Shared Whale Expedition
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Moorea, French Polynesia
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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What's Included
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Guidance service
- Gratuities
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
- Infants must sit on laps
- 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 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Steve_W
This was so awesome. It was like being in a National Geographic documentary. We got literally feet away from some and spent almost 1/2 hour in one spot observing 2 humpback whales up close.
Some words of caution. These are huge animals! It was quite overwhelming (at least initially) seeing them this close! You also need to be able to swim quickly as the boats can only get with in a few hundred yards and you’ll need to quickly and quietly swim up to them before they leave the area. The guide (Mari) was so patient and kind. We’d definitely do this again
Reviews
4.8
based on 34 reviews
Sifredo_A, Nov 2025
Amazing! Once in a lifetime opportunity. Highly recommend. This company was awesome and very knowledgeable. They did everything posible for us to get to see the whales even in low season and we did! Increadible life changing experience.
z6idane, Nov 2025
Our guides knew what the whales would do before they did it and put us in perfect position to have an amazing experience! We danced with a baby whale while her mother napped below us. Unreal.
Brent_K, Oct 2025
This experience was facilitated by UltraReef, who run shared and private tours. The maximum number of people on the shared tours is 6, where some of the other companies have 12 and you have to share the time searching or swimming with the whales. The UltraReef team consists of Julian (Captain) and Marie (Guide and whale expert). We were picked up at the Manava Beach Resort Dock and taken out of the lagoon to the open sea but because the winds were extremely strong and the swell was high, they took us to the western side of the island (20 minute ride) where the conditions were much better. Within five minutes our guide had spotted a pair of whales and we were in the water for an amazing experience that we’ll never forget. We floated directly over the two behemoths of the ocean and watched them surface and play around on the water’s surface. Our next opportunity came when some males were spotted and we were swimming with a male ‘singer’ listening to his wonderful underwater melody. One of the best experiences my wife and I have ever had, and we have travelled the world. We can’t praise Julian and Marie enough for this opportunity, their professionalism, knowledge and experience ensured us a brilliant experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review 🌺
We’re truly touched by your words and so happy that you had such a special experience with us. It was a real pleasure sharing these unforgettable moments on the water — and how lucky to hear a singer! 🐋💙
Mauruuru roa, and we hope to see you again one day in Moorea!
Nicole_L, Oct 2025
We had an amazing time! We managed to see and swim with a mama and her calf and once we saw the male that was following her around. It was just an incredible experience. Thank you!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So glad to hear that !! Thank you so much for your kind words ! Marie
Bri_H, Sep 2025
Breathtaking experience ! We were 6 on the boat which made the experience more intimate and personal. Marie made sure we approach the whales safely and respect them. This experience requires to be comfortable with swimming +100meters. They also warned you that they could be potential sharks. We got into water several times safely and each times was magical. They are passionate and care about giving you the best experience. I would totally recommend
Response from Host, Sep 2025
🙏 We’re so happy you enjoyed the experience and felt the passion we put into it. It was a pleasure to share these magical encounters with you — we hope to welcome you back one day! 🐋💙
Steve_W, Sep 2025
This was so awesome. It was like being in a National Geographic documentary. We got literally feet away from some and spent almost 1/2 hour in one spot observing 2 humpback whales up close.
Some words of caution. These are huge animals! It was quite overwhelming (at least initially) seeing them this close! You also need to be able to swim quickly as the boats can only get with in a few hundred yards and you’ll need to quickly and quietly swim up to them before they leave the area. The guide (Mari) was so patient and kind. We’d definitely do this again
Yann_P, Sep 2025
Very highly recommended! The tour people are really nice and friendly, they are doing their utmost to make sure that not only you see whales but swim with them, and their work ethic is great, being both respectful of the whales and mindful of the security of their guests. After magical encounters with the sea behemoths that will leave you memories for life, they would also share go pros videos with you (VERY much appreciated when the day before your camera just stopped responding !!). Their boat is pretty, comfortable and accommodates a tour size that avoids any « crowded » feeling. Finally thanks a lot to Maire and Julien for their understanding that my partner had to cancel for reasons out of her control and being totally helpful.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for this amazing review! 💙
We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the experience, from the magical encounters with the whales to the comfort of the boat and the GoPro videos. Respecting the whales and keeping our guests safe is always at the heart of what we do, so it means a lot that you noticed.
