FAQs
How close do the whales come?
Adults typically know their boundaries and will leave some space between you and them. They are careful and controlled with their body movement, highly precise in the water, and very agile. Babies sometimes do not know boundaries. Babies will sometimes come within 1 foot of you (30cm), playfully rolling and looking into your eyes. It is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in life. Adults will be close enough to photograph, and though they may come within an arm's length away, will usually stay 1-2 car lengths away.
Payment Method?
There are many methods that we can accept including transferwise, check, Paypal, wire transfer, etc. We can help guide you through the best payment.
Payment plans are available upon request.
Paypal users will incur an additional 3% fee of total trip cost.
Deposit?
When you sign up there is a minimum $1250 USD non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot. We can assist you with payment or set up a payment plan that works with your budget and needs. The total amount for the trip will be due 6 months prior to the start of trip unless prior payment has been arranged.
How often will we swim with whales?
They are wild animals. Sometimes they are more playful, and other times more reclusive. There is no guarantee on how long interactions will last.
Interactions can be a few seconds to an hour. There are days when interactions will be minimal or may not even see whales, and there are days when we may spend multiple hours in the water. It all depends on the whales and how they feel. This is why we do 4-5 days on the water. If they don’t want to swim with us, we move on. The better mindset we have going out the better day we will ultimately have.
Swimming level and fitness level required?
You must be reasonably fit and able to swim & snorkel. You should be able to swim 200 meters (or a few times back in forth in a pool) to reach whales from the boat, there will be varying conditions from calm glassy waters, to large swells with rough waves. You will need to be able to swim back to the boat to climb on via ladder or pull yourself up onto the back. You will need to be comfortable snorkeling and wearing fins. Before the trip, we strongly recommend spending as much time in the water as you can to maximize your experience with the whales. Most people are physically capable of this trip. In addition to providing warmth, wetsuit and lycra shirts provide additional flotation and are recommended. We will not be wearing life vests. If you do not feel comfortable getting in the water, it is perfectly reasonable to go at your own pace and what makes you feel comfortable.
This trip is not a retreat, it is an expeditional style and will be long days on the water. If you are prone to sea sickness please bring medications with you as getting medications on island may be limted.
What is the water temperature?
Water temperature is typically between 23- 27 degrees Celsius (73-81 Fahrenheit) at this time of year in Moorea. For most people, this will seem like warm tropical water, but make note that water strips heat from your body much faster than air. People who get cold easily may want a full wetsuit. I grew up in cold climates and don’t get cold easily, so I wear a long sleeve swimsuit or a 1mm suit. People who are less resilient to the cold may at least want to consider a full wetsuit. We will be spending most of the day on the boat.
Is any gear provided?
No gear is provided. You must bring your own snorkel, mask, fins, camera, towel, etc. We will have to defog on the boat and basic first aid on the boat. We are happy to advise you on snorkel equipment.
do I need insurance?
Yes. You must have comprehensive travel insurance as well as your own personal health insurance. We recommend www.worldnomads.com. You will also need DAN (divers alter network) and sign a liability waiver prior to coming on the trip. If you fail to purchase travel insurance you will not be let on the boat.
If you have any further questions please contact us, at admin@studiocharyse.com