What ?
A true paradise on Earth.
A full week exploring the life-filled waters of Mo’orea: we’ll swim with humpback whales, snorkel with rays and blacktip reef sharks, and freedive among the island’s colorful coral gardens. The adventure continues on land too — with waterfalls, volcanic peaks, pineapple fields, and rainbows that will take your breath away.
Where ?
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
A magical island where lush, dramatic mountains meet turquoise lagoons and postcard-perfect beaches.
You’ll spend the week in a charming garden bungalow, just steps from one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Every morning, our two boats will pick us up right from the shore to begin a new day at sea — searching for whales and other incredible marine life.
When ?
A 7-night adventure during the peak of whale season, when humpback whales return to the warm waters of French Polynesia to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
We’ll host two small groups on separate weeks:
- October 10–17, 2026
- October 17–24, 2026
Who ?
You’ll join an intimate group of up to 10 guests, all young ocean lovers who share the same adventurous spirit.
This small group size allows all guests to be in the water together during whale encounters, without rotations, and in full compliance with local regulations.
Both expeditions will be led by Miki and Carlo, who will share their passion, knowledge, and deep respect for marine life throughout the experience.
Accommodation
Garden Bungalow – Plage des Tipaniers, Mo’orea
You’ll spend the week in a lovely garden bungalow surrounded by tropical greenery, just a short stroll from one of the island’s most stunning beaches: Plage des Tipaniers.
Each bungalow accommodates up to 4 guests and includes:
- Two bedrooms (one with air conditioning, one with fans)
- A large bathroom with a walk-in shower
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living area with sofa
- Outdoor patio with dining table and sun loungers
- Laundry with washer and dryer
- Wi-Fi
We chose this location for its perfect balance of comfort and convenience — close to restaurants and shops, and the ideal starting point for all our ocean adventures. Each morning, our boats will pick us up directly from the beach to begin another unforgettable day in the water.
Program
Day One
Arrive in Mo’orea in the morning or early afternoon via the ferry from Tahiti (about 40 minutes).
Check in to your bungalow, prepare your ocean gear for the week, and relax — you’ve officially arrived in paradise!
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and a briefing with Miki and Carlo about the week ahead.
Day Two to Six - Full Day Safaris
After breakfast, our boats will pick us up, and we’ll spend the day at sea — letting the ocean lead the way. Our top priority is creating respectful, meaningful interactions with humpback whales, but we’ll embrace every moment and every encounter nature offers.
We always begin by observing from the boat, so we can understand the whales’ behavior — whether they’re resting, playing, or cruising. And when the moment feels right, we’ll quietly slip into the water, entering their world on their terms.
French Polynesia is one of the rare places on Earth where you can swim with humpback whales — and that’s our main mission. But the ocean is full of surprises: pilot whales, spinner dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, pygmy orcas, oceanic whitetip sharks, rays, turtles, and so many other marine creatures could cross our path and fill our days with wonder.
Around midday, we’ll pause for lunch — either anchored on a sandbank in a crystal-clear lagoon or drifting in the open ocean, depending on the day’s encounters and sea conditions.
And if there’s still energy in the tank toward the end of the day, a drift snorkel with curious turtles is the perfect way to wrap up before we return to land for some rest, sunset vibes, and a relaxed group dinner.
Day Seven
Put on your sneakers — today we’ll explore the island!
From lush forests to panoramic viewpoints, you’ll see a completely different side of Mo’orea.
In the evening, dress up a little — we’ll celebrate our incredible week together with a farewell dinner and island-style party!
Day Eight
Sadly, every adventure has its end.
Check-out is by 11:00 AM — plenty of time for a relaxed breakfast, packing, and heartfelt goodbyes to those who have now become true friends.
See you on the next Bonny & Gava adventure — somewhere else in the world! 🌍💙
Miki & Carlo
Freediving Instructors & Award-winning videographers
We founded Bonny & Gava 4 years ago, and since then we have been traveling the world and experiencing so many amazing destinations!
About three years ago, we began curating group trips for people like us — travelers looking for something more than the average tourist experience.
People who love spending time in the water, exploring the underwater world, connecting with local cultures, and coming home with more than just pretty pictures.
We spent a full month in French Polynesia, and these islands completely stole our hearts — with their colors, flowers, scents, and that unmistakable island vibe, even before getting in the water.
