2025 Humpback Whale Connection Retreat in Mo'orea
Swim with Humpback Whales in the Wild with Oceanic Awakening
Swim with Humpback Whales in the Wild
Join us for a life-changing 7-night retreat in the pristine paradise of Mo'orea, Tahiti. This is more than a getaway—it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with nature, yourself, and swim alongside the Humpback whales that grace these waters.
Imagine this: Waking up in a tropical oceanfront villa on a heart-led journey to swim in the wild alongside some of the most majestic beings on the planet! Join our 7-day retreat where we look after all the details, so you can focus on reconnection to self and to these incredible beings - the Humpback Whales of Mo’orea.
We invite you to experience this once-in-a-lifetime memory of connecting souls with whales in the wild!
Reconnect. Restore. Awaken.
The Humpback Whale Connection Retreat in Mo'orea is more than an adventure—it’s an awakening. Dive into the heart of the ocean, connect with the whales and discover the profound strength and clarity within.
What Awaits You..
🏝️ 7 Nights of Beachfront Accommodation
Relax and recharge in our stunning 5-bedroom oceanfront villa where the sounds of the ocean will lull you to sleep. You’ll wake each day surrounded by Mo'orea’s turquoise waters and lush greenery! Our private pool boasts the perfect place to relax pre or post whale swim!
🐋 3 Unforgettable Boat Days with Humpback Whales
Guided by seasoned cetacean swim guides with decades of experience, you’ll have the rare opportunity to enter the whales' world via our private boat charter. Observe their grace, hear their hauntingly beautiful songs, and feel their presence in ways that leave a lasting imprint on your soul.
✨ Polynesian Dinner with Show: A Night of Island Magic
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Polynesia during an unforgettable evening of cultural discovery, fine dining, and captivating performances. This evening is more than just dinner; it’s an immersion into the soul of Polynesia—a celebration of its traditions, flavours, and rhythm.
💎 Tahitian Black Pearl Excursion: Bring Home a Piece of the Island!
Discover the rich traditions of Mo'orea with a visit to view (and purchase!) Tahitian Black Pearls! Learn the history of these ocean treasures and take home a piece of the island’s beauty! This activity is a crowd favourite, allowing you to purchase a piece of the island to take home and remind you of your memories with the whales. This excursion also includes a beautiful catered dinner!
🦈 Shark and Sting Ray Lagoon Snorkelling
Step into the crystal-clear, shallow waters of Mo’orea’s lagoon and experience an unforgettable connection with the island’s incredible marine life. Glide alongside curious blacktip reef sharks, elegant stingrays and a dazzling array of tropical fish as you explore the vibrant coral gardens of the lagoon. This snorkelling excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the warm shallows while witnessing the magic of these peaceful ocean creatures in their natural habitat.
⛰️ Hike to Belvedere Point – A Panoramic Adventure in Mo’orea
Step into the heart of Mo’orea’s lush landscapes on a breathtaking hike to Belvedere Point, the island’s most stunning lookout. This guided adventure takes you through tropical rainforests, past ancient Polynesian marae (sacred sites), and along scenic trails rich with the scents of vanilla and tiare flowers. As you ascend, be surrounded by towering peaks and vibrant greenery, with occasional glimpses of Mo’orea’s twin bays—Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay—shimmering below. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sight that perfectly captures Mo’orea’s wild beauty.
🧘♀️ Yoga Flows, Mindset Workshops & Guided Meditations
Our Certified Mindset Coach will lead optional transformative meditations and visualisation practices designed to help you absorb the whales’ wisdom. You’ll set intentions, reflect on your experiences, and cultivate a deeper connection to your inner self. We also will have optional yoga flows to centre ourselves both in morning and evening settings.
The Island of Mo’orea
Mo'orea is a jewel of French Polynesia, celebrated for its crystal-clear lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and vibrant marine life. Known as the “sister island” to Tahiti, its serene beauty provides the perfect backdrop for your transformative retreat. From its coral gardens to the verdant mountains, every corner of Mo'orea radiates a sacred energy.
The Retreat Rundown
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We will be running two back-to-back week-long retreats in August 2025! The dates are as follows:
Week 1: August 17th-24th: Only 2 spots left!
Week 2: August 24th-31st: Only 6 spots left!
If you are interested in joining us for BOTH weeks back to back, i.e. two weeks swimming with the whales, please contact us directly for a package quote.
