Close Encounters with Humpback Whales in French Polynesia 2026

Close Encounters With Humpback Whales In French Polynesia 2026

Join Bluewater's trip to French Polynesia, where you can have a close encounter with a whale 10 minutes after leaving the dock.

Why Join This Trip?

• Best in-water humpback whale experience in the world
• Possibly the most beautiful island on the planet
• A resort and island so beautiful it will leave an ever-lasting impression
• A third of the travel time of Tonga for most guests
• Aimed at Adventurers - to provide the best possible experience, this trip includes some elements that are best suited to adventure travelers
• Snorkeler to Guide ratio is 6:1
• 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
• Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

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Trip Overview

This unforgettable Moorea whale snorkeling journey begins in Tahiti, followed by a scenic ferry crossing to the lush island of Moorea, where guests enjoy a seven-night stay with a choice of accommodation ranging from charming beachfront simplicity to refined resort luxury. The heart of the trip is five full days on the water searching for and swimming alongside majestic humpback whales surrounded by crystal-clear seas, exploring the islands, and enjoying additional activities.

Click the Whale Tourism logo to learn more!

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3* Hotel Kaveka Package Details

Our 3* Hotel Kaveka Package is based at simple but affordable beachfront accommodation, 20 minutes walk from town. This trip is perfect for guests whose main goal is to get in the water with whales and are happy with basic accommodation.

4* Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites Package Details

Our Cook's Bay Resort package is based at Moorea's newest resort. Brand new 4* accommodation makes for an affordable trip without compromising on a superior on-water experience. This trip is perfect for guests are looking to enjoy the best experience at an affordable price.

5* Manava Beach Resort & Spa Package Details

Our new 5* Manava Beach Resort & Spa Package benefits from one of the best resorts in Moorea. Superior accommodation in a more desirable location, Meet and Greet at the airport, transfers to and from Moorea, and a sunset cruise dinner on your last evening. This trip is perfect for guests seeking the ultimate Moorea experience, both on the boat, in the water, and at the resort.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 (Arrival and Check-In Day)

• Travel to Moorea (see How to Get There section for advice on flight and ferry timings).
• Check in to Moorea resort from 2pm.
• Meet the group for a briefing in the hotel’s main bar, normally before dinner.
• Evening free to join the group for a meal or make your own plans.

Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Full-Day Whale Snorkeling)

• Early morning pick-up and departure from the jetty. The exact time will be confirmed during the briefing, but it will be approximately 7am.
• All day on the boat looking for whales. Please note that there is no bathroom available onboard.
• Lunch on the boat.
• Return to the jetty between approximately 2pm and 4pm.
• Evening free to join the group for a meal or make your own plans.

Day 7 (Free Day)

• Free day to relax or explore the island. Ask us for suggested activities.

Day 8 (Check-Out and Departure Day)

• Check out from Moorea resort.
• Store luggage, relax and use resort facilities until ready to return to Tahiti.
• Travel to Tahiti (see How to Get There section for advice on flight and ferry timings).
• International flight out or onward travel.

Please note: Daily timings are variable and very much dependent on weather and sea conditions, as well as whale sightings.

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Marine Life to Photograph

The main attraction is the humpback whale, with guests spending five full days searching for and swimming alongside these majestic animals in the clear waters around Moorea. Encounters can include mothers and calves and other whales moving through the area.

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Additional Information

Please bring your own wetsuit, mask, and fins. There are no rental options on the island. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended; many guests have skipped the wetsuit and gotten very cold when the weather got windy and cloudy.

We are not in the water all day. There may be long periods of time when you're on the boat looking for whales.

Guests must be good swimmers for this trip. Due to local regulations, we are dropped 100m away from the whales and must swim at a brisk pace up to them from that distance.

Many guests have gotten sunburn even though there is shade on the boat, so all skin must be covered. We suggest a hat, scarf for face/lips, face gaiter, full skin or wetsuit, and plenty of sunscreen.

Guests are required to be physically able to get up a small boat ladder on their own.

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Meals

Meals are not included in this trip (except for lunch on boat days and breakfast at Manava Beach Resort). The rooms at Cook's Bay have kitchenette facilities which are more than adequate for preparing breakfast or a light evening meal. The rooms at all three resorts have a fridge.

