From July 20 to November 20, come meet the humpback whales in the waters of Rimatara — up close, and always with respect for their peace.
In Rimatara, some encounters change the way you see the world. Every year, these majestic mammals stop in our waters to rest, give birth, and care for their young. Rimatara — the smallest inhabited island of the Australs, far from everything — offers them a rare refuge. And offers you privileged access.
It’s in this spirit that we take you out to sea, in small groups. We search for them, we observe, and when nature allows it, we get in the water alongside them — always with respect, always according to current regulations.
About 3 hours at sea.
8 people max on board, 6 max in the water at a time.
July to November.
Taanini pier, Rimatara.
Before departure, the crew goes over safety guidelines and how to behave around whales.
We head to the most promising areas, watching for spouts and movement on the surface.
Once whales are spotted, we approach slowly, never forcing the encounter.
If conditions and whale behavior allow, guided entry into the water, in small groups.
Be able to swim at least 200 m in open water without difficulty.
Entering the water is allowed from age 12, with the guide.
Equipment provided on board — you should be comfortable with basic snorkeling gear.
Follow the guide’s instructions and required distance at all times.
An encounter with a whale is a carefully managed privilege. In French Polynesia, whale watching and in-water encounters are governed by DIREN regulations, which we apply rigorously on every tour:
Photos coming soon.
Swimwear, cap, sunglasses, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, water bottle, and your camera or GoPro if you have one. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are provided on board, along with refreshments (water, fruit juice, seasonal fruit, biscuits). If you’re prone to seasickness, consider a tablet 30 minutes before departure.
Yes, from age 5. Children aged 5 to 12 enjoy the tour from the boat (entering the water isn’t permitted for this age group). From age 12, entering the water is possible with the guide, just like adults.
For now, payment is by bank transfer only — the details are sent when your booking is confirmed. Secure online payment will be available soon. On-site payment is no longer accepted.
Yes, with simple rules:
For your safety, the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled in rough seas or unfavorable weather. In that case, we’ll offer you another time slot or a full refund.
Sightings depend on whale presence on the day. Our team knows the most promising areas to maximize your chances during the season. And because we believe in it: if no whale is seen during your tour, we’ll offer you a seat on a future tour within the season, subject to availability.
Check our rates and book your place aboard the TAANINI 2.