Fauna and Flora
Like every year, from July to November, the humpback whales come to breed and give birth to their babies in the warm waters of Polynesia. Moana Voyages tells you more about these wonderful creatures…
More about the humpback whale
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a large cetacean mammal; the adults usually reach more than 42 ft long and weigh an average of 25 tons. It can be noted that females are fatter than males.
We can encounter the in all the world’s oceans and seas. Migrating species, they spend the summer in the cold waters from high latitudes and come to mate and reproduce in tropical and subtropical waters. For some years now, the number of humpback whales present in the Polynesian waters has significantly increased.
Getting closer to these wonders of nature
French Polynesia is the ideal place to watch these impressive mammals which usually stay close to the reefs, near the channels and in some bays. The clear waters of Polynesia allow for great pictures! As the whales are becoming more accustomed to human presence, they can be more easily approached. However, there are rules to respect!
In Tahiti and Moorea, in particular, a lot of diving clubs offer some “whale watching” activities. These excursions are not organized with large groups as in Hawaii or Australia, but in smaller boats welcoming a maximum of 10-20 passengers. The professionals , for the majority of them, are part of the Mata Tohora society (which aims to protect marine mammals and their habitat in French Polynesia) and are used to approaching whales in a safe way for them and for the happy spectators.
