Whale Watching Bora Bora
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Experience the majestic creatures of the deep on this small-group whale watching tour in Bora Bora. Between July and November, whales make their way north, to warmer waters, to give birth to their calves. Since French Polynesia is a sanctuary for these gentle giants, there is a good chance to see them on your tour. Species you may encounter are humpback whales, orcas, rorquals, and dolphins.
- Learn about marine life from your boat’s crew
- Get a closer look with provided snorkel equipment
- Choose from two tour times to suit your schedule
- A small group means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Snacks
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Towel
- Raincoat
- life jacket
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Bas_R
Awesome experience with these amazing creatures. The staff knows what there doing. The boat was very steady!
Reviews
4.4
based on 46 reviews
Julie_P, Nov 2025
We didn't see any whales, but the guides did everything they could to try to find whales and to still endure we had a great time. We got to see all the sides of beautiful Bora Bora
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your kind feedback, which we will be sure to share with our team.
Yes, our guides always do their utmost to spot whales, but these are wild animals in their natural habitat, and even though they are used to it, sometimes they don't find them.
We are just as disappointed as you are when this happens, but we are delighted that you still had a good time with us.
Your satisfaction is our greatest reward.
We look forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora
Yang_L, Oct 2025
saw nothing，We saw nothing during the three-hour boat ride. The guide came to pick us up in a timely manner. In fact, we didn't go far before stopping to look for humpback whales. The trip was rather boring because we didn't see any whales.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your feedback.
We are sorry that you did not have the chance to see whales during your trip.
Whales are wild animals that roam freely in their natural habitat, and the ocean is vast. That is why we always specify that it is never possible to guarantee sightings 100%.
Our captains and guides, all local and experienced, do everything they can to offer you the best possible experience while respecting nature and animals.
We hope you enjoyed your stay in Bora Bora nonetheless.
Andrew_T, Oct 2025
Excellent guide and captain who did all they could to find the whales.
Unfortunately saw and heard one from the boat but disappeared so we could not swim with them.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind feedback, which we will be sure to share with our captain and guide.
Yes, we are dependent on the whims of the whales, which are wild animals in their natural environment.
We hope you enjoyed your tour with us
We look forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora.
Duane_D, Aug 2025
Get Experience, saw a couple of whales from a distance. Unfortunately, didn't get to swim with them. The guides gave it their all, Van't make nature do what you want.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your kind feedback, which we will be sure to share with our team.
We are delighted that you were able to see the whales with us. As they are wild animals in their natural habitat, we cannot always guarantee that they will be visible.
Your satisfaction is our greatest reward.
We look forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora.
Henk_R, Nov 2024
The boat can accommodate a maximum of 12 people, but there were only 6 of us. So plenty of space. Initially it was not possible to spot whales, but later we found a number of whales with young. We followed this for about 45 minutes. Took some nice photos and videos of it. Staff know what they are doing and are very nice.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your kind feedback, which we'll be sure to share with our team.
We are delighted that you were able to have this wonderful experience of seeing whales on our beautiful lagoon.
Your satisfaction is our best experience.
We hope to see you again in Bora Bora
Anna_H, Nov 2024
Small boat (advantage and disadvantage at the same time) - definitely not suitable for people with 1,90 m or taller!!
We were back at the dock 10 minutes before the 3h 30min!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your impressions of your recent whale-watching excursion with us.
We are sorry that the size of our boat did not meet your expectations, it is a specific boat for this activity, where you can be protected from the rain just in case and where the number of people is limited due to regulations, so we are perfectly within the standards requested. Of course, we understand that taller people have less space.
As far as the schedule is concerned, although we always try to keep to the planned timetable, certain situations (such as weather conditions or other logistical imperatives...) may lead us to adjust the schedule slightly.
We apologize if these factors have affected your satisfaction, as our priority is to guarantee each and every one of our customers a pleasant and memorable experience.
