14 – 21 August 2027 2 left
21 – 28 August 2027 1 left female
2 – 9 October 2027 2 left
10 – 17 October 2027
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Small group, no rotation in the water
No certifications required
See all inclusions here
Starting from 4400€
A DANCE WITH THE WHALES
Mo’orea rises from the Pacific in a riot of green mountains, bright flowers, and turquoise water. Beneath the surface, it’s full of life, rays gliding over the sand, blacktip sharks moving through the shallows, and turtles appearing beneath you like they’ve always been there.
But the real magic begins offshore, when the ocean suddenly feels much bigger. During whale season, humpbacks return to these warm waters to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. You might watch a mother and calf moving through the blue, see a whale breach beside the boat, or hear the deep, powerful song of a male vibrating through your entire body.
When the conditions are right, we quietly enter the water and let the whales decide what happens next. You will find yourself floating next a giant animal, close enough to see its eye, its scars, and the tiny movements of its fins. For a few extraordinary moments, the world becomes completely still: just warm water, your breath, and a humpback whale choosing to share the ocean and a dance with you.
Highlights of the trip
Accommodation
Private bungalows with pool & ocean view or Private villa with private beach access
Depending on your expedition dates, you’ll stay either in a private villa with private beach access or in ocean-view bungalows with a swimming pool, all surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
Both accommodation options offer:
• Bedrooms with dedicated bathrooms and air conditioning
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Bathrooms with walk-in showers
• Ocean & mountain views
• Living area with sofa
• Outdoor patio with dining table and sun loungers
• Washing machine
• Wi-Fi
Each room accommodates a maximum of two guests. A very limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee, offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We chose these locations for their 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 private dock 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). Taxis will be waiting for you at the ferry terminal to take you to your accommodation.Check in to your bungalow, enjoy your first lunch together, 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 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 10:00 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 & Anna
The bonny & gava Expeditions team
We created Bonny & Gava to share extraordinary ocean experiences with curious, like-minded travelers. Before launching this expedition, we spent a full month in French Polynesia studying the islands, the wildlife, and the best way to experience them.
After successfully running the trip for a year, we fine-tuned every detail: the itinerary, the pacing, the locations, and the way the week comes together as a group experience. But the stars of the show are the same.
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.
Some departures are led by us, while others are led by Anna, our trusted Bonny & Gava Expedition Leader. Whoever leads your week, you can expect the same carefully refined expedition, thoughtful guidance, and respectful wildlife encounters.
The weeks in August will be lead by Anna and all the group will fit in one boat.
The weeks in October will be lead by Miki, Carlo & Anna and the group will be split in two boats.in
What's included
What's included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in shared bungalows in Mo’orea
- 5 full-day ocean safaris — private boat excursions for our group to look for humpback whales
- No rotation: small group so that following regulations everyone will swim every time we have a chance
- Snorkeling in the lagoon with friendly sting rays and reef sharks
- Respect for the animals and for the law: we operate strictly within local regulations and letting animals dictate the interactions
- Breakfasts
- Lunches on the boat
- Snacks and drinks on board
- Ferry transportation from Tahiti to Moorea and back
- Experienced captain and local guide on each boat
- Bonny & Gava assistance before and throughout your trip, including help preparing for your journey, answers to all your questions, and on-site logistics and support in Moorea.
- Workshops
- Digital copies of photos/videos from the trip
What's not included
- Flights to and from Tahiti
- Dinners
- Taxis (but we’ll most likely always move as a group)
- 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
4400€
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed in room with ceiling fan.
4199 €
Prices are per person.
Each bungalow accommodates 3 or 5 people. All bedrooms are for 2 people and have air conditioning.
Private rooms are available upon request for a €400 supplement, subject to limited availability.
August dates: group leader Anna, 5 guests.
October dates: group leaders Miki, Carlo & Anna, 9 guests.
Application will be open until November 29th. We will then reach out to all participants to confirm everything on December 1st.
