Seasonal· Huahine Nui· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Humpback Whale Season (Huahine)
16° 43.6′ S · 151° 3.4′ W · approximate
From July to November humpback whales come to Polynesian waters to mate and calve, and boats crossing between Raiatea and Huahine or standing off the west-coast passes can meet them in open water.
Practical
Approx: a nominal open-water point about 0.7 nm west of Avapeihi Pass (OSM 'Te Ava Pēhi'), where yachts arriving from Raiatea and Taha'a make their approach. Tahiti Tourisme gives the season as July to November and asks you to approach from the side, never steer into a group, never encircle whales, never come between a mother and calf, and never trap them against the reef. Close encounters only with accredited operators. The charter base guide sets minimum distances of 160 ft (about 50 m) from a whale, 330 ft (about 100 m) with a calf, and 100 ft (30 m) from dolphins. Tahiti Tourisme lists a Huahine Nautique whale-watching tour from Fare; ask at the Huahine Yacht Club or the tourism office for dates. Slow down and keep a lookout in and near the passes. Dolphins often visit the Hiumoo zone near Avapeihi Pass (2025 brief).
Best for
Whale lookout on the Raiatea–Huahine crossing
Season
Jul–Nov
Nearby
- Avapeihi Pass Dive0.4 NM away
- Fare Reef Surf Break0.4 NM away
- L'Ancre d'Avapehi Dive0.4 NM away
- Maraamu & Swell at the West Passes (Avamoa & Avapeihi)0.5 NM away
- ZMR de Hiumoo (Huahine)0.7 NM away
- ZMR d'Ofaiorio (Huahine)0.8 NM away
- Fare Coral Garden Snorkel (Avamoa)1 NM away
- Boulangerie Fiti (Fitii bakery)1.1 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).