Whale Watching in French Polynesia: the season begins on july 20

Each year, from July to November, the giants of the ocean leave the cold waters of the south.
They come seeking warmth, calm, life.

On July 20, the humpback whale season in Tahiti and the islands officially begins.
And with it, a promise: a rare moment of wonder and respect.

Polynesia, sanctuary of humpback whales

They travel thousands of kilometers, from Antarctica.
Their destination: the sheltered lagoons of our islands.

Humpback whales in the Pacific come here to give birth and nurse their calves.
In bays, passes, and warm waters (21–27°C), they pause, they teach, they protect.

Locally, they are called Tohora in Tahiti, To’ora in the Australs, Paraoa in the Tuamotu, Pa’aoa in the Marquesas, and Mago Puitai in the Gambier.
Names that remind us these beings are more than visitors — they are part of the story.

Dolphins in Moorea and beyond

Polynesian waters are also home to nearly a dozen dolphin species:
→ bottlenose dolphins,
→ long-beaked dolphins,
→ pilot whales…

Each species has its habits.
Some stay offshore, others enter the lagoons.

It’s not uncommon during a whale watching tour in French Polynesia to see dolphins playing at the bow of the boat.
But remember — it’s always their choice.

Their approach, like that of whales, must be gentle and respectful.

Rules for responsible marine mammal watching

The protection of whales in Tahiti and throughout the territory is governed by the Environmental Code.
Every encounter must respect the animals and their natural rhythm.

Observation Zones to Respect:

• Safety Zone (15 m): no access allowed — for anyone.

• Exclusion Zone (100 m): no boats allowed.

• Observation Zone (300 m): reserved for authorized tour operators (max. 3 boats per island group).

Whale watching inside lagoons, bays, or passes is strictly prohibited.

Getting closer, without disturbing

On any guided whale watching trip in Polynesia, the following rules apply:

• Keep speed below 3 knots within the 300 m zone

• Never cut across the animals’ path

• Do not encircle them or block them near reefs

• Keep the engine in neutral if they approach

• Observe for 15 minutes max (less if a calf is present)

• No swimming or use of sonar

• Never place your boat between a mother and her calf

This responsible approach to marine mammals preserves harmony between humans and ocean giants.

Authorizations are mandatory

Whale watching in French Polynesia is regulated: only authorized operators may take guests to observe whales.

Areas where authorization applies:

Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Rurutu, Tubuai, Tetiaroa

Allowed hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Season: July 20 to November 20

Apply via: www.paraoa.gov.pf

Water entries are allowed (outside the exclusion zone) for up to 7 people per boat, including the guide.

To witness, not to disturb

To see a whale is to witness something timeless.
A moment you may not capture on camera, but one that stays with you.

Whale watching in French Polynesia is not a safari.
It is a meeting.
And every true meeting must be earned.

By respecting them, you help them return —
again and again —
and carry their story forward.