Spots to this expedition will open soon. If you want to join this expedition, make sure to be in the waitlist below because you will have 24hr pre access to book.
Reviews from this trip
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 using mask, snorkel and fins 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
Deposit
-
Reserve your spot with a deposit
Click “Book your spot,” choose your preferred week and pay a EUR 500 deposit to hold your place instantly. If for safety or fit reasons we can’t confirm you, we’ll refund 100% of your deposit. -
Tell us a bit about you
Right after payment, you’ll answer a few short questions about your experience in the water, your health, and what you’re hoping for. This helps us get to know you before the trip and tailor the experience to your expectations, making it even more memorable! -
Get your confirmation
Once we’ve reviewed your answers and finalized groups, we’ll confirm your week, send all the details, and your spot is officially locked in.
The deposit is non‑refundable once you’re accepted and confirmed.
Book your spot 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 February 1st 2027
- 100% by May 1st 2027
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel:
– Before February 1st we will keep the deposit and not charge anything extra.
– Before June 1st we will keep 50% of the expedition cost (i.e. 2000€)
– After May 1st we will keep 100% of the expedition cost.
Should you need to cancel due to unpleasant circumstances we will try our best to find a replacement for you but we cannot guarantee it.
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 August?
August is one of the best months to swim with humpback whales, with sunny days, calmer seas, excellent visibility, and warm water temperatures of 25–27°C (77–81°F). It’s also the peak of humpback whale season, offering opportunities to observe their fascinating behaviours up close.
After migrating from Antarctica, humpbacks spend time resting underwater to recover and conserve energy. This is a great time to get in the water with them while they chill and sleep. It’s also a great time to hear males singing to court the females. Their songs are so powerful you can feel them vibrating in your chest!
August is also mating season, bringing the spectacular phenomenon known as heat runs. During these high-speed chases, several male humpback whales compete for the attention of a single female. The males race alongside one another, collide, jostle for position, and use powerful displays of strength as they compete to become her primary escort. These encounters can be intense, unpredictable, and exhilarating to witness.
Dolphins, including rough-toothed and spinner dolphins, sometimes join the action, swimming alongside the whales or circling around their heads. These unexpected interactions between species can create remarkable moments in the water.
Why October?
October marks a different phase of humpback whale season, with slightly warmer water and the highest concentration of calves.
By this stage, calves have been drinking their mothers’ rich milk and can gain around 50 kg (110 lbs) per day. This means that by October, they start to be curious and adventurous, and their mothers often appear more relaxed and allow them to explore their surroundings. The young whales can frequently be seen practising their breaching skills, leaping out of the water as they develop their strength and coordination. Watching these playful behaviours from the water is especially exciting, especially when the baby whales choose to come close!
Interspecies encounters are another highlight of October. Humpbacks may be seen swimming alongside pilot whales, while oceanic whitetip sharks, locally known as parata, sometimes cruise nearby. The waters can also reveal dwarf sperm whales, pygmy killer whales, and Cuvier’s beaked whales.
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 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.
We’ll also recommend a specific midday ferry so everyone can travel together and we can arrange a shared transfer to our accommodation in minivans once we arrive in Mo’orea
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 10:00 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 or a jet ski to explore the lagoon.
There’s also a dive centers very close to our accommodations.
Also some hikes with gorgeous views are available for all levels if that’s something that interests you.
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?
Each bedroom accommodates a maximum of 2 guests.For our first August expedition (Aug 14–21), you’ll stay in a private villa accommodating up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.For all other expedition dates, you’ll stay in ocean-view bungalows that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests, but we’ll limit occupancy to 3 to 5 guests per bungalow to give everyone a little extra space. Each bungalow has 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1 or 2 bathrooms.A very limited number of private rooms are available in the bungalows for an additional fee, on a first-come, first-served basis.
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 February 1st and the total before May 1st. You can split this in how many payments fits you best.
Still not sure?
Write to us at retreats@bonnyandgava.com so we can clear all your doubts!
