THE EXPEDITION

Our French Polynesian humpback whale & wall of sharks expedition is an unparalleled scuba & snorkeling adventure aimed at exploring the mesmerizing world of humpback whales in the crystal-clear waters of Tahiti followed by four days diving Fakarava atoll in the west of the Tuamotu archipelago in search of the famous (700) wall of sharks.

Within the enchanting islands of French Polynesia, our expedition takes participants on a voyage of discovery around the islands of Papeete and Moorea, where they have the opportunity to witness firsthand the annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Pacific. Equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment, including hydrophones and drones, we delve deep into the behavior and ecology of these magnificent marine mammals.

During this expedition, participants engage in a range of activities, from observing whales breaching and tail-slapping to listening to their enchanting songs beneath the waves. Our team of experts provides insightful commentary and interpretation, enriching the experience with their knowledge of whale behavior, conservation efforts, and the marine ecosystem of French Polynesia.

In addition to whale watching, our expedition offers opportunities for snorkeling, and exploring the vibrant coral reefs and marine life that thrive in these pristine waters. Participants also have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of French Polynesia, with visits to local villages and encounters with indigenous communities and famous land marks.

From Tahiti we fly to Fakarava atoll to spend two and a half days diving the worlds largest aggregation of grey reef sharks, 700. The wall of sharks! These grey reef sharks concentrate themselves in Fakarava south pass.

Our expedition with Unique Ocean Expeditions promises an unforgettable journey of discovery, adventure, and conservation as we explore the wonders of French Polynesia and encounter some of the most awe-inspiring living dinosaurs and largest aggregation of grey reefs sharks on our planet.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is composed of 118 islands and atolls, spread out over an area of more than 2,000 kilometers. The main islands include Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.

Whales, particularly humpback whales, undertake an impressive annual migration from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm waters of French Polynesia. They travel thousands of kilometers to reach the region during the winter months, typically from July to November. 

The primary reason for this migration is breeding and calving. The waters of French Polynesia provide a safe and sheltered environment for humpback whales to mate and give birth to their calves. The warm temperatures and abundance of food sources contribute to the health and well-being of both adult whales and their newborns.

The journey from Antarctica to French Polynesia allows humpback whales to escape the frigid temperatures of the Southern Ocean and take advantage of the favorable conditions in the Pacific for breeding and raising their young.

After spending several months in French Polynesian waters, the whales return to Antarctica to feed during the summer months when food sources are more abundant in the nutrient-rich Southern Ocean. This annual migration cycle is essential for the survival and reproductive success of humpback whales.

SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES

Whale watching is a strictly regulated activity in French Polynesia and only accredited professionals are authorized to organize excursions. There is a distance of 100M security that must be respected, you are not allowed to swim towards the whales, they must decide to swim towards you. Being in the company of these peaceable giants is a moving experience that leaves an indelible mark on everyone who has ever had that privilege.

The only way to swim with the whales in French Polynesia is on a group excursion with a certified guide. There are many such excursions available in Tahiti and Moorea. The whales can be spotted from quite a distance due to their spouts rising high into the air.

Once the whales have been spotted, your boat will approache slowly, so as not to frighten them. Everybody puts on a mask, tuba and flippers and, on the signal from your guide, you slide into the water and swim gently, letting the whales decide if they want to come closer. One of the most wonderful aspects of swimming with whales is listening to their beautiful songs, which can carry for distances of several kilometers. Please respect these beautiful, endangered creatures. They are treasured visitors to French Polynesia, where the ancestral culture considers them to be the guardians of the ocean.

HOW TO APPROACH MARINE MAMMALS

FAKARAVA ATOLL

Fakarava, Havaiki-te-araro, Havai'i or Farea is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. The nearest land is Toau, a coral atoll which lies 14 kilometres to the northwest.

The atoll is rectangular and its length is 60 kilometres, its width 21 kilometres. Fakarava has a wide and deep lagoon with a surface of 1,112 square kilometres with two passes. The main pass to enter the lagoon, located in its north-western end, is known as Passe Garuae and it is the largest pass in French Polynesia; the southern pass is called Tumakohua.

Fakarava has 837 inhabitants, mainly living in the main village called Rotoava, in the north.

PASSE GARUAE PASS (North Pass)

The Garuae Pass is the widest channel in French Polynesia and is located in the north of the atoll. Currents can be particularly strong, and the channel itself is usually only dived on a slack or incoming tide. Plenty of grey reef sharks patrol the giant entrance while thousands of fish are hiding in the channel dug outs.

Possible manta ray encounters can be seen further up the channel wall, as well as a healthy reef of beautiful hard corals and a number of pelagics - including huge numbers of grey reef sharks and plenty of dog tooth tuna.

TUMAKOHUA PASS (South Pass)

Tumakohua Pass located in the far south of the atoll, is an hour’s boat ride from Rotoava and is very different from Passe Garuae in the north.

Only 200-metres wide, this pass is far narrower with currents surprisingly calmer. On any given day, this site can provide some truly spectacular dives, particularly if you’re interested in sharks. The pass has several spots where divers can find shelter and watch as numerous sharks patrol through the pass. A cave cut into the side of the channel, known as Shark’s Hole or Shark Wall, is also home to tons of grey reef sharks.

Other than the WALL OF SHARKS, Tumakohua Pass is most famous for its annual camouflage grouper spawning event.

RATES AND DATES

2025

2026

ALL HOTEL PACKAGES ARE BASED ON A TWIN SHARE OCCUPANCY

ITINERARY

1. Day One - Arrive in Tahiti

2. Day Two - Tahiti Island - We will snorkel in the morning looking for whales - 4hrs

3. Day Three - Tahiti Island - We will snorkel in the morning looking for whales - 4hrs

4. Day Four - Tahiti Island - We will snorkel in the morning and early afternoon looking for whales - 6hrs

5. Day Five - Tahiti Island - We will snorkel in the morning and early afternoon looking for whales - 6hrs

6. Day Six - Fakarava Atoll - Depart to Fakarava Atoll by plane

7. Day Seven - Fakarava Atoll - We will do 2 scuba dives with the wall of sharks

8. Day Eight - Fakarava Atoll - We will do 3 scuba dives with the wall of sharks

9. Day Nine - Fakarava Atoll - We will do 2 scuba dives with the wall of sharks

10. Day Ten - Tahiti Island - Depart back to Tahiti/Papeete

EXCLUDES

• International Flights

• Meals

• Gratuities

• Rental and Dive Gears

• Extra Dives

ACCOMMODATION

KON TIKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL (Tahiti)

ACCOMMODATION

TETAMANU VILLAGE (Fakarava South Pass)

HUMPBACK WHALE EXPEDITION INFORMATION

1. Arrive In Papette (PPT)

2. Water Temperature - 80F/28c

3. Bring Snorkel and Fins

4. Wetsuit 3mm

5. Must be able to swim 100m comfortably

WORKSHOP SKILLS

RICHARD BARNDEN from RICHARD BARNDEN PHOTOGRAPHY will be leading this expedition and sharing his knowledge and skills of shooting Pelagic’s. Each evening Richard will give in depth presentations about the following days diving along with photography tips on settings and compositions.

SKILLS EXPLORED

• Equipment and Photographic Gears

• Blue Water Shooting

• Lighting - Ambient Light

• Lighting - Strobes vs Continues light

• Settings and Compositions