We truly appreciate your kind words about Marie and Julien as well, and we’re so glad we could make things easier for your partner. We hope to welcome you both back one day for more unforgettable adventures in Moorea! 🐋✨Marie
Mike_G, Sep 2025
This was a once in a lifetime experience. Marie is an unbelieveable guide. There is a lot of swimming required and the paid off is worth every fin kick. What a great experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we're thrilled that Marie's expertise as a guide stood out. The swimming was indeed a challenge, but it's fantastic to know the reward was worth every kick. We can't wait to share more unforgettable moments with you in the future!
Ronald_Y, Sep 2025
Marie and Julian were very professional and accommodating. My wife and I had a great time.....felt safe and thoroughly enjoyed the experience swimming with the humpbacks
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re so happy to hear that you and your wife felt safe and fully enjoyed your time swimming with the humpbacks. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we’d love to welcome you back to Moorea for more ocean adventures! 🐋✨Marie
Joseph_H, Sep 2025
Jillian and Maria were AMAZING & cannot recommend them enough! This experience was personalized and you can tell the dedication they both have to making the most out of your experience. We were able to swim above 4 whales, which truly made it unforgettable. Thank you both for an amazing time!! 🤍
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much! 💙 Swimming above four whales is unforgettable, and we’re so glad we could make it such a special experience. Hope to see you again in Moorea! 🐋✨
Bruno_N, Aug 2025
Very wonderful experience! With very nice and professional guys! A must to try! We saw a mum whale with its baby, and a funny one which liked to sing and play in front of us!
Anonymous, Aug 2025
Excursion is beyond amazing - if you are lucky to enjoy whale encounter for appreciable length of time. Otherwise, prepare yourself to be satisfied with a comfortable boat ride along the western end of the north side of the island. Land scenery is quite beautiful. Swimming in the endless clear cobalt blue water is an experience in an of itself to appreciate the vastness of the ocean. There are sharks. Odds are you are safe, though sharks ruin opportunity to simultaneously look for whale.
ConnorBalint, Aug 2025
Experience of a lifetime. We got very close to multiple whales and it was amazing. Keep in mind though that it was a bit challenging to swim to the whales and I did get a bit seasick. In all, it was a wonderful experience and our guides were great.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 💙
We’re so happy to hear it was a wonderful and unforgettable adventure with the whales. The ocean can sometimes be a little challenging, but we’re glad you still enjoyed it and felt supported by our guides. It was a true pleasure having you with us, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime! 🐋✨Marie
Matteo_C, Aug 2025
Unforgettable Experience with Ultra Reef
. 100% Recommended!
We booked a whale swimming tour in Moorea with Ultra Reef and everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish. From the hotel pickup to the drop-off, the team was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.
They provided all the necessary snorkeling gear, including wetsuits, fins, and masks, making sure we were fully prepared and comfortable. The highlight, of course, was getting to swim right next to the whales – an absolutely mind-blowing experience that we’ll never forget.
As if that wasn’t enough, we also got to swim in the reef with turtles and sharks, and they even captured the entire experience with amazing photos and videos.
We’ll carry the memory of this adventure with us for the rest of our lives it made our honeymoon truly unforgettable.
Highly, highly recommended!
Matteo & Ilaria
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much Matteo & Ilaria! 💙
We’re overjoyed that your honeymoon with us was so memorable. Sharing those magical moments with whales, turtles, and sharks is something truly special, and we’re so happy we could be part of it. Wishing you both a lifetime of adventures together — come back anytime! 🐋✨Marie
Matthew_A, Oct 2024
The tour was magnificent! The crew was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Once in a lifetime opportunity which did not disappoint. If you want a personalized experience, with a top notch crew, I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much Matthew for your feedback! We had a great time with you and we hope to be able to repeat the experience to you soon !!!
stacie_g, Oct 2024
The most amazing day snorkeling with humpback whales with the amazing @ultrareef_moorea.
