A Journey into Deep Listening & Communion with the Wild

After the profound encounters in the open ocean, we return to the sacred waters of Mo'orea—a place where the veils between worlds grow thin, and the ocean itself becomes a temple.

Each pilgrimage is an invitation to slow down and enter into deep resonance with the whales, the sea, and the quiet wisdom within. Here, in the crystalline lagoons of Mo'orea, the great humpback whales remind us how to breathe, rest, and remember our belonging to the vast web of creation.

These are sacred encounters—a remembrance of our connection to our kin in the water. A call to reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with a circle of like-hearted souls walking the same path of wonder and awakening.

Join the 2027 waitlist. Dates and details coming soon.

Navigating by Stars

Humpback whales migrate across thousands of miles of open ocean, navigating by the stars above and Earth’s magnetic field below — ancient wayfinders moving in rhythm with celestial intelligence.

During our time together, we attune to these same currents:
the moon’s phases,
the arc of constellations,
the tides,
and the quiet guidance of the natural world.

We do not rush the ocean.
We move with it.

The Rhythm of the Pilgrimage

Each Whale Song Pilgrimage unfolds over 7 nights and 8 days on Mo’orea.

We spend four dedicated outings on the water, respectfully guided by experienced local captains and whale stewards. In accordance with French Polynesian regulations, only one whale guide, five guests, and one group facilitator may enter the water at a time. This creates intimate encounters while minimizing impact on these sacred beings.

The remaining days are intentional integration days — space to rest, snorkel coral reefs, hike lush mountain trails, journal, or simply allow your nervous system to recalibrate and slow down to the rhythm of island life.

This organic unfolding and flowing with the great mystery is part of the medicine.

Respect.
Patience.
Listening.
Following the whales’ lead.

What Is Included

• 7 nights accommodation on Mo’orea

• 4 ocean outings to be with the humpback whales

• Small-group water entries (4 to 5 guests + 2 guides)

• Meditation and sound journeys with Deva

• Integration circles and reflection practices

• Pre-pilgrimage Zoom call and/or connection via WhatsApp community group

• Spacious time for island exploration and elemental connection

• Breakfast and meals in; meals out are not included

Each experience is designed to nourish body, heart, and spirit — creating resonance with the whales
and the greater field of life that moves through us all.

About Swimming with Whales

These pilgrimages involve swimming and snorkeling in the open ocean—an experience that invites courage, trust, and a willingness to meet the wild on its own terms.

You do not need to arrive as an experienced open-ocean snorkeler. For some participants, Mo‘orea may be their first time snorkeling in deep, open water. You do, however, need to be a capable swimmer, willing to enter the open ocean, and physically prepared to swim with a mask, snorkel, and fins.

When we encounter whales, we may need to enter the water some distance from them and swim approximately 100–200 meters from the boat. Conditions and encounters vary, and there may be multiple swims over the course of an outing. Building swimming stamina before the pilgrimage will allow you to feel more confident, conserve your energy, and be fully present when an extraordinary encounter unfolds.

We strongly recommend practicing with your mask, snorkel, and fins well before arriving in Mo‘orea—even if that practice begins in a swimming pool. We also strongly recommend long snorkeling fins rather than short recreational fins. The additional propulsion makes a significant difference when moving efficiently through open water.

Some prior ocean exposure is very helpful, both for becoming familiar with waves and open water and for learning how your body responds to being on a boat. Our whale outings can include long, quiet periods of watching and waiting while the boat moves with the ocean. Even people who don't typically consider themselves prone to seasickness can occasionally experience it under these conditions, so we encourage everyone to come prepared.

The waters surrounding Mo‘orea are warm and extraordinarily beautiful, and our experienced local guides support us throughout our time on the ocean. Preparation isn't about becoming an expert—it is about arriving with enough strength, comfort, and familiarity with your equipment to safely enter the experience and receive it fully.

Above all, you need to be able to swim confidently and have a genuine willingness to enter and swim in the open ocean.

Ready to Apply?

Space is limited, and we review each application carefully. If you feel the call, apply below.