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🐋7 Nights Oceanfront Accommodation: Rest and rejuvenate in a stunning villa with the ocean just steps away. Prices listed are for dual occupancy with two people sharing a larger bed. If you prefer a private room, the price is $8999 USD for the week - please reach out to us to book.
🐋3 Private Boat Days: Spend your days in the water, swimming respectfully with humpback whales under the guidance of expert crew members.
🐋Polynesian Dinner with Show: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the island with a traditional luau-style evening.
🐋Daily Mindset Workshops & Intentions: Begin each day with mindset practices, intention setting, and optional yoga to deepen your connection to the experience.
🐋Visit to the Black Pearl Centre: Discover the allure of Tahitian black pearls and their significance in Polynesian culture.
🐋 Shark & Ray Snorkelling Adventure: Immerse yourself in the shallow, warm lagoon to swim alongside incredible blacktip sharks, sting rays and more!
🐋Hike to Belvedere Point:
Discover the panoramic beauty of the island while hiking through lush greenery and sacred sites to enjoy picturesque views from this stunning hike! (FYI it’s a beginner friendly hike) :)🐋Photography of Whale Encounters: Take home breathtaking photos of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🐋 All On-Island Transportation: From the moment you arrive in Moorea, we’ve got your transportation covered.
🐋Breakfasts + 3 Catered Dinners
🐋 Welcome Gift
🐋Memories to Last a Lifetime
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Flights to Tahiti & Ferry Transfers: We’ll meet you at the Moorea ferry terminal, but transport from Tahiti is self-funded. (about $20 USD)
Lunches & 4 Dinners: With our spacious kitchen, we encourage fresh cooking and group dinners with self purchased groceries. Alternatively, dining out allows you to explore Moorea’s incredible restaurants at your leisure to experience an authentic taste of the island!
Alcohol & Specialty Snacks: Feel free to bring your favorites snacks. If you have strict dietary restrictions, i.e. Gluten Free (so is Kelley!), Vegan, etc., may we suggest bringing some of your favourite foods/snacks/breads/etc. Please let us know of your dietary needs for the meals we do provide. We will help you to get your ideal foods whilst on island.
Snorkel Gear & Wetsuit: please bring your own snorkel, mask and fins as well as a wetsuit to stay warm as we will be in the ocean for extended amounts of time (to swim with the whales as much as possible!)
Travel Insurance: Mandatory and self-funded. It’s essential for unlikely, unexpected disruptions or medical needs.
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Ocean and nature lovers who crave a deeper connection with the natural world.
Open-minded adventurers who embrace the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.
Those who respect the safety and wellbeing of both the animals and their group.
Confident swimmers who can navigate deep, choppy water and get in/out of a small boat unassisted.
Individuals with a deep reverence for marine life and their habitats.
Medically fit participants who can complete a medical statement and obtain clearance if needed.
Ages 18+ only. If you’re interesting in bringing younger children, please contact us directly.
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What Makes This Retreat Unique?
🌊 Deep Connection with Nature: Swim alongside humpback whales, witnessing their gentle power and profound wisdom in their natural habitat.
🌺 Decades of Combined Experience: Your Retreat Leaders have been swimming with whales, dolphins, sharks and manta rays for many years. This allows them to properly facilitate a once in a lifetime experience for yourself ,whilst ensuring the whales and other marine life are respected and protected.
🌴 Comfort Meets Adventure: Stay in an oceanfront villa, blending comfort with immersive experiences in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
💡 Mindset Transformation: Certified mindset coaches will guide you through daily practices to align your heart and mind with the lessons the whales and ocean have to offer.
💎 Cultural Immersion: From traditional Polynesian dinners to learning about black pearls and coral reef restoration, you’ll feel the heart of Moorea’s culture and history.
📸 Memories to Cherish: Take home stunning, digital photographs of your encounters to relive the magic forever.
2025 Humpback Whale Swim Regulations of French Polynesia
As of 2025, French Polynesia has introduced stricter whale-swimming regulations to protect whales and improve visitor experiences. Oceanic Awakening Retreats will always put the welfare of the whales and the safety of our guests at the forefront of our priorities, so we are keen to see how these changes affect the quality of our experiences. Key changes will include:
Strict Maximum 6 guests + 1 guide in the water at a time (with a 3 boat limit around a whale in Moorea and Tahiti, and a supposed 1 boat limit around a whale in Rurutu).
100m exclusion zone around whales; boats cannot enter without authorization.
15m stop swimming zone once in the water to not harass whales (this allows the whales to approach closer if they choose).
