Location: Rurutu Island, French Polynesia
VIP Humpback Whale Snorkeling Adventure
Swim with Humpback Whales in the crystal clear waters of Rurutu, French Polynesia
Join us for an amazing week of snorkeling with Humpback Whale mothers and calves in the crystal clear waters of Rurutu, in the Austral Archipelago of French Polynesia.
Although Rurutu is only a short flight from Tahiti, it is largely undiscovered by tourists, making it the perfect spot to encounter the gentle giants of the South Pacific.
Each year, hundreds of humpback whales with small calves migrate north from Antarctica between August and October. In September, many stop to shelter in Rurutu’s protected bays.
While the humpback mothers rest on the shallow seafloor, their curious calves frolic at the surface. This is the perfect time to enjoy fabulous close encounters.
THE ENCOUNTER
Snorkeling with Humpback Whales
2026
DATE
September 7-13 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 14-20 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 21-27 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$5,895 per person double occupancy
$6,695 per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
2027
DATE
September 6-12 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 13-19 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
September 20-26 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$TBA per person double occupancy
$TBA per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Vaitumu Village Hotel, Rurutu.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Snorkeling experience only
WHAT’S INCLUDED
6 nights accommodation
5 full days free diving with whales
Breakfast at the hotel
Airport transfers
Experienced humpback whale guide
WITNESS AMAZING BEHAVIORS
Due to its crystal clear water, Rurutu offers unparalleled underwater views of humpbacks. The most common sights are mothers nursing their calves, and solitary males singing their haunting songs.
Remember to also bring a topside camera as you can also expect to see fluke slapping, spy-hopping and full and partial breaches. It is especially fun to watch the baby humpbacks trying these movements for the first time. Imagine a baby playing with a new toy, now imagine a baby humpback that has just discovered the noise its tail makes when it slaps the water… unforgettable!
ITINERARY
| Day 1 | Arrive at Rurutu and check-in at Vaitamu Village. |
| Days 2-6 | After breakfast at the hotel you will board the dive boat for a 3-4hr morning session with the whales. At noon the boat will return to shore for an hour for lunch. Then, you will return to sea for a second 3-4hr encounter with the whales. As the evening approaches, we will return to the hotel in time to shower and download images before dinner. |
| Day 7 | After a final breakfast with the group we will take you to the airport for your flight back to Tahiti. |
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Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
Delivering world-class wildlife encounters since 2010
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last three decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
AMAZING TRIPS
Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
Sene M.
Canada
BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
I have been on a couple of Big Fish Photography Expeditions trips now. They are always well organized, and exceed my expectations! Andy puts together unique and action-packed trips. I’m looking forward to my next dive experience with him.
Trisha S.
Vancouver, BC
ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
Scott O.
Detroit, Michigan
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
Br, Rasmus Raahauge
Denmark
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
