Our 14 Best French Polynesia Whale Watching Trips

1.Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 264 reviews · from $305Our pick

Spend four hours on the water with Moorea Expedition, searching for humpback whales from July through late November. Guides such as Johnny, Joe, and Laura give clear safety instructions, help strong swimmers enter the water, and may point out dolphins, rays, sharks, and turtles. The boat holds no more than six people for whale swimming.

“We had an amazing day out with the whales. Our guides and captain were so knowledgeable and made sure to keep everyone safe and having a good time. We were lucky enough to get in the water three times today. Saw dolphins and whales. What an amazing experience. Thanks Moorea Expeditions!”

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2.Whale Tour – Observe and swim with whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · from $270Top rated

From Moorea, Enjoy Boat Tours takes you into open water to look for humpback whales, dolphins, and sharks. You may enter the water only when conditions and animal behavior allow. The crew may include guides such as Joaquin, Carlos, Tamuti, or Ike, with no more than seven people in the water at once.

“Swimming with the humpback whales was amazing. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Carlos and the Captain did a great job spotting the whales and taking us to the perfect spot. We were able to see a Mom and her baby. All undescribable and breathtaking. Carlos even starting playing with th baby and the baby humpback mimicked him. Then they took us to swim with the turtles and the sting rays and sharks. One of our best expereinces ever!!”

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3.Whale Watching Tours in Bora Bora

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 250 reviews · from $305

Spend about 3.5 hours offshore with Simon, Victor, or Maui of Tohora Bora Bora, searching for humpback whales from a boat of no more than six people. Listen through a directional hydrophone, watch from the deck, or, if conditions and whale behavior allow, swim more than 100 meters in open water. Swimming is never guaranteed.

“Simon was a fantastic guide and made sure we were able to get the most out of our time in the water. He makes sure everyone is safe and is great at finding the elusive whales. Be prepared to swim long distances as the whales move arouRead more”

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4.Swim with humpback whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $264

From Moorea, Corallina Tours takes you by boat to search for humpback whales between July and early November. Guides such as Francesca, Tamahere, and Maui explain how to approach the animals, then lead you to a lagoon with rays and black-tip sharks. Expect open-water swimming, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a maximum of 12 people.

“I highly recommend this outfit. The people giving the tour make all the difference. They explained things well in both English and French so you always felt included. They were always very helpful and very fun to spend the day. It was an amRead more”

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5.Humpback whale watching and marine life in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $327

Spend about three hours on Moorea’s Pacific waters with Pacifik Attitude, searching for humpback whales and other marine life. Guides such as Mata, Doris, O’Neil, and Andrew explain whale behavior, lead safe swims when conditions allow, and help you spot dolphins, turtles, rays, sharks, and colorful fish. Whale watching runs July 20 through November 20.

“It was wonderful trip on the boat with Doris and Captain Chewy! They did all their best to look for the whales :) We have heard the whale singing and a whale mum with a baby humpback!”

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6.Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $1,640

Join Mana Moorea Tours aboard the Mana’hau for a private four-hour trip around Moorea. Guides including Nicky and Fabien tailor the route to your group, with whale watching from July to November, plus snorkeling with rays, sharks, turtles, and other marine life. Equipment and safety gear are supplied, and pickup is available.

“What an incredible experience we had with Nicky and Fabien! Not only were they knowledgeable, you could tell how passionate they were about each whale/dolphin/fish we saw. They had our safety as their top priority and were very in tuned to each whale's movementRead more”

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7.Respectful whale excursion to Tahiti in 4h30

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $222

Join Tahiti by Boat for a four-and-a-half-hour search for humpback whales from Papeete Marina. With guides such as Moana, Remy, Israel, and Bernardo, you may watch dolphins, enter the water near whales when conditions allow, and snorkel among tropical fish. The boat carries up to 12 people, with fruit, drinks, and gear provided.

