SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
with ANDREA FERENCE
Mo'orea, French Polynesia
2026 Trip Details
When:
October 18-24, 2026: 4 spots left!
Where
Mo'orea, French Polynesia
Price
$7450 USD
Length
7 Days, 6 Nights & 5 days on the water
Experience
Confident/Strong Swimmer
*No Scuba Diving experience is necessary for wildlife interaction
Mo'orea is a South Pacific island, part of French Polynesia's Society Islands archipelago. Mo'orea meaning yellow lizard, lizard (Mo'o), and yellow (rea), is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti, it is known for its jagged volcanic mountains and crystal clear lagoon.
From August to October humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to French Polynesia to breed and give birth. French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales. In order to respect the whales, we observe them from the boat and determine the whales’ activity phases (such as socializing, resting, or moving), before entering the water. Whale watching is still a regulated activity as these islands are classified as wildlife sanctuaries.
Experience
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You will be spending 5 days on the water observing humpback whales with the potential to experience pelagic encounters with pilot whales, rough-toothed dolphins, spinner dolphins, oceanic white-tip sharks, and any other marine life we encounter. *Interactions are not guaranteed
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Enjoy the crystal clear lagoon as we anchor at the sandbar to swim with the stingrays and black-tip reef sharks.
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Enjoy a half day exploring the beautiful island of Mo'orea on a guided island tour.
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Stay in a house with like-minded individuals & create lifelong connections.
*MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT FOR A MINIMUM OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE RETURN DATE TO ENTER FRENCH POLYNESIA
*NO VISA REQUIRED- DEPENDING ON YOUR PASSPORT
*Non-Refundable Deposit of $1400 to reserve spot
*The remaining balance is due in two additional payments to be made 180 days and 120 days before the expedition begins.
INCLUDED
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Shared Accommodation in Mo’orea
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5 days on the water (4 full days & 1 half day)
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1/2 day Safari tour to explore the island
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Transportation
(In Mo’orea & to and
from the whale excursion) -
Fruit and non-alcoholic drinks on board the boat
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3 meals a day (Continental Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
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An experienced captain and local guide
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Gift
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Digital copies of photos/videos from the trip
NOT INCLUDED
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Airfare to and from Tahiti (PPT is the Airport Code)
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Accommodation & transportation on Tahiti
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Ferry Transportation
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Personal snacks/ drinks & expenses
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Gratuity for boat captain (It's highly recommended to tip)
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Travel Medical Insurance (Required)
About your trip leader
Andrea Ference
Andrea is a self described “Jane of all trades” when it comes to outdoor sports. She grew up hiking in the Canadian Rockies and began her underwater exploration at 14 when she became scuba certified with her family. Since then she has travelled extensively by both foot and fin being able to explore (and share) so much of what our world has to offer. One of the most magical of which being the humpback whale migration in French Polynesia that she considers her year incomplete without.
Her life goal, to free dive with Narwahls, however, remains aloof.
Basic Itinerary
Arrival Day 1
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Take the ferry over to Mo’orea
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Everyone will be picked up and we will check into the accommodation
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Safety briefing for the week
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Welcome dinner with the group
Boat Days 2-6
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Breakfast at the accommodation.
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Head out early on the boat to spend the day searching for humpback whales!
Lunch will be brought on the boat. -
On a few of the days, we will also dock at the lagoon to swim with the black-tip reef sharks and sting rays.
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One day will be a half day on the boat and we will spend the other half of the day cruising around the island on a safari tour.
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Head back to shore to chill, catch the sunset and eat dinner together.
Departure Day 7
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Check out of the accommodation around 10am
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Transportation will take you to the ferry to head back to Tahiti or your next destination if you are staying longer in Mo'orea
Accomodation
We will be staying at a shared house located on the beautiful island of Mo'orea.
The specific accommodation arrangements will be made once we have a clear understanding of our group composition, including the number of solo travelers, couples, and friends. Our standard rooms are designed for double occupancy, but should you desire more privacy, single rooms can be arranged for an additional fee upon request.
