Bora Bora’s whale-watching season runs July through November, when these magnificent creatures migrate through French Polynesian waters. The best tours keep groups small (12 or fewer people) for a more personal experience. You’ll spot humpbacks, orcas, rorquals, and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
Experienced guides know exactly where to find these marine mammals, and the tours I recommend include refreshments and quality snorkeling gear. With prices from $172-194 per person, the most worthwhile options combine wildlife viewing with opportunities to get in the water. Small-group morning tours consistently earn top marks from my readers, particularly for their knowledgeable naturalist guides and uncrowded boats.
Let’s explore the finest whale-watching tours Bora Bora has to offer.
Good To Know
- Tohora Bora Bora offers highly recommended small-group whale watching tours (maximum 12 travelers) with close encounters, knowledgeable guides, and a variety of whale species.
- Bora Bora Whale Watching excursions provide light refreshments, live commentary, hotel pickup/drop-off, snorkeling equipment, and a hydrophone, catering to a maximum of 10 people.
- Private half-day whale watching tours allow listening to whales’ songs through onboard headsets and include hotel pickup/drop-off, snorkeling gear, and light refreshments.
- Private Whale Watching BORA-BORA tours offer coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, snacks, and fresh fruits, as well as snorkeling equipment and pickup from accommodation.
- The peak whale watching season in Bora Bora is from July to November, when humpback whales and other species are most likely to be observed.
Whale Watching Bora Bora
During the peak whale watching season in Bora Bora, from July to November, visitors have the opportunity to observe these magnificent marine giants as they make their way north to give birth to their calves. The small-group whale watching tours, with a maximum of 12 travelers, provide an intimate and immersive experience.
Guests can expect to see a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, rorquals, and dolphins, in the French Polynesian sanctuary. The tour includes coffee, tea, snacks, and the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing visitors to potentially swim alongside the whales, conditions permitting.
With pickup from hotels or Airbnbs, the 3.5-hour boat tour promises knowledgeable guides and close encounters with these gentle giants. Reviews highlight the positive experiences, with travelers praising the tour’s highlights. Confirmation is subject to availability, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Whale Watching Tours in Bora Bora
Visitors to Bora Bora can embark on whale watching tours to witness the majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat. These tours, operated by Tohora Bora Bora, are highly recommended, with 92% of travelers endorsing them. With 215 reviews, the tours provide an opportunity to observe the magnificent whales in the stunning setting of French Polynesia.
The tours offer equipment on request, and pickup is available from either the accommodation or a designated meeting point. Pickups occur in the morning (7:30-8:30) and afternoon (12:00-13:30), with the exact time communicated the evening before. Pickup times may vary depending on other participants.
The tours meet at the Anau Launch near the Super U express toa areni store in Bora-Bora. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and the tours aren’t wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travelers. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness and be free of heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The maximum group size is 10 travelers, and the cost is $172.65 per person.
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Bora Bora Whale Watching
Travelers can embark on whale watching excursions in Bora Bora, offering the chance to witness the majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat. These tours provide a wealth of features, including light refreshments, live commentary from a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, a hydrophone, bottled water, and even alcoholic drinks (available for purchase).
Accommodating a maximum of 10 people per booking, the tours aren’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or individuals with heart conditions or serious medical issues, and aren’t wheelchair accessible.
Pickup details will be provided upon confirmation, with hotel pickup and drop-off available if there’s a pontoon. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, subject to availability. Priced at $194.23 per person, these whale watching tours in Bora Bora promise the opportunity to spot whales, as well as dolphins, and even swim with the whales, all while ensuring the lowest price guarantee.
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Bora Bora Private Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour
For a private whale watching tour in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, the best time to visit is from July to November when humpback whales are present. The private half-day tour allows your group to listen to the whales’ songs through onboard headsets and enjoy light refreshments while a professional guide provides live commentary.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, a hydrophone, snacks, and bottled water. Up to 10 people can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Pickup is by boat from any hotel or port in Bora Bora, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This private whale watching tour offers a unique opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat and learn about these magnificent creatures.
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Private Tour Whale Watching BORA-BORA
Bora Ocean Adventures’ private whale watching tour in Bora Bora allows travelers to enjoy the serene surroundings and observe the magnificent humpback whales. The tour includes coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, snacks, and fresh fruits, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience. Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing guests to explore the underwater world and potentially spot marine life.
The tour is private, catering exclusively to the participants’ group. Pickup is available from the traveler’s accommodation, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, thanks to the Bora Ocean Adventures’ Lowest Price Guarantee and Reserve Now and Pay Later policy.
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The Sum Up
Bora Bora offers remarkable whale watching experiences. Visitors can join group tours or book private half-day excursions to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. The island’s calm waters provide excellent viewing opportunities, and skilled guides ensure a safe and informative adventure. Whale watching in Bora Bora promises an unforgettable encounter with these majestic marine mammals.