Whale Swimming in Aitutaki

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Then we move onto gearing up with your pre-prepared gears (snorkels ask and fins and making sure the gearfit well. And we often hiead on the water around 20min later depending on numbers.\r\nWe go over a briefing on interacting with the whale and following guide instructions for safety and best interaction\r\nWe head straight out the passage to outer reef. The boat trip varies depending on whale locations, sometimes 10min but sometimes longer to find the whales. we then watch the whales from afar look their behavious and make a decision to get in with them or find another whale.\r\nif it's a go, the guide gets in the water first, then if he give steh signal the swimmers will join him in the water. we usually have 4 to 6 people in the water including the guide at the same time for best experience. We stay there for a while depending on how the whale behaves. \r\nthen on the board you get water and snacks.\r\nthe tour last 2hours in total\r\nThen we head back to the what, it takes a few minute sonly, we then take off our gears and you are welcomed to hang out at our on site our cafe.", "description": "<div>Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales in the pristine waters of Aitutaki’s outer reef. This small-group tour offers a safe, respectful, and unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants, guided by Aitutaki’s most experienced marine team. With a detailed safety briefing, custom approach plan, and in-water guide, this tour ensures an intimate and ethical whale experience, all within just 2 hours from start to finish.&nbsp;</div>", "island": "Cook Islands", "price": "200.00", "sale_price": null, "wholesale_price": null, "high_season_price": null, "high_season_start_date": null, "high_season_end_date": null, "duration_type": "fixed", "certify_information_accurate": true, "confirm_tripcarver_commission": true, "booking_duration_unit": "hours", "booking_duration": "2.0", "booking_duration_minimum": 1, "booking_duration_maximum": 1, "booking_type": "person", "full_day_booking": false, "mark_as_private": false, "allowed_start_dates": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday" ], "min_days_advanced_reservation": 2, "max_days_advanced_reservation": 366, "check_in_time": null, "check_out_time": null, "multiply_base_price_by_number_of_people": true, "count_people_as_separate_bookings": true, "last_minute_discount": null, "minimum_number_of_people": 1, "maximum_number_of_people": 10, "extra_price_per_person": null, "buffer_time": 30, "require_confirmation": false, "enable_price_per_people_type": false, "availability_rules": {}, "deposit_percentage": "8", "verify_photo_ownership": true, "ages_allowed": "From 13 years old to 70+ depending on your fitness level", "offered_languages": "English", "whats_included": "<div>✔ Guided whale interaction with an<strong> experienced in-water guide</strong><br> ✔ <strong>Full snorkelling gear</strong> (mask, snorkel, and fins)<br> ✔ <strong>Briefing on whale behaviour, safety, and interaction etiquette</strong><br> ✔ Boat ride to outer reef whale locations<br> ✔ <strong>Water and light snacks</strong> on board<br> ✔ <strong>Post-tour chill time</strong> at our onsite café&nbsp;</div>", "what_to_bring": "<ul><li>Swimwear &amp; towel</li><li>Reef-safe sunscreen</li><li>Hat and sunglasses</li><li>Camera (optional – waterproof preferred)</li><li>Sense of awe and respect for marine life</li></ul><div><br></div>", "what_to_expect": "<div><strong>Check-In &amp; Briefing</strong></div><div><br></div><ul><li>Meet at the Dive Aitutaki dive shop for paperwork and orientation.</li><li>Get fitted with pre-prepared snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins).</li><li>Go over a detailed whale interaction briefing, covering safety, group behaviour, and how to maximise respectful encounters.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>Boat Ride to Outer Reef<br></strong><br></div><ul><li>Head out through the passage to the outer reef.</li><li>The boat ride varies from 10 minutes to longer, depending on the whale location that day.</li></ul><div><strong><br>Whale Spotting &amp; Behaviour Assessment<br></strong><br></div><ul><li>We observe from a respectful distance and assess the whale’s behaviour and comfort before any attempt to enter the water.</li><li>If the conditions are right, your guide enters the water first to ensure it’s safe and calm.</li></ul><div><strong><br>Whale Swimming Experience<br></strong><br></div><ul><li>When safe, you’ll be invited to join the guide in the water, with up to 4–6 swimmers at a time, including the guide.</li><li>Time in the water depends on how the whale is behaving, ensuring minimal disturbance and maximum awe.</li><li>You’ll be in open ocean, so comfort in deep water is important.