Dave_B, Oct 2024
Great adventure onto the open ocean just beyond the reef. We got to see a number of breaches by whales from a distance a hundred to three hundred yards. We understood going in that there is always a chance of not getting lucky in seeing any whales but we did get to see some activity. The guides were knowledgeable and explained a lot about the whales. We did get to see some dolphins too and some flying fish. Only a few lucky groups get to be overwhelmed so keep your expectations reasonable and it will be a good 3-4 hour experience
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your feedback. Indeed, working with wild animals is never a guarantee of seeing them. Our guides always do their best to help you enjoy the whales and see them evolve in their natural environment. We are glad that you enjoyed this activity on our beautiful lagoon. We look forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora
Bas_R, Sep 2024
Awesome experience with these amazing creatures. The staff knows what there doing. The boat was very steady!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your kind review ! We are glad you enjoyed the tour and the magical encounter with the whales ! Our knowledgeable guides always do their best so our guest can enjoy the tour safely and respectfully for the animals. We hope to see you again on one of our tours ! Sunny regards
Beth_M, Sep 2024
Sebastian and BG were amazing guides. We saw a momma and baby. They were experts with finding the whales and explaining what we needed to do. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your feedback. Indeed, being able to enjoy whales and their young is a privilege that we are delighted to share with you. Our guides and captains are always very enthusiastic to share their passion for the marine fauna and flora of Polynesia.
Looking forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora
Julia_W, Sep 2024
We were lucky, saw a mamma and her baby, was able to get in the water with them....l Crew was amazing
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your feedback. Seeing these large marine mammals and getting into the water with them remains a privilege that we are lucky to be able to offer you in Polynesia and we are delighted that you were able to enjoy it and keep wonderful memories.
Looking forward to seeing you again in Bora Bora
Drake_A, Aug 2024
To see (8) whales was amazing. We didn't see any for the first hour or so but the guides kept searching. When we found the whales we found several
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Ia Ora Na,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are beyond thrilled that you were able to have this incredible experience of seeing 8 whales at the same time. Our team always does their best so that you can see the whales and this time it was incredible.
Hoping to see you again in Bora Bora
Jade_F, Nov 2023
We saw some wales, it was just amazing 🤩 looking at the baby and his mother was just out of this world. Jumping out of the water, playing. They came close to us
And the driver was very nice too
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Ia Ora Na Jade,
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are pleased you had the chance to create some unique memories with our team. The humpback whales can sometimes give quite a show!
All the best from the BOA team
Lea_D, Oct 2023
I was very excited about this and did not mind putting out the money because this is an experience that I have been dying for! Unfortunately we saw next to nothing besides possibly Whales off in the distance.
The guys were great and they tried to keep it upbeat but it was very disappointing and it's definitely not worth putting out the money. It's a gamble and if you don't see and swim with the Whales you still are out of all the money that you spend. Nothing is offered back to you. Really a let down 😔
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Ia Ora Na Lea,
Thank you for your feedback. Of course, it is a gamble and not everyone is lucky enough to see the whales, let alone swim with them. Although this season was a great success, they remain wild animals and the ocean is vast! We are sorry you feel this way, but nothing is ever certain with nature... We do wish you the best of luck for next time!
The BOA team
Robert_K, Oct 2023
This was a boat tour on a pontoon boat without any safety considerations. The two very young men operating the boat took us into significantly dangerous and rough water and laughed over and over as they took the boat airborne by increasing the boat speed. This is an unsafe operation and the men who operate it do not care.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hi Robert,
We are sorry you feel this way. Our boat was specifically designed to go out on that type of excursion and has been approved by all relevant departments in place, so it is perfectly safe. The whales live in the ocean, not in an aquarium, so the conditions can be a little bit rough, but our guides and captains are trained for it and know perfectly what they are doing. There has never been any incident. If the staff on board was joking around, it was certainly to lighten the mood, which does not seem to work on everyone.
