Cook Islands Humpback Whale and Freediving Trip
Cook Islands Humpback Whale and Freediving Trip
Salty Pilgrims Freediving
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Nothing truly prepares you for the moment a humpback whale looks you in the eyes. Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands, is one of the most beautiful islands on Earth, and we can’t wait to share this adventure with you. During the week, with 5 days on the boat, we’ll swim, play, and marvel alongside these ocean giants in the stunning waters of Aitutaki.
When we’re not with the whales, we will be freediving over vibrant coral reefs, line diving in crystal-clear waters with 60m+ visibility (the clearest water we have EVER seen) completing a Wave 1 or Wave 2 freediving course, and participating in workshops to improve your skills and underwater photography. We’ll explore world-famous nearby islands, swim with friendly giant trevally, and for those who choose, enjoy game fishing for mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo.
Evenings are for sharing stories over sunset drinks on a mountain overlooking the island, gathering for group dinners and campfires, and soaking in the magic of this incredible place. Every moment of this trip is designed to leave you feeling present, inspired, and deeply connected, an experience we hope you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.
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Dates
15th - 22nd August 2026
26th August - 2nd September 2026
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Location
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
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Where to fly into
Fly into Rarotonga Airport, and then on to Aitutaki Airport (AIT)
You can book flights easily through Google Flights or Air New Zealand departing Sydney or Auckland. -
Cost of trip
$500 Deposit to secure your spot on the trip
✓ Single bed in a twin share room – $5,700 AUD (Balance after deposit: $5,200)
✓ Shared double bed in a private room – $5,500 AUD (Balance after deposit: $5,000)
✓ No accommodation (book your own) – $4,950 AUD (Balance after deposit: $4,450) -
Accomodation
For those who opt for the accommodation option: You will be staying in a cozy island Airbnb, just across the road from the beach.
This comfortable home features a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, private bedrooms, a spacious living area, and a welcoming front porch. It really feels like a true home away from home while you’re on the island.
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Weather
August and September are the Cook Islands’ dry season, with daytime temperatures sitting around 26°C, cooler evenings, and warm water at about 24°C.
Rain is rare this time of year, making for ideal conditions. It also happens to be peak humpback whale migration, when whales come right in close to the island to rest with their newborn calves before continuing their journey down to Antarctica.
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Food
Food isn’t included in the price, but there are plenty of options around the island, close to the accommodation, where you can choose to eat. For those staying in the Airbnb, you can prepare your own meals.
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Freediving Ability
There will be Wave 1 and Wave 2 running during the days for anyone interested! There will be plenty of time for all other activities outside of the courses.
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Molchanovs Freediving Course Levels
Complete your Wave 1 or Wave 2 course. If you have already completed these, you are able to receive depth coaching instead.
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Spearfishing
While this trip doesn't include spearfishing, there will be opportunities for you to head out if you'd like. This time of year there are plenty of Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna around.
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Getting around
There are scooters to rent, this is the best way to get around on the island.
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Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance as soon as you place your deposit that covers cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Inclusions
✓ 7 nights Accomodation
✓ 5 days of Humpback Whale Swimming
✓ Wave 1 or Wave 2 Molchanovs Freediving Course (including certification)
✓ 3x Half-day Freediving Trips: explore coral reefs & line diving
✓ Boat Trip to One Foot Island, Honeymoon Island, Giant Clam gardens and swim with Giant Trevally
✓ Freediving Workshops
✓ Underwater Photography workshop
✓ Game fishing for Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi (for those interested)
✓ Professional photography package of you swimming with Whales & of the trip highlights
✓ Airport Transfers
✓ Private Boat Trips & Small Group Size (8 people)
Why did we choose Aututaki?
Aitutaki offers some of the best freediving and Whale swimming conditions in the world, with warm, crystal-clear waters and visibility up to 60 meters.
This island is also one of the rare places in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with Humpback Whales so close to the shore. WITHOUT THE CROWDS of other places like Tahiti.
