Close Encounters With Humpback Whales In French Polynesia 2026
Whale Encounters
Off the Beaten Track
Great for Non-divers
Photo Group Trip
Why Join This Trip
Best in-water humpback whale experience in the world
Possibly the most beautiful island on the planet
A resort and island so beautiful it will leave an ever-lasting impression
A third of the travel time of Tonga for most guests
Aimed at Adventurers - to provide the best possible experience, this trip includes some elements that are best suited to adventure travelers
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Trip overview
3* Hotel Kaveka Package Details
Our 3* Hotel Kaveka Package is based at simple but affordable beachfront accommodation, 20 minutes walk from town. This trip is perfect for guests whose main goal is to get in the water with whales and are happy with basic accommodation.
4* Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites Package Details
Our Cook's Bay Resort package is based at Moorea's newest resort. Brand new 4* accommodation makes for an affordable trip without compromising on a superior on-water experience. This trip is perfect for guests are looking to enjoy the best experience at an affordable price.
5* Manava Beach Resort & Spa Package Details
Our new 5* Manava Beach Resort & Spa Package benefits from one of the best resorts in Moorea. Superior accommodation in a more desirable location, Meet and Greet at the airport, transfers to and from Moorea, and a sunset cruise dinner on your last evening. This trip is perfect for guests seeking the ultimate Moorea experience, both on the boat, in the water, and at the resort.
Recommended Gear
Download our full scuba gear guide to French Polyneisa humpback whale snorkeling, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: International flight arrival at Tahiti (airport code: PPT), take a ferry to Moorea, hotel arrival.
- Day 2 - 6: Look for whales 8 AM-4 PM (times are examples based on previous years and not guaranteed to be the same each year).
- Day 7: Day of rest. Can be used to scuba dive the many sites around Moorea, explore the island, or potentially add another day of whale swimming (dependent on boat availability and agreement between all guests during the trip).
- Day 8: Depart hotel, take the ferry back to Tahiti for flight.
Additional Information
Please bring your own wetsuit, mask, and fins. There are no rental options on the island. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended; many guests have skipped the wetsuit and gotten very cold when the weather got windy and cloudy.
We are not in the water all day. There may be long periods of time when you're on the boat looking for whales.
Guests must be good swimmers for this trip. Due to local regulations, we are dropped 100m away from the whales and must swim at a brisk pace up to them from that distance. It is possible to hire a private guide to help you swim if you are not a good swimmer. Please inquire for more details.
Many guests have gotten sunburn even though there is shade on the boat, so all skin must be covered. We suggest a hat, scarf for face/lips, face gaiter, full skin or wetsuit, and plenty of sunscreen.
Guests are required to be physically able to get up a small boat ladder on their own. If assistance is required to climb up a boat ladder, a private guide will be placed on the boat to assist you at your own expense.Meals
Meals are not included in this trip (except for lunch on boat days and breakfast at Manava Beach Resort). The rooms at Cook's Bay have kitchenette facilities which are more than adequate for preparing breakfast or a light evening meal. The rooms at all three resorts have a fridge.
There is a grocery store within walking distance of all three resorts which offers a good range of local produce. Many guests find this an affordable way to stock up on snacks and breakfast supplies for the week.
Manava Beach Resort and Cook's Bay have excellent (albeit expensive) restaurants on-site, and there are also a variety of restaurant options close to Manava Beach Resort. Cook's Bay and Kaveka are further from town but there are some food stalls in the area which serve surpisingly excellent and inexpensive meals. Some restaurants will also arrange a car to pick you up, free of charge, from your hotel.
Internet/Wi-Fi
The WiFi in many resorts around French Polynesian can be intermittent, especially in the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava. It is worth checking if your cell provider offers data bolt-ons to give you connectivity during your trip.
There are also a surprisingly good number of options to buy local data when you arrive in Tahiti. Tahiti WiFi has a stand in the airport where you can rent a box that connects you to WiFi on most islands (it doesnt work so well in Fakarava and Rangiroa). The box acts as a router and allows you to connect several devices to WiFi at one time. It can be pre-booked for you to pick up at the airport or delivered to your hotelhttps://www.tahitiwifi.com/. They offer various data packages starting at 5GB for 4,600 XPF ($7).
A cheaper option would be to buy a SIM card for your phone which you can then use to hotspot to other devices. The Tahiti WiFi stand sells Vodafone SIM packages which work well in Tahiti and Moorea, but again arent so great in the more remote islands. They offer 3 packages starting at 2GB data, 30 minutes of local calls, and unlimited texts for around $4. Once you have your SIM card, you can top it up or buy more data at most supermarkets around the islands.
If you plan to island hop and will be exploring Fakarava or Rangiroa, your best option is to buy a SIM from local provider Vini https://www.vini.pf/mobile/international/vini-travel-card. These can be purchased from Cafe Maeva at the airport. Their packages are a bit more expensive but offer excellent coverage all over French Polynesia. For example, the Vini Travel Card costs 4,000 XPF ($33) and gives you 9GB data as well as some bonus calls and texts. Once you have your SIM card you can top it up at most supermarkets around the islands.
