Swim with Humpback Whales in the most beautiful island in the world in 2026!
Location : Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Our SPECTACULAR DESTINATION for Humpbacks : AITUTAKI!
Cook Islands
We have been looking for a new place out of the crowds to take you swimming with our gentle giants of the sea. And we found the best kept-secret location, the heavenly, paradise island of Aiutaki in the Cook Islands (Voted the most beautiful island in the world by Lonely Planet). You will be deeply touched by the exquisite beauty of this small atoll. The name Aiutaki means "Little Paradise" and we couldn't agree more, especially when we can go swimming with our humpback whales too!
BUT WHERE ARE THE COOK ISLANDS?
It's in the beautiful South Pacific north-east of New Zealand - between Tonga & Tahiti!
This new-ish destination is extremely special as the humpbacks are just over the reef, 500m away - you can watch them playing from your beachfront suite or the restaurant while you are enjoying your meals and only 3 operators are permitted to be snorkelling with the whales, leaving us the privilege of swimming with unstressed whales every day, just for us!
Picture yourself swimming every day with humpback whales, far from the crowds, in one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth. Each morning, you’ll head out on the calm, clear waters of the lagoon, where the only sounds are the ocean breeze and the gentle exhale of a whale at the surface. These are respectful, small-group encounters—where the whales come to you, and every interaction is on their terms.
Whether it’s watching a caring mother and her curious calf resting beneath you, your body vibrating above the sound of the haunting song of a male, or witnessing a joyful breach, every moment is unique and deeply moving.
And when you return to shore, the magic continues—pristine beaches, warm island hospitality, laughter and big wide smiles from the locals and time to reflect on what many describe as a life-changing experience.
We offer personally-escorted, small group ‘snorkelling with whales’ eco-tours in this new destination you will never forget!
Please Note: we do not operate day-trips on random dates with the whales
Have any questions?
Dates & Prices - 'Aitutaki Humpbacks in Paradise' Tours - 2026
8 amazing tours only for this destination!
7 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
Maximum of 10 guests only per tour
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CI726B Wed 9th Sept - Wed 16th Sept ( 6 spaces left ) (Poolside Suite available only )
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person and in Australian Dollar
Two people share suite
• Beachfront Suite : AUD$ 6,798
• Poolside Suite : AUD$ 5,990
• 2-bedroom Bungalow (2 x Queens) :
AUD$ 7,143
Single suite
• Beachfront : AUD$8,920
• Poolside : AUD$ 7,476
3 or 4 people sharing (only on request)
• Beachside 3 people (1 Queen + roll-away : AUD$ 6,330
• Poolside 3 people (1 Queen + roll-away) : AUD$ 5,665
• 2-bdrm Bungalow 3 people (2 x Queens/twin beds) : AUD$6,300
• 2-bdrm Bungalow 4 people (2 x Queens/twin beds) : AUD$ 5,845
9 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
Maximum of 10 guests only per tour.
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CI926A Sun 30 Aug - Tues Sat 8 Sept ( 5 spaces left )
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CI926B Thurs 17 Sept - Sat 26 Sep (2 spaces left) (+ 1 space
pending - Beachfront suites available only for this tour) -
CI926C Mon 5 Oct - Wed 14 Oct ( 2 spaces left ) (Poolside suites available only now for this tour)
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person and in Australian Dollar
Two people share suite
• Beachfront Suite : AUD$ 7,848
• Poolside Suite : AUD$ 7,550
• 2-bedroom Bungalow (2 x Queens) : AUD$ 8,345
Single Suite
• Beachfront Suite : AUD$10,995
• Poolside Suite : AUD$8,880
3 or 4 people sharing
• Beachfront 3 people (1 Queen + roll-away bed) : AUD$7,630
• 2-bdrm Bungalow 3 people (2 x Queens / twin beds) : AUD$7,175
• 2-bdrm Bungalow 4 people (2 x Queens / twin beds) : AUD$6,585
6 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
(PLEASE NOTE : If travelling from Canada or USA, these tours fit the only Hawaiian Airlines weekly flight from USA via Honolulu to Rarotonga International Airport)
Maximum of 10 guests only per tour.
