Swimming With Humpbacks in French Polynesia
2026 Dates:
Have a group or family booking available for any dates that are regular but you’d like to upgrade to a premium trip? Let us know and we’ll see if the numbers allow us to make the magic happen for you!
Sept 20th - 27th - ***FULL*** - PREMIUM TRIP- $4500 USD
Sept 27th - Oct 4th - ***FULL*** - STANDARD TRIP- $5100 - Double Occupancy Room with Single Occupancy Upgrade for additional $700USD. Only 6 guests on Premium trips keeping interactions intimate!
Seats Available - Oct 4th - Oct 11th - STANDARD TRIP - $4500 USD
Premium Trips:
$5100 per person double occupancy with $700 USD additional cost for Single Occupancy Upgrade. Premium with single occupancy regular price for 2026 = $5800USD
Included: 7 boat sessions over 6 days, 3 meals per day with drinks (alcohol not included) , 4 x land based tours and cultural experiences and accommodations for the week.
Numbers: 6 clients + Boat Captain + In-water guide
***Flights are not included***
Standard Trips:
$4500 USD per person
Included: 7 boat sessions over 6 days, 3 meals per day with drinks (alcohol not included) , 4 x land based tours and cultural experiences and 2 person accommodations for the week.
Numbers: 8 clients + Boat Captain + In-water guide
***Flights are not included***
Come with us and swim and freedive with humpback whales on their annual migration to the South Pacific, live with a Polynesian family and participate in cultural activities from farming and fishing to cooking and beach parties with locals in the Austral Islands.
Every year from August to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm shallows of the South Pacific to give birth, raise their calves, and mate. Located in the Austral Archipelago in remote French Polynesia, the island of Rurutu is blessed with crystal clear waters and fringing reefs that transforms into a winter haven for several dozen humpback whales.
This program combines swimming with whales and immersion within Polynesian culture— our goal is to help you become one with the people, whales and ocean. The island of Rurutu is your home for the week, and the Tavita family becomes your family. You will live with them and learn about what makes this island special through the smiles, music, food and stories of her people.
Note: We spend long days on the water. You must be a strong swimmer comfortable in open water to successfully participate in this program. This is a nature program- whale sightings are not guaranteed; however, they are very likely. Interactions do happen, but it is not an everyday occurrence. We focus more on observation and are at the will of nature.
Example Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday (arrival day)
All participants are met at Rurutu’s tiny airport on arrival. We head over to our house, just five minutes along the road from the runway. Once settled, we do group introductions followed by a home cooked Polynesian dinner at the house. This evening, everyone gets together for a trip briefing and gear check before bed.
Days 2~7: Monday~Saturday
The heart of the experience is the camaraderie among guests, crew, and trip leaders. Beyond the day's adventures, fostering connections and sharing stories enriches your trip.
As wind, weather, and swells affect the trip, the daily schedule changes throughout the week and your trip leader announces the next day’s plan the day before. We also include a full island tour of Rurutu’s culture, history, and legends, an epic hike to the Dragon’s Head during low tide, and other cultural activities to better connect to the island and her people throughout the week.
A sample schedule for a day during the week looks like this:
06:45 Wake up.
07:15 Breakfast (fresh fruit, eggs, baguettes, coffee, locally made jams).
07:45 Drive to the dive shop to suit up and get ready.
08:00 Set out on our boat from the wharf in search of humpback whales.
13:00 Return to shore, change out of wet gear, wash it, and hang it up.
13:30 Lunch in town at Snack Piaareare.
15:00 Cultural activity or return to the house to shower, chill, or have a photography workshop (sometimes these are in the mornings, sometimes in the afternoons, and boat sessions may alternate).
19:00 Family-style home cooked dinner at the house.
21:00 Bedtime.
Day 8: Sunday (departure day)
This morning we prepare a late breakfast full of tasty French pastries, scrambled eggs, baguettes, and local fruit. Transportation back to Rurutu airport is provided for everyone to match your flight departure time.
If you’d like to Sign-up or learn more please reach out to us with any questions you may have below…