A spray bursts forth at about 50-70 kilometers per hour, emerging three meters above the surface of the Tahitian lagoon. A leap from an acrobat weighing several tons, measuring 12 to 16 meters in length, with a pectoral fin of 4 to 5 meters, reveals the silhouette of a cetacean. From the hydrophone rise the varied melodies of the richest song in the animal kingdom, the signature of a male in a seduction maneuver. No doubt about it: the humpback whales have arrived in Tahiti.
Every year, during the austral winter, from July to November, humpback whales stop over in Polynesian waters. The whales have traveled some 6,000 kilometers from Antarctica in just a few weeks, a record distance for migratory mammals. They take advantage of the coral reef's protection against predators, orcas in particular, to mate or give birth. The calves take their first swims in water at 27°C. The mothers fast while nursing their several-meter-long offspring. This period is crucial for the healthy development of the species and ideal for observing these giants in their element.
For a long time, humans have been fascinated by whales. They became the obsession of some whalers and fueled adventure tales as grand as Moby Dick. Hunted, tracked, and commodified, millions of whales were decimated during the 20th century. Some countries, such as Japan, Norway, and Iceland, still tolerate their hunting. Fortunately, French Polynesia has chosen a different path. Since 1986, a moratorium has banned commercial whaling in Polynesia. The territorial waters of French Polynesia, covering approximately 4.8 million km² of ocean, have become, since 2002, one of the largest sanctuaries in the world for the protection of cetaceans. A set of laws, strengthened in 2018, regulates practices on and under the water to preserve these endangered species. The traveler to Tahiti and the islands of Polynesia has the immense privilege of encountering these fascinating animals. They must accept strict rules to ensure the whales remain wild and do not become commercialized circus creatures. Whale watching is conducted with licensed operators who approach the whales by boat without disturbing them. It is prohibited to encircle, obstruct, or interfere with the movements of marine families. These measures aim to respect the whales’ natural rhythm of life and prevent accidents. Boat speeds must be reduced, with the engine on, and observation is prohibited in passes or bays.
Tahiti Travel is committed alongside OCEANIA in Moorea to support marine preservation through an environmental partnership, particularly via the OCEAN WATCH project. As part of this, we donate 1000 XPF per booking to OCEANIA to support their efforts, with a special focus on anti-collision measures to protect whales. This partnership, driven by our shared commitment, promotes responsible and sustainable observation, offering visitors a respectful experience.
With this in mind, during a half-day excursion, you’ll often need to be patient to spot the whales. If weather and safety conditions allow, and if the whales tolerate your presence, you can enjoy a unique observation experience from 100 meters while snorkeling, within the official framework of whale watching. Equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel, you’ll experience a memorable moment observing these majestic giants from a respectful distance. You’ll appreciate the pleasant climate, far less harsh than that of whale-watching in Patagonia, Canada, or Iceland. Let yourself be captivated by this unique experience with the whales of Tahiti.
