
WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales worth booking?
WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales is a 4-hour experience in Papeete, French Polynesia, from $308 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 87 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (87)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $308 per person
With over 15 years of experience, we would be happy to welcome you aboard our boat and share our knowledge about the ocean and humpback whales on a small group outing with an experienced, ocean-friendly Guide who will safely guide you through the launches.
What you get
About this experience
With over 15 years of experience, we would be happy to welcome you aboard our boat and share our knowledge about the ocean and humpback whales on a small group outing with an experienced, ocean-friendly Guide who will safely guide you through the launches.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Papeete
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Temoana Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 87 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
87 verified traveler reviews for WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Once in a lifetime
Must be a good swimmer. Possibly a better explanation of what to expect would be in order. We had a very unique and unforgettable experience that would have been excellent with a bit more preparation by the guide. He was very knowledgeable but does it everyday and we will do it once in our lifetimes! For example, the guide kept saying to stay behind him but when you don’t know where he is going you have to stare at him and you can miss the whales!!
via Viator
Amazing!
I don’t know how to put into words how highly i would recommend this experience, this is an absolute must do. The crew is amazing this is my 2nd year in a row with this same company and they make you feel safe and they make a real effort to make sure you get to swim with whales. Just not one negative thing to say about this company and crew.
via Viator
We swam with 8 whales!!!
Words cannot describe this experience. I was scared to death to do this but my wife really wanted to since it was the season and that’s the entire reason we honeymooned here. Well… they say you are lucky if you get to see one whale. Even luckier if you get to swim with one. WE GOT TO SWIM WITH 8!!!!!! For someone who was beyond nervous, I felt so safe and calm and comfortable once we entered that water. The weather broke so there was no wind and the water was calm (but I understand why some reviews mention motion sickness- it’s a tiny 6 person boat). Two people on the boat just wanted to watch. They definitely missed out because the boats have to stay a certain distance away and the rest of us literally watched whales swim under us and circled us etc. it was beyond words. We will be doing this exact tour with this exact team again. Vie was our guide. He was incredible beyond imagination. Thank you so much for such an experience - im crying again as I write this.
via Tripadvisor
Lifetime experience !
Henua our guide and Papy (Nico) our captain were perfect. Professional, respectful and very nice. They perfectly know where to go and anticipate whale move to be on the right spot. Lucky us we could actually swim with whales: calf and mother. Great, amazing, crazy, you name it.. experience of a lifetime !
via Tripadvisor
a dream come true
AMAZING TOUR!!!!!! The BEST the guide: HENUA!!!! A dream come true
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Papeete.
How much does WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales cost?
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Prices start at $308 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Papeete usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Papeete is not rushed.
Is WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 87 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Papeete, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales?
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Around 30 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Papeete can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Papeete and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Papeete within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Papeete?
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On Outty we rank every Papeete experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5 Hours Tahiti Island Tour - West and East Coast - small group, Moorea 4WD Tour: Magic Mountain, Belvedere, Pineapple Road & More, Moorea 6-Hour Snorkeling and Lunch Shared Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Papeete?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Papeete?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales?
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Included: Bottled water; and Use of snorkeling equipment. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Papeete. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about WHALE TOUR - Watching and Swimming with Whales?
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Across 87 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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