SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
Mo'orea - French Polynesia
Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Dive into the magic of Moorea and swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat. Connect with like-minded adventurers and witness some of the most awe-inspiring marine life the island has to offer. Embrace the unexpected and create lasting memories from an experience you'll never forget.
What?
Swimming with
Humpback Whales
and exploring Mo'orea
Where?
Mo'orea
French Polynesia
When?
August 8th - 14th
2025
Who?
YOU! and 5 other humans
(6 pax)
Mo'orea - French Polynesia
meaning yellow lizard:
lizard (Mo'o), and yellow (rea)
Mo'orea, a volcanic gem in the Pacific, lies just a few kilometers from Tahiti.
Known for its dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, and rich marine life, Moorea is a paradise for nature lovers.
Its turquoise waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, graceful rays, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish.
From July to November, humpback whales migrate to these warm waters, offering breathtaking encounters.
What we will experience
The Whales
From August to October, humpback whales embark on an incredible journey from Antarctica to the warm waters of French Polynesia to breed and give birth. This region is one of the few places where swimming alongside these majestic creatures is possible.
As these islands are protected wildlife sanctuaries, whale encounters are carefully regulated to preserve their natural habitat.
We will be guided by a locally owned company we trust, renowned for their ethical approach to whale tours. They provide valuable insights about the islands, the whales, and their ongoing conservation efforts.
To ensure respectful and meaningful interactions, we begin by observing the whales from the boat, carefully assessing their behavior—whether they’re socializing, resting, or traveling—before we enter the water.
Please note: We will never force encounters with the whales. Our priority is always their well-being and comfort.
The Lagoon
The Lagoon, best known as "Sharks & Rays," is a stunning and protected sandbar in Moorea.
This crystal-clear lagoon is home to blacktip reef sharks and pink whiped stingrays, offering a unique and magical experience. It's one of the island's most captivating spots, where you'll have the chance to interact with these incredible creatures up close.
Whether you're an underwater photography enthusiast or simply want to immerse yourself in the island's beauty, this is the perfect place to connect with nature and capture unforgettable moments.
Underwater Wildlife
In addition to the humpback whales, these islands offer the incredible opportunity to encounter a wide array of marine species.
You may have pelagic encounters with pilot whales, rough-toothed dolphins, spinner dolphins, oceanic white-tip sharks, and much more. Occasionally, we might even witness inter-species interactions if we’re fortunate.
What makes this experience so thrilling is the unpredictability of the ocean. Spending hours on the water gives us the chance to encounter whatever the sea decides to reveal.
It's a true privilege to witness these animals in their natural habitat, experiencing the ocean’s wonders as they unfold before us.
Please note: Interactions are not guaranteed.
The Island
Moorea is not just about the underwater world—it also boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain ridges in the world.
There are several stunning lookout points we can reach by car, offering panoramic views of the island and its unique peaks.
What makes these mountains even more special is the rich history behind each peak. In French Polynesia, the culture remains deeply rooted, with every mountain, animal, plant, and element of nature carrying its own meaning and story—adding another layer of magic to this incredible destination.
INVESTMENT:
$2800 USD
SPOTS AVAILABLE: 6
HOW MANY DAYS: 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
DAYS ON THE WATER: 4 FULL DAYS
EXPERIENCE NEEDED: COMFORTABLE SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Accommodation 7 days 6 nights + Breakfast
- x2 Dinners (Welcome and Goodbye)
- 4 Full days on the water looking for whales
- One mooring stop at the Lagoon for sharks & rays
- 1 off water day to explore de island.
- Transportation: Airport pick ups & around the Island
- Professional Photographer (General photo gallery of the trip)
- Experienced captain and local guide/company
- Editing & Freediving/breathwork workshops
- Ubuntu Gift
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- Flight Tickets to Tahiti
- Accommodation & transportation on Tahiti
- Ferry Transportation to Moorea
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuity for boat captain (It's highly recommended to tip)
- Travel Medical Insurance (Required)
- Freediving Gear
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
Do you love the unexpected and spending full days exploring underwater? Stepping out of your comfort zone and connecting with other humans from around the world? If the word in your mind to those questions was YES! THEN THIS IS THE TRIP FOR YOU!
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
When we are out on the water looking for whales, the weather can be unpredictable. We may experience strong winds, swells, and rain.
Expect to spend around 7+ hours on the boat searching for whales around the island. If you are prone to seasickness, please take proper precautions, as we will not be returning to land until the tour is over. If an early return is necessary, it will mean ending the tour for all participants, so please be mindful of other guests when preparing for the trip.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Since Freediving is not permitted with the whales, you are not required to be an experienced or certified freediver. However, we will be spending a significant amount of time in the water, often in unpredictable conditions.
