Whale Tour – Observe and swim with whales

If you’re heading to Moorea and craving a truly unforgettable experience, a whale tour that includes both watching and swimming with humpback whales might just be your perfect choice. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 250 reviews, this tour stands out for its respectful approach to wildlife, professional guides, and authentic marine encounters. It’s a rare chance to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat, all while enjoying the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia.

What makes this tour especially appealing? First, the attention to safety and animal welfare is clear—limits on water entrants and weather-dependent scheduling keep the experience respectful. Second, the quality of guides, who are described as attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated. Third, the value for money is evident, given the extensive experience and inclusions for a competitive price. However, a possible consideration is the physical demand—swimming in open ocean requires good fitness and comfort in the water.

This tour suits travelers who love marine life, seek adventure with a purpose, and are comfortable with swimming in the ocean. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or just eager to witness whales in the wild, this experience offers an authentic, close-up perspective that’s hard to match.

Key Points

• Respectful Wildlife Observation: The tour prioritizes the whales’ safety, limiting water entries and adjusting plans based on weather and animal behavior.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Tamuti, Ike, Alfred, Amo, Joaquin, and Mankato are praised for their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication.
• Value for Money: At around $270 per person, the experience includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, private transport, and professional photography.
• Physical Fitness Required: Swimmers need to be comfortable in open ocean conditions, and the activity can be physically demanding.
• Weather Dependency: Success hinges on ocean conditions; the tour may cancel or modify if the weather isn’t suitable.
• Authentic Encounters: Reviewers mention close-up swims with whales and other marine life like turtles, stingrays, and sharks.

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Tour in Moorea

Overview and Booking Experience

This whale adventure is offered by Enjoy Boat Tours Moorea, a company with a solid reputation and high traveler satisfaction—an average of 4.9 stars from 257 reviews. The trip lasts roughly 4 hours, with pickup offered from your accommodation, making logistics simple for visitors. The tour is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and plenty of personalized attention.

Pricing at $270.63 includes all the essentials: snorkeling gear, flotation devices, bottled water, and a dry compartment for your belongings. It’s a price that many feel offers excellent value considering the unique opportunity to observe and swim with whales in their natural environment.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Moorea: The tour begins with a boat ride that typically lasts three to three and a half hours. During this time, you can expect to be on the lookout for humpback whales, dolphins, reef sharks, and deep-sea sharks. The guides are well-versed in whale behavior, and many reviews highlight their skill in locating the animals quickly.

Whale Watching: The main event involves observing whales in their natural habitat. Guides carefully manage the experience to respect the animals’ rest and behavior, limiting the number of water entrants to just seven people per group. As Anthony_S noted, guides like Tamuti, Ike, and Alfred work tirelessly to find whales and ensure everyone gets a safe, close-up view, often within a few meters of these majestic creatures.

Swim with Whales: If conditions are favorable, you’ll have the chance to swim alongside the whales. This requires a good level of swimming ability, as the activity can be physically demanding. Reviewers like Cody_B and Anthony_S mention swimming close to whales, with some sharing stories of playful interactions, like one guide humorously “playing” with a whale calf.

Additional Lagoon Snorkeling: After whale interactions, the tour includes a short stop in the lagoon for snorkeling with stingrays and reef sharks—an experience many travelers find equally thrilling. Here, you can get up close with gentle rays and sharks, thanks to the guides’ attentive supervision.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Respect and Safety: The approach rules, limiting water entries and adjusting plans based on weather and whale behavior, reflect a commitment to conservation. One reviewer, Judith_K, mentioned how weather-dependent it is but expressed satisfaction when conditions are good, emphasizing the importance of patience and flexibility.

Guides and Service: Multiple guests praised the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. Names like Joaquín, Mankato, and the team of Tamuti, Ike, and Alfred come up often in reviews, with visitors appreciating their knowledge, patience, and ability to manage groups smoothly. Their multilingual skills, as noted by some, help make the experience accessible and comfortable for international travelers.