We'll be in touch within 7 days. If you have questions or don't hear from us, text Deva at +1-831-238-8850.

Mauruuru! (Thank you)

4. What equipment should I bring?

Our pilgrimages take place during late winter and early spring in the South Pacific. While Mo‘orea is tropical, mornings on the water can be surprisingly cool, windy, and wet.

For our ocean outings, please bring:

• Well-fitting mask and snorkel

• Long snorkeling fins for greater propulsion and efficiency in open water

• 3/2mm wetsuit

• Wind and rain jacket

• Sun hat or baseball cap

• Warm hat or beanie for the boat

• Reef-safe sun protection

• Optional neoprene booties, gloves, or hood if you tend to get cold

Please purchase and practice with your mask, snorkel, and fins before arriving in Mo‘orea. A complete packing and preparation guide will be provided once you are accepted into the pilgrimage.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. All participants are required to carry travel insurance appropriate for their trip to French Polynesia.

At minimum, your policy should include coverage for emergency medical care and medical evacuation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and other unexpected circumstances, particularly because our deposits and payments become non-refundable according to the cancellation schedule.

We recommend exploring coverage through Divers Alert Network (DAN), which specializes in dive, water-based adventure, and international travel. You are also welcome to use another reputable travel insurance provider that offers appropriate coverage for your needs.

Explore DAN Travel Protection

Please carefully review your policy to understand what is—and is not—covered.

6. What is the physical activity level?

This is an active pilgrimage. You should be a capable swimmer and prepared for repeated open-ocean swimming and snorkeling.

Depending on the location and movement of the whales, we may need to swim approximately 100–200 meters from the boat. Ocean conditions can include swell, waves, and currents, and some encounters require us to move efficiently through the water.

You do not need to be an athlete or an experienced open-ocean snorkeler, but swimming stamina, comfort in the water, and preparation before the pilgrimage are essential.

A note on seasickness:

Our whale outings can involve several hours on the open ocean, including periods of traveling, searching, watching, and quietly waiting with the movement of the sea. Even people who don't typically consider themselves prone to seasickness can occasionally experience it, particularly during slower periods when the boat is moving with the swell.

If you know you are sensitive to motion—or simply aren't sure how your body will respond—we strongly encourage you to prepare ahead of time. Some ocean or boating experience before the pilgrimage can be helpful, and you may wish to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about seasickness prevention options that are appropriate for you.

Please don't let a history of seasickness automatically discourage you from applying. With thoughtful preparation, many people are able to enjoy their time on the water beautifully. The most important thing is to know yourself, come prepared, and communicate with us and our guides if you're not feeling well.

7. Are meals and accommodations included?

Yes. Shared accommodations at our beautiful villa on Mo‘orea are included, along with all breakfasts, most lunches, and some dinners.

Breakfasts are relaxed and may include both shared meals and simple self-prepared options such as eggs and toast, yogurt and granola, tropical fruit, organic teas, Tahitian coffee, and island juice.

Some meals will be enjoyed at local restaurants and are not included, giving us an opportunity to explore the flavors and restaurants of Mo‘orea.

8. How many whale outings are planned?

We plan four dedicated whale-watching and swimming outings during the pilgrimage.

Whales are wild beings, and no individual encounter or swim can ever be guaranteed. Each day unfolds according to the whales, weather, ocean conditions, and guidance of our experienced local crew.

Some days may bring multiple opportunities to enter the water; others may invite us simply to watch and wait. This unpredictability is part of entering a wild ecosystem and part of what makes each encounter so extraordinary.

9. What is the deposit and payment schedule?

A $1,500 non-refundable reservation deposit is required to secure your place in the Whale Song Pilgrimage.

For reservations made more than six months before the pilgrimage, a second installment of $1,500 is due six months before arrival, with the remaining balance due 120 days before the pilgrimage begins.

If you reserve your place after one of these payment deadlines has passed, all payments due as of that date are required at the time of booking.

For reservations made within 120 days of the pilgrimage, payment in full is required at the time of booking.

