MOOREA • OCTOBER 3-10, 2025

French Polynesia. Home to islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Moorea. It’s often referred to as the “land of honeymooners, overwater bungalows and sparkling lagoons.” Well, maybe for some. For others, French Polynesia is associated with one thing: humpback whales! Glimpses of whales underwater are not uncommon, but imagine spending five minutes, ten minutes or more, face-to-face with a 50' mother and her newborn calf. And doing so in clear blue water. Normally 12 weeks max, the humpback whale season in Moorea is short, but by booking years in advance Seasick has secured dates during the peak portion of the season. In Moorea, most of the 'dive' operations are merely cattle boats. They squeeze 20+ guests on a boat, charge insane rates, and then limit the boat tour to three or four hours. Not cool. Instead, Seasick has contracted a small private expedition company that limits their boat to only ten guests (and their boat is super sick). This company normally caters to mega yacht owners, television production companies and “celebrity” photographers within the dive industry. In addition to the small group size, Seasick guests will get up to 8 hours per day out on the water. This equates to more opportunities, more sightings, and more interactions.

This custom package includes five whale swimming days plus a free day in Moorea.

Humpbacks, it’s showtime!

MOOREA

Moorea rises out of the ocean like a cathedral. High, sharp, green spires crowned by clouds. Waterfalls, meadows and Moorea’s bright blue lagoon. Pastel-painted houses, surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a necklace of happy, simple villages. Moorea’s beauty is unforgettable.

It’s a natural playground. The quiet waters of the lagoon and the annual trade winds from April to October allow for a variety of activities, from outrigger canoeing to paddle boarding, kite boarding, water skiing and even surfing. Moorea is a haven for divers and snorkelers who instantly fall in love with the varied coral reef ecosystem and the colorful mix of marine life. On the mountainside, the sharp landscape is watched over by eight summits featuring a magnificent ancient volcanic crater which has now become a lush valley. It is the perfect area for hiking, horseback riding, quad biking or exploring on a four-wheeler.

Location: Pacific Ocean • Country: French Polynesia • Archipelago: Society Islands • Administrative Subdivision: Windward Islands • Capital City: 'Afareaitu • Highest Elevation: Mont Tohive'a (3,960') • Area: 52 sq mi • Population: 16,200 • Time: UTC-10 • Language: French and Tahitian • Currency: French Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP) • Electricity: 110V and 220V • Airport: Temae (MOZ)

SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES

Weighing up to a ton and measuring about the length of a Volkswagen bus (10'-15'), being in the water with a baby humpback whale is a breathtaking experience (a tear might even be shed). Now imagine her mother, weighing more than 30 tons and reaching a maximum length of 50' (envision a semi-truck trailer), as she gracefully approaches from the depths. Amazing. Truly amazing.

When people recount their first-time swimming with whales in Moorea, they describe it as an almost magical or surreal experience. There are very few places in the world where people can still swim with humpback whales. These majestic creatures come to the islands of Tahiti from August to October to birth their young and the normally calm clear waters are perfect for whale watching. As marine mammals, female humpback whales have live births and may have one baby every two to three years. Year after year, like clockwork, humpback whales come to French Polynesia from Antarctica. The first few individuals are sighted in June and the last ones depart the islands in early December. The peak season is between mid-August and the end of October. Encounters during this period are very frequent. Breeding females come to deliver their calves in the warm waters of Tahiti and the other adults come to find a mate while being sheltered from their natural offshore predators.

Global Population: 80,000 est • Average Size Male: 43'-46' • Average Size Female: 49'-52' • Mass: 55,000-66,000 lbs • Lifespan: 45-50 years • Gestation period: 11 months (335 days)

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

At the Polynesian latitudes, it is summer all year round! However, there are two main weather seasons — dry and wet. The dry season lasts from March to November and has temperatures between 71°F and 80°F. The wet (rainy) season runs from December to late February and is a bit warmer ranging from 77°F to 95°F. Moorea is subject to tropical showers (hence the lush topography) throughout the year including the dry season. It can, and will, rain any time on any day.

Average Day Temp in October: 84°F • Average Night Temp: 81°F • Sea Water Temp: 83°F • Sunshine Hours: 12.5 • Number of Rainy Days: 5 • Rain Total: 2.9 in

COOK’S BAY HOTEL

Located on the North side of Moorea, Cook’s Bay Hotel is the newest offering on the island. After 20 years of vacancy and decay, the hotel endured a two year renovation and was transformed into a modern and stylish resort. The boutique property features 38 sea view suites, a mini beach, pool, onsite restaurant, and several common areas to chill.

