Why the fuck is the broke backpacker writing about Swimming with whales in tahiti? Yes, it’s expensive, yes, the mission of the broke backpacker is to encourage and enable your broke ass to go do the thing, AND also, we love an adventure.
If plunging into the pitch black depths of the ocean, quietly hovering, until you sense a presence and see an enormous mass gliding up to you to say hello isn’t an adventure, then I don’t know what is!
Swimming with whales in Moorea is a truly unforgettable experience, and if it feels out of your price range, I encourage you to read on. Even as an exercise in manifestation because this will honestly change your life and finding the best time to swim with Humpback whales in Moorea is essential.
In indigenous Pacifica culture, whales are known to be guardians, keepers and messengers of wisdom with a deep connection between the earthly and spiritual realm. With a similar lifespan to humans, we share a lot more than meets the eye with these wonderful mammals which I believe is why this is such a transformative experience.
Let’s get into it!
Photo: George Alvarez
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- Why Swim With Whales in Moorea?
- Is it Ethical?
- When is the Best Time to Swim With Whales?
- What to Pack When You’re Swimming With Whales in Moorea
- How to get to Moorea
- Other Things to do While You’re in Tahiti
- Top Tips to Swim With Whales in Moorea
- Where to Stay in Moorea
- FAQs About Swimming With Whales in Moorea
- Final Thoughts
Why Swim With Whales in Moorea?
Swimming with whales in Moorea is a spiritual experience. Unlike other places where animal tourism feels like a gross overstepping of nature’s ways, the conservation efforts in Tahiti are supreme. To swim with whales in Tahiti is to embark on a mutual engagement with wild whales that is well and truly bucket-list worthy.
Embarking on a Moorea expedition is an opportunity that should be seized with reverence and enthusiasm. You’ll be well looked after by professional guides, and so long as you have a general confidence being in and underwater, all you need to do is sink into the experience.
The people of Tahiti are notoriously friendly, and in this day and age, speaking English is more common, therefore making it more accessible for the average Joe Bloggs (punny?). If you were to pull up to this Pacific archipelago a decade ago, you’d be praying to have some mutual French to get by on, unless you’d been practising your Tahitian.
That being said, the universal language of a smile is spoken in capslock in this tropical paradise, and as the old adage goes, the best time to swim with whales was twenty years ago, but the second-best time is now. (or something like that)
Is it Ethical?
Yeah, swimming with whales here is a great example of ethical animal tourism. The Tahitian government has strict rules and regulations in place, as well as exceptional environmental conservation methods that are honoured and adhered to. You may have visited some places where tour companies are vying to get as close as possible to the wildlife encounter, but do not expect that.
In Tahiti, the tour guides who facilitate these interactions are experts at detecting these whales, whether it’s by sight or spidey sense; they know. So they’ll take you out on the ocean, you’ll (hopefully, no guarantees) sight a Humpback, or a mumma and a calf, and they’ll stop the boat and stay at least 100m away from the whales. Then it’s up to you to get into the water and be in the territory of these 40-tonne creatures and let them initiate interaction.
Your guides will let you know other rules that are in place and compel you to adhere to these rules. There are a couple of tours a day, and you can choose between a half day and a full day, but make sure you book because this is something you don’t want to wing. While you cruise around looking for the whales, the crew will teach you all about the whales, their habits, their habitats and what they love.
When is the Best Time to Swim With Whales?
The humpback whales migrate to the waters of Moorea, Tahiti, between July and November each year. They come to breed and give birth in the tropical waters, which are warm and safe thanks to Tahiti’s MPA. This marine protected area is the largest in the world, banning extractive activities and nominating specific zones for artisanal fishing.
Thanks to this, the whales have been coming here, and it is established in their DNA as a safe place to be. The rahui (a traditional practice of shutting down an area to allow it to regenerate) is another factor that makes this area so attractive for the whales to visit.
You can swim with whales in Moorea, but Moorea whale snorkelling goes hard too. The waters are so warm, you’re going to be living your best life playing Ariel, under the sea!
While whale season spans months (July-November), the best time to swim with whales in Moorea is between September and October. Everyone’s at the party by now, they’re all comfortable, having a big old reunion and catching up. The calves are getting a bit more confident, the mamas are more relaxed, and you’re more likely to have an interactive, fun time.
