Swimming with giants . . .

Whale watching on the island of Rurutu in the Austral Archipelago

From the months of July to October each year, humpback whales pass by the island of Rurutu (in the Austral Archipelago) to reproduce, give birth and take a rest after their long journey from the Arctic. In the last few years Rurutu has become one of the most renowned place on the planet to view these imposing marine mammals.
The conditions around Rurutu are ideal: there is no coral reef so the mammals pass close to the coast, the water is exceptionally clear and the water temperature hovers around 24C° throughout the year. Geared up with only fins, a mask and a snorkel, visitors can swim in relative security only meters away from the whales.
The effect is like being in a giant aquarium where often mother and baby whales can be observed swimming side by side. Imagine a moment of pure happiness. . .

©Isabelle Bertaux – Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved / Translation : Celeste Brash
Photo Philippe Bachet