Polynesia: Humpback Whales
Polynesia is one of the few places to swim with humpback whales. From August to October, they arrive to mate and nurse their calves, offering incredible close-up encounters.
2025 EXPEDITION DATES
SEPTEMBER SESSIONS
September 14-21, 2025 (8 spots total)
September 21-28, 2025 (8 spots total)
Humpbacks
French Polynesia’s waters are a deep, saturated blue, alive with the singing of cetaceans making a stopover on their way from Antarctica for the season. From July to November, they arrive to mate, calve, and nurse their young, and the energetic calves are milk-drunk and curious. The waters in this area are also prime for other pelagic encounters, including dolphins, sharks, and various species of whales.
There are playful juveniles, loud singers, escorts with mom and calf pairings, including some newborns barely a few days old that swim clumsily around as they learn to maintain buoyancy. On the verge of extinction earlier in the century, combined international efforts have led to a recovery in humpback numbers, a heart-warming sign of what is possible.
Far from the madding crowds of other islands, we will be situated in the Austral Islands. Initially formed by volcanic activity and battered by unrelenting waves for the next 12 million years, the island is a lush green mound of land. Just over a million years ago, another geological occurrence led to the island being lifted 500 feet into the air, draining out rocky caverns carved out of coral and limestone; sites that eventually became historical burial grounds for the cave-dwelling original Polynesian seafarers who settled on the island.
Each day, we launch the boat to circle the island on the lookout for the iconic blows that signal whales below the surface. By law, each vessel is required to have a guide from the island, something that helps make sure money circulates back into the community. There is very limited connectivity to the outside world. Polynesian culture still runs deep here, authentically, rather than on display for mass-tourism.
BASICS
Guests: Maximum 8 participants per session, plus staff.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights.
Location: Austral Islands, French Polynesia, South Pacific.
Activities: 6 days of snorkeling with humpback whales plus 3 half-day land excursions.
Experience Level: Perfect for all experience levels but requires good physical fitness— snorkelers looking to get their feet wet, free divers, and photographers. No scuba qualification is required. All participants should feel comfortable swimming at least 300 meters unaided in open water.
Admission: By invitation or application only. Apply to join here.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in French Polynesia, meet and greet at the airport followed by a quick drive to our house for the week. Welcome dinner and a get-to-know-you activity on the beach this evening.
Day 2~7: Breakfast daily at 8:30 am, departure for the dock at 9:30 am to gear up and head out. We spend every morning on water until around 2:30/3 pm but keep it flexible based on weather and interactions. Two afternoons of the week are dedicated to a cultural or land excursion. Home-cooked dinners are lovingly provided every night. Each week includes approximately 28-32 hrs of on-water time but may vary based on swell and wind conditions.
Day 8: Departures from the island; private transfers to the airport are included.
Tuition: $4,500 (USD)
Due at the time of booking: $1,500 deposit.
Balances are due 4 months before departure.
Single supplement and accommodation upgrades are available for an additional fee. See Terms and Conditions for more info.
INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation (basic, twin shared).
Catered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Professional whale guide and trip leader.
6 days on water (between 28-32 hours total during the week).
Full boat crew.
Two half-day excursions (island tour and hiking trip)
Airport transport on the trip start/end date.
EXCLUDED
Flights.
Gear.
Personal spending.
Gratuities for the local team (optional).
Travel and medical insurance.
Accommodation upgrades / single supplement.