About Aimeho Fa'ati

From France to Moorea

I moved to Moorea in 2016, initially working as a teacher with young people with disabilities.

I grew up in the Limousin region of France, a peaceful area where nature is an important part of everyday life. I also studied biology, and this connection with nature and the living world has always stayed with me.

When I arrived in Moorea, adapting to island life came naturally. I discovered a different way of living, with a different relationship to time, nature and other people.

When my contract with the French education system came to an end, I wanted to stay in Moorea and create an activity that reflected who I am. This is how Aimeho Fa'ati Private Boat Tours was born, with the desire to share Moorea's lagoon, its marine life and, during the season, the humpback whales that visit Polynesian waters.

Two activities, one common thread: human connection

I never left my original profession behind.

For part of the year, I continue to work with an association supporting young people, including those with autism. I help them develop their skills, independence and confidence.

Then comes whale season, when I devote more of my time to the ocean, whale-watching tours and exploring Moorea's lagoon with visitors.

These two activities may seem very different. For me, however, they share something essential: human connection.

In my work with young people with disabilities, I enjoy supporting them, sharing knowledge and seeing the progress they make little by little.

On my boat, the relationship is obviously different, but I find the same pleasure in exchanging, sharing and, above all, meeting people.

A team passionate about the ocean and whales

Over the years, I have surrounded myself with people who share the same passion for the ocean and especially for whales.

Seeing these animals in their natural environment remains an extraordinary experience. Our aim is to share that experience while always maintaining a respectful approach towards marine wildlife and its environment.

But Aimeho Fa'ati is not only about whales. Moorea has an extraordinary lagoon, incredibly rich marine life and beautiful landscapes that I enjoy sharing with visitors throughout the year.

Why private tours?

I chose to focus mainly on private tours because I like to take the time to connect with people.

Of course, my guests first come to discover the lagoon, swim with rays and sharks, see turtles or encounter humpback whales.

But for me, a boat trip can be much more than that.

During the few hours we spend together, we get to know each other. I enjoy finding out where my guests come from, hearing about their lives and experiences, and sharing some of my own life in Moorea.

Keeping the number of guests small makes these conversations possible. We are not simply a group getting on a boat to do an activity: we spend a few hours together.

Taking the time to discover Polynesia

After many years of living here, there is something else I like to share with visitors: Polynesia is not a place you discover simply by fitting as many activities as possible into your schedule.

The relationship with time is different here.

I sometimes meet travelers who arrive with a very busy itinerary, wanting to see and do as much as possible in just a few days. I understand that desire, but I also try to introduce them to another way of experiencing their journey.

Taking the time to watch a beautiful sunset. Getting up early to see the first light over Moorea. Simply enjoying the lagoon. Having a drink as the sun goes down. Talking to the people you meet along the way.

Sometimes these very simple moments become the best memories of a trip.

During our tours, I also enjoy talking about life in Polynesia, the local culture and some of the differences I have discovered between the European or North American way of life and life here.

I am not Polynesian, and I do not pretend to speak on behalf of Polynesian people. I simply share what I have learned and observed since making Moorea my home in 2016.

A boat tour, but above all, a meeting

Ultimately, whether I am working with the young people I support or welcoming visitors aboard my boat, I find the same thing that has always mattered to me: meeting people, exchanging experiences and sharing knowledge.

When you book a tour with Aimeho Fa'ati, my goal is of course to show you the whales, the lagoon and the extraordinary landscapes of Moorea.

But when we return to the dock after spending several hours together, I also hope that I have learned something about you and that I have shared a little of my life in Moorea with you.

Because travel is about landscapes, but it is also about the people you meet along the way.

And sometimes, the most precious memories are simply the ones you never planned.