And once we met the animals who live beneath the surface… we were hooked.
The feeling of a whale calf breaching beside you is simply indescribable — as is hearing the deep, resonant song of a male whale, powerful enough to make your bones vibrate.
We can’t wait to go back — and share all of it with you.
What's included
What's included
- Accommodation: 6 nights in shared bungalows in Mo’orea
- 5 full-day ocean safaris — private boat excursions for our group
- Breakfasts with an ocean view
- Lunches on the boat
- Snacks and drinks on board
- Experienced captain and local guide on each boat
- Workshops
- Digital copies of photos/videos from the trip
What's not included
- Flights to and from Tahiti
- Ferry transportation
- Dinners
- Taxis
- Travel medical insurance covering water activities (mandatory)
- Tips for captain and guide (recommended if you have a good time)
- Anything not explicitly listed as included
Dive Deeper, Leave No Trace
Our mission is simple: inspire people to embrace adventure, explore the underwater world, and protect it for generations to come. The ocean is our playground, and we’re committed to keeping it as healthy and awe-inspiring as it is today.
That’s why this trip is designed with sustainability at its core. We’re proud to partner with eco-conscious leaders like Red Sea Diving Safari, renowned for being one of the most environmentally friendly and low-impact diving operations in the world. Their commitment to blending seamlessly with nature sets the standard for responsible tourism.
We’re also teaming up with Aziab Seafaris, the only commercial sailboat in the Red Sea. Sailing minimizes fuel consumption, making it a greener alternative to motorboats. By staying at the Dolphin Reef for several days instead of making daily trips, we significantly reduce engine use, preserving the serenity of the underwater world.
To further our efforts, we ask you to bring your reusable water bottle. On land, water is refilled, and onboard, it’s desalinated and filtered—no single-use plastics here!
Join us for an unforgettable journey that doesn’t just explore the ocean but actively works to protect it. Together, we can make waves for a better planet.
Pricing
3999 €
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed in room with ceiling fan.
4199 €
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed in air conditioned room.
Each bungalow accommodates 4 people and has two bedrooms, one downstairs with air conditioning and one upstairs (mezzanine) with fans.
We’ll match participants in the bungalows based on gender, age, and interests, to ensure the best experience for everyone!
To make every expedition unforgettable, we carefully match participants into two balanced groups. Before you pay your deposit, we’ll ask you a few quick questions — this helps us find the group where you’ll fit in perfectly and make the most of the adventure.
Application will be open until November 29th. We will then reach out to all participants to confirm everything on December 1st.
If you want to join this expedition, make sure to be in the waitlist below because you will be the first to know when applications open!
Requirements
Ocean Comfort
Free diving or scuba diving certifications are NOT necessary to participate, but a very good level of swimming and comfort in open waters is essential to enjoy the experiences. According to new regulations, our boat will stop at least 100 meters from the whales, so you’ll need to be able to cover that distance swimming in the blue.
Insurance
Being in good physical health is essential to join the expedition.
A travel medical insurance that covers water activities and medical repatriation is mandatory.
Gear
Please bring your own equipment: mask, fins, snorkel, 3mm wetsuit (mandatory for whale swims, at least a shorty), and a weight belt. We’ll provide weights for everyone.
Language
It is important for every participant to speak English at a basic level so that we can all have a fun time together without leaving anyone out.
Terms & Conditions
Application & Deposit
To make every expedition unforgettable, we carefully match participants into two balanced groups. Before you pay your deposit, we’ll ask you a few quick questions — this helps us find the group where you’ll fit in perfectly and make the most of the adventure.
Once you’re selected, securing your spot is easy: agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of 500€.
Submit your application HERE, let’s start the adventure 😎
Payment
The remainder of the payment after the deposit will be asked via invoice and payed via bank transfer.
- 50% by March 1st
- 100% by June 1st
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before 90 days prior to departure, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
If you cancel after 90 days prior to departure, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit and any bank fees).
Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. We will make sure we can confirm the trip to everyone as soon as possible (at latest 75 days prior to departure) but until then we recommend to refrain from purchasing non-refundable flights to avoid useless expenses.
F.A.Q.
Why is there an application?
Why do we ask for an application instead of just a deposit?
