🐋 August 2-9, 2025
Full Moon Whale Song Pilgrimage
Location: Moorea, French Polynesia

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to swim alongside the majestic Humpback Whales in the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of Moorea. This intimate experience is limited to 5 participants, ensuring a deeply personal and transformative retreat.

Itinerary:

Day 1 (August 2nd): Arrival in Moorea

• Arrive on the beautiful island of Moorea.

• Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at our retreat house.
  (Note: Those arriving late at night will need to land a day early in Tahiti and stay overnight to catch the ferry the next day.)

• Opening ceremony with traditional medicine people

Day 2 (August 3rd): Island Exploration & Sunset Sound Ceremony

• Guided tour of Moorea’s breathtaking beaches and lush landscapes.

• Traditional Sunday lunch at the Tropical Garden (food included; drinks extra).

• It's time to ensure everyone has the proper gear for whale swimming and a time for Q & A.

• A sunset sound healing ceremony is followed by dinner at the retreat house.

Day 3 (August 4th): Morning Whale Swim & Yoga

• Morning swim with the Humpback Whales, guided by Francesca.

• Afternoon yoga session to unwind and connect.

• Meals: Lunch and dinner are included at the retreat house.

  • We suggest eating a simple breakfast before the whale swim and bringing snacks for the boat.

Day 4 (August 5th): Whale Swim & Integration Circle

• Morning swim with the whales to deepen your connection to these magnificent beings.

• Afternoon movement practice, journaling, and integration circle.

• Meals: Lunch and dinner are included at the retreat house.

  • We suggest eating a simple breakfast before the whale swim and bringing snacks for the boat.

Day 5 (August 6th): Hike, Crafts & Polynesian Dance Show

• Morning hike through Moorea’s scenic trails.

• Afternoon crafts workshop.

• Lunch at local street food trucks (cost: $15-$20 USD).

• Evening dinner and dance show at the Tiki Village (included).

Day 6 (August 7th): Full-Day Whale Swim & Lagoon Tour

• Full-day adventure: swim with whales (conditions permitting), explore the lagoon, and visit the coral garden.

• Enjoy a delicious lunch at Coco Beach (food included; drinks available for purchase).

• Wrap up the day with a magical swim among turtles, sharks, and stingrays in their natural habitat.

Day 7 (August 8th): Whale Swim & Integration Circle

• Start the morning with another opportunity to swim with whales, deepening your connection to these majestic beings.

• The afternoon session includes movement practice, journaling, and an integration circle, offering time to reflect and process your transformative journey.

• Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included at the retreat house.

Day 8 (August 9th): Full Moon Gratitude Practice & Departure

• Early morning Full Aquarius Moon Gratitude Practice: Watch the moonset into the ocean, connecting to its energy as we give thanks and set intentions for the future.

• Gather for a nourishing farewell breakfast at the retreat house.

• Departures begin at noon

Accommodations in a seafront villa with a pool

• $4,440 for single rooms

• $4,200 per person for double occupancy

• $300 Early, Early Bird Discount for those who apply and register by January 3, 2025

• $200 Early Bird Discount — for applications received by the full moon on January 13th, and register by January 22, 2025

Space is limited! Apply here to reserve your spot.

Join us for this transformative pilgrimage and experience the magic of Moorea’s whales, sacred sound, and the rhythms of the ocean under the light of the waxing Full Moon.

Swimming with Humpback Whales in Moorea

Moorea is one of the most extraordinary places in the world to swim with Humpback Whales. Its warm, crystal-clear lagoon and open ocean provide a breathtaking backdrop for observing these gentle giants in their natural mating and nursery grounds. French Polynesia, declared a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002, protects all 20 species of whales and dolphins that call this region home.

During our pilgrimage, we plan four whale swims, greatly increasing the likelihood of meaningful encounters. However, it’s important to understand that interactions depend on the whales’ natural behavior, weather conditions, and sea dynamics. While we cannot guarantee a whale swim on every outing, this is their seasonal home, making Moorea one of the best locations for these life-changing experiences.

What to Expect
Swimming with Humpback Whales means venturing into the open ocean. Unlike calm lagoon or reef snorkeling, open-water snorkeling can involve currents, waves, and swimming up to 200 meters from the boat to adhere to French Polynesia’s whale-approach guidelines. This makes the experience more physically demanding and requires stamina.

To ensure safety and a rewarding experience:

• Guests must be comfortable swimming in the open ocean without a lifejacket. Wearing a neoprene wetsuit provides bouyancy and support.

• Guests should know how to use snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins) properly.

• Building physical endurance before the trip is strongly recommended.

Please note that the open ocean is not an environment for learning to swim.

Ethical and Responsible Tourism
Our pilgrimage is grounded in respect for the whales and their habitat. We adhere to strict guidelines that prioritize the safety and well-being of the whales, other marine life, and our guests. By participating, you’ll be contributing to the conservation and protection of these incredible creatures while engaging in a sustainable and ethical journey.

Our approach ensures that every interaction aligns with the principles of responsible tourism: respecting wildlife, minimizing disturbance, and fostering awe and gratitude for the natural world.

Your Guides

Francesca – Your Underwater Whale Guide
Francesca is a certified underwater guide with nearly 300 dives and extensive experience leading groups to swim with humpback whales in the pristine waters of French Polynesia. Her deep connection with oceanic wildlife, combined with her focus on safety and support in open water, makes her an exceptional guide for adventurous, confident swimmers drawn to the wonders of the natural world.

Francesca’s journey began as an English as a second language teacher before she transitioned into tourism. Her first role was at the Sofitel, where she discovered her love for hospitality and the ocean. She later joined a boat crew as a translator, which sparked her passion for leading wildlife tours and inspired her current career. Her expertise and love for the sea promise an unforgettable experience on this transformative journey.

Cedric – Your Captain
Cedric is an accomplished captain with decades of experience navigating challenging lagoons and open seas. Born and raised on the island of Mauritius, Cedric grew up surrounded by the ocean, developing his skills and love for the water from a young age. Thirty years ago, he relocated to French Polynesia, where he became a professional rower in traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian canoes ("holopuni" and "va'a").

In recent years, Cedric has brought his extensive maritime knowledge to whale swimming tours in Moorea. His expertise, steady leadership, and passion for Polynesian culture and marine life ensure a safe and enriching experience for all participants.

Deva – Your Sound & Mindfulness Guide

Deva Munay, founder of Sacred Sound & Wonder, is a sound healer and ocean lover with over 25 years of experience in wellness, movement, and meditation. She holds a degree in Sound Healing and Therapy from the Globe Institute of Sound & Consciousness and has honed her practices through transformative travels to Tahiti, Peru, Egypt, India, Nepal, and beyond. Her journey with sound began in 1997 when she acquired her first instruments at the Dalai Lama’s teachings in McLeod Ganj, India.

After a life-changing experience swimming with humpback whales in Moorea, Deva is thrilled to share this sacred opportunity with others. As an avid swimmer and whale enthusiast, she will guide our group with sound ceremonies, meditations, and integration circles, weaving together her love for the ocean and passion for healing through sound.

Deva’s work with Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls creates deeply restorative states, offering profound moments of peace and connection during this journey.