That being said, there’s something to be said for each month – if you visit in July, you’ll see some of the first whale sightings. Swimming with whales in July is the best time for guaranteed emotional moments, as everyone sees these gorgeous giants for the first time. Being an outside month, there is potentially less likelihood of meeting whales when you go out, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Photo: @audyscala
One thing to note is that a lot of operations will offer to take you out for no extra charge if you don’t sight whales on your trip. Check with your tour operator about their policy.
The best time to swim with whales in Moorea, combined with great weather and tourism picking up, is in August. The whales are starting to become a lot more visible now, and all tour operators will be fully functional. Make sure you book well in advance if you want to come now!
September is the absolute best time to swim with the whales. Because these are such sacred animals, this is when the locals will be out and about too, greeting and reconnecting with old friends. Imagine growing up with Humpback whales visiting your home every year?!
If you can’t make it out until later in the year, don’t worry! October is definitely the tail end of the season, but you’ll still see plenty of whales and get to enjoy Tahiti with fewer tourists, too.
November definitely isn’t the best time to swim with whales in Moorea, but it’s not too late. The weather will start to turn with the rainy season approaching, and the whales will start to return south. Visibility will be lower with the stormy weather, but travelling in the shoulder season will have its perks too, like fewer tourists around.
What to Pack When You’re Swimming With Whales in Moorea
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a trip away is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive packing list for even more top packing tips and make sure you use the list below to get those extra bits. These bits will make your dive adventures go that bit more smoothly.
DSLR Camera
A classic, iconic piece of kit. If you’re here for the hi def holiday memories, you can’t beat this beauty by Cannon.
Underwater Camera
This little camera is perfect for underwater adventures – it floats and has a dual screen for that perfect selfie.
Seasickness Equipment
These are crazy, but a good friend of mine swears by them.
Accupressure Wristbands
I’d still pack some accupressure wristbands, as lots of hanging around in the boat will get to even the hardiest of people.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Reef Safe Sunscreen is a no-brainer, really. We’ve been in the midst of the largest coral bleaching event in history since 2023, so let’s not contribute to that, eh?
3mm Wetsuit
Wear your wetsuit on the boat, but leave the top down until you’re ready to get into the water. Also, after a few swims, you’ll likely feel cold even in 24°C water. Wearing your wetsuit or a boat poncho/neoprene jacket/windbreaker between swims helps conserve body heat.
Some Flippers
The right freediving/snorkelling gear is key for extended water sessions. Having a mask that works well with your face is essential for having an enjoyable experience too.
Dry Bag
Dry Bag is essential for electronics, boat rides can be bumpy, and saltwater can easily damage cameras, phones, and chargers.
This being said, everything you NEED will be provided. I just think that having the BEST things possible will make your swim with whales in Moorea the best time possible.
How to get to Moorea
To get to Moorea, you’ll fly into Tahiti and take either a 15-minute flight or a 45-minute ferry to Moorea. The ferry is scenic, and you can take bikes or cars on the ferry, so it’s a great place to meet fellow travellers. One thing about Tahiti and Moorea in particular is that the people are beyond friendly, and this seems to extend to the tourists, too.
Most people are there to see Humpback whales in Moorea, and I find that generally, people who love ocean adventures are great craic. A Moorea expedition will undoubtedly leave you with lifetime memories, and potentially new friends, too.
A spanner in the works, or another option to swim with whales in Tahiti, is to visit Rurutu for a whale swim. This is the northernmost of the Austral Islands (the archipelago that Tahiti is a part of) in French Polynesia. Rurutu is a low-key, homespun version of Moorea, without the luxury hotels, a more off the beaten path way to swim with whales in Tahiti.
Image: Audy Scala
Other Things to do While You’re in Tahiti
Ok, so you’re here to swim with the whales in Moorea, but there’s going to be downtime. Here are a few things I would check out when I’m not busy napping on the beach or sipping on a Mai Tai.
- Take a trip on a glass-bottom boat to see some giant sea turtles if you can’t get enough of the marine life here.
- Discover inland Moorea as you cruise around with Christine and enjoy her take on the history and culture of the Island.
- Make sure you make time to explore Tahiti’s west coast too, chase some waterfalls and check out Teahupoo before you leave this tropical paradise.
Top Tips to Swim With Whales in Moorea
Alright, I’m sure you’re sold, so before you get too heady with excitement, let’s go over the non-negotiables.
- Be flexible. You’re interacting (or hoping to interact!) with wild animals. These whales migrate over 6,000 km from Antarctica to reach the safety of Moorea, and this is like their nursery. These guys need to recoup a bit of energy. The best swimming with whales in Mores is once they’ve settled in for a hot minute and are comfortable in these protected waters.
