THE EXPEDITION | 03rd - 10th October 2026

This is not just a whale watching tour.

It is a carefully timed expedition designed to maximize your chances of experiencing some of the most intimate humpback whale encounters anywhere in the world.

Every year, thousands of humpback whales leave the icy waters of Antarctica and make the long journey to the warm, protected lagoons of French Polynesia to give birth, nurture their calves, rest, and prepare for the return migration south.

For a few short weeks, the conditions are perfect.

This is when mothers and calves spend long periods resting in crystal-clear water, curious juveniles become increasingly playful, and powerful adult males fill the ocean with haunting songs that can be heard for miles beneath the surface.

Timing is everything.

Our expedition is deliberately scheduled for the end of the peak season in October, when calves are older, stronger, and far more interactive, while mothers are relaxed and comfortable spending extended periods near the surface. These conditions consistently provide some of the most memorable in-water encounters possible.

Over the course of the expedition, we divide our time between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, allowing us to search different habitats and maximize opportunities as whale movements change throughout the week.

Each day begins with experienced spotters searching for suitable whales. Once the right encounter presents itself, small groups enter the water quietly and respectfully, allowing the whales to dictate every interaction. There is never any chasing or harassment—only patient observation and unforgettable moments when the whales choose to share their world with us.

No two encounters are ever the same.

One moment you may find yourself floating silently beside a sleeping mother and her calf. The next, a curious juvenile may circle the group, or a massive adult male may fill the water with powerful songs that you feel as much as hear.

When conditions allow, we also deploy drones to observe whale behaviour from above, giving us an entirely different perspective on these magnificent animals while maintaining a respectful distance.

To complement the whale encounters, we spend time exploring French Polynesia's spectacular coral reefs, vibrant lagoons, and tropical marine life, creating a complete South Pacific adventure both above and below the surface.

Over the course of the expedition, you'll:

• Spend multiple full days searching for humpback whales in Tahiti and Moorea

• Enjoy small-group in-water encounters with mothers, calves, juveniles, and singing males

• Learn about humpback whale behaviour, migration, and conservation from experienced expedition leaders

• Snorkel pristine reefs and experience the incredible marine biodiversity of French Polynesia

• Experience one of the world's greatest wildlife encounters in a respectful and responsible way

Every encounter is on the whales' terms.

That is precisely what makes them so unforgettable.

Gentle giants. Crystal-clear water. Life-changing encounters.

This is far more than a holiday—it is an opportunity to share the ocean with one of the most intelligent and awe-inspiring animals on Earth.

Miss the season... and you miss the moment.

Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti.

A member of the Unique Ocean Expeditions team will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to our carefully selected hotel Inter Continental.

Once checked in, the rest of the day is yours to relax, recover from your journey, and settle into the rhythm of island life before the expedition officially begins.

Whether you choose to unwind by the pool, explore the local waterfront, or simply enjoy your first Polynesian sunset, this is your opportunity to prepare for the incredible days ahead.

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, made up of 118 breathtaking islands and atolls scattered across more than 2,000 kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. While islands such as Bora Bora and Moorea are world-famous for their beauty, it is the warm, sheltered waters surrounding Tahiti and Moorea that become one of nature's greatest nurseries each year.

Every austral winter, Humpback whales leave the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica and embark on an extraordinary migration of more than 5,000 kilometres to reach French Polynesia.

They are not here to feed.

They come to breed, give birth, nurse their calves, and prepare the next generation for the long journey back to Antarctica. The warm tropical waters provide a safe environment for newborn calves during their first months of life, while adult whales conserve energy in the calm lagoons and protected coastlines.

By the time our expedition begins the following morning, many calves are already several weeks old—stronger, more curious, and increasingly playful. Mothers have become more relaxed, creating some of the best opportunities of the entire season for respectful, in-water encounters.

Tomorrow, the adventure truly begins.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON TAHITI ISLAND (PPT)

To provide maximum flexibility, our French Polynesia Humpback Whale Expeditions are now offered as expedition packages, allowing you to choose the accommodation option that best suits your travel style and budget.

Whether you prefer a luxury resort, a comfortable local chalet, or wish to arrange your own accommodation, you'll enjoy the same unforgettable whale encounters and expert guiding on the water.

Luxury Package - InterContinenatl Tahiti Resort & Spa

Stay at the beautiful InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, one of Tahiti's premier waterfront resorts. Relax in spacious rooms with excellent facilities, multiple restaurants, swimming pools, and spectacular views across the lagoon toward Moorea—the perfect place to unwind after a day spent with humpback whales.

