Moorea Whale Watching for 6 People (Half Day)

About This Experience

Mori Ora runs this half-day humpback trip for a maximum of six guests from the small marina at the head of Opunohu Bay, on Moorea's north coast. It holds a 5.0 rating from 49 reviews.

The marina is at PK 17.5, about 2.5 km past the public beach at Ta'ahiamanu. One reviewer describes a larger zodiac-style boat that stayed stable in a rough sea and reached the whales quickly, with eight people aboard including the two crew. Before the first swim, the guide briefs the group on whale facts, safety and how to enter and behave in the water.

The crew reads the animals' behavior and makes slow, gentle approaches, and swims happen only when the guide judges that the whales and the sea state allow it, with swimmers keeping 15 m away under the local rules. The operator states plainly that swimming with wildlife is never guaranteed. Besides humpbacks, the listing mentions pilot whales, spinner and rough-toothed dolphins, occasional sperm whales, flying fish and hunting seabirds.

Six guests means everyone can swim together, since the rules allow six guests in the water at once. The listing asks you to be comfortable in the ocean with fins, mask and snorkel and in good physical condition, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. One reviewer was badly seasick, so take tablets before boarding. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, or for pregnant travelers.

Bottled water and snacks are included; snorkeling gear is not listed among the inclusions, so check with the operator or bring your own. Prices start from $260 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Highlights

• A maximum of six guests, so the whole group can swim together
• Departs from a small marina at the head of Opunohu Bay
• Crew reads whale behavior and makes slow, gentle approaches
• Chance of pilot whales, dolphins and seabirds as well as humpbacks
• Reviewers describe swims with mothers and calves in 2025 and 2026
• Rated 5.0 from 49 reviews

What's Included

• ✓ Half-day boat trip beyond the reef with a captain and guide
• ✓ Briefing on whale behavior, safety and water entry
• ✓ Guided swim when the whales and sea state allow
• ✓ Bottled water
• ✓ Snacks

Not Included

• Snorkeling gear (not listed among the inclusions)
• Wetsuit (not listed among the inclusions)
• Hotel pickup and transport to Opunohu Bay

What to Bring

• Swimwear
• Mask, snorkel and fins, if you have your own
• A towel
• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
• Seasickness tablets, taken before you board
• A dry layer for the ride back

Good to Know & Caveats

• Whale tours run only in French Polynesia's legal season, 20 July to 20 November, between 07:30 and 17:30.
• The operator states that swimming with wildlife is never guaranteed.
• You need to be comfortable in the ocean with fins, mask and snorkel and in good physical condition.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Moorea operators require swimmers to wear a life jacket unless they wear a wetsuit; ask the crew what they provide.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time through Viator.

Meeting Point

Small marina at the head of Opunohu Bay, PK 17.5, about 2.5 km past Ta'ahiamanu public beach.