Special Week with Kayleigh and Cam Grant
October 5-12, 2025
October 5-12, 2025 with Kay and Cam Grant
Limited to just 6 participants, this expedition led by the remarkable Kayleigh and Cameron Grant focuses on maximizing in water time with the whales and honing in on photography skills and documentation. The island of Rurutu is a natural sanctuary for migrating humpback whales, its fringing reef provides a safe haven for mothers and calves. Rich in culture, Rurutu’s locals preserve traditional farming and fishing, race outrigger canoes, and speak the native Rurutuan language. This journey blends intimate whale encounters with authentic cultural experiences.
Rich in local culture, farming, and fishing. The food is amazing, locally grown and caught, and prepared fresh daily.
Homestay program in a private house (twin shared).
Normally between 16~32 whales around the island in a given season.
Up to a whopping 42 hours per week of on-water boat time for whale swimming (weather dependent, but we have the boat reserved for 7 hours a day).
2 community-based land excursions.
Extremely experienced local captains with more than 25 years of whale experience.
Only 7 boats with permits for whale swimming on the island.
Maximum 6 participants per week.
Trip Leader:
KAYLEIGH NICOLE GRANT
Kayleigh “Kay” Grant grew up outside of Philadelphia with a deep love and longing for the ocean and curiosity of its inhabitants. Kay has a Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism & completed the Marine Option Program at the University of Hawaii, as well as a shark specialty course with Queensland University and Cornell University.
She’s been living in Hawaii for a decade and was able to further her love of the ocean and learn invaluable information about safety and sharks from the amazing team at One Ocean Diving from 2015 to 2020. Kay has guided oceangoers of all walks of life at home in Hawai’i, as well as around the globe with her Faraway Seas Expeditions.
Kay is passionate about connecting people to the ocean in a deeper way and inspiring others to change their daily habits to better benefit the natural world. Onboard Kay will teach you how to properly interact with animals, safely interact with sharks, the importance of cutting out single-use plastics, which sunscreens are safe for the reef, and more.
Follow Kay at: @mermaid.kayleigh
Trip Cost: $4990
Includes
6 full on-water boat days (up to 7 hours per day, depending on weather and conditions).
2 expert trip leaders- Kay and Cam.
Underwater photography from Cam.
Twin shared accommodations.
3 meals daily.
2 land excursions (the island tour and a hike up the Dragon’s Head)
Airport pick ups and drop offs in Rurutu
Basic gear rentals (supply, sizes, and quality are limited, we recommend bringing your own).
Excludes
All flights.
Insurance.
Personal spending.
Dive belts and weights (all optional).
Photo Gallery
