August 30 – September 6, 2026 and September 6-13, 2026
If you have a deep love for mother earth and the ocean and a reverence for life, then join us in Mo’orea, French Polynesia for an intimate, once in a lifetime experience communing with the humpback whales to expand your heart and embrace the beauty of your authentic self.
Imagine the cool, soft feel of the water against your skin as you swim in a clear, blue ocean. From below you, beams of pink, purple, and blue light dance to the surface and the enchanting sound of whale song echoes in the distance, inviting you to go deeper.
A faint shadow appears out of the light and grows larger. You recognize this sovereign being… A whale!
The huge mammal rises up gracefully and you gaze at her with curiosity and wonder. The peaceful, loving whale surfaces, and you hear her take a loud breath as you catch your own. Ever so slowly and gently, she turns towards you and opens her eyes. Suddenly, you and this highly intelligent being are staring straight into each others’ souls.
Your heart skips a beat as you feel eternity condense to this one moment. Fully present in her presence, time stops and a wave of awe and beauty wash over you. For the first time in your life, your soul has been recognized for its greatness. Deep inside, you know that you can’t go back to the person you were a few moments ago.
Wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air to reconnect with what you truly desire?
The whales can open you to your true potential, helping you ease into exploring the passions that were previously dormant in your heart, and head in the direction of your life path with clarity and a greater sense of purpose.
Wouldn't it be empowering to embrace your authentic self without fear of judgment?
By stepping into the world of the whales, where you are free from the fear and influence of societal, familial and career pressures and agreements, you can embrace a new perception of yourself and your life, and the limitless possibilities this inspires.
Wouldn’t it be transformative to feel unconditional love and understanding from those around you, especially yourself?
Through immersing yourself in the unconditional love of the whales and nature, you may discover inner peace and find your flow, carrying this sense of lightness and unconditional love into your day to day life with an open heart.
How empowering would it be to see yourself in new ways and expand into the fullness of your best, true self?
Communing with such large beings and cohering to the whales’ frequency can help you feel a sense of vitality and connection to all that is, enabling you to step into the fullness of who you are.
Wouldn't it be amazing to connect with something greater and find deeper meaning in life?
By diving into a reality that is completely different from your own, the whales and the island can open up all of your senses and your heart to the beauty of life on a lasting level that will flourish for years to come.
Get Me in That Water!
The Island
It’s incredible to consider that the very humpback whales that traverse the Earth, singing their song, make the long journey from Antarctica to the enchanted, turquoise waters of French Polynesia to give birth to their babies. Fortunately for you, French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where humans can legally swim with humpback whales.
A volcanic island found in French Polynesia, Moʻorea is surrounded by ancient forest, sacred temples, majestic mountains, clean air, and pristine coral reef. And every year, the island welcomes the whales to her warm, crystal clear waters to start a new cycle of life.
Although the gentle giants are generally only found in Moʻorea from July to November, 18,000 people call the island home year-round. The heart-shaped island will steal yours with its dramatic peaks, picturesque beaches, feminine energy, and laid-back vibe.
The Venue
Our venue, the Moʻorea Sunset Beach Hotel, is located on the north-west corner of the island and has the most magnificent sunset views. Conveniently located, the Moʻorea Sunset Beach Hotel is a short 10-minute walk to shops and restaurants, and only five minutes from the beach and the whale boat.
Each bungalow has a bedroom and a lofted room for single occupancy, a shared bathroom, a kitchen, a patio, and an outdoor shower. To slip deeper into relaxation, you can book a dreamy massage right there at your bungalow.
Back at the hotel, you’re free to gather with your podmates and reflect on your day with the majestic whales, either from the pier or the beach, while you watch the setting sun paint the sky vibrant shades of azure, rose, and gold. Each of the hotel’s quiet, stand-alone bungalows provides a private, peaceful atmosphere, so your flow won’t be interrupted by the inconveniences of getting in a car and getting around in a new place.
Here in this oasis, you can ground, integrate and process your transformational experience with the ocean and the whales from the comfort of your own space and energy… and prepare to receive more from the whales the next day!
Are you ready to receive the messages they have for you?
My Heart Says Yes!