Photo and Video Opportunities: A professional photographer is available, offering photos and videos for purchase at the end of the trip. While some found the shots worth it, a few reviewers felt the quality or value could improve, so if capturing memories is a priority, consider your expectations accordingly.

Transportation and Convenience: The included private transfers and the meeting point at Enjoy Boat Tours Moorea make logistics straightforward. Early communication about pickup timings and location helps streamline the day, especially for travelers who prefer stress-free planning.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the genuine joy and awe of seeing whales in the wild. Janice_E described it as a “wonderful time,” emphasizing the safety and competence of the guides, and the thrill of close encounters. The opportunity to see a mother humpback and her calf twice was described as “surreal” by Rebecca_R, sparking memories that will last a lifetime.

Some reviews pointed out the importance of physical fitness. The tour involves swimming in open water, sometimes in choppy conditions, which can be challenging but highly rewarding. Cameron_K mentioned the water was “extremely choppy” on their trip, but they still appreciated the effort of the guides in locating whales and sharks.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring your own wetsuit if you tend to get cold, as some reviews suggest the provided gear might not be enough in cooler ocean conditions.
• Comfort in swimming is essential; this isn’t a casual boat ride—expect to be active in the water.
• Book well in advance—the tour is popular, with many booked 10+ times last week.
• Be aware of weather and ocean conditions, as the experience depends heavily on calm seas.
• Consider your motion sickness tolerance; time at sea can be unpredictable, and some may experience seasickness.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and towels—these aren’t included but are essential for comfort and sun protection.
• For those interested in photography, it’s worth noting the images offered might not always meet expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour will appeal most to adventurous travelers who love marine life and are comfortable swimming in open water. It’s particularly suited for those seeking a respectful wildlife experience, with limited boat groups ensuring minimal disturbance to the whales. Families with older children (from age 12) can enjoy a memorable encounter, but younger kids or those with limited swimming skills might find the activity challenging.

If you value professional guides, authentic encounters, and are okay with the unpredictability of nature, this trip offers a genuine, meaningful adventure. It’s not just about ticking a box but about connecting deeply with the marine environment and its inhabitants.

The Sum Up

This whale tour in Moorea offers a rare opportunity to witness and swim with humpback whales in their natural home. With a focus on safety, conservation, and authentic encounters, it delivers a memorable experience that’s well worth the cost. The knowledgeable guides and excellent reviews suggest you’ll be in capable hands—making it ideal for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

While the activity can demand good physical fitness and patience, the chance to be so close to these magnificent creatures makes it a truly special outing. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just eager for a bucket-list experience, this tour provides a balanced mix of excitement, education, and genuine connection with nature.

If you’re looking for an authentic, respectful, and well-organized marine adventure, this Moorea whale tour is a top contender. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and perhaps a wetsuit!

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It typically runs for about four hours, including transportation, whale watching, and lagoon snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, from age 12 and upwards. Younger children might find swimming in open water too challenging or tiring.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, and possibly a wetsuit if you tend to get cold. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and flotation devices.

Can I observe whales without swimming?
Absolutely. You can choose to stay on the boat and observe the whales from a safe distance if preferred.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the activity may be canceled or modified. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 7 people are allowed in the water per guide, with two groups operating simultaneously for safety and comfort.

Is the snorkeling equipment good quality?
Reviews suggest gear is functional but some felt it could be better. Bring your own if you want higher quality or better fit.

How are safety and animal welfare handled?
Limits on water entries and careful management of whale interactions ensure respect for the animals and safety for participants.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the tour price covers all essentials, including photos if purchased. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available if canceled in time.

This Moorea whale tour promises an authentic, respectful, and deeply memorable experience for those eager to see the ocean’s gentle giants up close. Whether for the thrill of the swim or the beauty of the scenery, it’s an adventure worth considering for your trip to French Polynesia.