The Ultimate Packing List for Swimming with Humpback Whales in French Polynesia
Swimming with humpback whales in the remote Austral Islands of French Polynesia is an awe-inspiring experience. The waters surrounding Rurutu and Tubuai offer one of the most intimate and ethical opportunities to encounter these gentle giants, far from the massive crowds found in other whale-swimming destinations.
However, to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, having the right gear is essential. The conditions in the Austral Islands differ from tropical locations like Mo’orea or Tonga—expect slightly cooler water temperatures, unpredictable weather, and extended time on the boat.
This comprehensive packing guide ensures you have everything needed for a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable whale-swimming expedition in French Polynesia.
Why Proper Packing Matters for Swimming with Whales
Humpback whale encounters in Rurutu and the Austral Islands can be physically demanding. You’ll spend hours on the boat scanning the horizon and then quickly entering the water when a whale is spotted. Unlike in moderately warmer locations like Tonga or Mo’orea, water temperatures in the Austral Islands range from 23-25°C (73-77°F), which can feel chilly after repeated swims, especially when on the boat in the wind. The islands are also known for their more moody weather; when its sunny out you may feel really hot in a full wetsuit, but when its cloudy and windy, you’ll be glad you have it on.
To maximize your experience and stay comfortable, you’ll need:
✔️ The right freediving/snorkeling gear – Comfort is key for extended water sessions, and having a mask that works well with your face is essential for having an enjoyable experience.
✔️ Protection from the elements – Sun, wind, and cool water can impact your energy levels and comfort, especially between drops.
✔️ Quality underwater camera equipment – To capture the magic of whale interactions.
✔️ Seasickness prevention – The open ocean can get rough as the nearest neighbouring islands are about 100 kms away.
Packing List for Swimming with Humpback Whales in the Austral Islands
Essential Freediving / Snorkeling Gear
✅ Freediving Mask – A high-quality, anti-fog mask with a snug, comfortable fit. Black-framed masks help prevent glare. Cressi and Mares are highly recommended.
✅ Freediving Snorkel – Keep it simple with a streamlined, non-purge snorkel to avoid malfunctions. If you want a purge snorkel, those are fine, but get one without a ball on the top, as you will rely on side swimming and that ball may block your airway.
✅ Freediving Fins – Long fins provide efficiency, but if you’re not used to them, opt for medium-length fins. Avoid overly stiff plastic fins if you can. Medium flexibility carbon or fibreglass fins are the best, but use them only if you are used to proper freediving fins. Otherwise, opt for a medium-length fin with at least some flexibility.
✅ 1~3 mm Neoprene Dive Socks – Prevents chafing from fins and adds a layer of warmth. But you don’t want ones too thick otherwise you might not fit properly into your fins and or it can make your feet too buoyant and leave you splashing at the surface.
✅ Rash Guards (2-3) – Long-sleeve to wear under your wetsuit. On sunny days these will help keep the UV rays off your body before you put on your wetsuit top to jump in the water.
✅ Wetsuit (2-3mm or 3mm, full-body recommended) – The water can feel cool after multiple swims. A full suit provides warmth and protection.
✅ Weight belt and dive weights (1kg per mm ) – For certified freedivers, you are welcome to bring your own weights and add weight equivelent to 5% of body mass + 1 lb per mm of wetsuit thickness. For non-cert freedivers, you are allowed to use a maximum of 1 kg per mm of wetsuit thickness only.
Water Temperature Guide:
Rurutu & Austral Islands – 23-25°C (73-77°F)
Mo’orea, Tahiti & Tonga – 26-28°C (78-82°F)
Tofo, Mozambique – 22-24°C (72-75°F)
Sun Protection & Comfort
✅ Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Protects your skin and the ocean ecosystem.
✅ Polarized Sunglasses – Reduces glare on the water, making it easier to spot whales.
✅ Cap – Shields your face from strong sun exposure.
✅ Lip Balm with SPF – Prevents chapped lips from sun and saltwater exposure.
✅ Aloe Vera Gel or After-Sun Lotion – Soothes sunburn or dry skin.
✅ Lightweight Windbreaker or Boat Jacket – Keeps you warm during boat rides, neoprene zip-ups are great, but any wind breaker should do just fine.
Casual & Boat Wear
✅ T-Shirts (5-6) – Lightweight, breathable fabrics for tropical weather.
✅ A hoodie or sweatshirt – It can get pretty chilly at night in the Australs, especially in August and September.
✅ In-water Shorts (1-2) – For swim short (guys) to wear under a wetsuit, spandex works really well, so think more like a running short than a proper swim short. Girls can also use this approach or use a normal swimsuit bottom and top.
✅ Lightweight Long Pants (1-2 pairs) – Useful for evening walks and dinner.
✅ Poncho Towel – Good for staying warm between swims, but keep in mind a lot of the spaces on the boat will get wet when going against the swell.
✅ Flip-Flops or Sandals – Easy to slip on/off when getting in and out of the boat.
✅ Waterproof Dry Bag (5-10L) – Protects valuables from water exposure.
✅ Seasickness Medication (Dramamine, Bonine, Gravol etc) – The open ocean can be rough.
Underwater Photography & Camera Gear
✅ GoPro or Action Camera – Compact, easy to use, and great for capturing fast-moving whales.
