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The whale season

A humpback whale underwater
A humpback whale and her calf
A humpback calf
A humpback whale just below the surface
A humpback whale and her calf in open water
A humpback whale in mid-breach
Every year, humpback whales come to the warm waters of French Polynesia to mate and give birth, before heading back south with their calves. Our whale trips run from 20 July to 20 November, the period authorised by the order of the Environment Department.

7 am and 1 pm

Two departures a day.

Half a day

At sea.

From age 10 on board

From age 12 in the water, if they can swim.

1 to 2 months ahead

Book early: places go fast.

With swimming

A group of up to 6 people does every swim of the trip. You need to be able to swim 100 to 200 metres in the open ocean: there may be swell and current, and you need to reach quickly the spot where the whale dived.

Fins, mask, snorkel and a shorty wetsuit are provided.

Swimmers at a distance from a humpback whale, off Moorea
A humpback whale breaching, seen from the boat

Without swimming

Up to 6 more people, on the same boat. The boat stays at least 100 metres away: you see the blow, the tail fluke as the whale dives, and sometimes breaches or pectoral slaps.

It is the option for those who don't want to swim, or who come along. There is no child rate.

A regulated approach

Scubapiti is authorised by order of the Environment Department to approach whales around Moorea, with its boat Tai Nui and a certified captain and in-water guide. Our sightings are reported to the French Polynesia observatory of emblematic species.

These are wild animals: we cannot guarantee an encounter, but seeing the whales is the whole point of the trip and we do everything we can to make it happen.

Humpback whales seen from the air, off Moorea
Snorkeling with a humpback whale and her calf, in Moorea

Dive in the morning, whales in the afternoon

Both fit very well into the same day: a fun dive in the morning, whales at 1 pm. Remember to drink plenty of water in between.

Also private: a private whale excursion is available for half a day or a full day, for your family or group. It is also the only option for cruise passengers, as our schedule does not match the tender times.

A humpback whale underwater in Moorea
A humpback whale just below the surface, in Moorea
A humpback whale rising to the surface
A swimmer beside a humpback whale

Our whale trips on video

Scubapiti Moorea: whale watching (July 2019)
A humpback whale on a dive with Scubapiti (19 July 2019)
Whale trip with Scubapiti (August 2019)
Whale trip of 2 September 2019, amateur footage

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the whale excursion with and without swimming?
Both options are on the same boat, for the same half-day trip, departing at 7 am and 1 pm. With swimming, a group of up to 6 people does every swim of the trip, provided they can swim 100 to 200 metres in the open ocean. Without swimming, up to 6 more people watch from the boat, which stays at least 100 metres away: the blow, the tail fluke as the whale dives, and sometimes breaches or pectoral slaps. Prices for both options are on the Rates page.
When can you see humpback whales in Moorea?
Our whale trips run from 20 July to 20 November, the period authorised by the order of the Environment Department. Demand is high: book one to two months in advance.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to get in the water?
Yes: you need to be able to swim at least 100 to 200 metres in the open ocean. There may be swell and current, and it is active swimming, as you need to reach quickly the spot where the whale dived. We lend fins, mask, snorkel and a shorty wetsuit; you are also welcome to bring your own gear.
From what age can a child come whale watching?
Children are welcome from age 10 on board, to watch, and from age 12 in the water, if they can swim.
Can you guarantee a whale sighting?
No: humpback whales are wild animals, and a trip can end without an encounter. In that case there is no refund or rebooking, as our costs remain the same. But seeing the whales is the whole point of the trip, and we do everything we can to make it happen.
What are the whale-approach rules in French Polynesia?
Approaching whales is a regulated activity. Scubapiti is authorised by order of the Environment Department (no. 5133/MPR/DIREN of 15 July 2026) to approach and watch whales around Moorea, with its boat Tai Nui and a certified captain and in-water guide. The boat stays at least 100 metres away, trips run from 20 July to 20 November, and our sightings are reported to the French Polynesia observatory of emblematic species.
Can I go diving and whale watching on the same day?
Yes, they work well together: diving in the morning, whales in the afternoon. Just remember to drink plenty of water in between, and to get a good night's sleep before.
Is there a child rate for whale excursions?
No, there is no child rate for whale excursions.

See also

Divers underwater in Moorea

Scuba diving

Discover dives, fun dives and courses.
Snorkeling on the surface of the Moorea lagoon

Snorkeling

Fins, mask, snorkel: the lagoon and the ocean from the surface.

Book your whale trip

Prices on the Rates page; a deposit per person is required when booking, and the balance is paid in cash. Contact form or (+689) 87 78 03 52.