Whale-watching
Your whale-watching tour in the greatest respect and safety with passionate guides, in a non-touristic zone of the west coast of Tahiti.
From July 20 to November 20, we organize humpback whale-watching trips from the fishing port of Paea (Tahiti West coast) except where weather conditions permit. We explore an uncrowded area between Paea and Papara, further south, which allows us to have the good latitude to observe the animals with the greatest respect. If all the conditions are gathered, our guides will authorize you to swim with the whales, in accordance with the whale approach regulation.
Meeting : Paea fishing port (with a few exceptions)
Weekdays : 8am or 1pm
Week-ends : 7.30am or 12.30pm
Duration : 4h max
New regulation 562 (25 / 04 / 2024)
New rules are in place starting with the 2025 season, in order to preserve this protected species and limit the stress that our activity can generate. New rules have been added to those already in place, which will have a significant impact on our organization. Here are the main rules to observe
⊕ number of boats around whales : 3 maximum
⊕ number of swimmers in the water : 6 simultaneously per boat + guide
⊕ distance from boat: 300m (except licensed professionals: 100m)
⊕ observation authorized from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
⊕ maximum speed within 300m : 3 knots
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a migratory species found in all oceans. There is a population staying part of the year in Polynesian waters, classified as a sanctuary for marine mammals since 2002. Since the 90s, they return regularly and more and more near the coasts to reproduce and give birth. The peak of the season is concentrated over 3 months, between August and November. They expend a lot of energy and don’t feed for several months, while some have to reproduce and others have to give birth and nurse their young. This is an important phase in their life cycle, and the approach must be as gentle, patient and respectful as possible.
French Polynesia is one of the last places in the world where swimming with whales (and other cetaceans) is possible. In order not to disturb the animals, a precise framework regulates the approaches. Respecting these instructions is the best way to gain confidence in the animals and to have passive and prolonged interactions. Each year, French Polynesia grants a licence to companies that can practice cetacean observation or “whale-watching.” Mobydick licence has been renewed every year since its creation.
We are in a natural environment, and meetings are not guaranteed, even in high season. We leave for a few hours on the water but we never know how a tour will unfold … and this is what makes the charm of the “whale” tours. It is the opportunity to take a nice walk along the reef, and in the lagoon, to discover the wild fauna … Likewise, swimming with whales is not guaranteed. “Nature” will decide the success of the trip.
The little extra: we are equipped with a hydrophone allowing us to listen to the vocalizations of the males. It is an extraordinary experience that you can enjoy during the tour without getting your fins wet.
Step 1 : Searching whales
This stage can take from a few minutes to several hours, as the whales are constantly on the move, and we don’t know their position before the tour.
Step 2 : Analysing the group
Once a group of whales has been found, an observation phase is necessary to analyze the number, composition and behavior of the individuals.
Step 3 : Swimming with whales
You can either take part in the dive, or decide to stay on the boat and watch the whales from a hundred meters away. The spectacle is just as majestic, and the disturbance is minimal.
Depending on the activity of the animals, the sea conditions and the level of the participants, the guide will decide whether or not to attempt a swim. PASSIVE observation will be preferred, and we’ll let the animal choose to come and meet us… or not. We proceed with a “step by step” approach. We slow down considerably at around 50 m, stopping before we even see them in the water, so that they can get used to our presence. Then we finish the approach cm by cm, to land at the limit of visibility (15m minimum). In order to respect the well-being of the cetaceans and to limit disturbance, apneas will not be authorized.
CONDITIONS FOR SWIMMING
be able to swim at least 200m with fins, mask and snorkel + without difficulty + in the deep blue
be in good physical shape
be over 10 years old
respect safety instructions and approach rules
good sea conditions + quiet whales
6 swimmers max + guide (rotations if the group exceeds 6 swimmers)
For safety reasons, the guide reserves the right not to authorize the dive depending on the conditions and the level of the swimmers.
Note: We have decided not to reduce the number of passengers, as not everyone wants to swim. This also allows us to keep our prices low, so that we can reach a wider audience.
Our guides and captains are experienced. Our priority is to guarantee your safety and to make sure you have a pleasant time while respecting the well-being of animals. A guide will systematically go with you into the water in order to gain confidence with cetaceans.
If necessary, we provide you with snorkeling equipment (fins, mask and snorkel, shorty).
A briefing will be given to you, it includes the safety rules on board, the basics on the biology and ecology of humpback whales, as well as the rules of approach.
We will exit off the Mara’a pass and depending on the conditions we will explore the area between Paea and Papara (except change of departure port due to weather conditions).
A snack will be offered to you during the excursion, but do not hesitate to let us discover your specialties.
Probabilities… The probability of spotting whales at the beginning or end of the season is lower than in the middle of the season. If you can, give preference to the period between mid-August and early November. Morning or afternoon ? It all depends on how lucky you are. In the morning, the light is brighter and the sea calmer, but the afternoon also offers beautiful shades, and we try to match the whales seen in the morning.
The boat… It can accommodate up to 12 passengers. It is equipped with a 250 horsepower engine and 2 side ladders. You will be protected from the sun and the rain thanks to an awning.
Encounters… Mother nature is unpredictable, so we cannot guarantee neither whale sighting nor swimming. Even during the whale season, as we are in a natural environment with wild animals, it is necessary to accept the risk of failing to observe. But be confident that we’ll do our best to give you the unforgettable experience of witnessing the grace and majesty of humpback whales in their wild environment.
Sea conditions… We leave for several hours in open ocean and we may encounter harder conditions than in the lagoon. So please come prepared with a rain coat and un protection (sunglasses, cap, sunscreen if possible one that is not harmful to coral). If you are subject to seasickness, take precautions and ask your pharmacist for advice. we do not recommend this trip for people who are very sensitive to seasickness.
Swimming… You must be able to swim with ease in the “blue” for at least 200m in a rough sea. We do not recommend swimming if you are not comfortable with snorkeling equipment. The guide reserves the right not to authorize swimming. And sometimes, the show is much more beautiful from the boat.
Children… They can quickly get bored because the search can be long and the conditions can deteriorate (swell, wind, rain…) We do not recommend that you take children under 6 years old on board. Minor children are under the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians. Swimming is not authorized for 10 yo and less.
Pregnant women… The jolts sometimes felt during navigation are not recommended. We don’t authorize on board pregnant women. Please ask your doctor for advice.