Finally, if you arrive out of hours and everything at the airport is closed, there is a gas station within a 5 minute walk of the airport that also sells local SIM cards.
Trip Inclusions
Small group size (max 6 people with 1 guide)
7 nights accommodation as per your package choice, twin occupancy
5 days on the water looking for whales, weather permitting, on a private boat with captain and guide
1 day of rest to explore or relax - we have a range of topside activities available
A locally prepared light lunch and refreshments on boat days
Breakfast (Manava 5* Package only)
Airport Meet and Greet and round-trip transfers (Manava 5* Package only)
Sunset dinner cruise on the last evening before your flight home (Manava 5* Package only)
Welcome drinks and canapes (Manava 5* Package only)
Trip Exclusions
Upgrades to a bungalow with private pool, overwater bungalow, or to a single occupancy room.
Ferry to and from Moorea ~$30 USD round trip (see 'How to Get There')
Any meals not stated in the Inclusions
Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Dinner is not included at Manava Beach Resort. Most restaurants will pick you up free of charge from the hotel. There is a good range of restaurant options within walking distance of Manava Beach Resort. Lunch is not included on non-boat days.
Mandatory City Tax and optional ‘Eco Donation’ paid to the resort on check-out
Transfers between the airport and ferry, then the ferry and resort (see 'How to Get There')
Ferry to and from Moorea ~$30 USD round trip (see 'How to Get There')
Gratuity
Gratuity
Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Private guide offering in-water assistance for weaker swimmers
Gratuity
Accommodation
Hotel Kaveka
Family owned and operated, Hotel Kaveka offers incredible value for discerning travelers from around the world. All bungalows have a double and a single bed and a few bungalows have space for two single beds. Portable televisions with local reception are in the bungalows along with a mini refrigerator and air conditioning.
Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites
Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites is a haven of luxury nestled in a breathtaking tropical paradise. A short stroll from these coastal retreats, unwind and luxuriate in the resort's exclusive outdoor sanctuary. Encompassing a generously-sized pool with a reflective surface, this meticulously designed area extends to a sandy shoreline. Here, a pristine and shallow lagoon beckons you to refresh yourself at any time during the day. The dining experience is equally spectacular at their restaurant and bar, situated at the end of a charming footbridge, provides a 180-degree view of Cook's Bay, surrounding peaks, and the Teavaroa Pass. Prepare to be captivated by the unique and awe-inspiring setting that defines Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites.
The resort's 38 suite each feature a kitchenette and a spacious balcony for indulging in the stunning views.The suites located at the garden-level offer direct beach and pool access, while the upper floor boasts wider views of the island
Manava Beach Resort & Spa
The charming Manava Beach Resort & Spa is a perfect blend of luxury and serenity, making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, divers, and families. The syle of the resort is a tasteful combination of the traditional and the contemporary, with a powerful sense of Polynesia.
Boat
- 31ft / 9.5m boat
- We limit this trip to only 6 guests on an 8-person boat to allow for intimate whale experiences while providing far more comfort and space
- Permanent sunshade
- Fixed seats for added comfort
Trip Price
Trip starts from $3,750 per person.
4* Cook's Bay Resort (Sep 5 - 12, 2026)
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Balcony or Terrace
Kitchenette
Double-occupancy
$3,750
per person
3* Hotel Kaveka (Sep 12 - 19, 2026)
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Garden view
Daily housekeeping
Double-occupancy
$2,999
per person
4* Cook's Bay Resort (Sep 19 - 26, 2026)
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Balcony or Terrace
Kitchenette
Double-occupancy
$3,750
per person
5* Manava Beach Resort (Sep 26 - Oct 3, 2026)
Air Conditioning (AC)
En Suite Bathroom
Balcony or Terrace
Garden view
Double-occupancy
$4,750
per person
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $800 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 February 2026
- Balance: due 1 June 2026
Extend your trip
Close Encounters With Humpback Whales In French Polynesia 2026 Trip Extension
Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! Join us in Fakarava Atoll to witness the legendary Wall of Sharks, where hundreds of grey reef sharks gather in the narrow Tumakohua Pass.
Trip Leader
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-optimized.webp&w=3840&q=75 "Tim Yeo")
Tim Yeo
Tim grew up in tiny Singapore, where driving for more than an hour meant you would need a passport. Traveling was always his passion, but Tim became addicted to dive travel soon after he got scuba certified in Malaysia. As his diving addiction grew, Tim eventually became a Staff Instructor with PADI and an Instructor Trainer with SDI. After getting his instructor certification, Tim spent time teaching scuba in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Tim serves as General Manager and COO at Bluewater Travel and is the company's most seasoned trip leader. With a portfolio of leading over 30 group trips, his extensive expertise encompasses a variety of popular dive destinations such as the Galapagos, Raja Ampat, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Red Sea, Palau, Maldives, among others. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and allowed him to dive in all five oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.
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