Aitutaki’s remote, peaceful atmosphere and welcoming local community will make you feel right at home straight away.
Freediving Courses
This trip is suitable for every level of freediver from the complete beginner to experienced divers. Every ability level is welcome.
You don’t need any freediving experience to come along.
There will be a Wave 1 (Beginner) freediving course and Wave 2 (Intermediate) Course ran by our experienced freediving instructors.
This involves a mixture of theory sessions (fun theory sessions, we promise) static breath hold training in the beautiful lagoon, and depth line freediving sessions in 40m + visibility to get you comfortable with diving deeper!
While there is NO pressure for you to dive deep or pass requirements, our instructors will be spending loads of time with you in and out of the water to make sure you get the most possible out of these courses.
At the end of the week, if you pass all of the requirements, you will come away with an Internationally renowned Molchanovs Wave 1/ Wave 2 Certification.
- If you have never been freediving or done a little snorkelling, you will start in the Wave 1 Course. If things progress well, you can move into the Wave 2 Course.
- If are already diving comfortably to 15m+ or have done your Wave 1 Freediving Course, you will be able to do the Wave 2 Course.
Wave 1 Course Outcomes (Beginner Freediver)
- Dive to depths of 12-20 metres (DYN)
- Achieve breath holds of over 1:30 minutes
- Learn basic freediving theory & how to equalise with the Frenzel Manoeuvre
- Safety skills including a rescue
Wave 2 Course Outcomes (Advanced Freediver)
- Dive to depths of 24-30 metres (DYN)
- Dive to depths of 15-20 metres without fins (CNF)
- Achieve breath holds of over 2:30 minutes
- How to master equalisation & learn deeper equalisation skills
- Deeper Rescue Drills
Trip FAQ’s
What wetsuit thickness is best?
For freediving or spearfishing we recommend bringing a 3.5mm, 2-piece or a 5mm open cell wetsuit with a hood.
How much time will we be spending with the whales?
Each day for 5 days, we will be spending the first 4 hours of the day looking for and swimming with the whales.
In addition to this, for 3 of the days we will also be heading out on the boat in the afternoons for a few hours for fun freediving and line diving.
Do I have to bring my own dive weights?
Yes, you will have to bring your own over with you.
How do I best travel with dive gear/spearfishing equipment?
Best option is to use a Sportube to carry our gear. A dive bag is also a great option for your fins.
What Freediving Course Level can I do?
If you have never done a freediving course, you will start in the Wave 1 Course. If things progress well, you will be able to move into the Wave 2 Course.
If you have done the Wave 1 course (or equivalent with another agency), you will join the Wave 2 Course. OR if you are already diving to depths of 15m + we can complete a crossover so you can begin in the Wave 2 Course.
What if I’ve already completed a freediving course with another agency
No problem! We will cross you over into the Molchanovs Freediving system and slot you into whichever level suits your previous freediving course level and experience.
Cancellation and Refunds Policy?
The $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable and counts towards your booking.
If you cancel within 90 days before the trip start date, we cannot refund you and are unable to transfer the amount paid onto a future trip or course. You are able to transfer your ticket onto someone else.
We recommend getting travel cancellation insurance upon booking your spot on the trip, to save you any financial hardships if you need to cancel your trip. You can get travel insurance that covers this.
Spearfishing
Spearfishing in the Cook Islands is exceptional due to its clear waters, with visibility often reaching 30-60 meters, making it easier to spot fish. The region's abundant marine life, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species like tuna and wahoo, thrives in the untouched ecosystem. The variety of environments, from shallow reefs to deeper bluewater, caters to all levels of spearfishers. Additionally, the remote location and sustainable fishing practices ensure healthy fish stocks, preserving the rich biodiversity that makes spearfishing here so rewarding.willing to put in the hours.
While spearfishing isn't included in this trip, we will be able to help those interested to hire a boat to take you out.
Exclusions
Flights
Food and alcohol
Accomodation outside of the trip dates
Travel Insurance