Permit· Rurutu· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Rurutu Whale-Approach Rules
22° 27.0′ S · 151° 20.4′ W · approximate
French Polynesia is a marine-mammal sanctuary: whale excursions may only be run by accredited professionals, and in-water interactions must be initiated by the whales.
Practical
Coordinate is Moerai harbour (rules apply island-wide). Tahiti Tourisme summarises the regulations: whaling is banned; only accredited professionals may organise excursions; it is forbidden to approach whales, any interaction must come from the animals; keep a safe distance; boats approach slowly; swimmers enter only when the guide signals and float calmly. Commercial filming of protected species needs a permit from the Direction de l'environnement (DIREN). Approach authorisations ('PARAOA') are issued by DIREN; that online procedure was listed as closed on 4 July 2026. In Rurutu (Jan 2024) local operators told sy Elma that swimming with whales was allowed only from their licensed boats; the gendarmerie said it knew of no such rule. Be conservative: watch from your own boat at a distance, keep engine speed down near whales, and book a licensed boat to swim. Report stranded or distressed marine mammals to the RGO network (+689 89 57 14 30, per DIREN).
Best for
Staying legal and safe around whales
Nearby
- Moerai Harbor (Rurutu)0.1 NM away
- Moerai Harbour Snacks0.1 NM away
- Moerai Municipal Market0.1 NM away
- Tomb of Eric de Bisschop (Moerai)0.1 NM away
- Tuhaa Pae IV Supply Ship (Australs)0.1 NM away
- Boulangerie Parau (Moerai)0.2 NM away
- Restaurant Tiare Hinano (Moerai)0.2 NM away
- Rurutu Pharmacy (Moerai)0.2 NM away