28th Sep - 4th Oct 2025
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Join us on this 7-day trip to the crystalline waters of Tahiti, guided by acclaimed photographer Daniel Nicholson. Limited to just 6 guests, this exclusive expedition invites you to swim alongside humpback whales in their pristine South Pacific home. Witness these awe-inspiring creatures in their natural element—gentle mothers nurturing their calves, spirited juveniles breaching the surface, or the resonant calls of males echoing through the deep. Your days will be filled with ocean exploration, cruising Tahiti’s stunning lagoons by boat, diving into intimate encounters with humpbacks, and unwinding with fellow travelers over shared meals and tales.
Daniel will offer personalized underwater photography coaching, empowering you to capture the whales’ majesty while deepening your appreciation for their world. Beyond the water, soak in Tahiti’s tropical splendor, from its palm-fringed shores to its vibrant Polynesian heritage. This extraordinary blend of adventure, artistry, and intimate luxury promises a transformative experience that will linger in your heart and lens forever.
Daniel Nicholson, a distinguished photographer renowned for his breathtaking marine captures, brings a passion for the ocean to every journey. With a portfolio that spans the globe’s most pristine waters, Daniel’s work unveils the hidden beauty of underwater ecosystems, from the mighty humpback whales to the vibrant coral reefs. His images have graced the pages of prestigious outlets. Daniel’s approach to photography is rooted in a profound passion for marine life, weaving stories that highlight the splendor and fragility of our oceans. As an expert guide, he offers a wealth of knowledge and hands-on instruction, empowering travelers to master underwater photography while fostering a deeper bond with the sea. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or new to the lens, Daniel’s mentorship will ignite your passion for the aquatic world. Traveling with Daniel means embarking on a transformative adventure—one that merges stunning visuals, personal growth, and a heartfelt call to cherish and preserve our planet’s watery wonders.
Welcome to the Pacific
Get to know Tahiti and your team
Arrive in Tahiti. There will be transport ready to pick you up from the airport and take you to our Resort. There will be a brief orientation in the evening to prepare for the following days. After you have settled in we will have dinner together and share stories of the ocean.
This is a great opportunity to meet Daniel and learn about his passion for photography.
Let's get in the ocean
Typically breakfast will be served in the resort before our boat departure. We’ll spend a full-day at sea, and have a packed lunch on the boat. We have an experienced local captain and crew to assist in finding the whales.
We’ll enjoy dinners at the hotel, and one night we will be enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
You will have free time in the late afternoon each day.
Humpday fun
Breakfast will be served in the resort before our boat departure. We’ll spend a half-day at sea, and have a packed lunch on the boat. We have an experienced local captain and crew to assist in finding the whales.
To mix up hump day we'll head off on a private island tour for the afternoon.
We’ll enjoy dinners at the hotel, and one night we will be enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
You will have free time in the late afternoon each day.
Let's get in the ocean
Typically breakfast will be served in the resort before our boat departure. We’ll spend a full-day at sea, and have a packed lunch on the boat. We have an experienced local captain and crew to assist in finding the whales.
We’ll enjoy dinners at the hotel, and one night we will be enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
You will have free time in the late afternoon each day.
Sadly it's time to say goodbye
Leaving the island
After breakfast we'll depart from Tahiti. Transportation will be provided from the accommodation to the airport.
“Photography’s my way of really seeing the ocean—telling the stories of the marine life that calls the ocean home”
Optional Extras:
Anyone that wants to spend time with the whales! You do need to be able to swim confidently and be comfortable with snorkelling. We will be out in open water, swimming 100 metres to and from the whales each day.
No! This trip is open to everyone, you just need to be a confident swimmer. Our main focus is on spending time with the whales, and appreciating being in the water with them. Being able to take photos of them is just a bonus! There will be a photography and videography workshop, but these are completely optional. You can also just go and sip on a cocktail by the pool instead!
This is nature, and it is wild. The whales are there every year. But I can't make guarantees! There is no guarantee for how the interactions will be. You can't guarantee anything in nature. We want to experience these animals in the wild, that's what makes it so special! French Polynesia, is probably the BEST place in the world to swim with humpback whales.
Whilst Moorea (the next island over) is well known for its whale watching, this also means there are a lot more boats there!
We'll be in much quieter waters, with far less people around, and will always strive to be the only people in the water with the whale. We want our interactions to be completely on the whales' terms.
If a whale chooses to swim with us, then it is the whale's choice. This makes it much more special. All of the best interactions I've ever had with whales have been in the waters just off Tahiti.
Yes, you will need travel insurance. You will need to provide proof of travel insurance before coming to Tahiti.
Your adventure will be guided by a seasoned Airguides Trip Leader, who's an experienced travel guide and your primary contact for any needs or questions during the trip. What sets our trips apart? We'll be joined by a 'Storyteller Guide,' a true expert with deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the destination, adding authentic insights and stories to your journey.
Solo travellers can opt for a private room, which incurs a single-supplement fee. Please contact us for specific pricing details. Alternatively, we may offer a roommate pairing option on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Reach out to us for availability and more information.
Certainly! If you need help finding the best flights or planning your travel routes, we're here to help. Just reach out to us, and our team will be more than happy to provide guidance and support.
We'd love to speak with you about this trip and answer any questions you have! Feel free to call, text or WhatsApp our friendly team at +61 402 552 918. You'll be connected with a real, knowledgeable person from Airguides, ready to assist. We take great pride in our personal service, ensuring we're with you every step of the way, from planning your adventure to your journey back home.
For our ocean adventures, a moderate level of fitness is ideal to fully enjoy water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling, or diving, often lasting several hours. Being comfortable in the ocean is essential. If you have concerns about your fitness level or abilities in the water, please don't hesitate to contact us for advice.