WEsail · video

What this video covers

Warren and Erica, sailing in French Polynesia, begin their seasonal whale-watching activities as humpback whales migrate to the tropical lagoons to breed and give birth.11:07 The crew spends full days motoring in a dinghy along the coast and outside the reef, searching for whales in calm, flat conditions.12:16 When a whale is spotted, the crew adheres to local regulations, maintaining a 100-meter distance from the animal before entering the water to swim toward it.15:28 They emphasize that swimmers must not chase the whales, as the animals easily outpace humans.16:12 The crew uses visual spotting and underwater listening to locate singing males, which can remain submerged for 20 to 30 minutes.14:44 These encounters involve significant time spent waiting on the water, often requiring seven-hour days to achieve a successful swim.21:08 The experience of hearing whale songs underwater and observing the animals in their natural habitat remains a primary focus of their time in the region.19:34

More from WEsail

13 Knots, Big Seas & Dolphins at Sunset | Sailing Back to Fiji's MainlandAug 2026We Don't Know Where We're Going Next | Leaving Fulaga, Fiji & Sailing SomewhereAug 2026We Ran Out of Gas Saying Goodbye | Our Last Days in Fulaga, FijiJul 2026Nobody Mentioned the Cave of Bones | Three Weeks in Fulaga, FijiJul 2026

From WEsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.