This once in a lifetime trip will bring you face to face with mother and baby humpback whales in the most incredible setting imaginable

Where?

Mo’orea, French Polynesia, a 45-minute scenic ferry from the PPT airport. A little heart shaped island surrounded by a barrier reef system giving it one of the most unique surrounding lagoons in the world. With its undiscovered feel, crystal clear warm waters and towering emerald peaks, this island is sure to capture your heart like it did ours.

When?

September 14 – 21st, 2023

What’s out there?

Every year between July and November, hundreds of humpback whales journey from Antartica to Mo’orea to mate, give birth and raise their calves. You can expect to see whales from the boat, and whales underwater on our snorkel expeditions. We’ve rented boats with captains and naturalists that specialize in whale behavior and observation. Our goal is to swim with them in the most respectful manner possible.

You may also meet pinktail whiprays – gentle, harmless but curious stingrays during our lunch breaks in the lagoon. These, as well as black tip reef sharks are found at specific locations far from the whales, and it will be your choice to observe them from the boat or in the water as they pass by peacefully.

Mo’orea’s waters are also known for pilot whales (we swam with pods twice on our last trip), as well as dolphins, turtles and eagle rays.

Having a barrier reef is a bonus, allowing for sheltered vibrant corals surrounding the island in shallow clam water – perfect for snorkeling. Larger, rose corals exist beyond the barrier for a beautiful backdrop during scuba dives!

Where will we stay?

Our picturesque 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa has a private white sand beach and palm trees between the shaded deck and the sea. Each room is air-conditioned, and the property features a sauna and hot tub, pool and ping pong tables. There is an outside dining area with a grill, and kayaks for afternoons exploring the lagoon. King sized beds for couples ensure comfort, and there are two queen sized beds in a room for singles adding on. So luxurious, our newly remodeled house even includes a private housekeeper!

What’s included?

• 6 nights accommodations in our luxury oceanfront villa
• Kayaks for adventuring on the lagoon
• 3 days of whale swim expeditions with humpback whales on a private boat
• 1 day scuba, 2 tanks, boat dives, with optional add on 2nd day of diving
• Transportation from the Mo’orea Ferry Dock to our villa, and back on the departure day
• Basic snorkeling equipment on boat days. Although we recommend brining freediving fins and your own mask for comfort and ease of open water swimming

What’s not included?

• Round trip flights to Papeete (Airport code PPT) *Hint: Try French Bee budget airlines from SFO or LAX to PPT
• Overnight hotel near the Papeete airport before your return flight home on the 18^th
• Roundtrip ferry from Tahiti to Mo’orea (typically $22-35 RT)
• Food
• Alcohol *Very expensive in Tahiti, we recommend bringing your own from Duty Free
• Tips for boat guides and crew 😊
• Personal expenses

Cost and Conditions?

The trip price is $3,880 USD for certified divers and $3,700 USD for non-certified divers.

A deposit of $700 holds your place.

Payment plan of $500 to 1,000 per month. Full expedition price paid by July 11^th, 2023.

The expedition will happen with a minimum of 6 people. It’s a small group of friends trip, we max out at 10 people.

We want things to be fair for everyone. This is why, in case of cancellation, we will fully refund you if we are able to find someone else to take your spot.

If we don’t reach the minimum of 6 people, or the trip is postponed due to Covid reasons, we will fully refund everyone after September 2023.

Logistics and itinerary:

September 13^th – Fly into Papeete (PPT) the day before our group meets and stay the night in PPT, or arrive on the French Bee flight the morning of September 14th.

On September 14th – Check in and meet the friends! Take the 45-minute scenic ferry (Aremeti or Terevau Ferries run daily from Papeete) from Papette to Mo’orea. Pickup from Mo’orea ferry terminal by Tim and Sara. Settle into your new home for the week. Grocery shopping run to stock the house.

September 15th: Our first whale boat trip to swim with humpbacks is at 2pm today! We have our own private boat, with an amazing crew. Aboard, our naturalist guide will describe whale behavior and safe swimming practices. When we see a group of whales, our naturalist will determine if they are open to spending time with us or not. We do not chase whales, we coexist with them. Our depth will be shallow – no freediving as the mother whales see this as an advance towards them and may feel threatened and leave. The whales move, so once we spot a pair, we will enter the water and swim to their location, rather than being dropped in too close, hoping to not spook them. Expect a fun day in the sun off and on the boat, lots of swimming, and heart-melting moments with these gentle giants.  Trip ends at sunset. We will prepare a large meal together at home.

September 16^th: Scuba! Morning two tank dive 7:30 to 11:30. Transportation included. The corals are abundant, and the rose corals are especially impressive. Hopefully we will see some turtles, sharks and funny clownfish! Specific dive sites chosen day of, depending upon water conditions.

September 17^th: Charge your GoPros! 2pm whale expedition, half day, private boat until sunset. Dinner out at a local’s hotspot before heading back to our villa.

September 18^th: 2pm whale expedition, private boat.  After our swim with whales excursion today, enjoy sunset over the water at the shark and stingray hotspot. Choose to view them from the boat or hop in to meet these gentle beings face to face.

September 19^th: Optional 2nd day of scuba diving. Or, after already having several days in the water, take a break and explore the island! Visit the gorgeous Belvedere overlook where you can see two magnificent bays framed by Mo’orea’s impressive mountain peaks. Sunbathe or snorkel at the local’s favorite spot – a long, long white stretch of beach with broken seashells and coral amongst old growth palm trees with a colorful shallow reef within the break wall. Or stay dry and do some black pearl shopping.

Pack your bags tonight, with final gear additions after tomorrow’s adventure. Dinner at home.

September 20^th: Last sunrise in paradise. Enjoy a quiet morning at our private ocean facing lawn, choose to snorkel the local’s hotspot – a pristine white beach lined with palms, or get in some last-minute black pearl shopping today until 12:00. Return to the villa, shower, have lunch and grab your suitcases. Sara and Tim deliver you to the afternoon ferry at 3:20 for your departure back to the mainland of Tahiti.

-Overnight in mainland Papeete hotel (not included, so book ahead) near the PPT airport for your flight out tomorrow.

September 21st – Fly back to the USA from PPT. Bye, bye, Tahiti. Best wishes. Thanks for all the fish!

Have questions? Ready to sign up? Contact us!