Restricted hours for whale encounters (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM).
So, how does this affect your experience with the whales?
With our intimate group size of 8 guests on our retreats, we will be rotating groups of 4 swimmers at one time for a fair share of in-water time with the whales, with each group enjoying 3 boat days. On the other days, you will experience the rest of our amazing activities listed as well as free-time to explore the island!
This is now the new norm for all whale swim operators in the area. We will be making this even, fair and most importantly; safe for the whales. That said, we can assure you that you can expect the same incredible swim time with the whales you’re dreaming of experiencing, just with a little more organisation ;) We sincerely hope that these changes will reduce stress on our beloved whales and create a more exclusive and ethical experience.
Meet Your Retreat Leaders
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Co-Founder of Oceanic Awakening
Dolphin & Whale Expert GuideRoberta Goodman is a globally recognized expert in dolphin and whale behavior, with decades of experience as a swim guide leading retreats around the world. A true pioneer in the field, Roberta has dedicated her life to understanding and advocating for cetaceans, earning her a well-deserved reputation as one of the most respected figures in the dolphin community.
Roberta has shared her expertise through countless workshops, speeches, podcasts, and research papers, inspiring others to connect deeply with the ocean and its magnificent inhabitants. She is also a published author and passionate activist, using her voice to protect marine life and their habitats.
Having lived in Kona, Hawaii, for many years, Roberta’s heart remains tethered to the islands, but her adventurous spirit has taken her across the globe. Currently calling Florida home, she is truly a world traveler and a nomad of the sea and land, carrying her passion for marine life wherever she goes.
Roberta’s unparalleled knowledge of dolphin and whale behavior, coupled with her compassionate and empowering approach, makes her an invaluable guide for those seeking meaningful connections with the ocean.
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Co-Founder of Oceanic Awakening
Divemaster & Mindset Coach
Kelley Wallace is a PADI-Certified Divemaster, snorkel guide, and Certified Mindset Coach with a deep love for the ocean and its extraordinary creatures. With over a decade of experience swimming alongside wild dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles, Kelley is a true waterwoman who brings both expertise and heart to every retreat.Originally hailing from Canada, Kelley now resides in Wollongong, Australia, where she spends her free time free diving, exploring nature, and combing the beaches for seashells.
Her passion for the sea is matched by her dedication to guiding others through transformative experiences, blending her love of marine life with her training as a mindset coach and yoga aficionado.
Kelley’s unique combination of skills allows her to create retreats that nurture both the body and soul.
Whether she’s leading morning yoga flows, helping guests overcome challenges in the water, or facilitating mindset workshops to align with the wisdom of the whales, Kelley brings a calm and encouraging energy that makes every participant feel safe and inspired.
Your Home for the Week
A stunning 5-bedroom oceanfront villa with a private pool, 5 air-conditioned, spacious bedrooms, 3 modern bathrooms and two fully equipped kitchens: one inside and one outside!
Take a relaxing post-whale swim dip our pool, enjoy the included 4 kayaks and explore the ocean or simply lounge in the sun while facing the water.
Wake up every morning to the sound of waves and enjoy meals with a breathtaking view of the lagoon. Here , time will pause and memories will last a lifetime.
It’s paradise found.
Secure Your Spot Today
This Humpback Whale Connection Retreat is an investment in yourself and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Payment options include:
Secure Your Spot: Deposit just $1500 today with a payment plan.
Invest Fully Today: Pay in full now to avoid payment plans.
Partial Payment with Flexible Payment Plans: Spread out your investment over the months leading up to your retreat date.
Spaces are extremely limited to maintain an intimate group dynamic, so don’t wait.
This is your chance to reconnect with nature, rediscover your inner strength, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Investment Options
$1500
Retreat Deposit
7-day Retreat with
Dual Occupancy
$4699
Pay in Full
7-day Retreat with
Dual Occupancy
$2350
Split Payment
7-day Retreat with
Dual Occupancy
$3000
Deposit for
2 Weeks in a Row OR Private Occupancy Room
*All prices are in USD
*Deposit Payments & Partial Payments: Upon purchase, we will contact you to discuss a payment schedule for the remaining balance!
Your Journey Awaits
If you’ve been longing for an adventure that nourishes your soul and awakens your spirit, this is it. The humpback whales of Mo’orea are waiting to share their wisdom, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Click below to reserve your spot and begin your journey to Mo’orea—where the ocean meets the soul.
