SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
Mo'orea, French Polynesia
SMALL-GROUP EXPEDITIONS · AUGUST–OCTOBER 2027 · MO’OREA
Come meet the ocean on its terms.
Every year, humpback whales travel thousands of miles from Antarctica to the warm waters of French Polynesia to breed, give birth, and raise their calves.
For one week, we trade schedules for saltwater, spend our days searching the open ocean, and let whatever happens out there become the adventure.
No two days are the same. No encounter is guaranteed.
That’s exactly what makes it magic.
THE WANDER OUT WAY
We let the ocean lead.
Ethical, respectful, small-group encounters rooted in Mo’orea and guided by what the wildlife gives us.
Kelsey has spent every whale season in Mo’orea since 2019 and now calls the island home, working alongside local captains, guides, chefs, drivers, and businesses.
LOCAL AT HEART
We work with local captains, guides, chefs, drivers, and businesses throughout Mo’orea.
WILDLIFE ON THEIR TERMS
We observe first, follow the whales’ behavior, and never force an encounter.
COME FOR THE EXPERIENCE
Photography is included, but the real goal is to be present for whatever the ocean brings.
THE EXPERIENCE
THE WHALES
Every encounter starts with observation.
We watch the whales, read their behavior, and let them set the pace.
Sometimes that means slipping into the water. Sometimes it means waiting. And sometimes the most respectful choice is to stay on the boat.
The whales decide. We follow.
THE OPEN OCEAN
Humpbacks may be the reason you come, but they’re never the only thing the ocean
has planned.
Pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, seabirds... you just never know what may show up.
THE ISLAND
Mo’orea is more than the backdrop to whale season,
it’s part of the experience.
The island is known for its jagged volcanic peaks, crystal-clear lagoon, and laid-back rhythm of life. Other than the ocean days, we slow things down with a guided island safari, time in the lagoon, local meals, and a chance to experience a little more of the place we get to call home for the week.
THE PEOPLE
There’s something about sharing a life-changing experience that bonds people almost instantly.
You get to share the week with people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Between long ocean days, shared meals, salty boat rides, and everything that happens in between, strangers have a funny way of becoming friends.
The wildlife is unforgettable. The people often are too.
Aug 8-14, 2027
Aug 29- Sept 4th, 2027
Oct 10-16, 2027
Oct 17-23, 2027
FULLY HOSTED EXPEDITION
The Complete Wander Out Experience
7 days / 6 nights
4 full days & 1 half day on the ocean
Accommodation, meals & transportation
Professional photography included
From $5,775 USD
This trip requires a minimum of 4 guests to be confirmed.
CHOOSE YOUR 2027 EXPERIENCE
A WEEK WITH WANDER OUT
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MO’OREA
Ferry pickup, settle in, meet the crew, welcome dinner.
DAYS 2–6: LET THE OCEAN DECIDE
Five days built around weather, whale behavior and whatever the ocean gives us. Four full days on the water, plus one half-day paired with an island safari.
DAY 7: UNTIL NEXT TIME
Breakfast, hugs, probably a suspicious amount of whale videos in your camera roll, and ferry transfers.
YOUR HOME IN MO’OREA
For the fully hosted expedition, we stay in one of two private villas on Mo’orea, depending on the departure date. Both are chosen for comfort, location, and space to unwind after long days on the ocean.
VILLA ONE
Lagoonfront setting with shared living spaces and a relaxed island feel.
VILLA TWO
Two spacious private bungalows designed for relaxed island living, with comfortable shared spaces and easy access to the ocean.
Accommodation varies by departure date. If you’d like to know which villa is planned for a specific expedition week, feel free to contact us before booking.
MEET YOUR HOST
KELSEY WILLIAMSON
Photographer. Ocean obsessive. Founder of Wander Out Expeditions.
Kelsey first came to Mo’orea for whale season in 2019 and kept finding her way back until eventually this island became home. Wander Out grew from a love of wild places, photography, and the belief that wildlife experiences can be both extraordinary and respectful. These trips are her way of sharing the places she loves while supporting the local people who make every expedition possible.
8+ whale seasons in Mo’orea
Professional photographer & videographer
Wander Out founder
Living in Mo’orea
BEFORE YOU BOOK
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is required to travel to French Polynesia. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure date from French Polynesia.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and length of stay, so please check the current entry requirements for your passport before booking international travel.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and activities in the open ocean.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the expedition. The remaining balance is split into scheduled payments, with the final balance due before departure. Exact payment dates will be shown during booking.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel. Please review the full cancellation policy carefully before booking, as deposits and certain payments may be non-refundable.
