WHALES TAHITI: UNFORGETTABLE MEETINGS

As every year now for almost two decades, enthusiasts gather in Polynesia to take full advantage of the aquatic ride offered by dozens of humpback whales. The population of humpback or humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which are so called because of their long (mega) fins (ptera = wings), increased considerably between July and October.

WHY SUCH A GATHERING

This phenomenon is undoubtedly due to the increasingly respected ban on hunting, but also to the conditions that whales find here: ideal temperature of the water, varied and abundant food, and enhanced security to rest from their long migration and give birth to their calves. Indeed, after having traveled about 6.000 km, groups of whales give the word to meet in Polynesia and more particularly around Tahiti. From July - August, they go north to Tahiti and the Leeward Islands. But from September, they return further south, especially to Rurutu. There were between 400 and 500 whales there during this period, an exceptional number compared to 20 years earlier.

WHY SO POLYNESIA

Some experts think that the calf, too weak, badly protected by a layer of insufficient fat, would quickly become the victim of the cold or killer whales. In the tropics, the shallow reef or coastal areas, which are particularly popular with lactating females, would increase the chances of the calf's immediate survival and allow it to be stronger and more resilient thereafter. The female could also benefit from being in the tropics at the time of birth and breastfeeding. Less fatigue, less caloric loss, better quality milk. Fasting is known to allow the production of a higher fat milk that promotes rapid growth and early weaning of the calf.

AND IN THE FACTS

We had the privilege of immersing ourselves last October in Tahiti. And that was definitely the highlight of our Polynesian trip! To come face to face with a mastonde of a dozen meters and 25 tons… is already incredible but the moment is much more magical and difficult to describe… a truly unique moment. We let you discover the modest images that we have brought back below.

These are animals that live at sea ... so no guarantee of seeing them every time. Most of the centers we went with offer the unlucky to come back for free if that's the case. We made 8 whale watching trips. Half of them allowed us to immerse ourselves, we saw them from the boat only 3 times and had cabbage 1 time.

WHO ORGANIZES THESE OUTPUTS?

A large number of providers offer to take you to meet whales. We went out exclusively with the diving centers. Most are grouped together in Papeete and its suburbs apart from one which is located on the Tahiti peninsula. It will cost you 70 to 100 € depending on the center for an average outing of 3 hours. As it is an activity that is practiced exclusively in PMT, children are welcome. And I guarantee you that they take pleasure in it!

• ELEUTHERA DIVE http://www.dive-tahiti.com/ - Booth: D 24 - E 16

• FLUID - Booth: D 24 - E 16

• SCUBA TEK

• TAHITI ITI DIVING http://tahiti-iti-diving.com/

• TOP DIVE http://topdive.com/ - Stand: D 23
• 
  

  PRECAUTIONS AND GOOD SENSES ARE OF MISE

  It's an unforgettable encounter, forever etched in the memory of those lucky enough to live it. But, as grandiose and majestic as the show is, it should not make us forget the basic safety rules not to disrupt a very fragile population.

  

  Because if the whales seem to become more familiar with boats and swimmers each year, whales remain wild animals, certainly peaceful, but with unpredictable behavior. Their observation is also regulated in Polynesian waters. Boats are not allowed to approach them more than 50 meters, 100 meters when a whale is accompanied by its calf. It is also forbidden to approach them more than 30 meters by swimming. Of course, scuba diving is totally prohibited.

  

  EVERY YEAR OF REMOVAL

  Professionals are required to have an authorization renewed annually from the Environment Directorate. These provisions were established to protect the tranquility of whales and their young, but also for the safety of the public. Since 13 May 2002, a text published in the Official Journal of French Polynesia (JOPF) devotes the Polynesian waters as an international sanctuary of whales.

  

  But, every year, we observe behaviors totally devoid of common sense and respect. It's a question of wisdom and the rule of the animal approach, in general, whether it's whales or other animals. These distances must be kept for several hours if necessary to appreciate their behavior. It's simply a matter of common sense and respect.

  

  We would also like to thank:

  TAHITI TOURISM - Booth: D 24 - E 16

  Frederic PONS & SCUBEYES for his images of whales and his sense of driving 😉