✅ DSLR or Mirrorless Camera with Underwater Housing – For high-quality professional shots, and in terms of lenses, a 16-24 mm tends to works best with whales.
✅ Dome Port for Wide-Angle Shots – Helps capture the whale and its surroundings, use glass domes for the best quality.
✅ Extra Camera Batteries & SD Cards – Running out of storage mid-trip is not an option!
✅ Lens Defogger or Baby Shampoo – Essential for keeping your mask and camera lens fog-free.
✅ Plug Converter – French Polynesia uses the European standard 2 pin.
Additional Travel Essentials
✅ Plug Adapter for French Polynesia (Type E & Type B for U.S. travelers) – Ensure compatibility with local sockets.
✅ Power Bank / Portable Charger – Charging on the boat is limited.
✅ Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
✅ Protein Bars & Snacks – Great for energy boosts between swims.
✅ Notebook & Pen – Document whale behaviors, experiences, or personal reflections.
✅ Lightweight Backpack – Useful for carrying essentials during land excursions.
8 Pro Packing Tips for Whale Swimming in the Austral Islands
Wear your wetsuit on the boat, but leave the top down until you’re ready to get into the water— Also, after a few swims, you’ll likely feel cold even in 24°C water. Wearing your wetsuit or a boat poncho / neoprene jacket / windbreaker between swims helps conserve body heat.
Pack a dry bag for electronics— Boat rides can be bumpy, and saltwater can easily damage cameras, phones, and chargers. Store electronics in a 5-10L dry bag for protection. Always rinse your gear off with fresh water (we have a hose) at the end of each day. Don’t open your camera housing until its completely dry.
Bring extra layers for the boat— The Austral Islands can be cooler than Mo’orea or Tonga, especially on windy days. A lightweight waterproof windbreaker, neoprene jacket, or surf robe is great for added comfort, and this is doubly true for anyone using a short or legless wetsuit (yes, I know it looks better this way in photos, but believe me, you will feel cold on the boat without some extra layers to warm up).
Protect yourself from seasickness— If you’re prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine, Gravol, or Bonine before getting on the boat. Hydration and ginger chews can also help. But the Austral swell can get rough and we’ve had many people experience seasickness. There’s nothing worse than watching the group drop in for an epic interaction while you’re stuck lying down on the boat with motion sickness.
Test your gear before the trip— Make sure your mask, fins, and snorkel fit properly before arriving. A poor-fitting mask can ruin your experience. Do not rely on rentals or extras— you’re spending enough money and time to come all the way to the middle of the South Pacific— and the swimming can get intense, so make sure you are comfortable in your own gear.
Take your mask, camera gear, and one set of swimwear in your carry-on— If your checked bag gets delayed, believe me when I say you will be very thankful to still at least have your mask, camera gear, and a set of swimwear (inc a rash guard) in your carry-on. Flights to Rurutu are not daily, so it could take some time to recover a missing luggage.
Bring your dive or freedive certification card (digital or physical)— Air Tahiti will let you take an extra 5kgs of checked luggage weight if you present a dive certification upon check in. This comes in handy when carrying actual dive weights in your bag!
Avoid wearing white in the water (avoid white fins, wetsuits, etc)— White is highly reflective, so when the sun hits you in the water, white tents to reflect the sun rays out, which will result in blown out ow very awkward photos that are hard to correct, as the light actually reflects back into the water around you rendering it brighter, sort of like a halo effect.
FAQs: Packing for a Whale Swimming Trip
Can I just get rentals instead of bringing my own gear?
Yes but I don’t recommend it. We have a very limited supply of rentals on the island, which mostly consists of old 3mm wetsuits, very basic short fins, and wide snorkel masks and snorkels. I do not believe this quality of materials is suitable for the best experience on the water. In a pinch, we have these available to us to use, but do not rely on them. Believe me when I say you will have a significantly better experience in your own gear; your mask wont leak, you’ll swim significantly faster with longer fins, and you’ll be a lot more agile in the water.
Do I need a wetsuit for whale swimming in French Polynesia or can I get away with a swim. suit and rash guard?
Yes you need a wetsuit. A full-body 2-3mm or a 3mm wetsuit keeps you warm between swims. An open-cell 2-piece 2mm is also great. And yes, many people leave off the bottoms or just use a 1-piece open-cell top for better photos, but you will get cold on the boat if you do that, so have another layer to cover yourself with.
Can I use a standard snorkel set?
You can, but freediving fins and a streamlined snorkel improve efficiency in the water, making it easier to keep up with the whales. Additionally long and medium-long fins will allow you to swim a lot faster, which is very helpful when three quick pumps of a humpback’s tail sends the animal over a football fiend in distance.
Do I need a permit to swim with whales in French Polynesia?
No special permit is needed for tourists, but you must book with a licensed operator who follows strict guidelines. All operators must have a whale watching permit and flag on their boat.
Final Thoughts
Swimming with humpback whales in French Polynesia’s Austral Islands is an experience like no other. With the right freediving gear, sun protection, and comfort items, you’ll be fully prepared for fast-paced, respectful interactions with these ocean giants.
By following this packing guide, you’ll maximize your time in the water and stay comfortable on the boat, ensuring an unforgettable whale encounter.
Now that you’re packed and ready, why not join us for an adventure of a lifetime?
