Ia orana — welcome aboard
Rimatara · Austral Islands · French Polynesia

Experience the ocean differently, on the most secret island of the Australs.

Manini Whales Experience is a small team based in Rimatara, sharing our island and its ocean through authentic boat tours — starting with encounters with humpback whales.

2 waysTo experience the ocean
Small groupsA few guests at a time
100% localA team from the island
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Rimatara, the smallest inhabited island of the Australs, far from everything. From this islet, we open the sea to you on our own terms.

The Ura, Rimatara's endemic parakeet (Vini kuhlii)

Rimatara, land of the Ura

The Ura still lives here — a small red and green parakeet that has vanished elsewhere in Polynesia but survives on our island, the same bird that graces the hull of our boat. A symbol of this still-untouched corner of the sea, much like our ocean and our whales.

Our activities

Choose your way to experience the ocean

Meet the whales in season, or have our boat all to yourselves, any time of year.

Jul 20 – Nov 20

Whale Watching

Swim with humpback whales, with the utmost respect.

Year-round

Private Tour

Our boat and crew all to yourselves, for a custom trip around the island.

On request
What people say

Encounters that stay with you

✎ Write a review
★★★★★

“An unforgettable experience, the team is attentive and very respectful of the whales.”

— Guest review (sample — to be replaced)
★★★★★

“Small group, great atmosphere, we felt safe on the boat.”

— Guest review (sample — to be replaced)
★★★★★

“Rimatara is stunning and this boat tour will stay with us for a long time.”

— Guest review (sample — to be replaced)

Ready for the experience?

Check availability and book your tour in just a few minutes.

Book now →
Meeting point

Where to find us

Departure is from Taanini pier, just north of Rimatara’s airport.

Taanini

Boarding pier (Taanini pier), just north of the airport.

Boarding 15 minutes before your chosen time slot.

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