
Day 0
Arrival day
Touchdown in Tahiti. On Mo’orea weeks, a scenic ferry trip across the channel; on Tahiti weeks you are already there. Get checked in and settled for the week.
Aqua Terra Expeditions
Small-group expeditions off Mo’orea and Tahiti. Five guests, a week with the whales.
The shape of it
Join me, Robert King, on a once in a lifetime expedition to Mo’orea or Tahiti 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 French Polynesia.
Humpback whales move through the waters around Mo’orea and Tahiti between July and November each year, travelling thousands of miles to breed and nurse their young.
Two islands
Expeditions leave from Mo’orea, French Polynesia, reached by flying into Tahiti and taking the ferry across, or straight from Tahiti on the Tahiti weeks. A different boat on each island.
Day by day

Day 0
Touchdown in Tahiti. On Mo’orea weeks, a scenic ferry trip across the channel; on Tahiti weeks you are already there. Get checked in and settled for the week.
Days 1 and 2
All aboard by 7:00am (7:30am on Tahiti departures) for expeditions off the coast 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, and we are back in around 3:00pm (3:30pm from Tahiti).

Day 3
A day off the water to rest and recharge. Take it slow, explore at your own pace, or just find a beach.
Days 4, 5 and 6
We’re back on the boat at 7:00am on day four. Enjoy your evenings on the island, but make sure you get plenty of rest for exploration days.
Day 7
Mo’orea weeks ferry back to Tahiti together; Tahiti weeks head straight for the airport. Flights home or the next destination in your travels.
Tahiti expeditions run from a Tahiti marina on their own boat. No ferry on arrival or departure day, and your land day explores Tahiti instead of Mo’orea.
Dates
Three from Mo’orea, two from Tahiti. Five seats a week and a boat on each island. One week is already full.






Gallery
Mo’orea and Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Gallery
Mo’orea and Tahiti, French Polynesia.
























