Table of Contents
Guided trip
The Story
French Polynesia's outer islands are one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside humpback whales in open water. Every August and September, mothers bring their calves here to nurse before the long migration south, and the waters around these remote islands become one of the most remarkable wildlife corridors on the planet. This trip puts you in the water with them.
Limited to eight guests and guided by award-winning underwater photographer Karim Iliya, the trip is built around five full days of ocean encounters. You move by boat with an experienced local captain and crew, reading the water, watching for surfacing breath, and slipping in when the moment is right. Some encounters are slow and close, a mother holding her calf steady just below the surface. Others are fast, a juvenile breaking away to investigate you directly. Karim has spent years photographing whales across the Pacific and knows how to read both the animals and the light. No more than five people enter the water at a time, keeping encounters calm and respectful.
Beyond the water, the days have a rhythm that's hard to find elsewhere. Home-cooked meals, evenings at the guesthouse on a small island of just 2,500 people, conversations with fellow guests who've just shared something extraordinary. Karim works with each guest personally on their underwater photography, from approach and buoyancy to exposure and composition in moving water. You don't need diving experience or professional gear. You just need to show up ready.
French Polynesia itself is worth the journey. The lagoons, the reef systems, the Polynesian culture woven through everything. But the whales are why you come, and they rarely disappoint.
The Highlights
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Why Travel With Karim?
15+
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French Polynesia
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FAQ
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What's included
- 6 nights accommodation on the outer islands (shared)
- 5 days on the water swimming with humpback whales
- Half day island exploration
- Small group of max 8 guests only
- All breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Interactive photography and videography masterclasses with Karim Iliya
- Professional photos from the trip
- Airport transfers
- Airguides expedition leader
Optional extra: private room (single supplement - contact us for pricing)
What's not included
- Flights
- Snorkeling Gear
- Other Activities
- Alcohol
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, and weather conditions can vary. Some activities may be affected by factors outside our control.
Who is this trip for?
Anyone who wants to spend time with humpback whales in the wild. You don't need to be a photographer - the focus is on the experience of being in the water with these animals, not on capturing it. Photography and videography workshops are included but completely optional. You just need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable snorkelling in open water.
Do I need to be a photographer?
No. The photography and videography workshops are included but entirely optional. Some guests come specifically for the photography side; others come purely for the experience of being in the water with whales. Both are completely valid. The trip works for anyone who loves wildlife and the ocean.
Are whale encounters guaranteed?
No, and that honesty is part of what makes this trip worth doing. Humpbacks return to French Polynesia every year and is one of the best places on the planet to swim with them - but wildlife is wild. The encounters can't be scripted or guaranteed. What the trip does guarantee is the best possible conditions for a real, natural encounter, led by someone who has spent years building the knowledge and patience to make them happen.
Who will lead this trip?
Every Airguides expedition has two leaders: an Airguides Trip Leader who handles logistics and keeps everything running smoothly, and a Storyteller Guide - in this case Brooke Pyke - who brings expertise, stories and perspective to every dive and experience.
Can I speak to someone about this trip or get help with flights?
Yes. Our team can help with flight options and travel routing. Call, text or WhatsApp us at +61 402 552 918. You'll speak directly with an Airguides team member who knows this trip inside out. We're here to help with any questions, big or small, from planning your adventure to arriving back home.
Most trips are for guests aged 18+, but occasionally we welcome younger travellers if the trip is a good fit. For example, confident swimmers may be able to join in-water trips with prior approval. Just reach out if you're not sure!
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