Regards from the BOA team
Dan_N, Oct 2023
Absolutely to most amazing experience of our lives. We thought viewing the whales from the boat was a great tour... and then they pulled out the snorkels and fins! We got into the water and snorkeled right beside the whales. The guides told us we had a remarkable day by even their standards. Started out being picked up at our resort by the boat. That was nice not to have to get to the town. We started by finding a male humpback who would surface, spout, and then go back down. He would sing and we could hear it even over the boat motor and without the hydrophone. I thought it was the boat squeaking at first, but guide suddenly got excited when he heard it. The male was directly below the boat calling out. After positioning us and briefing us on local rules about interacting with the whales the guide got in the water and headed to a viewing spot. We each swam out to spot the view. Some got to see the whale up close, but I was one of the last to swim over and he was gone by the time I got there. : ( So we got back on the boat and tried to see him a few more times... but murphy's law, a big cargo ship and catamaran came buy (which whales do not like btw), so we missed getting to see him. We got back on the boat and then the male humpback showed his displeasure with those big boats by launching into the air... OMG it was so awesome, and so mad I didn't get the picture. He splashed down with thunderous boom and then proceed to slap the water with his pectoral fins (see pictures). That fin was over 16ft in length, even though it doesn't look that big in the pics. After this we went out on the reef a bit and came across a momma whale and her calf. This is where amazing starts... I would have been completely happy giving five stars on this tour just from seeing the male and his antics, but the guide was determined to find us a good view. We got situated with the momma and her calf and into the water we went. This time, even though I'm an old blind fart, the guide took and pointed directly at where the whale was and I got a beautiful view of both the calf and his momma from about 30 yards just swimming along in the ocean. He then proceeded to take us swimming along with the whales until they took a rest. We stopped and floated there watching when the calf took an interest in our group and swam straight up to us. Now of course momma whale wasn't sure what we were about and so she had to come over too. A 30 ton whale coming directly at us. Needless to say, I think I added to the amount of liquid in the ocean at that moment. Right before the momma would have run into us she turned and got a good look at us with that huge eye. She could have easily smacked us with her tail, and I was sure we were going to get hit, but she curled it up and went by us at about 3 feet... OMG I was frozen stiff in disbelief at what had happened. The momma whale just hung out there right beside us until the calf lost interest and swam off to his next adventure. Absolutely the most amazing experience of our lives and something we'll treasure forever! We got sooooo much more than we paid for on this tour. I know they said ours was a very rare occurrence and not everybody get the type of interaction we did, but I can also say we wouldn't have gotten it without the hard work and dedication of our BOA guide and Captain! They were determined to make sure we all got an interaction and I give them six stars!!!! Oh, and if that's not enough... they give you all the equipment you need, drinks, snacks, and towels too. Really a complete experience. Great job BOA!!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na Carl,
Thank you so much for this detailed summary of your adventure! Although we are having an amazing season with the whales this year, it is true that not everybody gets that kind of experience. We are very happy you had a good time and took the time to share.
Sunny regards from the BOA team
Carl_A, Oct 2023
It was really beautiful to see a large whale jump completely out of the water. We saw several whales and some babies awesome way to spend the day the crew was also very entertaining
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na,
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are delighted to learn you had a good time with us. We are very lucky indeed to have the opportunity to witness such beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
All the best from the BOA team
Theresa_S, Sep 2023
Our guides did a great job locating dolphins and whales! We saw 4 whales - a mother and her baby! Would have like to have known the boat needs to stay far away and more swimming would be needed to get closer. We ultimately decided to stay in the boat-it was still awesome!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Ia Ora Na Theresa,
Thank you for your feedback. It is a pleasure to learn you enjoyed your experience. We will make sure to let our future guests know that the boat is not allowed to approach the whales closer than 100 meters. It is usually not an issue as we provide life jackets and fins, but we understand it can be tricky with the waves and current of the ocean.
All the best from the BOA team!
Joseph_D, Aug 2023
While we did not spot any humpback, our guides were in constant communication with other boats and gave their best effort. Animals are unpredictable. We saw flying fish, bottlenose dolphins, tuna leaping for smaller fish, and numerous birds. We watched the ocean for four hours, but no luck with the whales. I would definitely try again on my next trip.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Ia Ora Na Joseph,
Thank you for your feedback and for your understanding! As you mentioned, animals are unpredictable and the ocean is vast, but we always do our best to meet our guests' expectations. See you next time for more adventures!
Baris_K, Oct 2024
Unglaubliches Gefühl bei der Begegnung mit den Königen der Ozeane. Sehr nette und kompetente Führung!🤩🐋🐳!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Vielen Dank für Ihr freundliches Feedback. Unsere Lehrer freuen sich immer, ihre Leidenschaft mit Ihnen zu teilen und Ihnen dabei zu helfen, die Reichtümer unserer wunderschönen Lagune zu entdecken.
