Humpback whale · Freediving
Where to go freediving with humpback whales
About this list
When you look for freediving with humpback whales, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species and actually run freediving programs, 14 in all. Countries and regions on record include Amami & Kagoshima, Jervis Bay Territory, Tahiti Iti & Taravao, Nosy Be & Sakatia, Los Cabos and Inhambane. Not every freediving program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 12 of the 14 operators (86%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Dec–Jan, May–Nov and Aug–Nov among them. There is no single season for freediving with humpback whales, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.
14 listed operators

Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
Dandelion Amami
FreedivingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Dec–Jan
- Price
- JPY 30,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Australia · Jervis Bay Territory
Woebegone Dive
FreedivingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- A$300
- Checked
- Official source
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French Polynesia · Tahiti Iti & Taravao
Tahiti Iti Diving
FreedivingScuba divingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- XPF15,900 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Madagascar · Nosy Be & Sakatia
Baleines Rand'eau
FreedivingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- Adults €70 · Under 12 €45
- Checked
- Official source

Mexico · Los Cabos
Cabo Adventures
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- MXN 1,079
- Checked
- Official source

Mozambique · Inhambane
SEE Activity Center Mozambique
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- USD 67 / MZN 4,200 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Norway · Tromso
Orca Norway (Stromsholmen Sjosportsenter AS)
FreedivingSnorkelingLiveaboard- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official website

Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Clown Crown
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥22,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Australia · NSW, Mid North Coast
Dive Forster at Fisherman’s Wharf
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- AUD 240 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Dive Journey
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥20,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Japan · Okinawa Main Island
HanDive Okinawa
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Johnny’s Diving
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥24,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Marine Product
FreedivingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥25,000 / person
- Checked
- Official website

Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Superfish Diving
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- ¥23,100 and up
- Checked
- Official website
Other ways to meet humpback whales
- Wildlife trips to see humpback whales164
- Boat trips to see humpback whales145
- Snorkeling with humpback whales94
- Family trips to see humpback whales69
- Scuba diving with humpback whales58
- Swimming with humpback whales57
- Beach trips to see humpback whales11
- Liveaboards to see humpback whales8
- Surfing and SUP with humpback whales7
- Kayak and paddle trips to see humpback whales3
Humpback whales by country
Freediving by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go freediving with humpback whales?
14 operators on Maptlantis name the humpback whale as a target species and run freediving. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see humpback whales?
No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.
When is the season for freediving with humpback whales?
Seasons the operators give: Dec–Jan, May–Nov, Aug–Nov, Jun–Oct and Jan–Mar. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is freediving different from boat-based watching?
Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.