The meeting point is at the three pontoons in Taapuna, located 500 meters from the Manava Suite Resort hotel. We'll pick you up there, at the pontoon. Drop-off will be at the same location.
Description
"This is more than just a tour — it’s a bucket list experience in Tahiti."
Discover one of the most unforgettable marine experiences in French Polynesia with this 5-hour whale watching tour in Tahiti.
From July to November, this excursion gives guests the opportunity to search for and observe humpback whales in their natural habitat with certified local professionals.
Depending on sea conditions and whale activity, the experience may also include an in-water observation under accredited supervision.
The 5-hour duration is designed to provide guests with the best possible whale watching experience, allowing enough time for navigation, whale search, respectful observation, and enjoyment of the excursion without feeling rushed.
Our boat can accommodate up to 12 guests, yet we have chosen to limit each whale watching tour to only 6, ensuring a more intimate, refined, and exclusive experience.
Tour Options
Shared whale watching 5 hours
Duration: 5 hours: "This is more than just a tour — it’s a bucket list experience in Tahiti."
Snacks and drinks: Seasonal fruits and hydration: water, coffee, local juice
How WHALE WATCHING works: Briefing, search, observation of the whales’ behavior, followed by a swim if the Captain and Guide think i’ts possible
Itinerary
Punaauia
300 min
Available during the whale season from July to November, this tour gives guests the opportunity to search for and observe humpback whales in their natural habitat with certified local professionals.
The tour includes a safety briefing, scenic ocean navigation, respectful whale observation, and educational commentary about whale behavior and marine conservation.
Depending on sea conditions and whale activity, the experience may also include an in-water observation under accredited supervision.
Designed to provide guests with the best possible whale watching experience, allowing enough time for navigation, whale search, respectful observation, and enjoyment of the excursion without feeling rushed.
Our boat can accommodate up to 12 guests, yet we have chosen to limit each whale watching tour to only 8, ensuring a more intimate, refined, and exclusive experience, with greater comfort on board, less waiting, and more personalized attention throughout your time on the water.
What's included
Included
Snorkeling equipment is included, including fines, masks, and snorkels, as well as towels and waterproof jackets. If you require personalized equipment, you are welcome to bring your own gear.
Cold drinks, tropical fruits.
Not included
Sunscreen, seasickness treatment, your own material if you wish
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
16 reviews
5
15
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No snorkeling for people with a medical contraindication, but possible as an observer
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shared whale watching tour TAHITI take?
Shared whale watching tour TAHITI lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Shared whale watching tour TAHITI cost?
Prices start at $200 per person for this Tahiti experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Shared whale watching tour TAHITI for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The meeting point is at the three pontoons in Taapuna, located 500 meters from the Manava Suite Resort hotel. We'll pick you up there, at the pontoon. Drop-off will be at the same location. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Shared whale watching tour TAHITI offered in?
The experience is available in EN, FR.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Shared whale watching tour TAHITI worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by TAHITI SNORKELING AND WHALE TOUR.
Reviews(16)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
D
Dreamer51217980359
September 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Phenomenal Experience
Wow what an experience! We were conscious of how ethical doing a tour like this would be, we do not want to be part of exploitation. Naea was an exemplary ambassador for tahiti and their respect for the privilege of being in the whales home. Within 15 mins we spotted a mother and calf. The crew took time to make sure everything was right. Good call to restrict cameras as the video captured by Naea was epic while the presence of the experience was phenomenal.
Don't look any further, book your ticket and pray for the right conditions on the day.
Leah and Nick from NZ
E
Eric_F
September 12, 2026 · via Viator
Whale watching
I am not a strong swimmer but I wish that I had swam with the whales since the leader took a person who also was not a strong swimmer afterwards holing onto a small rusher raft while he finned to pull it along .I went to photograph from the boat only but was disappointed.
L
L772PLcaras
September 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience
I had such a great experience with this tour which I will never forget. I was scared at first as the waves are quite heavy, I would say, but the guide took good care of me and it was beautiful seeing the whales so close under water.
4
426frederickh
October 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Exceptional boat and captain
1- The super stable and super comfortable boat
2- Captain Naea whose smile brings back the sun and whales. Unbelievable knowledge of his island. And he is also the king of barbecue on the boat 😋
3- The exceptional experience, a sublime encounter with a mother whale and her calf a few meters away
For all this I can only put on as many stars as possible and thank Naea and her crew.
Lunch at the barbecue on the sandbar is just amazing.
One of the best days I've spent in my life.
Mauru'uru 😍👍
Operator response
Un immense merci pour ce retour magnifique ! 🌺
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez autant apprécié votre journée à bord : le confort du bateau, la bonne humeur contagieuse de Naea, son amour pour son île… et bien sûr ses talents de roi du barbecue ! 😄🔥
La rencontre avec la maman baleine et son baleineau est un moment rare et précieux, et nous sommes très heureux d’avoir pu partager cette expérience exceptionnelle avec vous. Le déjeuner au barbecue sur le banc de sable est toujours un moment magique, et savoir qu’il a compté parmi les meilleures journées de votre vie nous touche énormément.
Mauru’uru roa pour votre confiance, votre enthousiasme et vos étoiles.
Au plaisir de vous revoir pour de nouvelles aventures en mer ! 🐋🌞🌴
M
M3601LEemmab
September 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience with a perfect crew! A magical moment:)
Excellent experience! Our Captain Naea and our guide Isabelle were very caring for us. Their explanations are very clear and they make us share their passion perfectly. You can feel their respect and love for these wonderful animals that are whales. My spouse and I had a magical time! Unfortunately we did not manage to swim with them this time, it also happens. But watching them from the boat is already so amazing! We will try our luck again another time with great pleasure at the idea of finding Naea and Isabelle. Thank you both very much for this incredible discovery!
