Swimming with Whales in Tahiti: Unique Experience and Protection of Marine Giants
In July, when the whale season begins in Tahiti, thousands of travelers head to these warm waters to witness one of nature's phenomena — the migration of humpback whales. The islands of Tahiti, comprising 118 islands and five archipelagos, are known not only for their picturesque beaches and lagoons but also for the opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures.
These strict measures for whale protection have made swimming with them safe for both tourists and the whales themselves. Professional guides conduct tours in small groups to minimize stress for the animals and ensure the safety of participants. Whale populations, once devastated by commercial whaling, are now recovering.
Whale-watching tourism generates more than $2 billion annually worldwide. However, illegal operators in some regions violate rules by trying to get tourists as close to the whales as possible, which can disrupt their natural behavior.
Unlike other countries, French Polynesia has introduced some of the strictest regulations to protect whales during tours. Boats must stay 100 meters away from the whales, and swimmers must keep a distance of 30 meters, with restrictions on interaction time and group sizes. In the neighboring Kingdom of Tonga, for example, swimmers can approach whales up to 5 meters, which many experts consider too close and unsafe.
The whale swimming season in Tahiti runs from August 1 to November 11, and most tourists book tours on Tahiti Nui and nearby Moorea. However, the island of Rurutu, known as the "whale island" in the remote Austral Archipelago, is a true mecca for whale swimming enthusiasts. Here, tourists can see whales right from breakfast at your guesthouse.
Tahiti has set a high standard for ethical whale-swimming tourism, providing unique opportunities for tourists and ensuring the protection of these amazing creatures. The new regulations planned for 2025 will only enhance these measures, making encounters with whales even more wildlife-friendly.