“This was the highlight of my trip. It was the end of the season, so we didn't expect to see much. However, we got to swim with a mom and her calf. It was a truly magical experience.”

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8.Tahiti island: Whale watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 79 reviews · 5 hours · from $227

Set out from selected Tahiti hotels for a five-hour whale-watching trip with up to 12 people. Guides such as Israel, Teva, and Moana combine local knowledge with careful safety advice. You may snorkel, see dolphins, and enter the water near humpback whales when conditions are right. Drinks, fruit, and equipment are included.

“Amazing experience. Israel really knew the area and where the whales were. He was able to speak in both French and English and when the time came to swim with the whales, he and his crew were extremely helpful getting us prepped and into the water as well as getting close to the whales. I highly recommend booking an experience with them!”

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9.Guided Small Group Whale Watching and Swim Tour Tahiti

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $238

Join Teiki and the Wild Explorer Tahiti crew for a four-and-a-half-hour whale search from Papeete Marina. Groups are limited to six, with wetsuits, masks, fins, snacks, and drinks included. If whale behavior and sea conditions allow, confident swimmers may enter the water. Otherwise, you’ll enjoy surface viewing and sheltered snorkeling with turtles, rays, fish, and coral gardens.

“This excursion must go to the top of your list. From the moment we stepped on the boat everything was first class! Our guide Teiki spent a lot of time giving the small group a great understanding of the animals. The safety training and care oRead more”

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10.Swim in Moorea with Humpback Whales and More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $412

From July 20 to November 20, join Robert, Mareva, and a marine biologist for a four-hour Moorea boat trip focused on humpback whales. If conditions and whale behavior allow, you can enter the water with them. The small group may also spot dolphins, beaked whales, pilot whales, and pelagic sharks. Gear, wetsuits, snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers are included.

“Incredible experience with Robert and Mareva. Mareva is very experienced and we had an exceptional show, it was a dream for us. Thanks to them, I highly recommend.Auto-translated”

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11.Whale watching on the preserved and quiet coast of Paea (Pk26)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $205Best value

From Paea’s quiet west coast, you’ll ride the 28-foot Stenella toward humpback whales near Paea and Papara. Guides explain whale behavior, play male calls through an onboard listening system, and may allow a supervised swim if sea conditions and whale behavior permit. Choose a boat for six swimmers, up to 12 swimmers, or a private group.

“A superb whale trip with a most respectful approach I highly recommend seeing you soonAuto-translated”

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12.Private Whale Watching Adventure in Mo’orea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews

Spend six hours off Mo'orea searching for humpback whales with captain Julien and guide Teoni. You will learn how these wild mammals behave, watch from the boat, and, when conditions and regulations allow, enter the water with them. The private format suits groups of up to six, but swimming requires moderate fitness and may not be possible every day.

“This had to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. When the whales swam towards us I had tears in my eyes. Teoni is the best guide you can find, knowledgeable, patient, experienced with a good eye almost spotting whales Read more”

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13.Private Half Day Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews

Spend about four hours off Moorea with a captain and guide, looking for humpback whales from August through November. The private boat carries no more than six people, with fruit, drinks, and snorkeling gear included. Louis and Teddy may be part of the team, and pickup is offered from Coco Beach Restaurant.

“This excursion was one of our highlights on our vacation. We were able to see the whales, sharks and stingrays. Louis and Teddy were exceptional. They were so accommodating to our needs and always stayed in great communication. This is definitely one for the books.”

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14.Half Day Private Whale Watching in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews

Spend four private hours aboard Inutai with Marie and Julien, searching Moorea’s waters for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays. Pickup may be available, and the crew can shape the outing around your schedule, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, or quiet time on deck. Whale season runs July through late November.

“The experience of private whale watching with Marie and Julien was wonderful; and they are very nice people to spend the afternoon with! They came to pick us up at the hotel, their boat is very nice and modern, they are well informed and Read more”

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