Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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Whale-Watching in Moorea
Within moments of arriving on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, it’s easy to see why it’s known as the “magical island.” This Polynesian paradise near Tahiti is defined by its lush tropical volcanic landscape and seemingly endless ocean views. But delve beneath the water, and a whole other magical experience awaits you…humpback whales!
Between June and November, a colony of humpback whales call the islands of French Polynesia (and Moorea in particular) their home. One of the best things to do in Moorea is go whale-watching and whale-swimming (snorkeling with humpback whales). It is one of those incredible travel experiences that won’t just be the highlight of your holiday but a story you tell for decades to come.
The humpback whale is highly revered in Polynesia both throughout history and today. These impressive creatures grow up to 2 meters long, can weigh around 3 tons, and live for 80 to 90 years. Their size might sound overwhelming and dangerous, but they are peaceful beings who only prey on minuscule crustaceans. Go on reading to learn more about whale-watching in Moorea and the best Moorea whale tours.
Are you planning a trip to Moorea?
Below are some of the best Moorea tours, hotels, and more!
How to Get to Moorea from Tahiti
After your flight to Papeete, in Tahiti, AirTahiti operates four Tahiti—Moorea flights a day most of the year, and the transfer is only 15 minutes long. Don’t harm the environment more for such a short distance; use the ferry instead.
The best way to travel from Tahiti to Moorea is by ferry. Aremiti Ferry sails 7-10 times daily, and Terevau Ferry makes the transfer 5-7 times daily. This scenic transfer takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
Top Day Tours and Activities in Moorea
Top Moorea Accommodation and Lodging
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa (top suggestion), Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort (luxury), Manava Beach Resort & Spa (mid-range), and Hotel Hibiscus (budget). Check out all our favorite hotels in Moorea.
Don’t leave for Moorea without travel insurance!
Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Moorea Whale Tour Comparison
TOUR | DURATION | DEPARTURE POINT | INCLUDES | WHALE-SWIMMING? | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 hours | Northern Moorea | Drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment | YES | ||
4 hours | Northern Moorea | Drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment | YES | ||
4 hours | Northern Moorea | Snorkeling equipment, flotation device (if needed) | YES | ||
4 hours | Pā’ea, South East Tahiti | Drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment | YES | ||
4 hours | Northern Moorea | Drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment | YES |
Moorea Whale-Watching – Best Time of the Year
What is the best time for whale-watching in Moorea?
If you plan your trip to Moorea solely around the humpback whales, you need to know when they will likely be in the area. Generally speaking, the Moorea whale season is between June and November. During these months, the humpback whales from Antarctica in the southern hemisphere begin their winter migration north. Some of these magnificent creatures choose the islands of French Polynesia as their new home.
Though the humpback whales’ first and last departures vary from season to season, owing to an array of factors, you are likely to be able to see these whales consistently from the end of July to November. Many consider mid-August to mid-October to be the peak season for Moorea whale-watching.
Beware that nobody can predict whales’ behavior, so it could happen that you don’t see whales during your Moorea whale tour. However, there are other animals to watch (turtles, sharks, stingrays,…), and tour guides are always fun and entertaining and will make sure you have an amazing experience.
Moorea Whale-Swimming
As well as whale-watching, Moorea is one of the few places in the world where you can actually swim with humpback whales. But when is the best time to swim with whales in Moorea?
Swimming with whales in Moorea is only permitted from the 1st of August. French Polynesia became a sanctuary for the protection of whales and dolphins in 2002. Therefore, there are rules established by the DIREN (Direction of the Environment) about whale-swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales safely and in a way that doesn’t impact the environment or the whales. Because of this, a Moorea whale swim can only be done as part of a Moorea whale-watching tour with a qualified guide.
Official Moorea whale tour companies will inform you about the best swimming practices with humpback whales. For example, there’s no freediving; boats will drop you off around 100 meters from the whale (150 meters from a whale if it’s with its baby), and you will swim to the whale calmly.