</li></ul><div><strong><br>Surface Time &amp; Refreshments<br></strong><br></div><ul><li>After your swim, relax with water and light snacks on board.</li><li>We may continue to search for or observe whales, time permitting.</li><li>To respect the whales calving in our beautiful waters, if we have a great encounter in the first hour, we may choose to head to a different spot where turtles and eagle rays are often seen for our remaining time.</li></ul><div><strong><br>Return to Shore &amp; Café Wind-Down<br></strong><br></div><div>Return to the dive shop, take off gear, and relax at our on-site café to reflect on the experience.</div>", "departure_and_return": "<div>⚠️📞 Please call or email us when you arrive in Aitutaki as we may need to adjust departure time due to weather conditions. Our most up-to-date phone number is on our booking page.<br><br>📍 <strong>Meeting Point</strong>: Dive Aitutaki (Bubbles Below) Dive Shop<br> 🕘 <strong>Start Time</strong>: Based on conditions, but meet time is usually around 8:00 AM<br> ⏳ <strong>Tour Duration</strong>: 2 hours total (including briefing, gear-up, boat ride, swim, and return)<br> 🏝 <strong>Return</strong>: Back to the shop post-tour for gear removal and optional café time.</div>", "additional_info": "", "faq": "<div><strong>Do I need to be a strong swimmer?</strong><br> This is an open ocean experience, and you must be comfortable in deep water while snorkelling. We provide life jacket for the less confident swimmers.</div><div><strong><br>How many people are in the water at once?</strong><br> We limit to 4–6 swimmers at a time, including your in-water guide, to keep the experience intimate and low-impact.<br><br></div><div><strong>Will we definitely swim with whales?</strong><br> Whales are wild animals, so sightings and swims cannot be guaranteed, but our team is experienced at locating and assessing their behaviour. Due to the high cost of fuel on our small island, we do not offer refunds should whales not be sighted, but we may offer you a second tour depending on availability.</div><div><strong><br>Can I just observe from the boat?</strong><br> Yes, you're welcome to stay on the boat if you prefer to watch rather than swim.<br><br></div><div><strong>Is this tour suitable for children?</strong><br> This tour is generally best for strong swimmers aged 12 and up. Feel free to contact us if you're unsure.<br><br></div><div><strong>What happens if the weather or conditions aren’t suitable?</strong><br> Safety is our top priority—if conditions aren’t ideal, we may reschedule or offer alternatives.</div>", "pg_review": "", "product_help": null, "featured": true, "cancellation_policy": "strict", "cancellation_policy_extra_info": "<div>After your booking is confirmed, please contact diveaitutaki@gmail.com to arrange the remaining of your payment.</div>", "fitness_rating": "3", "fitness_notes": "<div>Note: You must know how to swim in open water.</div>", "accessibility_rating": "0", "accessibility_notes": "", "highlights": "<div>🐋 <strong>Swim with Humpback Whales</strong> – An intimate, respectful, small-group encounter with these majestic creatures.<br> 🌊 <strong>Open Ocean Adventure</strong> – Experience the raw beauty of Aitutaki’s outer reef, guided by locals who know these waters best.<br> 🧭 <strong>Safety First</strong> – Always guided by a trained in-water expert who ensures proper interaction and safety.<br> 🤿 <strong>Top-Notch Snorkel Gear Provided</strong> – High-quality equipment is fitted and prepared for you before the tour.<br> ☕ <strong>Relax Afterwards at the On-Site Café</strong> – Share your stories and warm up post-tour with the team and fellow guests.&nbsp;</div>", "facilities": [], "itinerary": [], "total_bookmarks": 15, "featured_image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/306737298_5525240210855728_8257711788406513468_n.jpg", "featured_image_caption": null, "extra_notes": "", "all_public_holidays_closed": false, "cruise_extra_information": "", "custom_accordion_item_title": null, "custom_accordion_item_content": "", "display_hours_publicly": false, "allow_single_bookings_once_capacity_is_reached": false, "require_fully_booked_before_next_available": false, "require_minimum_capacity_for_booking_confirmation": false, "minimum_capacity_required_for_booking_confirmation": null, "is_active": true, "email_extra_information_to_customer": "Now that your booking is confirmed, please contact Onu at diveaitutaki@gmail.com to arrange the remaining of your payment to guarantee your spot.", "return_option_available": false, "minimum_duration_for_customer_defined_booking": null, "is_rental_product": false, "rental_inventory_count": null, "rental_unit_label": "", "allow_customer_duration": false, "business": "a99a7f52-4534-4ff7-ac2e-7be98987eb0a", "accommodation": null, "asset": null, "asset_pool": null, "route": null, "return_product": null, "awards": [] }