Swim with humpback whales
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Every year between July and early November, humpback whales migrate through the warm Polynesian waters. They come here to breed or give birth. This is a unique opportunity we have to admire them.
During this excursion we sometimes also happen to see spinner dolphins, pilot whales and pelagic sharks.
French Polynesia is one of the few destinations in the world where it is still possible to swim with cetaceans and have the opportunity to observe them underwater. Join us and have the experience of your life!
Important Notes
The government of French Polynesia imposes specific rules of approach. We will explain the instructions to follow before launching to ensure your safety and that of the animals.
Swimming with whales means swimming in the deep blue in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Approach rules also require us to swim long distances to approach animals discreetly.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Moorea
Cruise in the lagoon Observe and swim open ocean with humpback whale Meet and swim with rays and black tip sharks Round trip transportation included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Restroom on board
Options
Swim with humpback whales
Pickup included
Reviews
247 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience
Maps28970344279,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a truly magical experience. Even though it was the end of the season, we were fortunate enough to swim with a mama and baby humpback! Mickey and the captain were excellent, made sure everyone felt safe and was respectful of the whales the entire time. I would advise you to do this tour if you are a strong swimmer (you are in open ocean) and comfortable with snorkeling equipment. There were some on our tour that didn't know how to swim with fins and Mickey was kind enough to guide them, especially so they did not disturb the whales.
Francesca queen of whale watching
giulianafI3641BC,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We want to say a big thank you to Francesca (Ariel) for guiding us today in the search for whales! Although the sea was very rough, his experience and tenacity were the key to success. We swam with the whales and managed to enjoy an incredible show. Thank you Francesca for making our dream possible. A big hug.
Great experience
Anjali R,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing experience snorkeling with humpback whales! Micky and Tama were excellent — knowledgeable, friendly, and respectful of the ocean and animals. I highly recommend this tour, but make sure you’re a confident swimmer before going.
Book more than one tour to guarantee a quality sighting
meanderingmaori,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Firstly, as far as staff go, Tamahere, the Captain, and Francesca, our whale guide were brilliant. Their enthusiasm and expertise was greatly appreciated and enhanced our experience. A point to note: it’s hard not to expect to see and swim with whales due to the volume of social media content out there, but whales are whales and if they aren’t feeling it, they won’t hang around or they’ll swim deep. Additionally, recent law changes see swimmers either wearing 5 mm wetsuits or a PFD. We were picked up at the Vaiare Ferry Port and transported to the Moorea Activities Center where we signed our waivers and given a brief on what would happen. We boarded the vessel and Tamahere gave us more detailed briefs before we left Ōpūnoho Bay, and Francesca gave another when we were outside the lagoon and reef. Once out in the ocean, the captain and guide constantly scan for whales, however, it was me that spotted the first two whales. The guidelines dictate that only three boats are to approach whales, with any additional boats having to wait at a distance for an opportunity or move on to find another whale with less than three boats. Additionally, only six swimmers per guide are permitted. As our boat had 12 swimmers, we had to wait for the other six to swim and return before it was our turn. Prior to the tour, we weren’t aware there were 12 swimmers, and this would reduce our time in the water unfortunately. The first six swimmers got close enough to the whale to see it underwater but by the time we were in, the whale had swum away. The next whale was also a male ‘singer’ and although he went too deep for us to see him, it was amazing knowing that we were swimming with this whale as we heard and felt the reverberations throughout our entire bodies. We didn’t have much luck after that, with whales either moving away quickly or swimming too deep to see. As I mentioned earlier, it’s difficult not to expect your special ‘insta moment’ and whales will whale, so I would suggest you book at least two (or more) tours to guarantee a quality viewing. The only negative was that we had 12 swimmers and not 6, so we had to share the time and that reduced our time and opportunities. Really appreciated Tamahere and Francesca’s efforts though, a truly memorable experience nonetheless.
Trip of a lifetime!
W6121NOtaylorh,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I did two private swimming with whales for our honeymoon! The experience was absolutely amazing. From pickup from our hotel lobby, to the experience on the boat and in the water to being dropped back off at our hotel. Our captain and guide were FANTASTIC! We felt immediately comfortable and at home when we got to the boat! The experience once in the water was something that we have no words for! Our guide was knowledgeable and extremely experienced! We saw whales on both our excursions! It was an unforgettable experience!
Incredible Experience Swimming with Mom and Baby Humpback Whales
taylorhP487IE,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible bucket list experience! We greatly enjoyed our experience swimming with a mom and a baby humpback whale. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the behavior of the whales and safety for swimming in the open ocean. They really respected the whales and their space.
Incredible Experience with Mom and Baby Humpback Whales
Taylor H,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible bucket list experience! The guides were very knowledgeable about whale behavior and safety in the open ocean. They were very patient waiting for the right time for us to get into the water and respected the whales’ space. We saw a mom and a baby in the water and had the chance to observe the baby playing while the mom rested.
Memorable experience
Flyer37601615954,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coralina Tours offered us an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. We highly recommend their support and the information provided. We had the chance to swim and observe a mother whale and her calf in their natural habitat. Many thanks to the captain and guide for this wonderful time.
Really worth it!
carlottag585,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly amazing experience! Our guides took the patience to wait for the whales to be ready and guided us in the ocean to see the whales! Amazing tour!!
Swimming with wales
Rossier A-21,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A huge thank you to the entire Corallina Tours team for this unforgettable excursion! Your passion, your respect for nature and your professionalism made this trip extraordinary. We had the incredible chance to watch the whales... and even see them underwater, a magical and moving moment that we will remember all our lives 💙 Thank you for your kindness, your fascinating explanations and your love of the ocean that is felt at every moment. An experience to live absolutely! Mauruuru roa 🙏✨
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Operated by Corallina Tours