Private full day whale watching tour with lunch

If you’re dreaming of seeing humpback whales in their natural habitat, this private full-day tour in Moorea promises an intimate, carefully curated experience. While we haven’t personally hopped aboard, the detailed info and traveler insights suggest this is a high-end, attentive way to connect with these majestic creatures.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size—limited to just six guests—means you’re unlikely to feel overwhelmed and can enjoy more meaningful, less disruptive whale encounters. Second, the dedicated guide and captain adapt the day to your preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. Lastly, the luxury touches—like a gourmet lunch, fresh fruit, drinks, and snorkeling gear—add comfort and convenience.

One consideration to keep in mind is the price point—at nearly $2,850 per group, it’s a premium experience. While that might seem steep, the exclusivity, personalized service, and potential for exceptional whale sightings make it a worthwhile investment for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.

This tour is best suited for those who value a private, respectful approach to wildlife, are comfortable with a full day at sea, and want to treat themselves to a memorable, stress-free adventure.

Key Points

• Exclusive small group experience ensures intimacy and minimal disturbance to whales.
• Flexible itinerary led by experienced guides and captains, tailored to your wishes.
• Premium amenities include a gourmet lunch, fresh fruits, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
• Optimal timing from August to November, when humpbacks visit Moorea waters.
• Weather dependent; poor conditions could mean rescheduling or refunds.
• Booking in advance is highly recommended, with an average of 140 days lead time.

An Overview of the Experience

This private whale watching tour offers an 8-hour window—enough time to maximize chances of spotting humpback whales, which are seasonal visitors from Antarctica to Moorea’s waters from August to November. What’s appealing is that the entire experience is designed to balance wildlife conservation with exceptional viewing opportunities.

The tour kicks off early—at 7:00 am—from the Coco Beach Restaurant parking area, a convenient central location in Moorea. From there, your group is whisked onto a comfortable vessel, with the captain and guide ready to navigate the open waters. The focus on small groups (up to 6 guests) is essential; it allows for more discreet observation and reduces impact on the whales. As a result, you’re likely to enjoy quieter moments with the animals, increasing the chances of meaningful interactions.

Throughout the day, the team is committed to respectful whale watching—which is especially important given the delicate nature of humpback whales, known for their complex behaviors and the need for minimal disturbance. This approach is reinforced by feedback from past travelers, who appreciated the professionalism and attention to animal well-being.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Morning Pickup and Briefing
Your adventure begins with a pickup from the designated meeting point. Expect a friendly welcome from the crew, who will brief you on safety, the plan for the day, and conservation practices.

Departure and Whale Search
Once on board, the captain will set out across Moorea’s waters, actively searching for signs of whales. As humpbacks are known to be quite vocal and active, your guide will use their expertise to locate pods efficiently. Travelers have noted that “the guide and captain will take good care of you throughout the day,” ensuring smooth navigation and informative commentary.

Wildlife Observation and Photos
When whales are spotted, the vessel will approach cautiously, allowing for up-close viewing. Past reviews mention how “you’ll love the views” and the chance to see these gentle giants breach, tail slap, or breach the surface—a spectacle that’s both humbling and exhilarating. Because the tour is designed for minimal impact, the whales might approach the boat themselves, offering authentic, respectful encounters.

Snorkeling Opportunities
If conditions permit, snorkeling gear is provided, enabling you to get in the water and observe whales from a closer perspective. While not all trips may include this, the availability of equipment ensures that you can enjoy both above and below water experiences.

Lunch and Refreshments
The highlight of the afternoon is a gourmet lunch served onboard—a chance to relax and reflect amid stunning ocean views. Complemented by fresh fruit and drinks (water, fruit juice, punch), the meal adds a touch of luxury to the day. Reviewers highlight the quality of the food and the convenience of having everything organized for you.

Return and Reflection
After a full day out, the vessel heads back to Moorea, with plenty of time to discuss your sightings and enjoy the ocean breeze. The experience ends back at the starting point, leaving you with lasting memories and photos of incredible encounters.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Although the price may seem high, it reflects a premium, personalized experience with a focus on wildlife conservation and comfort. The fact that it’s private means you’ll avoid crowded boat tours, making each sighting more meaningful. Plus, the all-inclusive amenities—lunch, fruits, drinks, snorkeling gear—add to the overall value, especially considering the length of the tour and expert guidance.

The seasonality (August to November) is crucial; during these months, Moorea hosts migrating humpbacks, making sightings more probable. The 8-hour duration maximizes your chances to see the whales in their natural behaviors, and the small group size means you’ll learn a lot from your guides, who are experienced in both marine wildlife and respectful observation techniques.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Book well in advance—the tour is popular, with many bookings about 140 days ahead.
• Prepare for a full day at sea—bring extra sunscreen, a hat, and water-resistant clothing if necessary.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as some movement on the boat may be required.
• Be flexible with weather; if conditions aren’t ideal, the company offers the possibility of rescheduling or a full refund.
• Bring your camera—the whales’ behaviors are stunning, and you’ll want to capture the moment.
• Consider your comfort level with being on the water for several hours and potential snorkeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, exclusively for your group of up to 6 people, which promotes a more personal and unobtrusive whale watching experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving ample time to locate whales, observe their behaviors, and enjoy the amenities onboard.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guidance and navigation by experienced captain and guide, lunch, fresh fruit, drinks (water, juice, punch), and snorkeling equipment if needed.

What is the best time to book?
Booking about 140 days in advance is recommended since the tour is popular, especially during peak whale season (August to November).

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from certain locations is available, making logistics easier and ensuring you start your day smoothly.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and you may have the opportunity to snorkel if weather and whale activity permit.

Are the whales likely to approach the boat?
Given the small group size and respectful approach, whales may approach the vessel naturally, providing authentic viewing experiences.

Is physical fitness required?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as some movement on the boat might be needed, and being comfortable on water is helpful.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Coco Beach Restaurant Parking, a central location in Moorea, accessible by car or local transport.

Final Thoughts

This private whale watching tour in Moorea offers a blend of luxury, respect for marine life, and personalized attention. It’s ideal for travelers who want an intimate connection with whales while enjoying comfort and exclusivity. The combination of a knowledgeable crew, a full day on the water, and excellent amenities makes it a compelling choice for wildlife lovers, romantics, or anyone looking to make their Moorea visit truly special.

If you’re prepared for a full day at sea and ready to witness some of the ocean’s most enchanting creatures, this tour promises an experience that’s both memorable and responsible. It’s an investment in a rare encounter, with the added assurance that your presence will be as gentle as possible on these magnificent whales.