Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

Traveling to Moorea and craving a genuinely memorable experience? If you’re a lover of marine life or simply eager to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat, this half-day whale tour offers exactly that—plus plenty of personalized touches. While it’s a compact tour, the opportunity to get close to humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, and rays makes it well worth the price.

What makes this trip especially appealing? We love the small-group size for intimacy and focused attention, the knowledgeable guides who are clearly passionate about marine conservation, and the stunning views you’ll enjoy both on the water and in the water. The only caveat? It’s a physically demanding experience—you’ll need strong swimming skills if you want to swim with the whales. If you’re not into the water, no worries—there’s still plenty to enjoy from the boat.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, ocean-loving travelers comfortable with open water and snorkeling, looking for an authentic encounter with marine wildlife. It’s ideal for those who value expert guidance and want a small, intimate experience rather than a crowded boat ride.

Key Points

• Limited group size (max 6) ensures personalized attention and safer, more respectful whale encounters
• Seasonal focus on humpback whales from July to late November, with opportunities to see dolphins, sharks, and rays
• Strong swimming skills are necessary for swimming with whales, but non-swimmers can still enjoy the scenery from the boat
• Expert guides are praised for their knowledge and care for marine conservation
• Snorkeling gear and flotation devices are provided, but bringing your wetsuit might help you avoid life jacket requirements
• Free cancellation policy offers flexibility in case of weather changes or schedule conflicts

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

This adventure begins at Moorea Expedition, with convenient pickup options, making the start of the day easy and stress-free. The tour lasts roughly four hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that doesn’t eat up your entire schedule. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation, which adds a layer of comfort, especially after a night’s sleep or a long flight.

The Boat and Group Size

The tour is limited to just 6 guests, according to new regulations, which means fewer crowds and more direct interaction with your guides. Many reviewers highlighted the intimate atmosphere—they felt like they were on a private expedition rather than a busy tourist boat. The small size also enhances safety and environmental respect, crucial when dealing with delicate marine life.

What to Expect During the Trip

The main goal, especially from July through late November, is swimming with humpback whales. The guides are experts in whale behavior, working diligently to position the boat for the best chance to see these magnificent creatures. Several reviewers noted their guides’ impressive knowledge—”Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with so much information about whale behavior and all the marine species we encountered,” mentioned one happy traveler.

If whales aren’t present during your trip, or if you’re not comfortable swimming, you can still enjoy the spectacle from the boat. Watching whales breach, tail slap, or even sing underwater is incredible, and many reviewers appreciated being able to observe multiple animals, including mothers and calves.

The Swimming Experience

For those opting to swim with whales, strong swimming skills and prior snorkeling experience are essential. The ocean conditions can vary, and whales are unpredictable in their movements. One reviewer mentioned, “The effort can be easy to moderate, but it depends on ocean conditions and whale behavior,” so it’s best to be prepared physically.

The tour provides snorkeling gear and flotation devices, but bringing your wetsuit can be a good idea. French law mandates life jackets unless you wear a wetsuit, which some travelers found helpful for comfort and safety. Many reviewers praised the guides’ focus on safety—“We felt completely safe with her in the water,” said one.

Encounters Beyond Whales

While the primary focus is humpback whales, opportunities also include sightings of dolphins, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. Several reviews raved about the chance to swim with sharks and rays—an adrenaline rush that many consider a highlight. For example, one traveler exclaimed they “swam with blacktop sharks and stingrays,” feeling both thrilled and safe thanks to the crew’s professionalism.

Marine Education and Conservation

Guides don’t just focus on the fun—they’re also highly knowledgeable about marine conservation efforts. Many reviews appreciated the guides’ efforts to respect the whales and emphasize protection of the ocean ecosystem. One reviewer noted, “The guide is so informative and very kind… I loved how respectful they are to the whales.”

The Scenic Views and Photography

Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of Moorea’s coastline and open ocean. Several travelers mentioned how much they appreciated the photography opportunities—both underwater and from the boat. The guides often took photos or provided tips for capturing the experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $300.14 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it offers exceptional value for the chance to see humpback whales, a rare and precious encounter. The small-group size, expert guides, and focus on respectful wildlife interaction justify the cost for many travelers. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and bottled water adds convenience, while the flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind.

Why It Might Not Be for Everyone

The main consideration is physical fitness and snorkeling experience. The tour can be challenging for non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in open ocean conditions. Also, ocean conditions can vary, and whale sightings are never guaranteed—patience and a flexible attitude are key.

Final Thoughts

This half-day Moorea tour offers an authentic, respectful approach to whale watching and marine encounters. It’s particularly suited for those who value small-group experiences, knowledgeable guides, and up-close wildlife interactions. If you’re ready for a physically active, educational, and awe-inspiring adventure, this tour could be the highlight of your Moorea trip.

Who Would Love This Experience?

Travelers eager to see whales in their natural habitat will find this tour rewarding. It’s perfect for adventurers comfortable with snorkeling and strong swimmers, who want a more personal and less crowded experience. Nature lovers and those passionate about marine conservation will also appreciate the guides’ respectful, educational approach.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

If you’re less confident in your swimming ability, or prefer a purely observational experience from the boat, this tour might be more demanding. Also, if you’re not ready to deal with ocean conditions or early-morning starts, consider other whale-watching options with different formats.

FAQ

Do I need to have snorkeling experience?
Yes, strong swimming skills and snorkeling experience are recommended for swimming with whales. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the tour from the boat.

What is included in the tour?
Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are provided. Wetsuits can be rented separately, which may help you avoid wearing a life jacket.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour limits groups to 6 guests maximum, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

When is the best time to book?
The main whale season runs from July to late November, so plan accordingly for the best chance to see humpbacks.

What should I bring?
Bring your wetsuit if you have one, sunblock, and a towel. A waterproof camera or GoPro is recommended for capturing underwater moments.

What if I don’t see whales?
The tour offers a full refund if canceled due to weather, and many reviewers still enjoyed the experience of seeing dolphins, rays, and sharks.

To sum it up, this Moorea half-day whale tour offers a rare chance to connect with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures in a respectful, small-group setting. While it demands a bit of physical effort and confidence in open water, the authentic encounters, guided by passionate experts, make it a worthwhile journey for adventurous travelers seeking a meaningful marine experience. Perfect for those who want to go beyond typical sightseeing, it’s an adventure that will leave you with stories—and possibly photos—that you’ll cherish forever.