One of the key regulations for swimming with whales is that boats must remain at least 100 meters away. This means that if and when we are permitted to enter the water with a whale, we will need to swim 100 meters to reach them.
It is essential that you feel comfortable swimming in open water without a life jacket.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying at a beautiful ocean-front house located on the island of Mo'orea.
The house features four bedrooms with double occupancy, ideal for couples and friends, along with two shared bathrooms.
A fully equipped kitchen allows us to prepare and share breakfast and dinner together, fostering a sense of connection and community. Situated right in front of the ocean, the house provides the perfect setting for an early morning swim.
Additionally, the large yard offers ample space for yoga, breathwork, meditation, or simply unwinding in nature.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Keep in mind:
- This is a summary of the full schedule we will have on the trip.
- Locations and activities may change depending on the weather and swell conditions.
DAY 1 - August 8TH
- Arrival at Moorea (30 min Ferry ride from Tahiti)
- Pick up everyone at Aremiti and settle into accommodation
- Welcome dinner, where we will have the official presentation of the team and guests.
DAY 2,3,4 & 5 - TUESDAY, APRIL 8TH
- We will spend 4 full days on the water looking for whales.
- One morning we will dock at the Lagoon to swim with sharks & rays
- Possibility to go explore around de island on the boat for half day
- We will have lunch on the boat every day docked at the Lagoon
DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH
- Off the water day to go explore the Island. We will go to the Belvedere Lookout for a stunning panoramic view of the island
- We can also go freediving early in the morning
DAY 7 - THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH
- Departure day
- Drop off at Aremiti to catch the ferry back to Tahiti or to your next location.
THE CREW
Your tribe is waiting...
FAQ
How can i book my spot?
1. Hit the "APPLY NOW" button
It will redirect you to a page where you'll find a link to our application form.
2. Click it, fill it out and once you finish, we will automatically receive it.
3. Once we have carefully gone through all forms, we will be reviewing applications and extending invitations based on who applied first and also curating for appropriate experience level.
Be on the look out for an email with the name "Humpback Whales French Polynesia- Ubuntu Bound"
The email will include further steps and a PDF with our payment details. To secure your spot, you must make a 50% deposit of the total price.
Once we receive proof of payment, your booking is complete.
Keep in mind, that 15 days before the expedition, the full payment of the balance and all signed documents will be required to be able to attend the expedition.
CAN I BRING MY OWN PROFESSIONAL CAMERA?
Yes, you can. Two of our tribe members will have their professional cameras and will be more than happy to share some tips with you if desired.
**Drones are not allowed nor flash strobes for underwater photography
what languages are we going to be speaking?
Spanish, English & French (Local guides on boats only)
Will I recieve photos and videos from the trip?
Of course! We will have professional photographers with us during the whole trip capturing every moment!
At the end of the trip, we will make sure you receive a link to a digital gallery with the photos WITHIN THE NEXT 4+ WEEKS PRIOR THE EXPEDITION
**Please be aware that photos with wildlife are not guaranteed.
IMPORTANT: We do not offer photo packages for individual guests. You will receive a gallery of photos from the whole trip.
How do I get there?
To Tahiti: Most international travelers arrive at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. There are direct flights from major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Auckland, and Tokyo.
To Moorea: From Tahiti, you can take a scenic 30-40 minute ferry ride from Papeete. The ferries run multiple times a day, making it an easy and accessible journey to the island.
What visa do i need to enter Ecuador?
French Polynesia is a French overseas territory, and visa requirements depend on your nationality.
Travelers from the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
However, travelers from countries requiring a Schengen visa must obtain a visa for French overseas territories. It is recommended to check with your local French consulate for the latest entry requirements before traveling.
What if I already paid for my spot but i will not be able to attend the expedition?
Please make sure to check our cancellation policies before booking in the link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jPfUSMfEPMAjC9xvenJTpNKnLGI9s3zk/view?usp=share_link
Do I need to be a certified Freediver?
We do NOT require a freediving certification to attend, however, we do recommend that you have previous experience freediving or swimming in open water, for you to have the best experience during this trip.
are we going to be scuba diving?
We are not.
This is a snorkel and freediving-based trip.
However, if you choose to remain in the Islands for a few days after the trip, we highly recommend you check out some scuba diving tours.
Do i need to bring my own gear?
Freediving gear is not included but we have gear available for you to rent: Mask, snorkel and weigh belts.
Please let us know in case you need to rent from us.
We highly recommend you bring your own gear, specially fins and wetsuit.
We will send you a PDF with temperature information and gear recommendations.
** If you have a weight belt feel free to leave the weights at home. We will provide you with the weights
Do i need a covid vaccine certificate or PCR?
COVID vaccine certification or PCR is currently not needed to enter French Polynesia.