French
Polynesia
Polynesia
swim with humpback whales
This destination is a hidden gem - let's keep it this way
French Polynesia is located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean and consists of 118 islands. This is one of the few countries where it is legal to swim with whales. But legal does not mean ethical and without harm.
On the popular islands of Polynesia - Tahiti and Moorea, there are a lot of travel companies that take people to swim with whales every day. Sometimes there are 40 people per one whale in the water. Of course, this is very bad, even though it is not against the current regulations.
But there is one island that very few people get to. It is home to approximately 3,000 people and is still little known to the general public. This is Rurutu Island, or "whale island". This is where we will go to swim with the sea giants.
From July to October, hundreds of humpback whales swim to the shores of Rurutu. In warm waters they give birth and mate. This is one of the best places in the world to swim with whales as there are no crowds of tourists, few boats and therefore less pressure on the whales. This is very important - our dream of swimming with whales should not harm them.
Let's explore Polynesia together
I haven't been to French Polynesia yet,
but spent many hours studying this area.
Together with you we will explore 3 islands, travel to many amazing places and plunge into the world of humpback whales.
The group is small. There will be only 6-8 people.
Below are the travel conditions, dates, approximate itinerary and tips on how to get to the islands.
but spent many hours studying this area.
Together with you we will explore 3 islands, travel to many amazing places and plunge into the world of humpback whales.
The group is small. There will be only 6-8 people.
Below are the travel conditions, dates, approximate itinerary and tips on how to get to the islands.
Dates
Group 1
Tahiti and Moorea - sept 22- 27
Rurutu - sep 27 - oct 2
(4 spots left)
Group 2
Rurutu - oct 2 -7
(3 spots left)
Tahiti and Moorea - sept 22- 27
Rurutu - sep 27 - oct 2
(4 spots left)
Group 2
Rurutu - oct 2 -7
(3 spots left)
I divided the trip into several sections according to the dates on which we will be on different islands.
You have a choice - to go
for a full tour to 3 islands
(10 nights) or only to the whale island of Rurutu (5 nights). You also have an option to stay on Rurutu for a double trip (10 nights).
Prices:
Tahiti and Moorea(5 nights) -
1600 USD
Rurutu ( 5 nights) - 2300 USD
Tahiti, Moorea, Rurutu (10 nights) - 3900 USD
Included: accommodation, all transfers, island excursions, trips to the ocean, snorkeling equipment, breakfast.
Not included: flight tickets, travel insurance, lunch and dinner
1600 USD
Rurutu ( 5 nights) - 2300 USD
Tahiti, Moorea, Rurutu (10 nights) - 3900 USD
Included: accommodation, all transfers, island excursions, trips to the ocean, snorkeling equipment, breakfast.
Not included: flight tickets, travel insurance, lunch and dinner
Polynesia is not a cheap destination. Prices for this year are as favorable as possible because this is a new trip, where we will be exploring the area together. In 2025 this trip will cost more.
For example, a tour to the whale island of Rurutu for 6 nights from the company
Big Fish Expeditions cost 5095 USD. We offer you 5 nights for 2300 USD.
For example, a tour to the whale island of Rurutu for 6 nights from the company
Big Fish Expeditions cost 5095 USD. We offer you 5 nights for 2300 USD.
ITINERARY
Day 1: arrival in Tahiti, check-in
Day 2: exploring the island, beaches, museums, all top locations
Day 3-5: transfer to the island of Moorea, explore this island - hikes, beaches, reefs, one day we swim to sharks and stingrays. In the evening of day 5 we return to Tahiti (we have an early flight in the morning).
Day 6: Fly to the whale island of Rurutu
(It is close, the flight is short)
Day 7-10: Whales, whales, whales
We will spend 4 full days in the ocean,
6 hours every day with whales
Day 11 - flight home
Day 2: exploring the island, beaches, museums, all top locations
Day 3-5: transfer to the island of Moorea, explore this island - hikes, beaches, reefs, one day we swim to sharks and stingrays. In the evening of day 5 we return to Tahiti (we have an early flight in the morning).
Day 6: Fly to the whale island of Rurutu
(It is close, the flight is short)
Day 7-10: Whales, whales, whales
We will spend 4 full days in the ocean,
6 hours every day with whales
Day 11 - flight home
IMPORTANT: THE PROGRAM ABOVE IS FOR GROUP 1
THE TRIP STARTS ON THE ISLAND OF TAHITI AND ENDS ON THE ISLAND OF RURUTU. THE SECOND GROUP TRIP STARTS ON THE ISLAND OF RURUTU AND ENDS ON THE ISLAND OF TAHITI.
Flights between Tahiti (PPT airport) and Rurutu (RUR) are not included in the trip price; the cost is around 600 USD (round trip). It is better to buy this flight in advance. There is literally one flight on some days of the week.
We will fly where few people go. But that’s the beauty of it - more whales, less people.
HOW TO GET TO THE ISLANDS?
French Polynesia belongs to France - entry rules are the same as in France.
From the USA there are direct flights to Tahiti - PPT airport (from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, as well as from the island of Oahu, Hawaii).
There are no direct flights from Canada and Europe; in any case, you will have to fly through the USA.
There are also flights from Japan and New Zealand.
French Polynesia belongs to France - entry rules are the same as in France.
From the USA there are direct flights to Tahiti - PPT airport (from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, as well as from the island of Oahu, Hawaii).
There are no direct flights from Canada and Europe; in any case, you will have to fly through the USA.
There are also flights from Japan and New Zealand.
Polynesia is incredibly beautiful and everything I've heard about whales on Rurutu is just magical. It's time to open a new destination together)
THE WHALES ARE WAITING!
