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Swimming With Giants – Most Incredible Experience!

Nikki Wynn

Mar 24, 2019 — 4 min read

There are certain experiences in life so enchanting, we know they will stick with us forever. Swimming with humpback whales in French Polynesia is one of them.

Admittedly, we have had more than our fair share of awe-inspiring adventures. But this is something different all together.

We set out to sea in search of giants. A mission like all others, fueled by curiosity and a selfish need to experience something wild. But when we came eye to eye with the creature, it was something far more soul piercing than we had prepared for.

This is our most incredible wild life experience to date. Guaranteed, we didn’t even come close to capturing just how magical it all is. But even with our amateur underwater skills, we hope it brings a smile to your face and a sense of peace in your heart.

I honestly can’t remember what my expectations were going into all of this, but I certainly didn’t expect it to be so spiritual…or all consuming. I had half a mind to follow those whales to Antarctica!

So, while I could go full guru on you…I will keep it brief (because I am no guru).

It’s true what they say, eyes are the window to the soul. Of all the creatures I have been fortunate enough to encounter, never have I been more enchanted than when I looked into the eye of a baby whale.

In those moments I felt I had one foot in this world and another somewhere else. It’s like they could size me up and discern my character, my soul and my worth in one glance. So, you can imagine, when they decided not to flip tail and run…the sense of approval was euphoric.

They were truly gentle giants who have captured my heart, deepened my respect and furthered my admiration for the world that is underwater.

swimming with baby whales most incredible experience

up close encounter swimming with baby whales most incredible experience

Jason and nikki wynn happy face swimming with whales in moorea french polynesia

swimming with whales in moorea french polynesia

swimming with playful baby whales in moorea french polynesia

Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia

Swimming with whales isn’t new. We’ve seen videos and photos of people taking tours in Tonga, Australia and of course, French Polynesia.

We had moved the cash from our cruising kitty to the wallet and were ready to book our tour. But, then we learned we could go swimming with whales on our own, no guide needed! We quickly put our money back in the kitty.

We’re not big on schedules, itineraries or organized tours. Self-guided, self-paced, foot loose and fancy free to roam is our style. It’s a huge part of why we travel with our home. #slowtravel

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a tour is the best or only way to see or do something. But, if we can go on our own, most likely we will.

So, we started digging into the where, what, when and how.

The laws and regulations have changed in French Polynesia even since we have been here. That is partly due to all the research being done by the Mata Tohora. They are studying the whales every year along with the effects of tourism to ensure the whales are respected and protected.

If you plan on swimming with the whales in French Polynesia, make sure to check their website for the latest information.

matatohora.com/?page_id=1457

If you plan on swimming with the whales anywhere else in the world, make sure you check both local laws and regulations as they vary greatly.

Should you choose to go with a tour (plenty of good ones out there), make sure to ask lots of questions to verify they are a reputable operator who cares for the well-being and protection of the whales. The Mata Tohora website above is a good place to learn about respectful behavior towards whales.

sunset with whales in moorea french Polynesia most incredible experience

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