This was a lifelong wish of mine to see these guys up close. Words can’t even begin to describe this day. We saw 14 whales throughout the tour. We saw some sleeping, then surfacing right in front of us 15-20 away. Saw one breech 4 times while we were in the water. Had one surface close to boat and make noises at us. Watched one plunge deep into the water while lying in his back. I swear one even looked like he was waving to us while headed up to surface. Then we got to watch a calf play around and then hear mama call to him and watch them hook back up and swim off. It was a true magical day.
Then captain Julian rushed off far into the distance so we could watch spinner dolphins play and swim right along with our boat. It was the kind of day my 10 yr old self could only dream about and would think I was quite the bad ass for experiencing it!
We were lucky to have tour just the two of us along with Julian, Marie and our guide Landry (hope that’s is name husband said it was. Hahaha)
Such an amazing trip and if we come back we will come use their tour again! Book it! You won’t regret it!!
DAVID_M, Sep 2025
A huge thank you to Ultrareef in Moorea for an unforgettable experience! 🌊🐋
The trip to meet the whales and their young will remain etched in our memories: magical moments, out of time.
The whole team is passionate and it feels every minute. The explanations are clear, interesting and given with great pedagogy. The coach is always looking out for swimmers, with special attention for those who may be seasick – it really feels safe and taken care of from start to finish.
Watching and swimming with these giants of the seas is an incredible emotion, and thanks to Ultrareef everything is lived in respect for animals and benevolence.
👉 If you are still hesitating about which provider to choose, do not hesitate: choose Ultrareef! It’s end-to-end happiness, an adventure I recommend the eyes
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Merciii beaucoup pour votre commentaire !! Cela nous touche beaucoup, en effet ces moments là sont incroyables à vivre et de voir les yeux émerveillés de nos clients c'est toujours en bonheur et une satisfaction ! Marie
p54z8m82wn, Sep 2025
The trip to swim with whales was simply amazing – a real highlight! The third swim attempt was the Burner even if only viewed from the boat.
The welcome of Julien and Marie was super warm, you felt right at home.
Thank you for this great day we will never forget and thank you for bringing us back to the tender 👍
We are still looking forward to the movie 😃 Request for sending
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback 🙏 We’re so happy you felt welcome and enjoyed this special day with us. It was a real pleasure to share these magical moments together — we’ll be sending you the movie very soon! 🐋💙Marie
Dominique_D, Sep 2025
Unique experience. We were 6 swimmers and saw a mom with a calf.
Marie and the captain were a great team and made the experience unforgettable. The calf came very close and was very curious. That was great.
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re delighted that you enjoyed this unique encounter with the mother and her calf. It was such a special moment, and we’re happy to have shared it with you. We hope to welcome you back one day for more unforgettable experiences !!! Marie
jafar_d, Sep 2025
Definitely the best agency in all moorea !!! Thank you all for fulfilling my dream of swimming with The Whales, the best Bacchus, the best captain and the best guide with the whales!!
You will definitely book with them
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AnnaMatilde_T, Sep 2025
Despite the bad weather the staff did everything to make us swim with the whales, we saw several specimens diving up close. The staff members are professional, knowledgeable and kind. I would do this experience again with them!
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely words! 💙
We’re so glad that even with the challenging weather, you were able to enjoy such close encounters with the whales. Our team always does their very best to make the experience safe, respectful, and unforgettable. We’d be delighted to welcome you back for another adventure anytime! 🐋✨Marie
jafar_d, Aug 2025
Best Service !!! The boat is very good and the guides the best!!! Thank you for the effort we made to see whales and we did. They fulfilled my dream thanks 🙏
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Response from Host, Aug 2025
We’re overjoyed that we could help make your dream of seeing whales come true. Sharing these magical moments with you was such a pleasure for our team. We hope to welcome you back one day for more incredible adventures in Moorea with your daughter ! 🐋✨Julien & Marie
From $261.48
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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