Aitutaki Whale Week: Swim with Humpbacks
7 nights all-inclusive: flights from Rarotonga, beachfront stays, meals and 5 days on the water with your own private boat and guide
Tick off one of life's biggest bucket-list items
With the locals who know these waters best
Watch humpbacks breach, spy-hop and tail-slap, then slip in beside them with an experienced guide. Every week sits in the peak of the season to give you the best possible chance of a swim. Great for whale lovers, photographers, videographers and marine biologists.
Your own private boat
Captain, crew and whale swim guide for your group of up to 10.
Locally owned
A family business with local captains, crew and knowledge, running whale swims for about 20 years.
Everything organised
Flights, stays, meals and transfers. Just enjoy the week.
More than whales
Snorkel with giant clams, turtles and Napoleon wrasse in the lagoon.
Your week at a glance
Saturday to Saturday (Cook Islands time), 7 nights
Saturday · Fly Rarotonga to Aitutaki
Your Air Rarotonga flight and airport transfer to your beachfront stay on the lagoon.
Weekend · Sunday Funday
Rest after your trip, explore the beaches and lookouts, or enjoy a cocktail at a beach bar. Most of the island closes on Sundays, but resorts and some cafés stay open.
Monday to Friday · 5 days on the water
Four to five hours a day finding and swimming with humpbacks on your private group charter, with lunch on board. You’ll also stop at the best islands, beaches and snorkel spots.
Evenings · Dinners around the island
Dinners at different spots around Aitutaki, plus the Island Night buffet with a fire dance show.
Mornings · Optional yoga
Yoga is available in the mornings if you’d like it. Just let us know when you book.
Saturday · Fly home with a story
Transfer back to the airport, with your whale swim T-shirt and plenty of memories.
Trip details
- Duration 7 nights, Sat – Sat
- Flights Rarotonga – Aitutaki included
- Group Private, up to 10
- On the water 5 days, 4–5 hrs
- Ages 14+ (under-18s with an adult)
- Deposit 50% at booking
- Balance due 1 May 2027
2027 retreat dates
12 weeks, Saturday to Saturday, Cook Islands time
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
The Cook Islands is a day behind New Zealand, so if you’re flying from New Zealand, check your flight dates carefully.
Beyond the whales
Aitutaki has one of the biggest, clearest lagoons in the world, and your week has time to enjoy it
Snorkel the lagoon
Giant clams, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and thousands of reef fish.
Island hopping
Bonus stops at the best islands, beaches and snorkel spots.
Island Night
A buffet feast and cultural show with fire dancing.
Sunday Funday
Cocktails, lookouts and lazy beach time.
Included
- Return flights Rarotonga – Aitutaki
- 7 nights beachfront accommodation
- Tropical or cooked breakfast daily
- All airport and boat transfers
- 5 days on the water (4–5 hours each)
- Lunch on all boat days
- Whale swim tour guide
- Dinners around Aitutaki
- Island Night buffet and show
- Bonus explore and snorkel stops
- Whale swim T-shirt
- The best time of your life
Not included
- International flights to Rarotonga
- Other transport around Aitutaki
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Drinks not included with meals
- Wetsuits
- Travel insurance
Choose your stay
All beachfront on the lagoon, with air-con, fridge, private bathroom and kayak or SUP use. Prices are per person in NZD.
- 2-bedroom bungalow NZ$7,250
- Deluxe beachfront bungalow NZ$7,350
- Single room NZ$8,350
Rooms at some stays are being updated. Ask us about options. · Compare all stays
Deals & payment
Most weeks book out before the season starts, so reserve early
Early-bird discount
Book before 31 December 2026 and save 5%.
Two weeks, same season
Book back-to-back or two tours in one season and get 10% off the second.
50% deposit secures your spot
Non-refundable, per person. It reserves your flights, stay, boat, tours and catering.
Balance due 1 May 2027
90 days before the season opens. Booking after 1 May? Pay in full to confirm.
What our whale swimmers say
Hear it from our guests, plus our Google reviews
Guest story · Watch on YouTube
Guest story · Watch on YouTube
“Amazing experience. Absolutely amazing day swimming with the whales. Cool boat, crew and music, highly recommend.”
“Did the whale swim with these guys TWICE because it was just that amazing… A literal once in a lifetime experience, exceptional!”
“I had one of the best days of my life with this team. No words for the experience I got to have with the whales… Highly recommend.”
Ready to swim with the whales?
Pick your week and room, then send your request. No payment is taken now.
Fitness required
Retreats are for ages 14 and over, and under-18s must travel with an adult. All swims are in open, sometimes very deep ocean. You need to gear up, swim unaided and get in and out of the boat by yourself. Your guide is always last out of the water.
Flights
International flights aren’t included, so first fly into Rarotonga International Airport. Whether you stay on Rarotonga for a few days or connect straight away, your Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki and back is included. See Getting here.
Accommodation
All stays are beachfront on the lagoon with kayak and/or SUP use. Every room has air conditioning, a fridge and its own bathroom and shower.
Meals
Tropical or cooked breakfast every morning at your accommodation. Lunch with cold drinks on all boat days (Monday to Friday). Dinners at different spots around the island, including Island Night with fire dancing. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday isn’t included. Tell us about food allergies ahead of time.
Transfers and getting around
Airport transfers on arrival and departure, plus daily transfers between your stay and the boat Monday to Friday. For everything else, like shops, cafés, dinners and lookouts, rent a scooter or car, or use an island taxi or tour bus.
5 days on the water
Around 4–5 hours a day on your private group charter. Meet the captain and crew, get a boat and whale-swim safety briefing (with a reminder each day), then swim with an experienced guide beside you. You’ll also explore the best islands, beaches and snorkel spots, with giant clams, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, giant trevally and thousands of reef fish.
Travelling with under-14s or less confident swimmers?
We can arrange a specialty package. We recommend booking out a full tour group for the week so your group can take its time in the water with no pressure from other guests.
Cancellation policy
We refund only if the captain cancels for unsafe weather, the boat is out of action for mechanical reasons, or the border is closed and you can’t travel. You can then reschedule, swap for another Wet & Wild activity, or take a full refund less reservation costs. Illness, accidents or no-shows aren’t refunded, so we strongly recommend travel insurance.
What to bring
Passport, money (cash or card), hat, camera or GoPro, reef-safe sunscreen, reef or boat shoes, and swimwear or a wetsuit (the water is warm). Snorkel gear is provided if needed. Bring good vibes and positive energy!