4 Hour Swim with Whales - Small Groups, Photography Included
Overview
ONLY AVAILABLE JUNE - NOVEMBER
Every tour contributes to active whale research, with experienced guides conducting photo identification and recording behavioural observations that support conservation and responsible whale tourism.
Small group sizes ensure a personal, unhurried experience with more time in the water and increased swim opportunities, suitable for solo travellers, couples, and adventure seekers.
Professional photography is included, allowing you to stay present while receiving high quality images of your encounter.
Tours are led by highly experienced guides and conducted ethically and safely, with whale welfare as the priority, we have decades of experience with these majestic beings and it shows.
Guests consistently highlight the strong organisation, knowledgeable crew, quality equipment, and exceptional whale encounters in pristine environments.
This is a purpose led whale swim that delivers meaningful experiences while supporting whale protection.
What's Included
- Small group sizes for a personal experience
- Life Jacket and Vests
- Wetsuit and Rash Shirts Hire
- Internationally experienced, qualified professional photographer
- Personal Rescue Flotation Device for novice swimmers
- Secure Storage for Precious Items
- Premium Quality Mask, Snorkel, Reefshoes and Fins
- Go Pro Hire
- Professional, experienced guides specialising in whale behaviour and safety
Meeting Location
Rarotonga
Cook Islands
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
ONLY AVAILABLE JUNE - NOVEMBER
An intimate, ethical whale encounter that contributes to real world research.
If swimming with whales has been on your bucket list, this is the experience you’ve been waiting for. Join an intimate, small group whale swim designed for meaningful, ethical, and unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic giants, while actively contributing to whale research and conservation.
Every tour is more than just an experience. Each trip plays a role in ongoing whale research, helping scientists better understand whale behaviour, migration, and population health. Your time in the water directly supports the protection of these incredible animals for future generations.
The Experience
Enter the water alongside humpback whales in their natural environment and witness their immense size, grace, and gentleness up close. Encounters are conducted calmly and respectfully, allowing whales to control the interaction. When it happens, it’s emotional, powerful, and unforgettable.
Guests consistently describe our tour as life changing, deeply moving, and one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- PRICING: NZD$300 per person, per hour, tours are up to 4 hours
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-450534P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 3.50 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on 4 Hour Swim with Whales – Small Groups, Photography Included. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- Small group sizes for a personal experience.
- Life Jacket and Vests.
- Wetsuit and Rash Shirts Hire.
- Internationally experienced, qualified professional photographer.
- Personal Rescue Flotation Device for novice swimmers.
- Secure Storage for Precious Items.
- Premium Quality Mask, Snorkel, Reefshoes and Fins.
- Go Pro Hire.
- Professional, experienced guides specialising in whale behaviour and safety.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the 4 Hour Swim with Whales - Small Groups, Photography Included is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 4 Hour Swim with Whales – Small Groups, Photography Included will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Small group sizes for a personal experience
- Life Jacket and Vests
- Wetsuit and Rash Shirts Hire
- Internationally experienced, qualified professional photographer
- Personal Rescue Flotation Device for novice swimmers
- Secure Storage for Precious Items
- Premium Quality Mask, Snorkel, Reefshoes and Fins
- Go Pro Hire
- Professional, experienced guides specialising in whale behaviour and safety
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- PRICING: NZD$300 per person, per hour, tours are up to 4 hours
