matt-reichel-rurutu-austral-islands-french-polynesia-whales-89-s.jpg

ONE WITH WHALES

Swim with humpback whales and immerse yourself in the culture of Polynesia’s rugged Austral Islands.

Every year from August to October, thousands of humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the crystal clear shallows of the South Pacific to give birth, raise their calves, and mate. This program combines swimming with humpback whales and Polynesian cultural immersion— our goal is to help you become one with the people, whales, and ocean.

The small island of Rurutu (pop. 2400) in French Polynesia’s remote Austral Archipelago becomes your home and the Tavita family becomes your family for the week. During this trip, you live with them and learn about what makes Rurutu unique through the smiles, music, food, humpback whales, nature, legends, and mana— the life force of this magical place.

Strong swimming skills- you must be able to swim at least 200 meters unaided in open water. No certification is required to participate in this program. This trip is open to all adult participants.
This trip spans one week from Sunday to Sunday. With each trip, we include seven on-water sessions, with each session lasting 3-3.5 hours. Each week also includes 3 half-day land excursions to enjoy Rurutu’s rugged landscape and traditional Polynesian culture.
$4250 USD per person (double occupancy in twin rooms).
$590 single supplement (optional, only 1-2 available upgrades per week).
Service level:
This trip is designed to be an immersive pelagic and social adventure. We stick to local involvement and integration as much as possible. It’s comfortable, fun, and dynamic, but not luxury.
Your meals are delicious and locally sourced from a local Rurutun family. The family runs the crew and the accommodations.
You can expect a cozy 6-bedroom house with clean and basic rooms, a shared living room, a dining room, and a garden, all a 5-minute walk to the beach. All rooms have hot water showers and high-speed internet access.
Included:
Professional trip leader, certified whale guide, captain and crew, 7 on-water sessions (approximately 21-28 hours per week of boat time), 7 nights of accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, airport pick up and drop off on the start day and end day of the trip, 3 half-day land excursions, entrance fees, and payment processing fees by Visa/MasterCard.
Excluded:
Gear (limited rentals available, all participants should bring their own gear), airfare, insurance, gratuities (optional), optional accommodation upgrades (we offer first come first serve upgrades to single rooms), and anything not explicitly mentioned as included.
This trip is limited to 8 participants per week.

Book Your Trip

LOOKING FOR HUMPBACKS

Experience a typical day on this trip.

DAILY PROGRAM

All participants are met at the airport on arrival and are transferred to our house just five minutes from the runway. Once settled down, we’ll do group introductions on the beach followed by a wonderful homecooked Polynesian dinner at our house. This evening, everyone will get together for a trip briefing and gear check before sleep.
During your week in Rurutu, you're set to enjoy seven half-day boat sessions and three diverse half-day land excursions.
Given the unpredictable weather of the Austral Islands, with its vast open ocean stretching over 100 km to the nearest island, we've designed our schedule with flexibility in mind. This approach ensures we can capitalize on the best sea conditions for our boat outings. Rest assured, you'll have around 21-28 hours on the water, ample time for in-water whale encounters.
Our boat days typically begin at 9 AM, setting sail from the marina by 9:30 AM and returning around 12:30 PM for a well-deserved lunch. Afternoons are reserved for rest or engaging land-based activities until dinner. On particularly calm days, we may extend our sea journey from anytime between 8 AM and 5 PM, offering an immersive 7 hours of exploration. Conversely, should the weather turn, we'll opt for land excursions or perhaps a culinary lesson, ensuring every moment on the trip is well spent.
The land excursions, varying with the week's weather and events, promise a comprehensive tour of Rurutu's rich traditions, local artisans, and stunning natural landscapes. You might find yourself hiking Manureva (the highest peak on the island) or the craggy Monster’s Head, learning the art of traditional cooking, engaging in taro farming, or even line or spearfishing.
Life on Rurutu deeply reflects its traditions, from hand-line fishing and wooden hook crafting to taro cultivation and fruit farming. Our program is designed to weave you into the fabric of this vibrant local culture, ensuring a deep connection with the island life beyond the mesmerizing whale encounters.
Evenings bring us together for dinner at the house, lovingly prepared by Teiti, a culinary talent trained on the big island of Tahiti who skillfully blends Polynesian and French cuisine using the freshest local ingredients.
The camaraderie among guests, crew, and trip leaders forms the heart of the Inertia experience. Beyond the day's adventures, fostering connections and sharing stories are what truly enrich your journey. Our trip leader is dedicated to nurturing these bonds, making every moment an opportunity for group engagement and collective adventure.
This morning we prepare a late breakfast (or brunch if you’d rather) full of tasty French pastries, scrambled eggs, baguettes, and local fruit. Transportation back to Rurutu airport is provided for everyone to match your flight departure time.

Book Your Trip

THE HOUSE

We stay at the Tavita family's clean and cozy six-bedroom guesthouse situated on their ancestral land in Una’a, just a five-minute walk from the beach near Rurutu Airport on the island's northern tip.

Participants will share rooms with someone of the same gender, though single rooms can be requested on a first-come, first-serve basis. Couples can be accommodated in one of the two rooms with large beds; the other rooms all have twin beds.

The guesthouse features a communal living area with seating, a dining space for meals, and bedrooms with ensuite showers and toilets. Note that water pressure and temperature may vary, and hot water is more easily available if usage is staggered.

Outside, there's a garden, patio, and a laundry area. We offer a washing machine for guests. With the recent installation of a fiber optic internet line, high-speed internet is available, supporting video streaming and ensuring a reliable connection for all your online needs. Enjoy unlimited access to fresh fruit and coconuts.

THE BOAT

Our vessel, the Apo Apo 2, is a seven-meter steel boat equipped with a sunroof, wooden side benches, and a central metal seating area, ideal for snorkeling activities. It features convenient access for entering and exiting the water both from the rear and by jumping off the sides.

The Apo Apo 2 can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests, alongside our captain and whale guide, ensuring intimate wildlife encounters. This aligns with our maximum group size for personalized experiences.

We operate the boat daily from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM including transit, changing and loading time. Weather permitting, alternative afternoon sessions (1 PM to 5 PM) may be scheduled. The boat is moored opposite our dive shop in Moerai, but may dock in Avera on Rurutu’s west coast, subject to sea conditions.

THE ISLAND

Rurutu, part of the remote Austral Archipelago, lies in the southern reaches of French Polynesia. This volcanic island cluster retains a rich tapestry of Polynesian culture, where the local language and traditions are vibrant, and much of the food and produce are locally sourced.

The island boasts white sand beaches along its coastline, complemented by nearby coral reefs. Its interior features fertile lands, coniferous forests, and quaint farms. With a population of around 2,400, Rurutu is a community spread across three towns and six villages.

Access to Rurutu is via Air Tahiti, offering flights from Tahiti three to four times a week. The journey lasts approximately an hour and a half, and reservations can be made directly through Air Tahiti. Upon arrival at Rurutu’s tiny airport, our team will be there to greet you.