There is a grocery store within walking distance of all three resorts which offers a good range of local produce. Many guests find this an affordable way to stock up on snacks and breakfast supplies for the week.

Manava Beach Resort and Cook's Bay have excellent, albeit expensive, restaurants on-site, and there are also a variety of restaurant options close to Manava Beach Resort. Cook's Bay and Kaveka are further from town but there are some food stalls in the area which serve surprisingly excellent and inexpensive meals. Some restaurants will also arrange a car to pick you up, free of charge, from your hotel.

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Internet/Wi-Fi

The WiFi in many resorts around French Polynesian can be intermittent, especially in the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava. It is worth checking if your cell provider offers data bolt-ons to give you connectivity during your trip.

There are also a surprisingly good number of options to buy local data when you arrive in Tahiti. Tahiti WiFi has a stand in the airport where you can rent a box that connects you to WiFi on most islands. The box acts as a router and allows you to connect several devices to WiFi at one time. It can be pre-booked for you to pick up at the airport or delivered to your hotel. They offer various data packages starting at 5GB for 4,600 XPF ($7).

A cheaper option would be to buy a SIM card for your phone which you can then use to hotspot to other devices. The Tahiti WiFi stand sells Vodafone SIM packages which work well in Tahiti and Moorea, but again aren't so great in the more remote islands. They offer 3 packages starting at 2GB data, 30 minutes of local calls, and unlimited texts for around $4. Once you have your SIM card, you can top it up or buy more data at most supermarkets around the islands.

If you plan to island hop and will be exploring Fakarava or Rangiroa, your best option is to buy a SIM from local provider Vini. These can be purchased from Cafe Maeva at the airport. Their packages are a bit more expensive but offer excellent coverage all over French Polynesia. For example, the Vini Travel Card costs 4,000 XPF ($33) and gives you 9GB data as well as some bonus calls and texts. Once you have your SIM card you can top it up at most supermarkets around the islands.

Finally, if you arrive out of hours and everything at the airport is closed, there is a gas station within a 5 minute walk of the airport that also sells local SIM cards.

Learn more about traveling to French Polynesia and read about our latest trip!

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Snorkel Conditions

Water temperatures are warm, however, sea conditions can be choppy and there is often swell outside the lagoon. It can be windy, so expect to cool down quickly when not in the water. Top side conditions are warm and humid, with frequent rain showers.

• Water Temperature: 81F (27C)
• Visibility: 30 - 100 feet (9 - 30m)

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Recommended Snorkel Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to French Polynesia humpback whale snorkeling, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF!

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Trip Type

This is a GUIDED GROUP TRIP. Led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader or accredited local guide who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected.

What to Expect from Our Guided Group Trips

• Meet like-minded travelers - Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
• Problems solved - Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

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Inclusions

• Small group size (max 6 people)
• 7 nights accommodation as per your package choice, twin occupancy
• 5 days on the water looking for whales, weather permitting, on a private boat with captain
• 1 day of rest to explore or relax - we have a range of topside activities available
• A locally prepared light lunch and refreshments on boat days
• Breakfast (Manava 5* Package only)
• Airport Meet and Greet and round-trip transfers (Manava 5* Package only)
• Sunset dinner cruise on the last evening before your flight home (Manava 5* Package only)
• Welcome drinks and canapes (Manava 5* Package only)

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Exclusions

• Upgrades to a bungalow with private pool, overwater bungalow, or to a single occupancy room.
• Ferry to and from Moorea ~$30 round trip (see 'How to Get There')
• Any meals not stated in the Inclusions
• Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
• Dinner is not included at Manava Beach Resort. Most restaurants will pick you up free of charge from the hotel. There is a good range of restaurant options within walking distance of Manava Beach Resort. Lunch is not included on non-boat days.
• Mandatory City Tax and optional ‘Eco Donation’ paid to the resort on check-out
• Transfers between the airport and ferry, then the ferry and resort (see 'How to Get There')
• Gratuity

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Accommodation

Hotel Kaveka

Family owned and operated, Hotel Kaveka offers incredible value for discerning travelers from around the world. All bungalows have a double and a single bed and a few bungalows have space for two single beds. Portable televisions with local reception are in the bungalows along with a mini refrigerator and air conditioning.

Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites

Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites is a haven of luxury nestled in a breathtaking tropical paradise. A short stroll from these coastal retreats, unwind and luxuriate in the resort's exclusive outdoor sanctuary. Encompassing a generously-sized pool with a reflective surface, this meticulously designed area extends to a sandy shoreline. Here, a pristine and shallow lagoon beckons you to refresh yourself at any time during the day. The dining experience is equally spectacular at their restaurant and bar, situated at the end of a charming footbridge, provides a 180-degree view of Cook's Bay, surrounding peaks, and the Teavaroa Pass. Prepare to be captivated by the unique and awe-inspiring setting that defines Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites.

The resort's 38 suites each feature a kitchenette and a spacious balcony for indulging in the stunning views. The suites located at the garden-level offer direct beach and pool access, while the upper floor boasts wider views of the island.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa

The charming Manava Beach Resort & Spa is a perfect blend of luxury and serenity, making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, divers, and families. The style of the resort is a tasteful combination of the traditional and the contemporary, with a powerful sense of Polynesia.

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Boat

• 31ft / 9.5m boat
• We limit this trip to only 6 guests on an 8-person boat to allow for intimate whale experiences while providing far more comfort and space
• Permanent sunshade
• Fixed seats for added comfort

Check out this video of the boat for whale watching!

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Connectivity

Manava Beach Resort and Cook’s Bay Hotel offer free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, including guest rooms and common areas. Hotel Kaveka provides free Wi-Fi access, but coverage is limited to public areas and common spaces rather than inside all individual bungalows. Connectivity is generally reliable for everyday use such as email, messaging and light browsing, though as with most island resorts it may not match urban high-speed standards.

The WiFi in many resorts around French Polynesia can be intermittent, especially in the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava. It is worth checking if your cell provider offers data bolt-ons to give you connectivity during your trip.

There are also a surprisingly good number of options to buy local data when you arrive in Tahiti. Tahiti WiFi has a stand in the airport where you can rent a box that connects you to WiFi on most islands. The box acts as a router and allows you to connect several devices to WiFi at one time. It can be pre-booked for you to pick up at the airport or delivered to your hotel. They offer various data packages starting at 5GB for 4,600 XPF ($7).

A cheaper option would be to buy a SIM card for your phone which you can then use to hotspot to other devices. The Tahiti WiFi stand sells Vodafone SIM packages which work well in Tahiti and Moorea, but again aren't so great in the more remote islands. They offer 3 packages starting at 2GB data, 30 minutes of local calls, and unlimited texts for around $4. Once you have your SIM card, you can top it up or buy more data at most supermarkets around the islands.

If you plan to island hop and will be exploring Fakarava or Rangiroa, your best option is to buy a SIM from local provider Vini. These can be purchased from Cafe Maeva at the airport. Their packages are a bit more expensive but offer excellent coverage all over French Polynesia. For example, the Vini Travel Card costs 4,000 XPF ($33) and gives you 9GB data as well as some bonus calls and texts. Once you have your SIM card you can top it up at most supermarkets around the islands.

Finally, if you arrive out of hours and everything at the airport is closed, there is a gas station within a 5 minute walk of the airport that also sells local SIM cards.

Learn more about traveling to French Polynesia and read about our latest trip!

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How To Get There

Arrival

Travel to Tahiti, then continue to Moorea by ferry. Check your flight and ferry timings carefully when planning your arrival.

Check in to your Moorea resort from 2pm. For the Manava Beach Resort package, airport Meet and Greet and round-trip transfers are included.

Please see the ferry information below for the approximate round-trip cost of traveling between Tahiti and Moorea.

Departure

Check out from your Moorea resort, store your luggage, relax and use the resort facilities until you are ready to return to Tahiti.

Travel from Moorea back to Tahiti by ferry, then continue with your international flight or onward travel.

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Flight Package

Flights are not included in the trip price. Guests are responsible for arranging their international flights to and from Tahiti.

When booking flights, allow sufficient time for the ferry crossing between Tahiti and Moorea. Ferry schedules and travel times should be checked when planning your itinerary.

Please contact Bluewater Travel if you would like assistance planning your flights and overall travel arrangements.

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Moorea Trip Extension

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! Join us in Fakarava Atoll to witness the legendary Wall of Sharks, where hundreds of grey reef sharks gather in the narrow Tumakohua Pass. Read More

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $800 to book your spot
• Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 February 2026
• Balance: due 1 June 2026

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