The 9 Most Popular Private Whale Watching Charters in French Polynesia

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

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

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Tour Whale Watching Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews

Spend 3 to 4 hours off Moorea with a private crew searching for humpback whales and other marine life. The guide reads animal behavior and approaches gently when conditions allow. Swimming with whales is never promised. Snorkeling ability, fins, and comfort in open water matter.

“Getting on and off the sailboat was trash in itself. Driver hit another boat with the dingy on our way to the sailboat. Got to the sailboat which looks like it's been through 3 hurricanes. There is absolutely nothing luxurious about this boat. No pRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.4 Hour Private Humpback Whales Encounter in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Join TAMA Tours Moorea for a private four-hour search for humpback whales along Moorea’s coast. After a safety briefing, your certified English- and French-speaking crew assesses conditions before any swim begins. You can stay aboard if you prefer. The trip includes snacks, pickup, and a small group of up to six people.

“We went on a half day private tour with TAMA and had a fabulous time. They went above and beyond to help us have the best possible encounters of the day, including letting us back in the water even though time had run out and it was tiRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private tour whale watching and snorkeling in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Join Lagoon Vibes guides Christophe and Ivy for a private four-hour boat trip from Moorea’s cruise quay. Watch seasonal humpback whales, then snorkel near them only when sea conditions and animal behavior allow. Coffee, juice, water, equipment, and aquatic guidance are included. Ocean launches require strong swimming skills and are limited to people over 15.

“Christophe and Ivy provided an unforgettable experience. They were very respectful, knowledgeable and followed all safety procedures. We were able to swim with a mother, calf and escort whale. Truly awe inspiring!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private Tour: Bora Bora Whale Watching & Swimming Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $448Best value

Set out from Bora Bora on a private three-hour boat tour for up to four people. Your local guide searches for humpback whales, explains the wildlife, and approaches only as closely as regulations allow. Snorkel gear, towels, drinks, hotel transfers, and a chance to swim near the whales are included. Malaki is one named guide.

“We had six sightings of whales. Tried to swim to a mama and baby, but then two males came along and spooked mama away. Our guide, Malaki, is so nice and a super great personality. He felt like our brother at the end of our excursion. My sister and I loved the entire adventure🌸”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Private boat tour to swim with whales and sharks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews

Set out from Moorea with captain Stéphane and aquatic guide Louis to search for humpback whales. If sea conditions, whale behavior, and safety allow, Louis can guide you into the water for a close look. This private four-hour trip suits groups of up to four and returns to the meeting point.

Check availability →Read our full review