Location: Rurutu Island, French Polynesia
VIP Humpback Whale Snorkeling Adventure
Swim with Humpback Whales in the crystal clear waters of Rurutu, French Polynesia
Snorkel with Humpback Whales
Each September, Humpback Whale mothers enter the shallow bays of Rurutu Island to rest after their long journey from Antarctica. While the mothers remain still below, their playful calves take center stage at the surface, offering snorkelers “fabulous close encounters” that are as breathtaking as they are unforgettable.
Undiscovered Rurutu Island
The small island of Rurutu is just a short flight from the bustle of Tahiti, but it remains a pristine, largely undiscovered corner of the Austral Archipelago. This seclusion makes it the perfect sanctuary to encounter the gentle giants of the South Pacific in total tranquility and crystal-clear water.
THE ENCOUNTER
Snorkeling with Humpback Whales in the crystal clear bays of Rurutu Island
2026
DATE
September 7-13 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 14-20 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 21-27 1 SPOT AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$5,895 per person double occupancy
$6,695 per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
2027
DATE
September 6-12 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 13-19 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 20-26 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$6,195 per person double occupancy
$7,095 per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
2028
DATE
September 4-10 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
September 11-17 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
September 18-24 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
PRICE (USD)
$TBA per person double occupancy
$TBA per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Vaitumu Village Hotel, Rurutu.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Snorkeling experience only. Free diving is allowed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
6 nights hotel accommodation
5 full days free diving with humpback whales
Breakfast at the hotel
Ground transfers
Experienced humpback whale guide
WITNESS AMAZING BEHAVIORS
Rurutu’s legendary visibility offers unparalleled views of the ocean’s most intimate moments. Underwater, you may witness mothers nursing their calves or encounter a solitary male filling the water with his haunting, melodic song.
But the magic doesn’t end when you surface. Keep your topside camera ready for a world-class display of fluke slapping, spy-hopping, and full breaches. There is nothing quite like watching a calf discover the power of its own body. Imagine the joy of a baby “playing” as it learns to slap the water with its tail for the very first time; unforgettable!
ITINERARY
Day 1
After your flight to Rurutu, we will meet you at the airport for the short transfer to Vaitamu Village Hotel.
Once you have settled in, you have the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool or take a stroll on the beach before dinner and more time soak in the South Pacific, or perhaps enjoy a nightcap by the pool before settling into dreams of swimming with humpback whales.
Days 2-6
After a delicious breakfast of fruits and pastries (remember you’re officially in France) we’ll transfer you to the dock to board your boat, then head immediately along the coast to find the whales. It usually does no take long to locate humpbacks in the inshore bays of Rurutu.
After swimming with whales all morning, we’ll bring you back to shore for lunch and then head back to commune with the whales again until late afternoon. Then, we’ll bring you back to Vaitumu Village with plenty of time to clean up and download your images and GoPro footage before dinner.
Then relax, sleep, and repeat.
Day 7
After a final farewell breakfast at the hotel, we will bring you back to Rurutu Airport in plenty of time for your flight back to Tahiti.
Ready to sign up or have a question about this trip?
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