Simply put: it helps us put together amazing groups of people with similar values, expectations and ocean skills to enhance the experience of everyone.
We know our ideal guests appreciate the extra effort to make sure the group dynamic is on point.
What is the starting time of the trip?
We recommend arriving in Tahiti on Friday and spending the night there to break up the journey and start our adventure fresh and rested!
On Saturday morning, you can take the ferry to Mo’orea, which takes about 40 minutes. Ferry companies include Terevau, Aremiti, Vaeara’i, and Tuatea, and it’s important to check the schedules online.
We suggest taking the second-to-last ferry available, as cancellations sometimes happen.
The official start will be Saturday afternoon, with check-in at our accommodation — the exact time will be confirmed based on everyone’s arrival.
What is the ending time of the trip?
The trip will end after breakfast on Saturday, the last day.
Check-out from our residence is by 11:00 AM, after which we’ll arrange taxis to take everyone to the port for the ferry back to Tahiti or to their next destination if they’re extending their stay on the island.
Are there any optional extra activities?
We believe the program is already quite full, but if you’d like, you can rent a kayak to explore the lagoon in front of our residence.
There’s also a dive center right on the beach if you’d like to go scuba diving.
Is A Visa Required To Enter French Polynesia?
Most tourists can enter French Polynesia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
You must have a passport valid for at least three more months, proof of sufficient funds, and a return flight.
However, please check personally based on your citizenship and country of residence — ensuring entry into the country is the guest’s responsibility.
Is There Wifi At The Hotel?
Yes, and it should be good enough for everyone.
Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card at the Tahiti airport or an eSIM online. We recommend Vini.
Should I bring extra cash?
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring cash for taxis, souvenirs, tips, snacks, or drinks.
Make sure to have US dollars or Euros, or even better, withdraw CFP francs (the local currency) at an ATM at the Tahiti airport. Most restaurants accept credit cards.
What are the sleeping options?
You can choose between a ground-floor bedroom with air conditioning or an open mezzanine bedroom with fans, to share with a friend, partner, or another participant. Each bungalow accommodates 4 people total, 2 per room. For your information, every bungalow also has a sofa bed in the living room.
What If I’m Vegan Or Have Food Allergies?
If you have dietary preferences or allergies, please let us know before the trip and we will do our best to fit your needs.
What If I’m Traveling Solo?
Then this is the perfect opportunity! The majority of our guests are young (<40 years old) solo travellers looking to make awesome ocean friends. We also get couples who are up to have some fun with other like-minded people. All in all, we’ve always had AMAZING groups and EVERYONE has made incredible friendships during our group trips.
Will There Be Sharks In The Water?
Yes, but don’t worry! Our guides are trained to ensure everyone’s safety and make you feel comfortable. Shark sightings are rare in the open ocean but we will make dedicated stops to swim with them, always keeping safety as our top priority.
And honestly? Seeing sharks would be a real blessing, as they are a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Can you free dive with the whales?
Current regulations do not allow freediving but only hovering under the surface, this allows to keep a more comfortable position in the water, maintain better agility and make sure we can swim with our fins in the water to avoid splashing and unnecessary noise.
All interactions will be conducted with the utmost respect for the animals, in full compliance with local regulations and always prioritizing everyone’s safety.
Are interactions with whales guaranteed?
Wildlife is — well — wild, and nature can’t be controlled.
That said, we’ve designed this trip to maximize both encounters and experience quality:
- We’ll spend five full days at sea (weather permitting) — giving us much more freedom than typical half-day tours. This means more time to search for whales, enjoy encounters with other marine life, and slip quietly into the water when conditions allow.
- Our group will be able to be in the water all together, as the new regulations allow up to 6 people per boat — and we’ll have two boats!
- We’ll be there right at the peak of whale season, when mothers tend to feel more relaxed and allow their calves to approach and interact with humans.
Please note: in French Polynesia, freediving with whales is not permitted, only surface snorkeling is allowed.
All interactions will be conducted with the utmost respect for the animals, in full compliance with local regulations and always prioritizing everyone’s safety.
Can I split the payment?
Yes absolutely! As explained here, we only ask for the deposit this year, then 50% by March 1st and the total before June 1st. You can split this in how many payments fits you best.
Still not sure?
Write to us so we can clear your doubts!
