migration/calving : october
TAHITI: HUMPBACK WHALE MIGRATION
During the Austral winter, humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the South Pacific to mate and raise their calves.
IN BRIEF
Each austral winter, the warm, protected waters of Tahiti become part of one of the Pacific’s great migrations. Humpback whales arrive from Antarctic feeding grounds to mate, calve, rest, and socialize in these tropical seas. The island sits at a quiet crossroads of this movement, where mothers nurse newborn calves, males compete and sing, and long, unhurried days unfold at the surface and just below it.
The goal of this expedition is not simply to see humpbacks, but to spend time with them in a way that allows their behaviour to reveal itself. From the water, we observe how whales interact, how calves learn to play, and how other species, such as dolphins or pilot whales, sometimes join these encounters. This is a boat-access-only journey to an undisclosed stretch of Tahiti’s coastline, chosen for its isolation and consistency rather than its name.
DAILY
MORNINGS: After breakfast and a quick briefing, we head out on our boat for the morning. The week is divided into 7 different 4 hour sessions on water, allowing for about 28 hours of total on water exploration time. This area is very remote— no road access and only about 1-2 other boats operate in the vicinity, so we largely expect to be by ourselves. We look for humpbacks as our primary species, but also commonly see dolphins, pilot whales, and various shark species as well.
MIDDAY: Some days we continue on water all afternoon until about 4pm, having an on-board lunch while exploring. Other says we use the afternoons for a sit-down lunch followed by a whale presentation, waterfall hike, coastal exploration, or a cultural activity with our Tahitian hosts.
EVENINGS: By late afternoon we return to shore, shower off and get ready for team dinner. We also host wildlife presentations and photography workshops some evenings at our accommodation. Remember we are very much off-grid on this trip, so while we do have solar electricity, internet connectivity and speeds are limited. We spend time connecting with each other, nature and the rhythms of the island.
ON WATER
Over the course of the week, our time on the water is structured into seven dedicated sessions, each lasting approximately four hours. These are spread across five days, with two full days spent entirely at sea and three mornings devoted to shorter outings. We operate from a large, modern vessel powered by a 300-hp outboard, designed for stability, range, and comfort in open water. We work along an isolated stretch of coastline where there is little to no other traffic, allowing encounters to unfold without pressure or competition.
Our focus on each session is simple: locate humpback whales who might want to engage us in water. When appropriate, we enter the water quietly to observe interactions between adults and calves, surface behaviour, and, on rarer occasions, inter-species moments involving dolphins or pilot whales.
ACCOMMODATION
For this expedition, we base ourselves at a small, family-run deluxe pension in a remote, boat-access-only area. The property consists of five unique bungalows with a/c and comfortable beds. Meals are prepared locally, drawing on Polynesian home cooking and fresh ingredients. It’s a place where boutique style luxury meets authentic homestay.
OCT 2026 DATES
Click on the session you want to join to sign up, each session is limited to 8 guests.
COSTS
CORE PROGRAM: $4490 USD
INCLUDED
6 nights accommodation in Tahiti (twin shared rooms).
5 expedition days, including 7 different 4-hour boat sessions in search of humpbacks to swim with
Boat snacks and drinks.
All in-water guiding, photography, and safety support.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Transportation to and from Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.
EXCLUDED
Flights to/from Papeete.
Gear (must bring your own— you need a mask, snorkel, fins, rash guard, swim suit and weight belt).
Travel/cancellation insurance.
Personal spending and gratuities (optional).
FAQ
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7 boat sessions of approximately 4 hours each over five days on-water (~28 hours total)
Licensed whale guide, experienced boat captain, and one of our team leaders.
Accommodation in twin rooms.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners daily.
Local group activities and presentations outside of boat hours.
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International flights to Papeete (PPT)
Gear.
Personal travel/medical insurance (required)
Alcohol
Tips/gratuities for crew and guides
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Tahiti’s sea temperatures average about 27°C (81°F) in October. We recommend a 2-3mm wetsuit for maximum comfort (or a full 3mm if you get cold easily). We also recommend using a light boat hoodie (and plenty of reef safe sunscreen) to protect from UV.
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Guests are housed in twin rooms at the Pension. Rooms are all twin shared. Some single supplements may be available. If we happen to be undersold, single supplements will be available at a first come first serve basis for an extra fee.
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We are on the boat for 7 different 4-hour sessions over the course of five days. This equates to three mornings-only water days and two full morning and afternoon days.
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All in-water activity is conducted under French Polynesia’s new humpback whale swimming regulations (2025). The basic rules include only one boat in water at a time, max 6 guests plus one guide in the water at a time, a minimum vessel distance of 100 metres from whales, and a stop swimming distance of 15m from whales. If the whales choose to approach closer, that is their choice.
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Yes, with a caveat. Our in-water guides carry cameras and document encounters when possible. We do not guarantee coverage, as their priority is safety and leading the group. However, when photos or video are captured, they are shared with all guests at no extra cost. These are for personal use and sharing only—not for commercial publishing or resale.
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Swimming with humpback whales is a relatively safe activity as long as you follow distance rules and remember that the biggest danger is actually other boats. The boat is run by an experienced captain and crew, with a licensed guide on board. In-water groups are small, encounters are respectful, and guidelines are strictly followed. The chance of encounters with oceanic sharks is relatively large. While curious, they are largely harmless, but our guides on ground will make a call on if entering the water is safe.
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We can never guarantee wildlife encounters; however, that being said, October is peak for mother-calve interactions off Tahiti and we say you have about 80% daily chance of seeing whales top-side and 70% daily chance of seeing them in water.
Other species we encounter with varying degrees of frequency include dolphins, pilot whales, beaked whales, oceanic white tips, tiger sharks, sperm whales, mantas, and more.
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This is a snorkeling/freediving trip—no scuba. You need to be comfortable swimming at least 200 metres unaided in open water and able to pull yourself back onto the boat (flat platform on the back). Freediving experience is welcome but not required. The focus is slow, quiet encounters at the surface.
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Yes all meals are included on full program days.