Mo`orea Humpback Whales 2026
French Polynesia · July – October 2026
Experience
Humpback Whales
in Mo'orea
One of the rarest ethical whale encounters on Earth, with world-class mentorship, in a sanctuary, with only 6 humans in the water.
The Experience
Swim with gentle giants in the world's largest sanctuary
Mo'orea, a volcanic island near Tahiti, is a paradise of coral reefs, clear lagoons, lush mountains and white sand beaches. From July to October, migrating humpback whales arrive here to rest, give birth and mate.
Strict local rules allow only 6 people in the water at a time, ensuring intimate, non-disruptive encounters. We work exclusively with a licensed, highly experienced local captain who focuses on finding whales and not following other boats.
Swim with whales and return home with world class images. This is more than an adventure, it's a profound connection to nature that stays with you forever.
2026 Dates & Investment
Choose your expedition
All expeditions depart from Mo'orea. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at booking due to limited permits and villa reservations.
11-Day Expedition
Everything included
What's included
- 10 nights in a serene shared villa accommodation
- 8 ocean days of guided humpback whale encounters (mix of full & half days)
- Licensed local captain and certified whale guide
- All required permits and operational fees
- Villa dinners on scheduled group nights
- All island transportation during the expedition
- Freediving introduction and in-water skills training
- Underwater photography & video editing workshop
- Local marine biologist whale presentation
- Curated photo/video documentation package
- Max 4 guests in the water at any time
- Guided lagoon visit (sharks, rays, turtles, eagle rays)
Not included
- International flights and mandatory travel insurance
- Ferry to/from Mo'orea
- Your own dive, snorkel or camera equipment
- Breakfasts and lunches on half-day water days
- Dinners outside scheduled villa dinners
- Extra snacks, alcohol, or café items
- Visa or entry fees (if applicable)
No camera? No problem.
Hire a professional underwater camera setup during your expedition and learn to shoot and edit with expert guidance. Limited setups available — first come, first served.
Under the Surface
Extraordinary wildlife encounters
To share a moment with these gentle giants is one of the ocean's most humbling gifts. When you meet their gaze, everything else fades.
Humpback whales
Swim and snorkel alongside humpbacks in one of Earth's most ethical, sanctuary-protected environments.
Interspecies encounters
High chance of encountering dolphins and pilot whales swimming alongside the humpbacks in open water.
Sharks & ray lagoon
Explore Mo'orea's iconic shallow lagoon, home to blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and eagle rays.
The Destination
Mo'orea Whale sanctuary in the Pacific paradise
A volcanic island just minutes from Tahiti, Mo'orea is part of the world's largest whale sanctuary. Its warm waters host humpback whales from July to October, animals here not to be chased, but to rest, give birth and mate in safety.
Our captain focuses on finding whales through experience and reading the ocean, not following other tourist boats. While the whales ultimately decide whether to approach, we regularly swim with them daily and some even approach swimmers with curiosity.
11-Day Program
Your expedition itinerary
Subject to change depending on whale activity and conditions. Every day is shaped around the ocean.
Your Mentors
Meet your expedition hosts
Sina's work creates emotional connections with ocean giants. With a background in literature and philosophy, she brings a strong ethical and narrative foundation to both her imagery and expeditions. Her approach prioritises respect, presence, and emotional authenticity over spectacle.
- Underwater photography guidance and mentoring
- Visual storytelling and emotional framing
- Expedition management and on-site logistics
- Guest flow, group dynamics, and experience design
- Ethical wildlife interaction from a photographer's perspective
Szabi is an internationally experienced photographer and filmmaker with over 20 years of visual storytelling across more than 90 countries. His work has been exhibited globally, including selection for a National Geographic exhibition.
- Underwater photo, video and cinematic storytelling
- Freediving-based positioning and movement
- Reading animal behaviour through motion
- Mentoring participants in video mindset, flow, and pacing
What Guests Say
Words from the water
Swimming with humpback whales in Mo'orea was beyond anything I imagined. Everything was perfectly organised, a small group, no crowds, truly respectful encounters. Szabi's photography guidance was incredible and I came home with images I never thought I could capture.
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. Sina doesn't just take you to whales, she teaches you how to truly see them.
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.
On Land
Signature plant based dining
Exquisite plant-based villa dinners thoughtfully prepared by your private chef on scheduled group nights. Each evening is a curated culinary experience showcasing vibrant, seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
Beautifully plated courses, layered flavours, and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere creating a dining experience that feels both intimate and world-class.
Where you stay
Secluded private villa
Tucked away in a quiet, secure residence with beautiful mountain views a stylish 4 bedroom twin-share villa. Each bedroom is air-conditioned with its own private bathroom.
A beautiful pool with mountain views, surrounded by lush greenery. Open living space, cosy lounge, WiFi, and a fully equipped kitchen. The perfect place to wind down after a day on the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Why swim with humpback whales in Mo'orea?
Mo'orea is part of the world's largest whale sanctuary, making it one of the safest and most ethical places on Earth to share the water with these magnificent animals. These intelligent and curious giants often approach calmly, allowing respectful, close encounters in crystal-clear waters.
How do I get to Mo'orea?
Fly into Papeete International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, then take a scenic 30-minute ferry to Mo'orea. We'll arrange transfers from the Mo'orea ferry terminal to your accommodation.
Do I need to be a certified diver or freediver?
No. If you're a confident swimmer and comfortable using a mask, snorkel, and fins, you're ready. The whales often come right to the surface. We recommend being able to swim unassisted at least 150 metres in open ocean — that's all you need.
What should I bring?
Reef-safe sunscreen, your own mask/snorkel/fins, a 3mm wetsuit (currently mandatory, the tour operator can provide a life vest as an alternative), a windbreaker and hat for boat rides, and your camera equipment of choice (action cam, compact, or professional rig). No camera gear? Hire a setup on expedition.
What's included in the photo documentation package?
Our team captures authentic moments and highlights that unfold naturally throughout the expedition, the scenery, wildlife encounters, and the magic of being out on the ocean. You'll also receive hands-on photography and editing mentorship from our award-winning hosts.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, due to limited permits and villa reservations. Please contact us for full terms and conditions.
Ready to join?
Only 4 guests
per expedition
Spots are extremely limited. Apply now to secure your place on one of 2026's four expeditions.
50% non-refundable deposit required at booking
