Day 0
Arrival day
Touchdown in Tahiti then embark on a scenic ferry trip to Mo’orea.* Get checked in and settled for the week.
Aqua Terra Expeditions, by Rob King
Swim with humpback whales in Mo’orea.
Small-group expeditions off Mo’orea and Tahiti, French Polynesia. Five guests, one boat, a week with the whales.
The shape of it
- 5guests max
- 5days at sea
- 1land day
- 4weeks in 2027
Join me, Robert King, on a once in a lifetime expedition to Mo’orea in French Polynesia. We will spend 5 full days on the water and 1 land day swimming with adult, juvenile and baby humpback whales.
It’s all open water snorkeling so SCUBA certification is NOT required. I only host 5 expedition members per trip, making this one of the most intimate and private whale swim experiences in Mo’orea.
Humpback whales move through the waters around Mo’orea between July and November each year, travelling thousands of miles to breed and nurse their young.
Two islands
Mo’orea
Expeditions leave from Mo’orea, French Polynesia, reached by flying into Tahiti and taking the ferry across, or straight from Tahiti on the Tahiti departures.
Day by day
One week, logged.
Days 1 and 2
Expedition days
All aboard by 7:30am for expeditions off the coast of Mo’orea in search of humpback whales and other marine life. We eat lunch on the boat and take a small break around midday, sometimes earlier or later depending on what the ocean gives us.
Day 3
Land day
A day off the water to explore the island together. Think lookouts, waterfalls, black sand beaches and a good feed, or just a beach and a rest if the ocean has worn you out.
Days 4, 5 and 6
Expedition days
We’re back on the boat at 7:30am on day four. Enjoy your evenings in paradisal Mo’orea, but make sure you get plenty of rest for exploration days.
Day 7
Departure day
Ferry back to Tahiti* together for flights home or the next destination in your travels.
*Tahiti expeditions follow the same itinerary from Tahiti. No ferry on arrival or departure day, and your land day explores Tahiti instead of Mo’orea.
Dates
Four weeks, September to October 2027.
Two from Mo’orea, two from Tahiti. Same week, same boat, same five seats.
Gallery
From the water.
Photographs by Rob King, Mo’orea and Tahiti.
Essentials
Before you join us.
Everything you need to know before joining us in French Polynesia.
Food and catering
Mo’orea: choose between a simple bakery lunch ($10 USD per day) or a chef-prepared gourmet lunch ($25 USD per day), or bring your own.
Tahiti: catering is available for lunch ($20 USD per day) or lunch and dinner ($40 USD per day). Vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements are no problem, just tell us when you book.
Transport and rental cars
Mo’orea: we’ll assist with arrival and departure logistics, including a grocery stop on the way in if you’d like one. For more freedom outside expedition hours, we recommend renting a car or scooter. We can connect you with local rental providers, and recommend booking early during peak season.
Tahiti: daily transport to and from the marina on expedition days can be arranged, ask us when you book. A rental car is recommended if you’d like to explore Tahiti independently outside expedition hours.
What to bring
Bring your own wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins if you have them, along with sun protection, a towel or changing poncho, light rain/wind protection and any camera equipment you’d like to use.
3mm wetsuits/tops, masks and fins are also available for guests who prefer to travel light. A minimum 3mm wetsuit or wetsuit top is required for all whale swims. Weight belts are not permitted.
Animal-first encounters
Our expeditions are built around one simple principle: the animal always comes first. Every encounter is guided by our experienced local team, with an emphasis on safety, respect and minimal impact on the wildlife.
Guests remain at the surface and follow their guide at all times. Freediving, weight belts and chasing wildlife are not permitted. We never force an encounter. If an animal needs space, we give it space.
Their ocean. Their terms.
Do I need SCUBA certification?
No. These are open water snorkel expeditions, so all you need is a mask, snorkel, fins and the fitness and confidence to swim for extended periods. No SCUBA required.
Additional information, including detailed arrival instructions, packing recommendations and everything you need to prepare for your expedition, will be sent in your welcome email.
Reserve
Reserve your spot.
$4,250USD per person
Deposit required to reserve, refundable up to 90 days before your start date. Balance due 90 days before your start date.
Standard deposit $1,000 USD per guest.
Reserve online: pick your week, sign the waiver and pay the deposit by card or bank transfer. Once your spot is confirmed, Rob will help with where to stay and everything else to make the most of your trip.
Reserve your spot