No, not for Mo'orea, Baja or Arctic Norway. All of our trips are snorkelling and freediving only, with no certifications required.

These are open-ocean trips, so you need to be a confident and strong swimmer, in good enough shape for long days on the water and swimming in the open ocean with varying weather conditions.

Please tell us about any medical conditions when you book.

That's up to them. In French Polynesia, boats have to keep at least 100 meters from the whales, so you swim the last stretch yourself. In Baja and Norway we follow the local rules on approach distances. Everywhere we go, we give the animals space and always put them first, with their safety, our safety and respect for them leading every decision. Some of the best encounters happen just watching from the boat, or letting the animals come to us.

No. These are wild animals in the open ocean, and no sighting or in-water encounter is ever guaranteed. We plan every trip around the best weeks of the season and spend our days where the animals are most likely to be, but the weather, the ocean and the animals' behaviour decide each day. Sometimes the right call is to watch from the boat instead of getting in. We'll never chase or force an interaction, and we can't offer refunds when wildlife doesn't show up. In our experience, most weeks still bring moments guests talk about for years.

Mo'orea: bring your own wetsuit, which is required for whale swims. We can lend you a mask, snorkel and fins if you need them.

Baja: everything is provided: mask, wetsuit, fins and weights.

Norway: bring your own cold-water suit, hood, gloves and boots. We send a full gear guide once you book.

Not sure what to buy? Message us and we'll tell you what we use.

No. We provide a full professional photo and video package on every trip, and you'll get the photos and video after the trip. You're welcome to bring your own if you want to shoot too. We're also happy to share tips and tricks on shooting and creating content.

You book through our WeTravel page by card or bank transfer, and your deposit holds your spot. You can then split the balance into instalments, which are charged automatically on the dates you choose. The full balance is due [120] days before departure.

Email us at hello@somewhere-wild.com. How much is refunded depends on how far out you cancel. The full schedule is on our booking terms page, so please read it before you book.

Yes, it's required. Buy it when you book so any pre-existing conditions are covered. We can't refund for things outside our control, like weather, flight delays or illness. After booking, you'll also sign our guest agreement and liability waiver.

Yes, and most of our guests do. Book a shared room and we'll pair you with another solo traveller, or choose a private room if you prefer your own space.

You might, even if you never have before. Ocean days involve a lot of drifting and waiting, which catches out even experienced boat people. Bring seasickness tablets and take one before you board.