Operator response
Un grand merci pour votre magnifique retour ! 🌺
Nous sommes ravis d’apprendre que votre sortie en mer avec Naea et Isabelle vous ait laissé un si beau souvenir. Leur passion, leur pédagogie et leur respect profond pour les baleines sont au cœur de chaque excursion, et nous sommes heureux que vous l’ayez ressenti.
Même si la nage n’a pas été possible cette fois-ci ce qui peut en effet arriver nous sommes touchés de voir que l’observation depuis le bateau vous a déjà offert un moment magique. Votre compréhension et votre respect pour les animaux et les conditions naturelles sont précieux.
Ce sera un immense plaisir pour toute l’équipe de vous accueillir à nouveau pour tenter votre chance une prochaine fois !
Merci encore pour votre confiance et votre gentillesse. 🌊🐋💙
O
O2670BNtomm
August 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Tahiti
My husband and I are here on our honeymoon, and this is our first excursion. Naia was so friendly, genuine and truly enjoys sharing his knowledge and life experiences living in Tahiti. Not to mention, we got a video of my husband and I, that he shot for us, on his GoPro while snorkeling amongst the fish and the shipwrecks. This was my first time ever snorkeling and at first, I was scared and having a hard time breathing underwater with the snorkel - with gentle guidance, Naia instructed me on how to relax and breath properly, and right away I had a much better experience once I got the technique down. Although, we did not get to swim with the turtles due to rough waters, we did appreciate that he put our safety first! We went to the sand bar and had delicious fruit, and fresh papaya and punch as we swam and snorkeled on the sand bar. Afterword, we cruised back to the hotel while the sun started to go down, while listening to Tahitian music. 10/10 recommended.
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful review and congratulations on your honeymoon!
We're honored that you chose us for your very first excursion in Tahiti. It’s wonderful to hear how Naea made you feel safe, welcomed, and at ease during your first snorkeling experience. That’s exactly the kind of care and guidance we strive to offer each guest.
While we’re sorry the conditions didn’t allow for turtle spotting this time, we’re glad you appreciated the priority we place on safety. It sounds like the sandbar stop, fresh fruit, and sunset cruise created a perfect ending to the day!
We truly hope the GoPro footage brings back fond memories for years to come, and we’d love to welcome you both back for another adventure in the future.
Mauruuru roa,
The Tahiti Snorkeling & Whale Tour Team 🐠🌴💙
4
499kalil
August 18, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Genial
Amazing great accompaniments and I was able to swim 10 meters from a whale so memorable thank you for everything we recommend
Operator response
Un grand merci pour votre message !
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez vécu une expérience aussi mémorable à nos côtés. Nager à seulement 10 mètres d’une baleine est un moment rare et magique, merci de nous avoir fait confiance pour vous accompagner dans cette aventure.
Votre recommandation nous touche beaucoup, et nous espérons avoir le plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau très bientôt dans les eaux de Tahiti.
Mauruuru roa,
L’équipe de Tahiti Snorkeling & Whale Tour 🐋🌺
M
Miguelmc27
August 14, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Magical!
Today was a day we will never forget! The captain and guide were absolutely amazing – they taught us about the local culture, the respect for the animals, and the mana that connects everything here. We were lucky enough to see dolphins and whales, and even swim next to two whales – a mother and her baby. Both came right up close to us… truly an unreal experience!
After that, we went snorkeling around the reef surrounded by countless colourful fish, and even explored a sunken plane and boat.
If you come to Tahiti, you must contact Tahiti Snorkeling & Whale Tour and do this trip – it’s 100% worth it.
A huge thanks to Captain Naea and our guide Teva for giving us an unforgettable day!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your incredible review!
We’re truly honored to hear that your day with us was one you’ll never forget. Sharing the local culture, the deep respect we hold for the marine life, and the mana that connects all living things is at the heart of what we do and we're so glad that resonated with you.
Encountering dolphins, swimming alongside a mother whale and her calf, snorkeling among colorful reef fish, and exploring sunken wrecks, what an unforgettable adventure!
Thank you as well for your kind words about Captain Naea and your guide Teva, they’ll be thrilled to hear how much you appreciated their passion and knowledge.
We hope to welcome you back again one day for another magical experience in our Tahitian waters.
Mauruuru roa,
The Tahiti Snorkeling & Whale Tour Team 🐋🌺
U
usaz2025
August 2, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Had an amazing morning with friends, this trip felt like magic. We were lucky to watch some whales and i can’t be more grateful for the great trip! Thank you, 100% recomend
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a magical morning with us and were lucky enough to spot some whales, it's always an unforgettable experience. Your kind words truly mean a lot, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another sea adventure soon!
Thanks again for the 100% recommendation
L
LesADNETs
November 4, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
3 hours outing + 3 times 'drop' (went into the water) + 7 whales
My husband and I signed up yesterday for a "Whale Outing." The experience exceeded our expectations! It wasn't just whale watching, but the whales swam with us in THREE different places with SEVEN different whales. We were so lucky!
Captain Naea and Keanu are the best team for this activity.
They collaborate so well throughout the release to offer us the best experience.
Thank you Keanu and Naea for your amazing job!
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Nous sommes très heureux de vous lire ! Un magnifique commentaire ! Nous vous remercions d'être passé par nous ! à très bientôt !
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