Swimming with whales in Moorea is an invigorating and incredible experience, but the safety of the whales should always be of the utmost importance.
Best Moorea Whale Tours
There are a number of whale-watching tours you can take in Moorea. The Moorea whale tours outlined below are safety conscious and provide experiences in a way that is respectful to wildlife.
1. Whale-Watching Moorea – Small Group, Half Day
This small group whale-watching tour is ideal for those looking for an intimate whale-viewing experience. This Moorea whale tour allows a maximum of six people, which is half the number of people usually permitted on Moorea whale-watching tours. This not only allows for a better experience for you but also ensures the well-being of the animals.
Starting at Coco Beach Restaurant on the north coast of Moorea, this Moorea whale tour will provide you with snorkeling equipment, drinks, and snacks, all you need for an enjoyable experience before heading underwater to see the whales – Click here to book this small group whale-watching tour in Moorea
2. Whale-Watching Moorea – Private Group, Half Day
You can also book a private half-day whale-watching tour for your group only (up to 6 people), giving you the best whale-watching experience. The tour lasts around four hours and includes pick-up from your hotel.
The experienced guides will give you a briefing on how to behave with the whales, and they are knowledgeable enough to be able to read the whales’ behavior. This is one of those tours where you will not only see these incredible creatures but learn a lot, too – Click here to book this half-day whale-watching tour in Moorea
3. Swimming with Whales and Dolphins – Half Day
This swimming with whales and dolphins half-day tour has been around since 1984. This eco-friendly tour prides itself on respecting the environment and the animals you will encounter and is always top-rated.
This tour includes swimming with humpback whales and dolphins and snorkeling with stingrays and sharks. It’s an all-round experience that allows you to interact with a number of animals that call Moorea home. Pick-up from the hotel is possible – Click here to book this swimming with whales and dolphins tour in Moorea
4. Whale-Watching & Swimming with Whales in Tahiti – Half Day
If you don’t plan to go to Moorea but still want to enjoy this unique experience, whale-watching and swimming with whales in Tahiti is also possible with this whale-watching and swimming half-day tour.
Mobydick Tahiti offers you the opportunity to embark with them to try to see these incredible cetaceans between Paea and Mataiea, a little-frequented area that allows you to approach them in a respectful and passive way.
On this whale-watching and swimming half-day tour, the boat is equipped with a listening system (hydrophone) that allows you to hear the male whales singing, a unique experience! – Click here for whale-watching & swimming with whales in Tahiti
5. Lagoon Discovery Marine Fauna & Flora Tour – Half Day
Perhaps it’s not feasible to travel to Moorea during whale watching season, but fear not; you can still take a tour to explore the wonders of the waters surrounding Moorea.
This half-day lagoon discovery marine fauna and flora tour is ideal for those wanting a small group trip. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about stingrays, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. You’ll make several stops to snorkel and even visit a beautiful sandbar! – Click here to book this lagoon discovery tour in Moorea
Moorea Whale Tours – How it Works
So, what will your whale-watching Moorea tour look like, and how does it work? This experience can only be completed with a guided tour.
The typical Moorea whale tour will start with pick-up at your hotel (if included in the tour). Hopping on board your boat for the day, you will first stop by a beautiful sandbar, where you’ll get the chance to swim with stingrays and black-tip sharks!
Next up, you’ll hopefully be able to see some incredible dolphins playing and jumping out of the water. As if your experience wasn’t incredible enough already, it’s time for the main event…the humpback whales!
How to Swim with Whales in Moorea?
The instructor always knows the best place to swim with whales in Moorea. Once the whales are found (it does not always happen!), the instructor will determine if whale swimming (snorkeling with humpback whales) is possible. This will depend on the whales’ behavior, the sea conditions, and you!).
During each launch, an instructor will always be present at your side to ensure that this moment of swimming with whales takes place in complete safety.
There will also be time to relax and enjoy drinks and snacks surrounded by Moorea’s unique environment.