• Moʻorea, French Polynesia · August to October 2026
Swim With Humpback Whales. Come Home Different.
An intimate expedition for 4 guests. Ethical encounters. World-class mentorship.
Moʻorea 2027 is now booking →Season 2026 concluded · 5.0★ guest-rated
2026 season
All four expeditions sold out.
Expedition 1: Peak Season
Expedition 2: Peak + Shark Safety Seminar
Expedition 3: Mother & Calf Season
Expedition 4: Late Season Mother & Calf
The experience
Everything You Need. Nothing You Don't.
Ocean Days
Guided whale encounters: a mix of full and half days on the water
Private Villa
Serene shared villa with pool, mountain views, and AC rooms
All Transfers
Pickup from Mo'orea ferry terminal + all island transport throughout your stay
Photography Workshops
Underwater photography guidance + video editing sessions with two professional mentors
Pro Photo & Video Package
Curated expedition documentation: you go home with world-class imagery of your experience
Camera Try-Outs
Optional: test 2 professional underwater camera setups during the expedition
Villa Dinners
Healthy, delicious group dinners at the villa on scheduled evenings
Full-Day Lunches
Fresh lunch onboard prepared by a local chef on every full ocean day
Freediving Introduction
In-water skills training: body positioning, breath work, and movement for whale encounters
Marine Biology Talk
Evening presentation by a local marine biologist: whale science, behavior, and conservation
Lagoon Experience
Guided snorkel visit: blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and eagle rays
Permits & Fees
All required whale interaction permits and operational costs are included
Fresh from the water
SNIPPETS FROM THIS SEASON
2025 season in their words
First day and last day: same people, different humans.
“We were welcomed like family, not just as guests. A home, shared meals, laughter at the table, ocean stories at sunset. And then there was Sina. Not just a host but a guide, a protector, a spiritual bridge into the underwater world. Together we witnessed something rare. The vastness of the ocean. The gentleness of giants. The silence that speaks louder than words. This adventure didn't end when we left the island. From now on, you are part of my life.”
“This was the most intentional wildlife experience I've ever had. I've traveled a lot and joined many marine expeditions, but this felt very different from the start. Everything was designed with purpose and so much heart and feeling. Sina doesn't just take you to whales, she teaches you how to truly see them. I don't think this expedition is for everyone. I think it's for the people who want to actually connect with the whales instead of just seeing them. I hope I get to return one day.”
“Swimming with humpback whales in Mo'orea was beyond anything I imagined. Everything was perfectly organised, with a small group, no crowds, and truly respectful encounters. Szabi's photography guidance was incredible and I came home with images I never thought I could capture. The villa, the food, and the whole experience felt premium and personal. A once in a lifetime trip.”
Your hosts
Meet Szabi & Sina
SZABI NEMETH
Award-winning photographer and videographer documenting life beneath the surface: marine wildlife and remote places, across the globe. Published internationally, with work shown in a global National Geographic exhibition. PADI Freediving Instructor, SSI Divemaster, PADI Rescue Diver. Animal wellbeing always comes before the photograph.
SINA RITTER
Multi-award-winning underwater photographer and expedition leader, with a background in literature and philosophy, which mostly matters because it's "why I run trips the way I do: respect, presence, and emotional honesty over spectacle. I design each expedition around depth, not just what you see in the water, but how you see it." Small, intentionally shaped weeks built on slowing down, observing properly, and forming real connections with marine life.
Behind us: Rahui and the Native Mozcean team, our local licensed captain and crew, who read this water like a first language, and the island team who turn both boat and villa into a home. We work only with locals: they take the main share of what you pay.
Missed 2026?
The next seasons are already open.
Moʻorea 2027: now booking
Four expeditions, August to October 2027, four guests each.
See the season and apply →Questions We Get Asked
Do I need to be a certified diver or freediver to join?
No. You don't need any dive certification. If you're a confident swimmer and comfortable using a mask, snorkel, and fins in open water, you're ready.
Humpback whales often come right to the surface, so encounters happen at snorkel depth. We recommend being able to swim at least 150 metres unassisted in the open ocean.
We also include a freediving introduction session at the start of the expedition to help with body positioning, breath awareness, and comfort in the water.
What gear should I bring?
- Mask, snorkel, and fins (your own for best fit)
- 3mm wetsuit (currently mandatory, we can provide a life vest alternative)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Windbreaker and hat for boat rides
- Your camera setup: any level, from action camera to professional rig
We also bring 2 professional underwater camera setups that you're welcome to try during the expedition at no extra cost.
What if the weather is bad or the sea is rough?
The ocean is unpredictable: that's part of what makes it real.
Conditions in Mo'orea between July and October are generally warm and calm, but rough days happen. When they do, we adapt. We might shift to a half day, visit the lagoon, run a photography workshop, or simply rest.
Flexibility is built into the expedition design. We never force a day that the ocean doesn't want to give us.
Who is this experience designed for?
Underwater photographers wanting world-class encounters and mentorship.
Ocean lovers craving genuine connection with marine life.
Creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs looking for an emotional reset.
Solo travellers wanting meaningful adventure with the right people.
Couples wanting a rare, shared life memory.
This is not designed for selfie tourists, bargain hunters, or anyone who needs guaranteed wildlife sightings. We're honest about that because it protects the experience for everyone.
Are there sharks in the water?
Mo'orea's lagoon is home to blacktip reef sharks: small, harmless, and genuinely beautiful to observe. You'll likely see them during the guided lagoon visit, and many guests say it changes how they feel about sharks entirely.
In open water during whale encounters, shark sightings are extremely rare. Your hosts are experienced ocean professionals and safety is always the priority.
What's NOT included in the expedition price?
- International flights to Tahiti
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Ferry ticket to/from Mo'orea
- Your own snorkel/dive gear and camera equipment
- Breakfasts
- Lunches on half-day ocean days
- Restaurant dinners outside scheduled villa meals
- Extra snacks, alcoholic drinks, or café items
- Visa or entry fees (if applicable).
Can I add a 1:1 mentorship to my expedition?
Yes, a very limited number of 1:1 mentorship spots open on each Mo'orea expedition. Mentorships are application-only and booked separately from the expedition itself.
If you're interested, get in touch first so we can confirm availability for your chosen week, then book your expedition spot.
Will you run expeditions in 2027?
Yes. Mo'orea 2027 is real: four small expeditions between August and October 2027, four guests each, sixteen spots in the whole season. It opened to the priority list first and is filling before it ever goes public: that's how small seasons stay small.
The 2028 waitlist is already open too. Joining the waitlist is how you hear about everything first. See Moʻorea 2027 or email info@szabinemeth.com to join the 2028 waitlist.