Payments may be made by Venmo, Zelle, or credit card. Credit-card payments include a 3% processing fee.

10. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Because each Whale Song Pilgrimage is limited to only five participants, your reservation represents a significant commitment for both you and Sacred Sound & Wonder.

• Your initial $1,500 reservation deposit is non-refundable once paid.

• If you cancel more than 120 days before the pilgrimage begins, any payments made beyond the initial $1,500 reservation deposit will be refunded.

• Beginning 120 days before the pilgrimage, all payments are non-refundable.

• If you reserve your place within 120 days of the pilgrimage, payment in full is required and is non-refundable once paid.

If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your place to another participant. The new participant must complete the application process and be approved before the transfer is confirmed. A $250 administrative fee applies to approved transfers.

Travel insurance is required, and we strongly recommend coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption in addition to appropriate medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Please carefully review your policy to understand which circumstances are covered.

Any non-refundable credit-card or transaction fees will be deducted from an otherwise eligible refund.

By submitting your payment, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

11. What is the weather like?

Mo‘orea has a tropical climate, but our pilgrimages take place during late winter and early spring in the South Pacific. Expect beautiful warm days alongside the possibility of cooler mornings, wind, rain, and changing ocean conditions.

Bring layers, lightweight clothing, rain and wind protection, sun protection, and something warm for early mornings on the boat. A complete packing list will be provided before departure.

12. Will we definitely swim with whales?

No—and this is an important part of entering the whales' natural world.

Humpback whales are wild beings, and neither their presence nor their willingness to interact with us can be guaranteed. Our four ocean outings give us multiple opportunities, but every decision is guided by the whales' behavior, weather and sea conditions, local regulations, and the judgment of our experienced guides.

We approach each outing with curiosity rather than expectation and prioritize the well-being of the whales and the safety of our group.

13. Is this an ethical experience?

Our commitment to the whales is at the heart of the pilgrimage.

We work with experienced local guides and follow French Polynesia's regulations and protocols for observing and entering the water with humpback whales. We approach quietly and respectfully, allowing encounters to unfold according to the whales' behavior rather than pursuing interaction at any cost.

Our groups are intentionally intimate, and we continually prioritize the well-being of the whales, the ocean, and the ecosystems that welcome us.

14. Can a friend, partner, or family member join me?

Absolutely, space permitting. Because each whale-swimming pilgrimage is limited to only five participants, everyone must complete the application process and meet the swimming and physical requirements.

If you hope to travel together, please let us know when you apply so we can place you on the same pilgrimage.

15. What is the investment?

Investment for the 2027 Whale Song Pilgrimages will vary slightly by week based on accommodations and the experiences included.

Final dates, accommodations, and pricing are currently being confirmed. If you feel called to join us, we invite you to apply for the 2027 season and indicate the dates that interest you. You’ll receive complete pricing and details before making any financial commitment.

Your pilgrimage investment includes accommodations on Mo‘orea, four dedicated whale outings with our experienced local guides, breakfasts, most lunches and select dinners, and our land-based experiences and gatherings throughout the week.

Not included: Airfare to Tahiti, ferry transportation to Mo‘orea, required travel insurance, gratuities, meals enjoyed independently or at select local restaurants, and optional experiences such as massage or photography.

Have another question? Please feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.

deva@sacredsound.love
+1-831-238-8850

Swimming with Humpback Whales in Mo‘orea

Mo‘orea is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth to encounter humpback whales. In 2025, French Polynesia announced a historic expansion of marine protections across its vast ocean territory, further safeguarding one of the most remarkable marine ecosystems on our planet.

Each year, humpback whales return to these warm tropical waters to mate, give birth, rest, and nurture their young. Mothers move slowly through the blue with their calves beside them. Males send their songs across immense distances beneath the surface. And sometimes, if we are very fortunate, the whales become just as curious about us as we are about them.

During our pilgrimage, we spend four dedicated days on the ocean—searching, listening, watching, waiting, and, when the conditions and the whales allow, slipping quietly into the blue.

