Just the Wild
- Email address verified
37 reviews
Sep 28 - Oct 26, 2025
Group size: 1 - 20
Swim with Humpback whales - Remote island expedition 2025
Tubuai Island
Just the Wild
- Email address verified
37 reviews
Sep 28 - Oct 26, 2025
Group size: 1 - 20
About this trip
If you've ever wanted to say, I was there before it was cool, this is the place to go.
Tubuai Island is on the southern island chain of French Polynesia, and is as remote as you can get without being on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Each year populations of humpback whales travel north to the South Pacific and the warm waters of French Polynesia to raise their new born calves.
Join us for six days of swimming with these amazing giants of the sea. No SCUBA certification needed.
What’s included
- 6 days on the waterWe go out each day from about 730 am- 4pm
- 7 Nights AccommodationAccommodation is twin share rooms, at a small family run lodge.
- All meals on the islandBreakfast and dinner at the lodge, and lunch on board the boat
- Digital photosAn online drive is shared for you to access photos taken by our guides
- Non-alcoholic drinksBasic refreshments on board the boat
- Airport TransfersTransfers from and to Tubuai Airport
- Gear if neededThere is limited gear available, and this resource is not expected to outfit everyone, but more for a backup. Wetsuits, mask, snorkel and fins are available, but we advise having your own.
What’s not included
- ArifareInternational and Domestic airfare
- Travel InsuranceWe cant stress it enough- please get this
- GratuitiesFor the crew
Available Packages
Session 1 - September 28 - October 5
Deposit:$900
Only 2 left
$5,190
Deposit:$900
Session 2 - October 5 - October 12
Deposit:$900
5 left
$5,190
Deposit:$900
Session 3 - October 12 - October 19
Deposit:$900
5 left
$5,190
Deposit:$900
Session 4 - October 19 - October 26
Deposit:$900
5 left
$5,190
Deposit:$900
Available options
Single Supplement Tubuai Session 1
$1,200
Sold Out
This option is for those who wish to have a single room, and not share. These are limited.
Single Supplement Tubuai Session 2
$1,200
Only 1 left
This option is for those who wish to have a single room, and not share. These are limited.
Single Supplement Tubuai Session 3
$1,200
Only 1 left
This option is for those who wish to have a single room, and not share. These are limited.
Single Supplement Tubuai Session 4
$1,200
Only 1 left
This option is for those who wish to have a single room, and not share. These are limited.
Your Organizer
Reviews
CD
Everything was exceptional during this adventure in Dominica. The experience of swimming with these gentle giants and observing them was nothing short of breath taking. The expedition leader Kellon, was a phenomenal guide, who answered our inquisitive questions and facilitated the most naturally surreal encounters with these beauties. This being my second tour with ‘Just the Wild’, I can hands down say that the experiences that they offer of ethically viewing these stunning animals will leave a lasting impression on you, I’ll definitely be back again.
By Corey D for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica November 2024 on Dec 09, 2024
Fantastic week, the most ethical encounters - with Caine as a wonderful guide
By Madeline S for Swim with Blue Whales - Timor Leste, November 2024 on Nov 29, 2024
Everything was awesome! Aimee is an absolute joy - so professional and kind. Caine was so easy to work with and aquatica is a first rate operator! Swimming w the blue whales a life changing experience!!! Can’t wait to come back :)
By Lady F for Swim with Blue Whales - Timor Leste, November 2024 on Nov 29, 2024
Caine was swift in his responses and informative leading up the trip. The pre-trip packet addresses any questions I would have thought to ask in preparation. All the booking, arrival/departure, accommodation, and transport was seamless. The hotel staff could not have been more pleasant and accommodating, they immediately felt like family. I had no idea what to expect encountering sperm whales and was met with multiple days of incredible encounters and engagement. Expedition leader Kellon, with the expertise of Pernell and support of John, provided (along with the curiosity from the pod we encountered) an exceptional experience with the safety of the animals and our group foremost in mind. They are really focused on providing the best experience within the limits of weather and wildlife which are never guaranteed. Just the Wild has most experienced and respected crew in Dominica for this type of expedition. I felt safe and well instructed which enabled me to fully immerse and enjoy these encounters. I will book this trip again. Our group shared laughs, knowledge and travel stories; arriving strangers and leaving friends. As far as what a sperm whale encounter imprints on you, I suggest you book to find out.
By Meg R for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica November 2024 on Nov 22, 2024
An experience of a lifetime! We saw whales up close every single day. Sometimes we were so close to friendly whales that we had to back up from them! The best part about Just the Wild is that they respect all of the marine wildlife that we see. Other boats may harass and not leave the whales alone, but it feels good being with Just the Wild because you can count on being in a respectful group. I will never forget on Day One being so close to a humpback that we looked into each other's eyes. No words can describe the feeling--it must be experienced.
By Christine R for 2024 Humpback Whale Expedition, Mo'orea French Polynesia on Nov 20, 2024
References
I traveled twice this past year with Just the Wild - last January to Dominica to see the sperm whales and this past November to see the big blues in Timor-leste - and it may sound like hyperbole but it was nothing short of life changing!
As a child I was torn between my two loves: art and science, specifically marine biology. I chose art in the end and fast forward 30 years to a somewhat disenchanted life as a Creative Director in advertising looking for a change. I stumbled across Just the Wild and after a few years of following Caine's IG and emails, finally decided it was now or never.
I'm so so so glad I did! It wasn't just the whales - which we're breathtaking, beautiful, mind-blowing and just so, so, so cool - it's the people you meet. The other guests, the boat captain and first mate, the hotel owners and staff, the dive shop instructors - everyone is just amazing. Travel gives you such an amazing perspective of the world and I can't recommend it enough. Caine has taken care to find the nicest and most knowledgable folks to work with and support. Up till last January I had been snorkeling exactly twice, both times in the shallows. But I'd always dreamed of seeing my favorites: the cetaceans. Between the other guests (special thanks to Wayne and Ellyn) and Caine, I quickly acclimated to open water snorkeling and now I can't wait to get back in the water! And speaking of the dude himself, as a wannabe marine biologist, to have a guide that's not only knowledgable but as excited about the animals we're interacting with is infectious.
I have a new found desire to pursue a live that supports swimming in the ocean as much as possible - from getting my scuba certification to exploring the world of underwater photography. And, of course, booking a trip to see the humpbacks in French Polynesia with Just the Wild ASAP!
By Liesje K on 14 Dec, 2024