Comfort Package - Chalet's (hand picked by our team)

Our Comfort Package includes accommodation at a carefully selected chalet or guesthouse that offers excellent value, comfort, and an authentic Polynesian experience. These properties are ideal for guests who prefer a relaxed atmosphere while remaining conveniently located for the expedition.

Expedition Only - (No Accommodation)

For guests who prefer complete flexibility, you may arrange your own accommodation anywhere on Tahiti or Moorea. This option is ideal if you are extending your holiday, using hotel points, travelling with family, or simply have a preferred place to stay.

Guests selecting the Expedition Only option are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from each day's designated boat departure point. Detailed departure times, locations, maps, and recommendations will be provided well in advance of your expedition.

Whichever option you choose, every guest participates in the same small-group whale expedition, with identical time on the water, experienced guides, and the same commitment to responsible and respectful humpback whale encounters.

DAYS 2–4 | UNDERSTANDING THE WHALES

Today the expedition truly begins.

Before we ever enter the water, our local whale experts provide an in-depth briefing covering humpback whale behaviour, body language, approach techniques, and the strict guidelines that allow us to interact with these incredible animals in a safe and respectful manner.

Understanding the whales is one of the most important parts of the expedition.

You'll learn about their remarkable migration from Antarctica, why they travel thousands of kilometres to French Polynesia each year, and how different whales behave depending on whether they are resting, travelling, socialising, or searching for a mate.

Not every whale encounter is the same.

Throughout the week we may encounter singing males, competitive groups, playful juveniles, mothers with calves, or whales simply travelling between resting areas.

One of the most unforgettable experiences is hearing a mature male singing beneath the surface. His haunting song can travel for many kilometres through the ocean and is something you'll not only hear—but often feel vibrating through your entire body. While singing males are fascinating to observe, they are generally focused on attracting females, making prolonged in-water interactions less common.

The encounters we hope for most are with resting mothers and their calves.

These are often the most peaceful, emotional, and intimate interactions imaginable.

Our guides spend considerable time observing the whales from the boat before anyone enters the water. Every movement tells a story. The breathing pattern, direction of travel, time spent resting beneath the surface, and the calf's behaviour all help determine whether an approach is appropriate.

Patience is everything.

When the conditions are right, we quietly enter the water well away from the whales—typically 30 to 50 metres from the mother—and slowly swim towards her. There is never any rushing, splashing, or chasing. Humpback whales possess exceptional hearing, and long before we can see them clearly, they already know we are there.

From that moment on, the decision is entirely hers.

If the mother feels comfortable, she may remain relaxed, allowing us to drift nearby while her calf's natural curiosity often takes over. It is not uncommon for young calves to slowly approach the group, circle beneath us, or watch us with the same fascination that we have for them.

If the mother decides she has seen enough, the encounter is over.

We simply back away, return to the boat, and continue our search for another opportunity.

Every interaction happens entirely on the whales' terms.

That is what makes each encounter genuine.

There are no guarantees, no staged experiences, and no shortcuts.

Just patience, respect, and the possibility that one of the largest animals on Earth chooses to spend a few unforgettable moments sharing its world with you.

When that happens...

It is something you'll remember for the rest of your life.

DAY 5 | JOURNEY TO MOOREA

After breakfast, we check out of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and begin the next stage of our adventure.

A short transfer takes us to the ferry terminal, where we board the 2:25 pm Aremiti Ferry for the scenic crossing to the beautiful island of Moorea.

The journey itself is part of the experience.

As Tahiti slowly disappears behind us, the dramatic volcanic peaks of Moorea begin to rise from the horizon. Towering green mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and lush tropical valleys create one of the most breathtaking arrivals anywhere in the South Pacific. Keep your camera close—you never know what might appear during the crossing, with dolphins and even humpback whales occasionally spotted between the islands.

Upon arrival in Moorea, our private transport will be waiting to transfer us to our accommodation, where we'll settle in for the next chapter of the expedition.

With its sheltered bays, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere, Moorea offers a completely different perspective on French Polynesia. Over the coming days, this stunning island will become our base as we continue searching for unforgettable encounters with humpback whales in one of the world's most spectacular marine environments.

Another island.

Another adventure.

The journey continues.

Travel to Moorea Island by ferry.

