Wildlife· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Nuku Hiva Melon-Headed Whale Encounters
8° 52.8′ S · 140° 0.0′ W · approximate
Nuku Hiva is one of the few places where large pods of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) are approached by snorkellers; an estimated 300 live off the coast, and pods of 50-60 have been swum with.
Practical
Position approx: plotted off the east coast, where dive trips report the whales and the protected-coast manta dives; the exact grounds are not published. Big Fish Expeditions (2015 and 2020 trip reports) found them along an exposed stretch of coast and had to wait for perfect, calm conditions; wind chop made them hard to find later in the week. Go with the local dive centre (see Nuku Dive Center) rather than chasing pods in your own boat. The same trips reported reef mantas on east-coast dives and scalloped hammerheads, including close passes at the Sentinel near the village.
Best for
A rare open-water snorkel with wild whales
Nearby
- Hooumi Bay (Controleur Bay)1.7 NM away
- Hooumi Beach (Controleur Bay)1.7 NM away
- Lisette and Herve's Kaikai (Hooumi)1.7 NM away
- Hooumi Seed-Jewelry Artisans1.9 NM away
- Controleur Bay (Taipivai, Nuku Hiva)2.7 NM away
- Controleur Bay Night Bioluminescence and Mantas2.7 NM away
- Taipivai Landing Beach (Hakahaa)3.1 NM away
- Tikapo Pinnacles Dive Site (Pointe Tikapo)3.1 NM away