Humpback Whale Swimming Retreat in Moorea, French Polynesia
Sacred Ocean Encounters 2026
Profound, life-changing encounters with whales in the sacred waters of Ancient Lemuria
Guided by Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
Group 1:
September 29 - October 7, 2026
Group 2:
October 8-16, 2026
Join us for an intimate humpback whale swimming retreat in Mo’orea, French Polynesia, where respectful in-water encounters with whales, sacred land activations, and heart-based spiritual practice merge into a deeply transformational ocean retreat devoted to reverence, presence, and living relationship with the sea.
Each year, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of French Polynesia to give birth, sing, rest, and nurture their calves. Mo’orea becomes a living sanctuary — a place where human hearts and whale consciousness meet in reverence, presence, and mutual listening.
This retreat is not a tour. It is a pilgrimage into relationship with living intelligence, Gaia, and your own deeper remembering.
Retreat Overview
Dates • Location • Style
Location:
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Dates:
September 29 – October 7, 2026
& October 8 –16, 2026
Facilitators:
Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
Whales:
Humpback whales
(swimming encounters)
Style:
Sacred circle, embodiment, meditation, toning, nature immersion, integration
Accommodation:
Beachfront villa in Cook’s Bay
Retreat Highlights
Moorea Humpback Whales Retreat
5 guided humpback whale swims
Daily Sacred Circles — meditation, breathwork, toning, integration
Sacred hikes to Lemurian power sites and waterfall
Lagoon snorkeling in Mo'orea with turtles, rays, coral reefs and tropical fish
One Sting Ray & Reef Shark Lagoon excursion
Beachfront villa living directly on Cook’s Bay
Soul family connection in a small group container
Personal guidance from Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
Swim With Humpback Whales in One of the World’s Most Sacred Ocean Sanctuaries
From July through November, the warm waters of French Polynesia become a sanctuary for migrating southern humpback whales. Mothers arrive with their calves to rest, nurse, and bond, making encounters with humpback whale mothers and calves one of the most tender and profound experiences of the season. Males fill the ocean with their ancient whale song, weaving sound through reef and water like living prayer.
Mo’orea is one of the few places on Earth where respectful in-water encounters with humpback whales are possible under strict ethical guidelines. Each encounter is different — sometimes a quiet floating presence, sometimes playful curiosity, sometimes deep stillness where time seems to dissolve.
This retreat is not about chasing moments. It is about entering the ocean as a living temple, listening with the body, heart, and nervous system — and allowing something timeless to remember itself within you.
Mo’orea — The Living Temple of the Divine Feminine
Mo’orea is not simply an island. She is a living consciousness, a field of unconditional love, balance, and remembrance. Many cultures recognize this land as part of ancient Lemuria, carrying deep feminine wisdom and crystalline intelligence.
Her mountains, lagoons, forests, waterfalls, and coral reefs hold a palpable sense of presence. People often feel a soft dissolving of inner tension here — a natural return to coherence, peace, and embodied belonging.
“Mo’orea is not just an island but a living being with great consciousness and spiritual power. It heals those who approach it with love. The island improves the timeline of one’s life and carries extraordinary energetic intelligence.”
-F. Sturm, Master of Radiestesia
Many feel not only drawn to Mo’orea — but gently called by her...
Did You Know the Island Dreams YOU?
A Living Invitation from the Heart of Mo’orea
Mo’orea is a magical living presence. The gentle, loving, sacred field of the Divine Feminine can be felt everywhere on the island.
Her mountains, trees, and lagoons embrace you and whisper of Lemurian memory, star wisdom, and ancient belonging. And the whales… hundreds of humpback whales return here each year to give birth, nurture their calves, and sing the songs of Union.
Have you been dreaming of coming here one day? Wondering how such a journey could ever manifest?
What if it is not only your dream?
The island is also dreaming YOU.
Carefully weaving invisible threads and energetic pathways long before the physical journey begins. Gently pulling, shaping, calling — until one day the message becomes clear:
“Now. Pack your bags.”