DAYS 6–8 | A NEW ISLAND, A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Although many of the humpback whales we encounter can move between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, spending time on Moorea offers a completely different experience.

The dramatic volcanic peaks rise straight from the ocean, creating one of the most spectacular backdrops anywhere in the South Pacific. The crystal-clear water, sheltered bays, and quieter coastline give every encounter its own unique atmosphere.

The whales may be the same...

But the experience feels entirely different.

Each morning, we'll board our private vessel directly from the hotel's dock and continue our search for humpback whales around Moorea's coastline. Every day presents new opportunities—perhaps a relaxed mother and calf resting in the calm lagoon, a curious juvenile investigating our group, or the haunting song of a lone male echoing through the blue.

As always, every encounter is dictated entirely by the whales. We simply adapt to their behaviour, allowing patience and respect to guide every interaction.

But Moorea offers far more than whales alone.

Once our time with the humpbacks comes to an end, we'll often finish the afternoon in the warm, shallow lagoon, where friendly blacktip reef sharks and graceful southern stingrays glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear water. These relaxed encounters provide the perfect contrast to the powerful emotions of spending time with the humpback whales and have become one of the unexpected highlights of the expedition.

Back on land, Moorea is equally captivating.

Towering emerald mountains, winding coastal roads, hidden waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and lush rainforest trails make it one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. Whether you choose to relax by the waterfront, explore the island's scenic hiking trails, or simply watch the sun disappear behind the mountains, Moorea has a way of slowing life down.

Two islands.

Two completely different experiences.

One unforgettable expedition.

From the intimate encounters with humpback whales to the turquoise lagoons filled with rays and reef sharks, Moorea provides the perfect finale to an adventure you'll remember for the rest of your life.

AN AFTERNOON WITH MOOREA'S BLACKTIP REEF SHARKS & STINGRAYS

After an unforgettable morning searching for humpback whales, the pace of the day changes completely.

Instead of scanning the horizon for whale blows, we head into the calm, shallow lagoons of Moorea, where another incredible marine experience awaits.

As the boat glides into the crystal-clear turquoise water, dozens of elegant southern stingrays begin to appear beneath the surface, effortlessly gliding across the white sand. Curious by nature, they often swim gently around snorkellers, sometimes passing within inches as they move silently through the lagoon.

Sharing the same shallow waters are Moorea's resident blacktip reef sharks.

Although many people are surprised the first time they see them, these beautiful sharks are naturally shy, completely at home in the lagoon, and pose no threat to swimmers. Watching them cruise gracefully through water so clear that every movement can be seen from the surface is a truly unforgettable experience.

Slip into the warm tropical water and you'll find yourself surrounded by one of the healthiest lagoon ecosystems in French Polynesia.

Sunlight dances across the white sand.

Stingrays glide effortlessly beneath you.

Blacktip reef sharks weave through the lagoon with remarkable elegance.

It's peaceful.

It's exhilarating.

And after the emotion and anticipation of the morning's whale encounters, it provides the perfect opportunity to simply relax and enjoy another side of French Polynesia's incredible marine life.

Few places in the world allow you to spend the morning swimming with humpback whales...

...and the afternoon surrounded by rays and reef sharks in water so clear it barely seems real.

It is the perfect ending to another unforgettable day in paradise.

DAY 9 | FAREWELL TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

As our expedition draws to a close, we enjoy one final breakfast overlooking the spectacular waters of Cook's Bay before checking out of the hotel.

From here, we'll transfer to the ferry terminal and board the Aremiti Ferry for our return crossing to Tahiti. As Moorea's dramatic volcanic peaks slowly fade into the distance, it's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable experiences we've shared over the past week.

From the emotional encounters with mothers and calves...

To the haunting songs of solitary males...

The excitement of curious juveniles...

And the crystal-clear lagoons filled with graceful stingrays and blacktip reef sharks...

Every day has brought something unique.

Upon arrival back in Tahiti, the Unique Ocean Expeditions team will assist with your transfer to Faa'a International Airport in time for your onward flight home.

Although the expedition may be over, the memories will remain with you for a lifetime.

Few experiences compare to looking into the eye of a wild humpback whale.

Fewer still leave such a lasting impression.

We hope you'll leave French Polynesia with more than just incredible photographs.

We hope you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals, their extraordinary migration, and the privilege of sharing a few unforgettable moments in their world.

Until our next adventure...

Mauruuru... and safe travels home.