Trip Details
Itinerary, Accommodation, Boat, Food, Activities and Pricing
This week-long program invites you to swim with humpback whales in the crystal-clear waters of Rurutu, a tiny island in the South Pacific. Guided by experts, you venture out on the water for meaningful encounters with these majestic animals. Beyond the ocean, stay with the Tavita family, enjoy incredible home-cooked meals, and land activities for a combination of adventure, culture, and connection.
The Whales
The Migration, Whaling History, and Swimming with Whales
Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Rurutu’s warm shallows between August and October to give birth, nurse, and mate. The island’s reefs become nurseries, where mothers guide their calves, relying on their fat-rich milk for survival. Meanwhile, males compete for females through displays ranging from subtle movements to dramatic breaching and tail-slapping, showcasing their social dynamics.
The People
The Tavita Family and our Trip Leaders and Whale Guides
Teiti Tavita and his sister Onoï carry on the remarkable legacy of their father, Captain Nahuma. Determined to reconnect with the humpback migration and support his community, Nahuma, a descendent of royal whalers, began documenting and protecting the whales, laying the groundwork for ecotourism. Today, Teiti and Onoï honor their father’s vision by ensuring Rurutu remains a place where heritage, conservation, and whales coexist in harmony.
The Island
Land Activities, About the Island of Rurutu in the South Pacific
Rurutu, French Polynesia, is a small island of stunning landscapes and rich traditions. Home to just over 2,000 people, it boasts rugged cliffs, limestone caves, and lush greenery, with a fringing reef connecting it to the ocean. Traditional fishing, farming, and storytelling remain central to its culture, while meals feature local ingredients like taro, breadfruit, fresh fish, and coconut, reflecting a way of life rooted in the land and sea.