The People
The Tavita Family and our Trip Leaders and Whale Guides
Teiti Tavita and his sister Onoï carry on their father Captain Nahuma’s legacy. A descendant of royal whalers, Nahuma worked to reconnect with the humpback migration and support his community by protecting whales and promoting ecotourism. Today, Teiti and Onoï ensure Rurutu remains a place where heritage and conservation coexist.
From whale hunters to whale protectors, it starts with a family.
Captain Nahuma Tavita, a descendant of Rurutu's former royal family, hails from a lineage of renowned whalers on this small South Pacific island. Whaling, introduced by early European explorers, grew to hold deep cultural significance for families like the Tavitas. When the French government outlawed whaling in 1950, this tradition ended, halting the bloodshed, but also severing a profound connection with the humpback migration.
As modern economic challenges emerged, many residents left Rurutu for Tahiti or the Tuamotus to work on pearl farms, leading to a dwindling population. Determined to revitalize his community and reconnect with the whales in a respectful, sustainable manner, Nahuma began documenting and researching the migrating humpbacks, transitioning from hunting to conservation and eco-tourism.
With over 40 years of experience, the Tavita family leads responsible whale-swimming trips allowing visitors to swim alongside these majestic creatures. Their efforts are central to locally-led conservation initiatives and have revitalized Rurutu's economy
Nahuma’s children, Teiti and Onoï, continue this legacy, deepening their family's bond with the whales while preserving traditional practices like fishing, taro cultivation, and fruit farming. Unlike many other Polynesian islands, Rurutu thrives by maintaining its cultural heritage and living harmoniously with nature.
Learn how you can join the Tavita family to swim with the whales
Program Hosts
Teiti Tavita
Teiti is the beating heart of our operations on the island. Trained in Tahiti in both traditional Polynesian and French cuisine, Teiti’s culinary skills reflect his deep love for the art of cooking and his ability to bring people together through food. Whether it’s a thoughtfully prepared meal or an immersive cultural activity, Teiti’s passion and meticulous care shine in everything he does.
As mahu (two-spirited), Teiti embodies the beautiful fluidity of Polynesian culture, where identity and spirit blend harmoniously. He openly shares his journey and culture with warmth, humor, and a profound sense of connection. Whether guiding you through the rhythms of island life or sharing moments of laughter and reflection, Teiti ensures that every guest feels welcomed, nourished, and deeply connected to the island.
Onoï Tavita
Onoï is the fearless captain at the helm, guiding every adventure with unparalleled skill and precision. Having learned the art of seamanship from her father, Onoï has honed her ability to position the boat perfectly for each unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s giants. Her deep knowledge of the waters and her instinctive connection to the sea make her an exceptional guide and navigator.
Beyond her talents on the water, Onoï brings a contagious joy to every trip. Her lively spirit and sense of humor create a welcoming and fun atmosphere that guests cherish. As a mother of five boys, she embraces the beautiful chaos of life with grace and energy, embodying both strength and warmth. With Onoï, every journey is not only expertly executed but also filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories.
2025 Trip Leaders and Whale Guides
Jamie Lally
Jamie, originally from England, is a passionate nature and adrenaline lover who has been guiding wildlife and ocean expeditions since 2017. Since joining the team in Rurutu in 2022, Jamie has become an integral part of the family, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with every guest. Certified in Nitrox Scuba and a Level 1 Freediver, Jamie is as comfortable beneath the waves as he is above, bringing years of experience guiding tours in Baja California where he has worked with whales, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea lions, and more.
What sets Jamie apart is not just his expertise but his incredible ability to connect with people. His passion for wildlife is contagious, his sense of humor keeps spirits high, and his laid-back personality ensures everyone feels at ease, whether it’s their first or fiftieth time in the water. With Jamie as your guide, every encounter becomes a fun, safe, and unforgettable adventure.
Chris Adair
Christopher Adair is a professional freediver certified as an Instructor Trainer. Chris has facilitated freediving and breathwork since 2017, as owner-operator of Botton Dwellers. Based on Vancouver Island, Chris grew up playing in and on the waters surrounding southern Vancouver Island and its gulf islands at an early age where the foundation of his love for the ocean and all it holds began.
Chris has worked and supported in a variety of different programs over his career from instructional and safety roles for such programs as Amazing Race. Chris’ passions in the world of freediving lie in underwater photography where he loves to share the beauty of the aquatic world on one breath and responsible freedive-harvesting. Fluent in French having had an early childhood education in the francophone school system Chris will make the connection in your journey with breath, in and out of the water.
Hervé Coupel
Hervé Coupel is a seasoned whale guide from Rurutu with over two decades of experience. Born and raised on the island, Hervé has an intimate understanding of its waters and the whales that grace them. His exceptional ability to read whale behavior and predict their movements makes every encounter with him unforgettable. Whether spotting whales from a distance or predicting where they’ll surface after a dive, Hervé’s skills in the water are unparalleled.
Beyond his work as a guide, Hervé is deeply rooted in his community. As a school teacher, he dedicates his time to working with troubled youth, helping to shape the next generation. His dual roles as a mentor on land and a steward of the ocean reflect his profound commitment to Rurutu and its people. With Hervé, every journey is not only expertly guided but also enriched by his warmth, knowledge, and connection to the island’s natural and cultural heritage.