Situated at 590 km south of Tahiti, at 151 2º west longitude and 22.27º south latitude its general aspect recalls brutality –but at a reduced scale- the one of the african continent.

10 km long and at a maximum of 5.5 km (between the point of Arei and Vitara), it has a surface of about 38.5 km2.
Its views are varied: blunt summits, plantations of pine cone trees, small grenish valleys... but what mostly strikes the visitor, are the high greyish calcarious cliffs surrounded by nummerous caves. The island is surrounded by a reef of strange narrow passes. The platir is covered by 1 to 2 meters of high tide water.

The Manureva reaches 335 meters.

At the beginning of July, the atae (Erythrine) are blooming. This announces the arrival of the famous humpback whale in the Rurutu waters. Native people are very aware of this fact. These whales go up the cold Antarctic waters towards the warm Polynesian waters to mate.

baleines à bosse

They arrive to Rurutu after having covered more than 5000 km. in 4 months, fasting and surviving on their own supplies. The last whales return home in October. We can observe them as from July up to the beginning of November from one of the three places to look out in the island (photo) or go to meet them with professional divers who practice whale watching. But you must be aware that whales are wild animals which do not abode tourist orders.

Do not be deceived if you happen not to see them during your visit.Besides reglementation, which imposes rules of proximity are convenient to be respected to approach of an animal of 30-40 tons must be done with great precaution and extreme caution. A hit by flukes comes without warning. Therefore follow attentively the advise the guides might give you. They certainly have enough experience which you cannot neglect.
Rurutu Baleines Excursions  Phone : +(689) 940791 / 703053