Wildlife· Moorea· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Humpback Whale Rest Area (Moorea AMP)
17° 29.8′ S · 149° 51.4′ W · approximate
From July to the end of October humpbacks come to Moorea to calve and nurse. The PGEM designates whale rest areas at the mouths of Opunohu and Cook's bays and at Matauvau and Teruaupu passes, where they often rest near the reef.
Practical
Approximate pin at the Opunohu Bay mouth rest area (blue zone on the 2026 chart). Rules: approaching whales in lagoons, passes and bays is prohibited; in open water keep at least 300 m from any whale, with yacht or tender. Swimming with whales only through an authorized operator. All of French Polynesia is a marine mammal sanctuary. Slow down and keep a lookout in the passes Jul–Oct; Scubapiti gives 20 July–20 November for whale trips.
Best for
Watching humpbacks responsibly
Season
July to end of October
Nearby
- Superyacht Anchorage Zones Opunohu & Cook's Bay (20–90 m)0.3 NM away
- Opunohu Bay (Moorea)0.4 NM away
- Ta'ahiamanu Anchorage (Opunohu Bay mouth, east)0.5 NM away
- Ta'hiamanu Public Beach0.5 NM away
- Tropical Garden (Opunohu)0.5 NM away
- Magic Mountain Viewpoint0.7 NM away
- Opunohu Canyons Dive0.8 NM away
- Jardin des Roses (Rose Garden) Deep Dive0.9 NM away