No two encounters are ever the same. Nothing is staged or guaranteed. We enter their world as guests.

Every encounter is guided by deep respect for the whales and their home. We follow French Polynesia’s whale-protection regulations and the guidance of our experienced local crews, always prioritizing the well-being of these magnificent beings.

This is the heart of Whale Song: meeting the wild with reverence, curiosity, and wonder—and allowing the encounter to unfold on its own terms.

Meet Your Guides

Francesca

Francesca is an experienced underwater guide with more than 600 dives and multiple seasons guiding guests into the waters of French Polynesia to encounter humpback whales. Her knowledge of the ocean, attention to safety, and remarkable ability to spot whales make her an extraordinary companion on the water.

Francesca's journey began far from the sea as an English-language teacher. After moving to Mo‘orea and working at the Sofitel, she joined a local boat crew as a translator—and everything changed. Her first season with the whales awakened a passion that quickly became her life's work.

A fiery Italian mermaid with contagious energy, Francesca brings warmth, expertise, humor, and genuine joy to every day on the ocean. She has an extraordinary instinct for reading the water and finding whales, while helping participants feel supported as they step beyond their comfort zones and into the blue.

Teoni

“I was born and raised here in Tahiti. My father grew up in Hawai‘i, and my mother is from the Cook Islands. I grew up surfing and diving; the ocean has always been my playground. I travelled around the world working on private yachts, and I’m now a family man. I started my business so I could come home every night and be a father. My business is based on showing my clients a good time and adapting the tours to the clients’ comfort.” — Teoni

Teoni is a beloved Tahitian whale guide and gifted underwater photographer whose approach to the ocean is rooted in patience, experience, and deep respect for the whales.

His ability to read whale behavior allows encounters to unfold without forcing interaction, while his calm presence helps participants feel supported in the water. And with his extraordinary eye behind the camera, he captures images that allow us to carry a little of the wonder home.

Teoni's care extends to the smallest details. We still talk about his famous “fin service”—meeting us at the boat ladder after a swim and helping remove everyone's fins as we climb aboard. It is this combination of skill, generosity, humor, and lifelong relationship with these waters that makes being on the ocean with him so special.

Hereiti & Autoa

Our Approach with the Whales

“For us, whale encounters are not just a touristic activity; they are a meeting, guided by respect, patience, and humility. The whales set the rhythm, and we follow.

We never force an interaction. We wait, observe, and listen—to the ocean, to the animals, and to what the moment allows.

In Polynesian culture, the humpback whale, Tohorā, is a sacred being, a guardian and messenger of the ocean. Each encounter is approached with gratitude and intention, honoring both the whale and those who are invited into its presence.

This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do on the water.”

— Māuruuru roa, Hereiti & Autoa

Deva Munay — Founder & Pilgrimage Guide

Deva Munay is the founder of Sacred Sound & Wonder and the creator of the Whale Song Pilgrimage. For more than 25 years, her work has explored the meeting place of sound, movement, meditation, and our innate capacity for wonder.

Her journey with sound began in 1997, when she received her first Tibetan singing bowls and tingshas while attending teachings with the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj, India. She later earned a degree in Sound Healing & Therapy from the Globe Institute of Sound & Consciousness and has continued a lifelong exploration of contemplative and wisdom traditions through travels to India, Nepal, Peru, Egypt, and beyond.

Then came the whales.

After her first experience swimming with humpback whales in Mo‘orea, Deva knew she wanted to create a way for others to encounter these magnificent beings with reverence, curiosity, and time to truly listen.

During Whale Song, Deva holds the larger arc of the pilgrimage—from our mornings on the ocean to sound journeys with Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls, meditation, reflection, and integration circles back on land. Her role is not to define what an encounter with a whale should mean, but to create the space for each person to listen for themselves.

At the heart of her work is a simple devotion: to help us remember our belonging—to our own bodies, to one another, and to the vast and astonishing living world of which we are a part.

Join us for this transformative pilgrimage and experience the magic of Moorea’s whales, sacred sound, and the rhythms of the ocean under the starry skies of the South Pacific.