Aitutaki: Swim with Humpback Whales
Small-group whale swims and private charters with local guides who know these whales, July to October
Tours and prices
Daily in whale season, July to October. Prices in New Zealand dollars.
Day tour
Shared Whale Tour
Private
Private Whale Charter
7 nights
Whale Swim Retreat
- Price
+ NZ$200 each extra person
Twin share · singles from NZ$8,350
- On the water
2–3 hours
2 hours
5 days, 4–5 hours a day
- Departs
9:00 am or 1:00 pm, daily July – October
8:30 am, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm, daily July – October
Saturday to Saturday, 24 July – 16 October 2027
- Group
Shared small group
Just your group, up to 8
Private group, up to 10
- Getting there
Meet the boat at Arutanga Harbour
Pick-up from your accommodation
All airport and boat transfers
- Included
Whale guide, snorkel gear and cold water
Your own boat, crew and guide, snorkel gear, towels and cold water
Flights from Rarotonga, 7 nights beachfront, most meals and Island Night
Day tour
Shared Whale Tour
- Price
- On the water
2–3 hours
- Departs
9:00 am or 1:00 pm, daily July – October
- Group
Shared small group
- Getting there
Meet the boat at Arutanga Harbour
- Included
Whale guide, snorkel gear and cold water
Private
Private Whale Charter
- Price
+ NZ$200 each extra person
- On the water
2 hours
- Departs
8:30 am, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm, daily July – October
- Group
Just your group, up to 8
- Getting there
Pick-up from your accommodation
- Included
Your own boat, crew and guide, snorkel gear, towels and cold water
7 nights
Whale Swim Retreat
- Price
Twin share · singles from NZ$8,350
- On the water
5 days, 4–5 hours a day
- Departs
Saturday to Saturday, 24 July – 16 October 2027
- Group
Private group, up to 10
- Getting there
All airport and boat transfers
- Included
Flights from Rarotonga, 7 nights beachfront, most meals and Island Night
Day tours are paid in advance to confirm your date and time. Whales are wild, so we can’t guarantee an in-water encounter. Booking two or three tours gives you the best chance.
What happens on a tour
Aitutaki’s reef drops straight into deep blue water, so the humpbacks are often only minutes from the lagoon. Watch them breach, tail-slap and spy-hop, then, when it’s right for the whales, slip into the water with your guide and see them up close.
- Whales arrive July, leave by early November
- Mothers and calves rest in the warm water
- A whale sanctuary since 2001
Before you go
Fitness
Open, sometimes deep ocean. You'll need to swim unaided and climb in and out of the boat yourself.
What to bring
Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, water bottle and a camera. Snorkel gear is provided.
Ages
Ages 14+ for retreats, under-18s with an adult. Ask us about a private charter for younger kids.
Be whale-responsible
Our local crew have about 20 years with these whales. We give them space, a resting mother and calf are watched from the boat, and every decision puts safety and the whales first.
Planning your dates? See the best time to swim with whales.
Ready to swim with the whales?
Pick a tour and a date. No payment is taken until we confirm.