Wir freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen in Bora Bora
Eliane_D, Sep 2024
Excelente tour para observação das baleias, o guia é muito experiente e o capitão sensacional. Não conseguimos nadar com elas, mas observamos a mãe e o bebê. Foi muito legal
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Muito obrigado pelo seu gentil feedback. Estamos muito satisfeitos que você tenha tido essa ótima experiência de ver as baleias. Sua satisfação é nossa maior recompensa.
Esperamos vê-lo novamente em Bora Bora
Eric_M, Aug 2024
Aucune baleine dans cette sortie !
Il n'est pas normal de payer 180 € une prestation qui n'est pas honoré. Aucune compensation, aucun dédommagement...
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Ia Ora Na,
Nous comprenons parfaitement votre déception de ne pas avoir pu apercevoir de baleines lors de votre excursion.
La nature et la vie sauvage sont, par définition, imprévisibles, ce qui est à la foi leur beauté et leur défi.
Nos guides et capitaines font toujours de leur mieux pour maximiser les chances d'observation et s'appuyant sur leur expérience et les informations disponibles mais il arrive parfois que les baleines ne se montrent pas.
Conformément à nos conditions générales mentionnées lors de la réservation, le non remboursement des sorties est une politique mise en place en raison de l'incertitude inhérente aux observations de la vie sauvage et aquatique. Lors de ces sorties, notre centre est assujettis aux mêmes frais que vous voyiez des baleines ou non (usure du bateau, essence, personnel ....).
L'ensemble des prestataires sur les sorties des baleines et agrée par la DIREN ont la même politique que la notre.
Nous espérons que vous ayez néanmoins passé un bon séjour à Bora Bora.
Joyce_J, Oct 2023
C'était une sortie incroyable.
Du bateau nous avons vu des dauphins, baleines et tortues.
Nous avons suivi de loin une baleine. Ensuite nous sommes allés deux fois dans l'eau pour nager près des baleines.
C'était extraordinaire, nous étions à quelques mètres d'elle.
Nous avons entendu les chants et la baleine nous a fait une petite parade.
L'équipe est professionnelle, à l'écoute et pour le bien être des baleines.
Je recommande à 100% cette excursion.
Encore merci.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na Joyce,
Merci de nous faire vivre votre expérience à travers ce récit. Je vois que vous avez eu droit à la totale! Au plaisir de vous recevoir une prochaine fois.
Salutations de l'équipe BOA
denis_F, Oct 2023
Le moment où l’on s’est retrouvé face à la baleine et son baleineau
Les voir descendre au fond et remonter pour prendre de l’air
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na Denis,
Merci d'avoir pris le temps de partager votre expérience avec nous. Ce moment est effectivement magique et ne s'oublie pas de si tôt! En espérant vous revoir une prochaine fois dans notre beau lagon.
Salutations ensoleillées de la part de l'équipe BOA
Sylvie_R, Oct 2023
Une expérience vraiment superbe, observation pendant près d'une heure 30 d'une maman baleine et son bébé, tout en douceur, patience et gentillesse, nous avons adoré !
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na Sylvie,
Merci de partager votre expérience avec nous. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié. Il est vrai que l'observation de ces merveilleuses créatures est quelque chose d'unique et exceptionnel. Des images qui restent gravées à jamais dans les mémoires!
Meilleures salutations de la part de toute l'équipe BOA
Jessi_S, Oct 2023
Ia ora na,
Nous avons croisé 2 tortues, des dauphins et une baleine sans pouvoir aller à l'eau.
Le principal nous avons passé un bon moment avec Will et Rudolf qui nous a donné un bon spot pour faire des photos à Bora Bora.
De plus le groupe était sympa, Gilles, Sophie et Kévin qui travaillent au Conrad.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ia Ora Na Jessi,
Merci pour ce retour positif! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre expérience chez Bora Ocean Adventures, bien que la mise à l'eau n'ait pas été possible.
Sincères salutations de la part de toute l'équipe!
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