Built: 1985 • Renovated: 2023 • Suites: 38 (2 Floors) • Pool: Outdoor • Beach: Yes • Dock: Yes • Spa: No • Gym: Yes • Onsite Dining: Le Cook’s • Bar: Yes • Laundry: Yes • Breakfast: Optional • WiFi: Included

ACCOMMODATIONS

SEA VIEW SUITE
Featuring one Queen bed plus a sofa bed. These 538 sq ft suites include 160 sq ft of terrace or balcony space. Private bathrooms, separate bedroom + living room, and kitchenettes are all standard.

SNORKEL OPERATOR

Seasick has selected Moorea’s leader in VIP humpback snorkeling excursions. Does the company have a name? Yes. Will Seasick broadcast the name? Nope. Why? Simple. The company is in very high demand and agencies like Seasick are competing for their services during the coveted 12 weeks of humpback whale season in Moorea. The less people who know about this secret organization, the better.

Throughout the year the VIP snorkel operator caters to mega yachts and a variety of prestigious clients (not sure how Seasick got invited to the party). The professional and knowledgeable crew is hand-picked to ensure all guests are looked after both in and out of the water. Some members of the crew were born and raised on Moorea. They have been swimming with the whales since they were children. It is what they know and what they love.

The VIP snorkel operator’s brand-new (in 2021) custom inflatable boat is the Ferrari of snorkeling vessels. It is fast. Very very fast. It is comfortable (even the floors are padded). It is the ideal way to spend long days out on the water. Based in French Polynesia, the VIP snorkel operator has an excellent knowledge of the country's 118 islands which covers an area as large as Western Europe! 1% is land versus 99% ocean. Whale watching is strictly regulated by law in the Islands of Tahiti since the area has been designated as a sanctuary for marine mammals since 2002. The VIP snorkel operator has a government license to conduct whale swimming and has worked over the past decade with several marine biologists who specialize in cetacean research in French Polynesia.

By combining their high-end products and top-tier services, the VIP snorkel operator will provide marine enthusiasts with a truly exciting adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime.

SHARK SANDBANK

Although the primary focus of the trip is to be in close proximity with humpback whales, it is not the only marine creature guests will encounter. Located on the Northwest corner of the island, the Shark Sandbank (unofficial name) is one of Moorea’s best snorkeling spots. All guests will have multiple chances to swim and snorkel with blacktip sharks and stingrays. Photographers get those cameras ready!

MOOREA RENTAL VEHICLE

All guests may want to secure a rental vehicle for the Moorea portion of the trip. A rental vehicle will not be required to rendezvous with the whale snorkel operator as there is a dock at Cook’s Bay Hotel. However, rental vehicles equate to freedom! Every day, when the whale snorkeling is finished, guests will have the opportunity to roam, to explore, and to discover the island.

Each guest does not need his/her own vehicle. Seasick suggests that guests team up in groups of four to five people and split the cost of the vehicle and gas for the week. For budgeting purposes, if five guests share one vehicle, plan to spend roughly $100 per person for the seven or eight-day rental. Keep in mind, this is French Polynesia. Things aren’t cheap.

For liability purposes, Seasick is unable to reserve and pay for a guest’s rental vehicle. As the trip draws closer, additional information will be provided about where, how and when to reserve a vehicle. Here are some samples of the rental vehicle inventory in Moorea, with more options available.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

FLIGHTS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF DECEMBER 10, 2024

LOS ANGELES - TAHITI
DEPARTING: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 • RETURNING: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
ESTIMATED COST: $1,575

TAHITI HOTELS

Tahiti Airport Motel
Inbound: Check In Thursday, October 2 • Check Out Friday, October 3
Outbound: Check In Friday, October 10. For day use only. Inquire about rate for 7:00pm check out

Refer to the Sample Itinerary for more information about the recommendations and requirements for Tahiti accommodations

Rates: ≈$140 Double Occ

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Inbound: Check In Thursday, October 2 • Check Out Friday, October 3
Outbound: Check In Friday, October 10. For day use only. Inquire about rate for 7:00pm check out

Refer to the Sample Itinerary for more information about the recommendations and requirements for Tahiti accommodations

Rates: ≈$425 Double Occ

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $1,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.