Check-In & Briefing

Meet at the Dive Aitutaki dive shop for paperwork and orientation.
Get fitted with pre-prepared snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins).
Go over a detailed whale interaction briefing, covering safety, group behaviour, and how to maximise respectful encounters.

Boat Ride to Outer Reef

Head out through the passage to the outer reef.
The boat ride varies from 10 minutes to longer, depending on the whale location that day.

Whale Spotting & Behaviour Assessment

We observe from a respectful distance and assess the whale’s behaviour and comfort before any attempt to enter the water.
If the conditions are right, your guide enters the water first to ensure it’s safe and calm.

Whale Swimming Experience

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.
Time in the water depends on how the whale is behaving, ensuring minimal disturbance and maximum awe.
You’ll be in open ocean, so comfort in deep water is important.

Surface Time & Refreshments

After your swim, relax with water and light snacks on board.
We may continue to search for or observe whales, time permitting.
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.

Return to Shore & Café Wind-Down

Return to the dive shop, take off gear, and relax at our on-site café to reflect on the experience.

Customer Reviews