The best time to swim with whales in Aitutaki
A season guide for planning your humpback whale trip to the Cook Islands
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Humpback whales visit the Cook Islands each year from July to October. That’s the window for swimming with whales in Aitutaki, and every one of our tours and 7-night retreats runs inside it.
Whale season at a glance
Humpbacks spend the southern summer feeding in Antarctic waters, then travel north to warmer tropical seas to mate, give birth and raise their calves. Around Aitutaki the outer reef drops quickly into deep water, so the whales are often only a short boat ride from the lagoon.
- Season: July to October
- Shared whale tours and private charters: every day of the season, weather permitting
- 7-night whale swim retreats: 12 Saturday-to-Saturday weeks, 24 July – 16 October 2027
Month by month
Every season is different, and whale numbers and behaviour change from week to week. As a general guide:
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| July | The season begins as the first humpbacks arrive from the south. |
| August | Usually the busiest part of the season, with more whales around Aitutaki. |
| September | Also a busy month, and a good time to see mothers resting with young calves. |
| October | The season winds down as whales start heading south again. |
Whatever month you choose, whales are wild animals. We can’t guarantee you’ll see one, or swim with one, on any particular day.
Weather and water
Whale season falls in the Cook Islands’ cooler, drier months. Days are typically warm and sunny, with fresher evenings and trade winds that can make the open ocean choppy outside the reef.
The water is warm, so swimwear is fine for most people, or bring your own wetsuit if you like a bit of extra warmth. Snorkelling gear is provided on all our tours.
Our captain checks the conditions before every trip. If it’s unsafe to go out, the tour is cancelled and you can reschedule, swap to another Wet & Wild activity or get a full refund less reservation costs. See our cancellation policy.
How many tours to book
Weather and whale behaviour decide each day, and our crew only put swimmers in the water when it’s right for the whales and for you. To give yourself the best chance of an in-water encounter, we recommend booking two or three tours, especially early and late in the season.
Arriving on Aitutaki at least a day before your first tour also helps, as flights can be delayed by weather.
Planning from New Zealand
Getting to Aitutaki takes two flights: an international flight to Rarotonga, then a short domestic flight with Air Rarotonga. Direct flights to Rarotonga leave from Auckland and Christchurch, and Cook Islands time is UTC−10.
Our 7-night retreats book out before the season starts, so plan early. Book before 31 December 2026 to get our 5% early-bird discount. Read more in how to get to Aitutaki from New Zealand.
Choosing your tour
- Shared Whale Tour – NZ$200 per person, 2–3 hours, departing 9:00am or 1:00pm. See shared whale tour details.
- Private Whale Charter – NZ$700 for 2 people, then NZ$200 for each extra person, up to 8. See private charter details.
- 7-Night Whale Swim Retreat – from NZ$7,250 per person, twin share, with five days on the water. Explore the whale swim retreats.
Got questions about swimming ability, ages or what to bring? Our whale swimming FAQs cover the details.
Ready to swim with whales in Aitutaki?
Choose a shared tour, a private charter or a 7-night retreat, then send your request.