2026 Humpback Whale Connection Retreat in Mo'orea
Swim with Wild Humpback Whales in Mo’orea with Oceanic Awakening Retreats
EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW LIVE!
EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW LIVE!
Swim with Humpback Whales in Paradise!
Join us September 2026 for a life-changing 7-day retreat on the pristine island of Mo'orea, Tahiti!
This is more than a holiday - it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with nature, yourself and 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 the details, so you can focus on reconnection to self and to these incredible beings - the Humpback Whales of Mo’orea.
🐋 Week 1: September 11-18, 2026 - Limited Spaces Available
🐋 Week 2: September 19-26, 2026 - Limited Spaces Available
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…
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🏝️ 7 Nights of Beachfront Accommodation
Relax and recharge in our stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath 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! Plus, our private oceanfront beach is the perfect place to relax pre or post whale swim! Rinse off under our outdoor shower whilst looking at Tahiti island and smelling the Tahitian flowers. It’s paradise-found.
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🐋 6 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 across SIX DAYS! Observe their grace, hear their hauntingly beautiful songs, and feel their presence in ways that leave a lasting imprint on your soul.
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💎 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.
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🥥 Authentic Tahitian Dining Experience
Experience the true flavours of Tahiti with an authentic three-course meal lovingly prepared by local Tahitians. This special dining experience features the islands’ most cherished dishes, including fresh Poisson Cru (Tahiti’s signature raw fish salad with coconut milk). More than just a meal, it’s a connection to the heart and soul of Polynesian family tradition.
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🦈 Shark & Sting Ray Lagoon
New for 2026, we’re thrilled to include a Shark & Sting Ray Lagoon excursion! Guests will have the chance to wade into shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters where graceful sting rays glide past and curious blacktip reef sharks circle nearby. This awe-inspiring experience offers an unforgettable connection with Moorea’s vibrant marine life and is sure to be a highlight of your retreat.
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⛰️ View Belvedere Point – A Panoramic Adventure in Mo’orea
Step into the heart of Mo’orea’s lush landscapes at Belvedere Point, the island’s most stunning lookout. This optional guided hike takes you through tropical rainforests and along scenic trails rich with the scents of tiare flowers. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sight that perfectly captures Mo’orea’s wild beauty.
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🧘♀️ Yoga Flows, Mindset Practices & Guided Meditations
Our Certified Mindset Coach will lead optional transformative meditations and 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.
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🫶 Community & Lasting Connections
One of the most treasured parts of our retreats is the community that forms. Guests often arrive as strangers but leave with lasting bonds, forged through shared moments with the whales and heartfelt group experiences. The laughter, support, and deep conversations create friendships that continue long after the retreat ends—a beautiful reminder that connection is at the heart of our journey.
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💝 A Gift From the Island, For You
To open your retreat experience, each guest is welcomed with a thoughtful gift. From locally inspired treasures to keepsakes that honour your connection with the ocean, your curated welcome gift is designed to immerse you in the spirit of Mo’orea and set the tone for a magical week ahead.
Our Retreat Location: 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 September 2026! The dates are as follows:
🐋 Week 1: September 11-18, 2026
🐋 Week 2: September 19-26, 2026
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Flights to Tahiti & Ferry to Moorea: We’ll meet you at the Moorea ferry terminal, but transport from Tahiti is self-funded. (about $20 USD one way)
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 favourite 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 other marine wild life 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 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 Tahitian black pearls - you’ll feel the heart of Moorea’s culture and history.
📸 Memories to Cherish: Relive the magic with photos and video of your encounters to cherish the magic forever. Retreat leaders will share photos and/or video of the swims with you post-retreat.
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 payment is 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.
Retreat Dates:
🐋 Week 1: September 11-18, 2026
🐋 Week 2: September 19-26, 2026
Spaces are extremely limited to maintain an intimate group dynamic, so don’t wait. If you’d like to join us for the full two weeks, there is an option below for a deposit for a 2-week package.
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
*EARLY BIRD PRICE*
$4749
Pay in Full
7-day Retreat with
Dual Occupancy
$2375
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. You can select your preferred method of remaining payments in the Participant Form you will receive by email.
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 3-bedroom oceanfront villa with air-conditioned spacious bedrooms (with 3 beds per room for maximum space and comfort for guests!), 3.5 modern bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a beautiful outdoor shower!
Take a relaxing post-whale swim right in front of the villa, enjoy the included kayaks and paddle minutes away to the popular Tamae Beach, or simply lounge in the sun while facing the turquoise water.
Wake up every morning to the sound of waves and enjoy meals with a breathtaking view of Tahiti island along our beachfront. Here , time will pause and memories will last a lifetime.
It’s paradise found.
2026 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 whales in Moorea and Tahiti.
100m exclusion zone around whales; boats cannot get closer to the whales than this, which means you must be able to swim 100m in open ocean to get to the whales.
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).
With a successful 2025 retreat trip completed, we can confirm that these regulations are of best interest for the whale safety and welfare, and had NO impact on the quality of our incredible encounters!
Thoughts from Previous Guests
“My daughter and I went on this trip in Fall 2024 and it was nothing short of magical! Swimming with the humpback whales in the crystal-clear waters of Mo'orea was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that touched my soul. Being in the presence of the whales was incredibly humbling and awe-inspiring.
The captain and the swim guides made the week truly exceptional. Our guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply respectful of the whales and their natural environment. They took great care in ensuring we approached the whales ethically and safely, making the experience not only thrilling but also deeply meaningful. Our boat captain, who navigated the waters with incredible skill and precision and his calm demeanor and expertise made us feel safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip.
If you're considering this excursion - do it! It’s a profound, heart-opening experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to share it with. Thank you for an unforgettable time in paradise!” - Pam Dewilde
“Loved it, stayed for two weeks, the retreat was more than I had imagined, Magical, beautiful and serene. Being in a safe environment, (which is what both Roberta and Kelley created), allowed me to fathom the depth of my being-ness. In the water with the whales, changed me on a cellular level forever.
I am most grateful to have had such a wonderful, fulfilling experience. I would highly recommend this event to anyone that has interest. Thank you Roberta and Kelley.”
-Vincent Betar
See More Reviews from Past Trips & Excursions
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.
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