows exemption if you’re in a wetsuit.
• Sunblock and towel aren’t included, so bring your own.
• A GoPro or underwater camera is a good idea to capture those unforgettable moments.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The small group size of just six travelers creates a more relaxed environment, with plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention. Many reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable guides make the experience feel safe and educational.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who’s confident snorkeling and eager to swim with whales in their natural environment, this tour offers a rare chance. The small-group setting and expert guides make it a more intimate, quality experience, especially since you’re not just watching whales from a distance but actually sharing the water with them.

The experience shines brightest if you’re flexible, patient, and genuinely interested in marine life. The chances of encountering whales are high during the season, but as with any wildlife tour, nature can be unpredictable. If you’re looking for a well-organized, responsible way to see and swim with whales, it’s hard to beat this trip.

However, if you’re not comfortable in open water or lack snorkeling experience, you might want to consider the boat-only viewing option or look for tours that are less demanding physically.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are fit and confident snorkelers, eager for a personalized adventure with marine mammals. It’s ideal for those who value guides with extensive knowledge and are willing to accept the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. If you’re after a shared, ethical, and immersive experience, this tour checks many boxes.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join?
Yes, strong swimming skills are required, as the tour involves entering open water and moving quickly in sometimes challenging conditions.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Non-swimmers can stay on the boat and watch the whales from there, enjoying the scenery without entering the water.

Are wetsuits available?
Yes, wetsuits are available for rent through a third party, which can help you avoid wearing a life jacket, fulfilling French legal requirements.

What is the maximum group size?
Only 6 guests are allowed per boat, providing a more intimate experience and better attention from guides.

When is the best time to go whale swimming in Moorea?
The main season runs from July through late November, when humpback whales visit the waters.

What marine animals might I see besides whales?
Dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and turtles are also possible sightings during the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring your own sunblock and towel. A wetsuit is recommended if you prefer not to wear a life jacket. An underwater camera or GoPro is great for capturing moments.

What happens if we don’t see whales?
If whales aren’t spotted, the tour still provides valuable time on the water and the chance to see other marine life, with full refunds possible if canceled due to poor weather.

In summary, this Moorea whale tour offers a meaningful chance to witness and even swim with some of the ocean’s most graceful creatures, guided by knowledgeable professionals in a small, friendly group. It’s an adventure that rewards patience and confidence, creating memories that will stay with you long after you leave the island.