The Cuisine
Restaurants in Moʻorea primarily specialize in fish, meat, poisson cru, curry and side veggies, poke bowls, and salads. Some restaurants also feature a few vegetarian and vegan dishes, but the options are limited. There is also an amazing Italian restaurant that serves sourdough pizza and handmade pasta that’s a 20-minute walk away, so you can work up an appetite.
Since you’ll want to feel free to explore the different restaurants, food is not included in the retreat. We can, however, handle the logistics, including making reservations and reserving taxis for everyone to share.
There is a small market you can walk to in about 10 minutes and roadside stands selling fresh, delicious local veggies, fruit, and smoothies. If you’d prefer to stay in your process and the whale energy, you can purchase food items from the small market to cook at home in your bungalow, which has its own kitchen.
Please note: If you have any dietary restrictions/needs, you’ll love shopping for food at the local market. We are also more than happy to make recommendations, so just ask.
The Journey
The Power of the Sea
Each day, Max Sendtner-Voelderndorff, a lifelong sailboat captain and resident of Moʻorea, will lead you to commune with the whales. From guiding people to ethically, safely and respectfully swim with wild dolphins in Bimini for 3 years and with the whales in Moʻorea for 7 years, Max has ample experience as a swim guide. He knows these whales and they know him. And he’s committed to ensuring that your own experience is sacred.
In addition to Max, our experienced, local captain will explore the ocean looking for whales who are open to swimming with us in their natural habitat, on their terms. After his boat drops us off 100m or more from the whales (300+ feet), we will swim together as a pod. While there is no prior ocean swimming experience required, we do require that you bring your own 3mm+ wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins to maximize your comfort in the ocean. We also encourage you to condition yourself to be physically strong enough for distance swimming in ocean currents and for climbing up and down the boat ladder on your own.
The Sacred Land
On this soul-nourishing retreat, we’ll immerse ourselves not only in the power of the sea but also the sacred land. We’ll take the Trail of the Ancestors to an ancient, high-energy forest in the heart of Moʻorea on our second or third day together. To ground and rest before spending more time communing with the whales, we’ll walk through the mystical forest of lush mape (Tahitian chestnut) trees in the Ōpūnohu Valley to the marae (temples).
These marae are respected as profoundly spiritual, bridging the gap between the physical world and the realm of gods and ancestors. As such, the marae hold powerful mana (spiritual energy) and represent a lasting connection to their living history.
You’ll also have the chance to visit a renowned pearl artisan and run your hands over a mountain of pearls. Honor your creative energy while you’re at it and design your own jewelry with him, turning loose pearls into a one-of-a-kind, wearable memory.
My Soul Needs This!
Receive healing energy
Be empowered to change
Cultivate compassion and grace
Find your flow
Open to new possibilities
Self Love
Navigate the waves of life
Whales, Water and Freedom? I’m in!
This journey is for you if…
- You love being in nature, especially the ocean
- You can be responsible for yourself and manage your own energy in the water and in groups
- You’re willing and able to swim 100m (~300ft) or more multiple times per day to be with the whales (Please note that you don’t have to participate in every swim with the whales, and have the option of sitting out and taking a rest instead of getting in the water each time)
- You enjoy being in a small pod where everyone wants to have the highest experience together
- You’re ready to soak in beauty, joy, togetherness and the unconditional love of the whales, the water and the island
- You are ready to make a commitment to showing up for yourself through the gift of self love
- You are both excited and nervous about this trip
This journey is not for you if…
- You do not enjoy being immersed in nature
- You are terrified of mosquitoes, insects and geckos
- You are not willing or able to swim long distances or climb up and down the boat ladder on your own
- You’re not ready or willing to take responsibility for your emotional experience and how your energy affects the group
- You’re not currently comfortable snorkeling (or committed to practicing before the retreat to build the stamina and strength necessary to be comfortable snorkeling)
- You find adventure, being in flow and surrender, and breakthroughs boring
- You need to be in control and feel uncomfortable with others leading you
- You’re in it for the selfies
Bonuses
- Welcome gift
- A variety of Evolving Essences to support our powerful journey during the retreat
- Evolving Essence of Whale Healing Frequency, an essence made with the same whales of Moʻorea, so your energy work with them can continue after the retreat
- New like-hearted friends to share your experience with
- Countless opportunities to be in awe and wonder
What’s Included
7 transformative days and peaceful nights with an intimate group of 5 participants at Moʻorea Sunset Beach Hotel’s shared garden bungalows! (single occupancy rooms)
Preparation & Transportation:
- 1 pre-trip Zoom call to meet as a group and go over trip details, including what to pack
- 1 round-trip ferry ticket between Tahiti and Moʻorea
- 1 group taxi ride from Moʻorea ferry terminal to our hotel
Highlights:
- 5 boat trips (4 hours each) where we will look for whales and other cetaceans to commune with
- Snorkel through pristine coral reefs with sting rays, sea turtles and more!