Reviews
Rob King and Aquaterra Expeditions delivered an amazing Swim with the Whales experience. I had absolutely no idea how incredible and addictive getting in the water and getting close to whales and many other sea animals could be. Rob took care of every detail we could have thought of, from what to bring (everything) and where to eat (such great local food in Moorea) to what to expect on the boat.
Dedicating a week to the ocean, every day on the boat, opens opportunities to discover so many more species and inter-species experiences. The small group size was a bonus for us because we got to know our guides and captains well. Rob works with the best and most ethical expedition outfits on Moorea and Tahiti. I left French Polynesia wanting to return for more exploration and more interaction with the amazing sea life. Thanks Rob, for giving me such an unforgettable experience
Amy, Vancouver
When I was asked to join some friends on a small snorkelling exposition to swim with whales and dolphins and a professional photographer it took less than a second to say yes. But I really didn’t think much about what was ahead.
We arrived in Moorea and were picked up by Rob. From that moment every aspect of our trip was indescribable. Every single detail of our comfort and experience was attended to, thought out in advance and seamless.
The crew Rob partners with was, without a doubt one of the most professional, fun, and supportive I have ever travelled with. Quite simply, I was transported and fully present on this trip. The beauty of the place, the people, and the program Rob has put together was magical. Would recommend 150%
Sharon, VancouverMo’orea
Rob is the best! This was one of the craziest experiences of my life. On land, Rob took care of everything, lets you know the best way to travel around locally or takes you himself. He knows all the best hikes and food spots.
I’ve gone two years in a row and I’m planning on going again next year.
In the water, Rob and the crew at Mooreaoceanadventures are true professionals. They are so knowledgeable about the wildlife that you’ll see and you can learn so much talking with them. They prioritize the group’s safety and the respect of the marine life during interactions over everything else. That said, you are in the open ocean and in the wild. You need to be comfortable in the ocean as conditions and the weather can get rough. And you will be swimming a lot. Sometimes you’ll be in the water for over an hour if there was a great interaction.
No words can describe the feeling of a 15 meter humpback whale swimming by half a meter away, your bones vibrating from the vocals of a singer whale, or being in the middle of 11 humpbacks during a heat run. Not an experience many regret.
It’s also great to meet and hang with like minded adventurers from around the globe. Can’t wait to go back
Andrew, WisconsinMo’orea
Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. A week with Rob and Moorea Ocean Adventures, out on the ocean, spending time with these incredible creatures up close, just being themselves. There was something so peaceful and deeply moving about watching them interact with each other and with us, completely on their own terms.
An experience that will stay in my heart forever
Julia, SydneyMo’orea
I joined Rob and his crew for the last two days of an expedition in 2026, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! We encountered multiple whales, sharks, and even one particularly playful whale who seemed to enjoy following our group around.
There’s really nothing that compares to being in the ocean alongside these incredible, gentle giants. Rob and his team were fantastic, not only at finding the wildlife, but also sharing their knowledge and making the entire experience so special. It was an adventure I’ll never forget, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Justine, San Diego
Doing the whale expedition in Moorea, Tahiti, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the breathtaking island scenery and crystal clear waters to the majestic rainforest hikes and surreal encounters with marine life, every part of the experience was unforgettable.
The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, clear with their instructions and so friendly.
It genuinely felt like I was away with family rather than a group of strangers, which made the whole experience even more special.
I was especially impressed by the respect shown towards the marine life and the strict guidelines in place to ensure the whales remained safe and undisturbed. Limiting how close the boats could get and allowing only a small number of people near the whales showed just how much care and consideration goes into protecting these incredible animals.
I couldn’t recommend this experience enough to anyone lucky enough to have the opportunity.
Going into this trip, I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I left feeling so alive, incredibly grateful, and unbelievably lucky to live the life I do. It was one of those experiences that puts everything into perspective and reminds you just how beautiful this world is.
Skye, Avalon BeachMo’orea
An adventure filled with laughter and amazing encounters with the marine wildlife of French Polynesia is what you will get with Aqua Terra. I have returned four years in a row for what I consider to be the best week of my year.
Learning from marine biologists who are passionate about the safety and health of the wildlife is a significant contributor to the fun atmosphere. Ending the day with beautiful and respectful encounters with whales or other species is quite satisfying. I highly recommend Rob of Aqua Terra and his partners at Moorea Ocean Adventures!!
Raquel, MalibuMo’orea
An absolutely unforgettable experience! I joined Rob’s humpback whale expedition in Tahiti, based near Papeete, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The entire trip was exceptionally well organized from start to finish, and Rob went above and beyond to make sure everyone had an incredible experience.
He even personally drove us to and from the airport, grocery store, boat, and pretty much anywhere else we needed to go, despite none of this being included in the package.
What makes this expedition particularly special, beyond the extraordinary wildlife encounters, is the people. The genuine friendship and camaraderie among Rob and the team are palpable, creating a fantastic atmosphere that makes you feel part of the group from day one. And then, of course, there is the wildlife! Swimming alongside a 33-ton humpback whale in its natural environment is an absolutely breathtaking, humbling, and adrenaline-filled experience. We also had the opportunity to swim with eagle rays, dolphins, and numerous other marine species. Every day brought a new encounter, and it’s hard to describe the thrill of being so close to these magnificent animals in the wild.
For anyone who loves nature, adventure, wildlife, and a healthy dose of adrenaline, I cannot recommend this trip enough. A huge thank you to Rob and the entire team for an adventure I won’t soon forget!
Roman, FranceTahiti
Essentials
Everything you need to know before joining us in French Polynesia.
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.
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: Transport to and from the marina in Tahiti is covered. For anything outside of that we recommend getting your own.
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.
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.
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
$4,250USD per person
Standard deposit $1,000 USD per guest.
| Week one, Mo’orea, 14 to 21 September 2027 | 16 June 2027 |
|---|---|
| Week two, Mo’orea, 21 to 28 September 2027 | 23 June 2027 |
| Week three, Tahiti, 28 September to 5 October 2027 | 30 June 2027 |
| Week four, Tahiti, 5 to 12 October 2027 | 7 July 2027 |
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