Swimming with whales in Aitutaki: FAQs
Prices, swimming ability, equipment, responsible encounters and cancellations
On this page
Everything you need to know before you swim with humpback whales in Aitutaki. Can’t find your answer? Get in touch and we’ll help.
Prices and booking
How much does it cost to swim with whales in Aitutaki?
A Shared Whale Tour is NZ$200 per person. A Private Whale Charter is NZ$700 for two people, plus NZ$200 for each extra person, up to 8. Our 7-night whale swim retreats start from NZ$7,250 per person, twin share. See tour times and inclusions and package details.
How do I pay?
Shared tours and private charters are paid in advance to confirm your date and time. For 7-night retreats, a 50% non-refundable deposit per person secures your place, and the balance is due 1 May 2027. If you book after 1 May, payment in full confirms your place.
Are there any discounts?
There’s a discount for multiple tour bookings. For 7-night retreats, book before 31 December 2026 to save 5%, and get 10% off a second week in the same season.
What's included in the 7-night retreat?
Return flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, 7 nights beachfront accommodation, breakfast daily, lunch on boat days, dinners around the island including Island Night, all airport and boat transfers, and 5 days on the water with your own private boat and guide. International flights, wetsuits, travel insurance and drinks not included with meals are extra.
Swimming ability, ages and safety
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in open, sometimes very deep ocean. You’ll swim unaided, put on your own gear and get in and out of the boat by yourself, sometimes while drifting and waiting for others. The open ocean isn’t the place to learn to swim.
Is there an age limit?
Our 7-night retreats are for ages 14 and over, and under-18s must be with an adult. Travelling with younger children or less confident swimmers? Ask us about a private charter so your group can take its time.
Who is in the water with us?
Every swim is led by our local guide, who briefs you before you get in. Your guide is always last out of the water.
Can I swim if I have a medical condition?
Please tell us about any medical condition that may affect your safety in the water before you book. Our crew may decide it isn’t safe for you to swim on the day.
Equipment and what to bring
What equipment is provided?
Snorkelling gear and cold water are provided on all tours. Private charters also include towels.
What should I bring?
A hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a water bottle, sunglasses and a camera or GoPro. The water is warm, so swimwear is fine, or bring your own wetsuit if you’d like one. Wetsuits aren’t included in our packages.
Responsible whale encounters
Will I definitely swim with a whale?
No. Whales are wild, and we can’t guarantee a sighting or an in-water encounter on any tour. A tour that runs but doesn’t find whales isn’t a cancellation. Booking two or three tours gives you the best chance. Read our guide to the best time to swim with whales in Aitutaki.
How do you approach the whales?
The Cook Islands has been a whale sanctuary since 2001, and all whales and dolphins in our waters are protected. We give the whales space and swim ethically. Our crew decide when and whether to swim based on the whales’ behaviour, the weather and our guests’ abilities. A resting mother and calf are watched from the boat.
Weather and cancellations
What happens if my tour is cancelled?
If the captain cancels because the weather makes it unsafe, the boat has mechanical problems, or the border is closed and you can’t travel, you can reschedule, swap to another Wet & Wild activity, or get a full refund less reservation costs.
Can I get a refund if I can't make it?
We can’t refund for illness, accidents or no-shows, so we strongly recommend travel insurance. If you need to change your date, contact us as early as possible and we’ll do our best to move you. Read the full cancellation policy.
Meeting points and getting here
Where do tours leave from?
Shared whale tours meet at the boat at Arutanga Harbour in town. Private charters and 7-night retreats include transfers from your accommodation.
How do I get to Aitutaki from New Zealand?
Fly to Rarotonga, with direct flights from Auckland and Christchurch, then take the short Air Rarotonga flight to Aitutaki. Flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki are included in our 7-night retreats. See how to get to Aitutaki.
Ready to choose your tour?
Ready to swim with whales in Aitutaki?
Choose a shared tour, a private charter or a 7-night retreat, then send your request.