- Be prepared. Reefsafe sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, warm things for when you get out of the water, a 3mm wetsuit or rash top to keep you warm in the water… I feel like a parent right now, but these things will make your time more enjoyable.
- Get that proverbial worm! Getting an early jump start on the day will give you the best opportunity to see these whales up and about. Often, Humpback whales in Tahiti will be feeding, socialising and generally jumping about in the morning, so you should be too. This is the best time for your whale watching tour for sure.
- Use your gear wisely. Flashes freak them out, and drones can disturb them from above. If you’re bringing tech, know how to use it properly or leave it on the boat.
- Book that tour, babe. You do not want to leave this up to chance; the season is short, and the seats on the boats are limited. Make sure you book in advance. Look for small group policies that will maximise your chance of getting time with these guys.
- Don’t expect a show. Basically reiterating on number 1 here, because it’s important. This being said, Humpbacks are famous for their “song”, which is more similar to human language than you might think, so you might just get one. If your guides hear a vocalising whale, they will encourage you into the water to hear for yourself. This is an experience that really makes you feel like a wee being in this great, vast world of ours.
Where to Stay in Moorea
Accommodation options are definitely varied. There are all-inclusive resorts, which are a great option for travelling families or honeymooners.
Fun fact: Tahiti has won an award for being a standout welcoming destination for queer travellers. LOVE!
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort | Best Hotel in Moorea
Set just a few steps from Te’avaro, Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is a great option for families travelling with kids.
Numerous room options await, including Luxury King Bungalows, Superior Bungalows with Ocean Views, and Beachfront Bungalows. Each unit provides a king-sized bed and a sofa bed.
If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, you’ll be glad to learn that there’s an on-site restaurant offering traditional French cuisine with plenty of seafood on the menu. There’s also a beach bar, a pool, and a poolside bar.
Haere Mai I Te Fare | Best Guesthouse in Moorea
For something more affordable, consider this sustainable guesthouse, which features sweeping views of the mountains.
One of my favourite places to stay in Moorea, Haere Mai I Te Fare, offers easy access to various types of activities, including cycling, snorkelling, and hiking.
After soaking up everything the island has to offer, you can always take advantage of the on-site barbecue facilities before retiring to the family room. In the morning, grab a hot brew from the hotel’s coffee shop before heading out.
Ocean-Facing Villa for Six | Best Airbnb in Moorea
I sure hope you’re ready to be wowed because this villa in Tiahura is all set to deliver one heck of a memorable stay!
Located smack by the lagoon, the property features two bedrooms for four guests. If you need to squeeze in two more people, they can enjoy a comfy snooze on the double sofa bed in the living room.
Oh, and did I mention that the villa also provides kayaks so you can head out to the ocean whenever you want?
FAQs About Swimming With Whales in Moorea
Here’s what people usually ask.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I mean, you’re hardly going to get this far and not be thinking about insuring yourself, are you? Get good travel insurance before you travel and prevent any headaches IF something does happen.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
Swimming with whales in Moorea is the best. As soon as I stepped off the ferry and felt that shockingly silky sand between my toes, Moorea had me hooked! Outside of whale watching, the island’s glorious waterfalls, majestic coastlines, and picturesque lagoons are bound to seduce even the pickiest of travellers.
This island may be petite, but it packs some serious wow factor with its spectacular sights, super kind people, and amazing eats. That being said, finding the right place to stay can be something of a hassle, especially if you’re visiting in peak season. But don’t worry, though: I’ve got your back as always!
When you come to swim with whales in Moorea, I’d recommend finding somewhere to stay via Airbnb.com as it’s better for connecting with locals. This is important to me when travelling, and for yo,u it might be staying at an all-inclusive resort, no shade, it takes all types! Wherever you stay, I’m sure your trip will be a dream, and I hope to hear about it.
Hit me up in the comments if you’ve got anything to add, whether I’ve missed something or you’ve been and have a hot tip.
Fancy being cold whilst doing a similar thing?! Check out the amazing whale watching in Norway instead!
Photo: @audyscala
- You can’t just go to one island, make sure you check out all the Best Islands in French Polynesia
- If you plan on having a layover on the main island, make sure you know Where to Stay in Tahiti
- Get off the couch and into the great outdoors with our ultimate guide to Backpacking French Polynesia.
- We’ve also got where to stay in French Polynesia covered with our epic guide.
- Keen to explore life beneath the waves? Here’s our Freedive Guide 101
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
