Tahiti Whale Swimming & Watching Tours

Visit Raiatea one of the hidden gems in the Islands of Tahiti for your whale swimming adventure

Whats the plan?

We operate 6 day whale swimming tours during the whale season in Tahiti from the start of August to the end of October.

Our tours are small and we limit our passengers to 8 people. This ensures that we provide the best possible experience to our guests.

Each tour day you will board our vessel the Ma’o (or ‘shark’ in Tahitian) and be greeted by our skipper and guide who will be in the water with you.

The Ma’o has plenty of shade, seating and fresh fruit and juice for you during each journey.

Every day may vary a little on the water. During the seaon, whales are usually just outside of the lagoon and only a short trip to see. Some days they may take a little longer to find, but our staff will ensure that you have the best experience during this time by filling it with other activities such as snorkelling or swimming with our friendly sharks or rays.

Once the whales are spotted though, we are always quick to share another experience with them.

We spend about half a day on the water each day before returning back to land where you can reflect on your experience or explore the other exciting opportunities on the island.

Stingray in Tahiti
Turtles in Tahiti
Whale swimming near surface

Whats the price?

$2300 USD per person for 6 days on the water

Approximately €2120 EUR / $3500 AUD

Interested in a payment plan??

2024/25 Tour dates.

Whales swimming in Tahiti

Trip 1: 1 - 6 Aug 24 - Sold Out
Trip 2:  8 - 13 Aug 24 - Sold Out
Trip 3: 15 - 20 Aug 24 - Sold Out
Trip 4: 22 - 27 Aug 24 - Sold Out
Trip 5: 29 Aug - 3 Sep 24 - 4 Available
Trip 6: 5 - 10 Sep 24 - Sold Out
Trip 7: 12 - 17 Sep 24 - 2 Available
Trip 8: 19 - 24 Sep 24 - 8 Available
Trip 9: 26 Sep - 1 Oct 24 - 6 Available
Trip 10: 3 - 8 Oct 24- 8 Available

2024 Tour Dates

Private charters available upon request

Whale swimming in blue ocean in Tahiti

Trip 1: 1 - 6 Aug 25 - 8 Available
Trip 2:  8 - 13 Aug 25 - 8 Available
Trip 3: 15 - 20 Aug 25 - 8 Available
Trip 4: 22 - 27 Aug 25 - 4 Available
Trip 5: 29 Aug - 3 Sep 25 - 4 Available
Trip 6: 5 - 10 Sep 25 - 4 Available
Trip 7: 12 - 17 Sep 25 - 6 Available
Trip 8: 19 - 24 Sep 25 - 8 Available
Trip 9: 26 Sep - 1 Oct 25 - 8 Available
Trip 10: 3 - 8 Oct 25 - 8 Available

2025 Tour Dates

Private charters available upon request

Where am I staying?

There are many great options for accomodation in Raiatea, Tahiti!

From hotels, motels to your own villa there is the right place for every traveller.

We recommend the following providers who will ensure your stay on the island is a memorable one.

If you would like us to help you with accomodation, please reach out, we are always happy to help.

We can provide accomodation packages upon request.

Raiatea Island in Tahiti

We suggest these…

  • Raiatea Lodge Hotel

    Raiatea Lodge Hotel

    Raiatea Lodge Hotel is located on the west coast of Ra’iatea, opposite Bora Bora. It is a 5-minute drive from Raiatea Airport and 10 minutes’ drive from the town center of Uturoa.

    Book Now
  • Opoa Beach Hotel

    Opoa Beach Hotel

    Opoa Beach Hotel is a 20-minute drive from Faaroa Bay. Offering great views of the lagoon and the coral reef.

    Book Now
  • Sunset Beach Motel

    Sunset Beach Motel

    Nestled in the heart of a lush coconut grove by the seaside, on the west side of Raiatea Island, is a charming family-owned inn, the Sunset Beach Motel.

    Book Now
  • Hotel Atiapiti

    Hotel Atiapiti

    Located on a private white sand beach, Hôtel Atiapiti offers bungalows and a villa with free Wi-Fi and private patio with ocean or garden views.

    Book Now
  • Ocean Breeze Villa

    Ocean Breeze Villa

    Ocean Breeze Villa is a sustainable villa in Tevaitoa where guests can make the most of the private beach area private parking, and free Wifi.

    Book Now

  • Tekauhivai Lodge

    Offering a garden, Tekauhivai Lodge offers accommodations in Uturoa. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking, and free Wifi.

    Book Now
Swimming with whale in Tahiti

About Us

The Ma’o

Our whale swimming journeys wouldn't be complete without mentioning our trusty vessel, the Ma'o. This isn't just any boat; it's a Seafarer Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), a tried-and-tested workhorse used by maritime, police, and defense agencies worldwide for its unwavering safety and stability on the open water.

The Ma’o has comfortable seating for all on boat and shade for when you need a little bit of a break from the tropical sun.

The Ma'o's robust design as one of the best excusion boats available means you can focus entirely on the magic of the whale swimming experience that is unfolding before you

Sustainability and respect are our guiding principles. We operate small, responsible tours, ensuring minimal impact on these special creatures.

Our Tahitian skippers and guides are expert sailers and are trained and qualified locally. Having grown up with whales, they live and breath whale guiding.

The Ma'o in Tahiti

 FAQs

  • Fly

    Air Tahiti is the fastest way to get from Tahiti to Raiatea. The flight is non-stop, takes 45 minutes and costs around $300 (round trip).

    Ferry

    Alternately, if you are wanting a cheaper or more scenic option, you can take one of the following ferries:

    Apetahi Express: This is the fastest and most popular option, with several crossings per week between Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. The journey from Tahiti to Raiatea takes around 3 hours on Apetahi Express, and fares start at around NZ$120 (one-way). They have a modern fleet of catamarans with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard cafes.

    Terevau: This company offers a slower but more budget-friendly option, with ferries taking around 5.5 hours to reach Raiatea from Tahiti. Fares start at around NZ$80 (one-way). Terevau's ferries are not as modern as Apetahi Express's, but they are still comfortable and have basic amenities.

  • There is only one ferry company Vaeara’i’ which takes cars, however sailings only occur 2 - 3 times a month, so you have to book well in advance. Check their website for more information.

  • Yes. The best way to see Raiatea is to have your own car or scooter so that you can make the most of the island and see all the sights. We suggest you look at some Raiatea car rental agencies to find something right for you.

  • Our trips take place in Raiatea, Tahiti (French Polynesia). We visit the whales just outside of the lagoon, but we will also show you the wildlife, reef and other sights within the lagoon. Take a look on google maps.

    We will send you detailed instructions, including the pickup location, upon booking.

    • 6x Whale Swimming Days & the maximum time in the water

    • Complimentary imagery taken by our guides in the water

    • Drinks

    • Fruit snacks during the day

    • International flights

    • Travel insurance

    • Accomodation

    • Meals aside from fruit snacks during your trip

    • Snorkelling gear

    • Transfers

  • The ocean's conditions range from serene calm to wavy and everything in between. Our voyages are rely on the captain's safety assessment, ensuring we navigate under favorable circumstances.

    When we go out, anticipate spending the entire time at sea, as we only return to the dock in the event of an onboard emergency.

    Water temperature is a beautiful 77°F (25°C), however it's advisable to bring a light jacket for wind protection in the unlikely event of a chill.