- Hike through mystical forest to sacred marae (ancient temples) in the heart of the island
- Visit with a local pearl artisan
- Plenty of time to rest and process in your own space and energy
What’s Not Included
- Your airfare to/from Papeete, Tahiti (Faaʻa International Airport, PPT)
- Your accommodations in Tahiti if you plan to stay there
- Travel insurance for medical and trip cancellation (Insurance is required. We recommend World Nomads, which covers snorkeling)
- Taxi rides other than the included rides
- Car rentals
- Swim gear (Required mask, snorkel, 3mm wetsuit, fins)
- Gratuity for boat crew and guides
- Meals and personal expenses
- Massages and other healing sessions
I Want to Swim With You!
Meet Your Trip Leaders
“Thank you for making my dreams come true. I hope one day your dream comes true too.” With these words, my spiritual and healing journey began.
It was 20 years ago, and I was a shutdown and depressed CPA, living in Los Angeles, CA and working 75-100 hours a week. It was during our company’s celebration party that our CEO said “Thank you for making my dreams come true. I hope one day your dream comes true too.” In that moment, I realized that I had given up my life for someone else’s dream … and I didn’t even have a dream of my own.
“If I could be creative everyday, then I would be happy,” I thought. So less than a year later, I took a chance and applied to the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC to study jewelry design… and was accepted with no art background. So I changed my life and became a jewelry designer. It was the first time I did anything for myself, but … I still wasn’t happy.
Read More
So in 2011, I embarked on my first backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and that’s when everything changed, from the inside out. Since then, I’ve visited 30 countries, served in the slums of India, taught art to Mayan children in Guatemala, prayed at countless ancient sites, moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, and swam with cetaceans in the ocean waters I call Home.
While living off grid in Guatemala, I felt a tree communicate to me for the first time and the experience sent me down a path of listening deeply to nature. The trees continued to guide me to Findhorn, a well known organization in Scotland that works with nature spirits. Here I learned how to craft essences with nature, and was later guided to evolve the process and make them with sacred sites, cetaceans, earth elements, star systems, deities and more.
In 2023, the mountains and the waters of Moʻorea called to me and I answered. From the first time I swam in its ocean, I felt that the water knew me like family. My 2-week trip turned into 2 months, and during that time, I went on over 15 boat trips to be with the whales. In this ocean I’ve finally found Home. It has been a long journey of healing and remembering, but every person, place, animal, rock, tree, and body of water I encountered along the way has brought me back to my true self and freed my heart.
My practice of listening intently to nature has continued. And I’ve received a direct message from the whales, asking me to bring people to them. Looking back, the whales have been guiding my journey for a long time. Now they have a message for you.
Max Sendtner-Voelderndorff, Swim Guide
Originally from Berlin, Germany, I grew up living on a sailboat in the Mediterranean and have always felt more at home in the water than on land. My spiritual journey and passion for consciousness and self development led me to swimming with the dolphins and whales. And I have worked as a captain and swim guide since 2015, guiding people to meet wild dolphins and whales in the most respectful manner.
I now live between Europe and Moʻorea, and spend the off-season facilitating spiritual sailing trips in Greece, Mexico and French Polynesia. My intention is to create an unforgettable and healing experience for anyone who is ready to respectfully commune with the whales, and is open to being guided by the whales and the ocean.
Message from the Whales
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All professional images of the whales are copyright Miliann Le Tiec @mili_ocean_mana