While French Polynesia is world famous for it’s swimming pool-like lagoons, few people realize that these stunning waters are also a unique place for whale watching and diving with whales.

Each year between July and October, these marine giants migrate from the icy Arctic to spend the Austral winter in the warmer waters of Polynesia. Oftentimes, the whales give birth here in the tropics.

Conscious of the importance of this location for the marine mammals, the island authorities have turned the country’s waters into a marine sanctuary of over 4 million square kilometers. Here the hunting and capture of whales is completely prohibited. The clarity comfortable temperature of the water along with the fact that the whales often come in close to shore or into the lagoons, make the islands ideal for whale watching.

Equipped only with a mask, fins and a snorkel, visitors can jump in and swim relatively close to the graceful creatures. This activity is offered on the islands of Moorea and Tahiti as well as Rurutu in the Australs, which is often referred to as “The Island of Whales.” It’s an absolutely unforgettable experience to have an up close encounter with one of the world’s most beautiful animals in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.

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Photo Philippe Bachet