Our 2025 Humpback Whale Snorkeling Expedition
Rurutu continues to surprise us
by Jennifer Idol
Every season with the humpback whales of Rurutu is different, and this year gave us an unforgettable nod to nature’s mystery and wonder. Over three weeks, our groups experienced remarkably distinct encounters, each week with its own rhythm, weather, and whale personalities.
The island never ceases to enchant, both above and below the surface. Our most astonishing moment came with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting: a Blainville’s beaked whale. To witness such an elusive deep-diving species is extraordinarily rare anywhere in the world. Seeing one here, surfacing briefly near our boat, was a privilege none of us will forget.
A living island
Rurutu’s volcanic cliffs, caverns, and lush valleys feel timeless. The island itself tells a story of connection between people, land, and sea. On our island tour, we learned how the first Polynesians arrived here by canoe from Tahiti, landing on the southern shores. We visited caves formed by ancient coral and stopped at sweeping lookouts that reveal how small this island is in the vast Pacific.
Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with warmth. The people of Rurutu are genuinely kind, proud of their island’s history, and eager to share it. Our hosts at Vaitumu Village once again provided an excellent stay, comfortable, oceanfront, and filled with the aromas of home-cooked island meals.
Whales of the south
Each year, the southern population of humpback whales migrates from Antarctica to the warm waters of French Polynesia to give birth and raise their young. Their bright white underbellies, distinct from northern populations, glowed beneath us as we floated above. This year, we noted more variation in coloration, including individuals with darker markings along their flanks and bellies, a reminder of the genetic diversity within this population.
The calves we encountered were larger and more independent, many already showing confidence exploring away from their mothers. Near the end of the season, we were honored to meet a newborn calf.
Throughout the weeks, we also heard whales singing underwater with beautiful melodies that carried through the blue. Some days brought the thrill of heat runs, with males breaching and charging through the water in pursuit of females, stirring the surface with energy and power. At one point, a mother breached unexpectedly right next to our boat.
Art and ocean
A special addition to the island greeted us at the marina this year: a life-sized cement sculpture of a humpback whale, created by our captain, David. His craftsmanship and deep connection to the whales are evident in every detail. The sculpture now stands at the entrance of the Avera marina, a tribute to the gentle giants who bring travelers from around the world to this small, magical place.
Into the reef
Between whale encounters, we swam the pass several times, gliding over brilliant reefscapes alive with sea turtles and white tip reef sharks. Entering the blue, the reef dropped away into endless depth, a fitting reminder of how small we are in this vast ocean.
Nature’s rhythm
Rurutu remains one of the most captivating destinations for observing humpback whales in the wild. Each season is a reminder that nature follows its own rhythm, sometimes calm, sometimes dramatic, always awe-inspiring.
We left the island grateful and deeply moved by our experiences. For those who joined us, thank you for being part of this year’s extraordinary encounters.
Our 2026 trips are almost full. We welcome guests to join us next year or plan ahead for 2027. Each year brings something new and you never know what wonders may surface next.
Join trip leader Jennifer Idol for a week in the company of playful, gentle giants: Humpback whale snorkeling encounters
