Seasonal· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Humpback Whale Season (Windward Islands)
17° 31.8′ S · 149° 42.0′ W · approximate
From July to the end of October humpback whales come up from Antarctica to calve around the Society Islands, and mothers and calves are often seen off the passes of Tahiti and Moorea.
Practical
Coordinate is a nominal point in the Tahiti–Moorea channel. Polynesia is a marine-mammal sanctuary under its environmental code. Approaching whales with a yacht or tender is prohibited: stay at least 300 m away, and approaching them in lagoons, passes and bays is banned outright; close encounters only with an authorized operator (2026 Moorea brief). The charter base guide asks you to keep 160 ft from a whale (330 ft with a calf) and 100 ft from dolphins; the official 300 m rule is stricter. Keep a sharp watch at night and in the channel.
Best for
Whale watching (from a legal distance)
Season
Jul–end Oct