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CI626A Sun 16 Aug - Sat 22 Aug 1 space left (Beachfront Suite)
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CI626AA Sun 23 Aug - Sat 29 Aug 5 spaces left
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CI626B Sun 27 Sept - Sat 3 Oct FULLY BOOKED (2 spaces pending)
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person and in Australian Dollar
Two people share suite
- Beachfront Suite : AUD$ 6,145
- Poolside Suite : AUD$ 5,480
- 2-bedroom Bungalow (2 x Queens) :
AUD$ 6,440
Single suite
- Beachfront : AUD$ 8,045
- Poolside : AUD$ 6,745
Contact us by WhatsApp +64 21 1101 818 or email whales@whaleswim.com if you have any questions!
Our tours start on the date announced with a welcome dinner and the following day is the first day on the water . . . the tour concludes after breakfast on the last date announced.
Want more of tour information?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here!
You have questions, and we've got the answers! We've compiled them right here so you can have all the information at your fingertips!
What is included?
OUR PACKAGE
Transfers : Airport transfers from Aitutaki Airport to the hotel as well as to the jetty for boat trips
Private Room or 2-bedroom Bungalow at the resort with ensuite bathroom & kitchenette - a fabulous resort on the edge of the whale nursery
Full buffet breakfast at the hotel, 3 delicious dinners at a fabulous local cafe (foodies will love it!) as well as a special surprise at one evening including dinner to experience Aitutaki’s exquisite sunset!
The other meals, you are free to experience the traditionnal Cook Island food in restaurants in town
5, 6 or 8 half days on the water (depending on your package!) with the whale-loving and fun in-the-water experienced/passionate Guide, Tui.
Our whale-swim vessel ‘Bubbles Below’, owner & skippered by Onu, it’s the most spacious and comfortable boat on the water with lots of seating, a small area to catch a tan and plenty of shade too. The access to and from the water is via 2 ladders at the stern of the boat.
Opportunities to snorkel with other marine life!
Lots of fun! with a like-minded group!
Where to fly to?
How to reach our heavenly heaven?
You have to fly first to Rarotonga, airport code RAR (via Auckland New Zealand, major cities of Australia or direct from Honolulu and Tahiti!) to the main island of the Cook Islands - then a 55min flight to Aiutaki Airport.
Air New Zealand flies daily from Auckland, from LAX via Auckland and from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane via Auckland to Rarotonga. Jet-star flies most days from Sydney Australia.
Hawaiian Airlines has one return flight each week departing Honolulu 4.35pm - arriving Rarotonga 10.55pm every Friday and returns on Saturday - departing Rarotonga 12.25pm arriving in Honolulu at 6.30pm.
The 4 daily flights between Rarotonga and Aiutaki are operated by Air Rarotonga. www.airrarotonga.com
Contact us by WhatsApp +64 21 1101 818 or email whales@whaleswim.com if you have any questions!
Where will you stay?
You will stay in an outstanding newly opened resort!
Located in Amuri, 800 metres from Aitutaki Beach, this resort offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful garden and a terrace. This resort is litterally the dream place to come back to relax after a morning or afternoon swimming with whales.
All rooms have top quality beds and 100% cotton bedding and towels and are only meters away from the water’s edge. The rooms have air-conditionning, a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Each room has its own covered decked balcony with table and chairs to relax.
Our amazing tours in Aitutaki are now open for 2026!
Book now to secure your spot and the accommodation you want!
Not included :
- All international flights to Aitutaki
- The lunches & dinners where you are free to pick your restaurant
- Alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages
- Snorkelling gear
- Travel insurance
© Brad & Susie Reynolds
"After 25 years of working with whales, we still get emotional every encounter. Whales are the most majestic and peaceful animals. Swimming with them is a privilege. "
Our fabulous boat & crew
Meet the local expert crew who will guide you with whales alongside our tour leaders!
A dream holiday with us in Aitutaki!
Aitutaki, voted the most beautiful island on the planet, is a real gem! Imagine snorkeling in the clear blue waters, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The tropical vibe is everywhere, with women wearing lovely flowers on their heads, making it feel like a dream.
And here's the exciting part – just outside the lagoon, you can witness our incredible whales! The water is a mesmerizing turquoise color with plenty of snorkelling opportunities and the whole island is like a paradise with its amazing atoll. Aitutaki is not just a destination; it's an experience you won't forget.
Trust us; this is the place to be for an unforgettable and convincing getaway!
