Whales in Tahiti: the season, told from Toahotu
From August to October, humpback whales travel along the peninsula's south coast, just outside the reef. Boats leave from Teahupo'o and Phaeton bay, a quarter of an hour from our houses. Here is when to come, what a trip is like, and what the rules allow.
- Season August to October, sometimes into November. September is the heart of it.
- Book a licensed operator; an in-water encounter is never guaranteed and that is normal.
- Plan two slots: swell and wind cancel trips.
- Seasickness: a tablet the evening before, not the same morning.
When to see whales in Tahiti
Humpback whales leave the cold waters of Antarctica to calve and mate in the warm seas of Polynesia. Around Tahiti the first arrive in July, the season peaks from August to October, and the last mothers with their calves sometimes linger into November. September is the heart of the season.
Where: the peninsula's south coast
The whales follow the outer reef drop-off, often very close to the coast, particularly along the Fenua Aihere and off Teahupo'o. Trips leave from the Teahupo'o marina and from Phaeton bay, near Taravao: in both cases a quarter of an hour by car from Temenino, and a few minutes by boat before you are offshore.
What a trip is like
A half day, about three and a half hours, on a small boat with a guide. You look for blows from the pass, approach slowly, cut the engine. Depending on conditions, the animals' behaviour and the regulations in force, a guided in-water encounter with mask and snorkel may be offered; it is never guaranteed. Mornings often have the calmest sea.
The rules, and why they matter
French Polynesia is a sanctuary for marine mammals. Approaches are regulated: minimum distances, number of boats, duration, and strict conditions for any in-water encounter, reserved for licensed operators. The rules have tightened in recent years to protect mothers and calves. Choose a licensed operator and follow the guide's instructions: that is what ensures next season looks like this one.
From the land
On a calm sea, blows and breaches are sometimes spotted from the coast road, south of Toahotu and towards Teahupo'o. It is never guaranteed, but a pair of binoculars on the veranda in September has given our guests some fine surprises.
Booking from Temenino
Tell us your dates: we will tell you honestly where the season stands and book a serious trip from Teahupo'o or Phaeton. In September and October places go fast; plan two possible slots, and let the weather decide the rest.
Your questions about the whales
When is whale season in Tahiti?
August to October, with encounters sometimes into November. The heart of the season is September, when mothers and calves stay close to the reef.
Can you swim with the whales?
Only within the regulated framework, with a licensed operator, if conditions and the animals' behaviour allow. It is never guaranteed, and the rules are tightening to protect the calves.
Where do the boats leave from?
From the Teahupo'o marina and from Phaeton bay near Taravao, a quarter of an hour by car from Temenino in both cases.
How long is a trip?
About three and a half hours for a half day. Some full-day trips combine whales and the Te Pari.
Can children come?
On board, yes, subject to each operator's minimum age. In-water encounters are for swimmers at ease in open sea. Ask us and we choose the boat to suit your family.
Coming for the whales? Tell us
Book direct and give us your dates: we will tell you which licensed operators go out from Teahupo'o and Phaeton bay, and help you keep a morning free for a second trip if the sea asks for it.
Written by the Temenino team, which books the trips for its guests every season.
Written in October 2026, at the end of the season. Approach regulations evolve every year: check the conditions when you book.