And suddenly the dream begins to take form.
You are being gathered.
Manifested.
Remembered.
Called into embodiment — in the living waters of Mo’orea.
Is this your moment?
Are you coming to swim with the whales?
With love and gratitude,
Jan & Annika
Meet the Humpback Whales
Welcome into the living presence of one of Earth’s most majestic and emotionally intelligent beings — the humpback whale.
We enter their realm with deep respect, gratitude, and humility, honoring their sovereignty and natural rhythms. Every meeting unfolds differently and cannot be controlled — which is precisely what makes it sacred.
Possible Experiences in the Water
Floating near mothers and calves in gentle stillness
Bathing in song of male whales singing beneath the surface
Witnessing traveler whales passing through in quiet majesty
Eye contact moments that dissolve time and identity
Long periods of shared presence and energetic attunement
These are not spectacles. They are moments of shared consciousness and coherence.
Videos from our Swims with Humpback Whales in Moorea
A Glimpse into our Sacred Encounters with Whales
The Eye of Love
This momma decided to gift us a moment from beyond. She came so close that her eye was right there, looking at us with such warmth, such radiance, such presence...
How does one even begin to describe this space where time ceases to exist? It is like Her eye becomes a field, and suddenly, you're swimming inside it... Your human self melts and all that is left is pure presence, bathing in this warmth of motherly love...
The Whale Rider
A curious teenage whale swam straight towards us... "Will she bump into me?" I wondered, but decided, “No, I stay, I trust.” She swam so close that when I looked down at her body, I realized, “I am on top of a whale!” Whale rider energy came rushing in, all of my cells aligning to that sensation. But I didn’t climb on her, she picked me up!
Feel the energy of the whale rider – we all can be carried by the presence of the whales!
Worlds Colliding:
Baby, Singer & Mama Whale
Usually, the singer whales hang out by themselves, while mamas and babies tend to stay away from them. But this swim was special... While we were in the water with mama and her baby, a male joined in. His song started, and the mother chose to stay. So here we were, swimming above mama, baby coming to curiously interact, while we were soaking up the song of the whale. Such an unforgettable experience...
The "Stoned" Singer
When you spend hours in the water with whales, you will start to notice subtle variances in how individual whales swim, how they look at you, and even (for all of you sensitives out there) how their brain waves shift from deep deltas to more awake alfa and beta states.
But nothing can prepare you for the “interaction” with the singer whale...
Firstly, because the whalesong will vibrate you in ways that could only be described as an “ancient activating cellular sound massage.” And secondly, because the brainwaves of the singer, if you’re able to align yourself with them, move even beyond delta, more into a “admiring the big bang and creation of galaxies” kind of a territory – so I’ll call them “cosmic brain waves.”When a humpback male sings in Moorea, a song pattern lasts for about 17min. Usually they then stop their song, come up for air, and dive again to start the pattern again. And they don’t really care about humans – they want to stay focused. But this guy was different. He kept singing even as he came up for air. And the best part – he came to us and looked us in the eye! And that’s when it really hit me – he is stoned from his song!
Ethical Commitment & Whale Respect
All encounters honor the well-being, autonomy, and nervous system safety of ethical whale swimming.
Whales always choose whether to approach.
No chasing, touching, baiting, or interference.
We follow licensed local operators and marine regulations.
Boats maintain respectful distance — participants swim calmly.
We prioritize calm presence over excitement or performance.
The whales’ well-being always comes before human desire.
These encounters are not entertainment — they are relationships rooted in reverence and listening.
Best Time to Swim With Humpback Whales in Mo’orea
Humpback whales migrate to French Polynesia between July and November, with whale migration in Moorea reaching its peak from mid-August through mid-October, when whale presence is strongest and encounters are most consistent.
Our retreat dates are intentionally aligned with this optimal season, maximizing the likelihood of meaningful whale encounters while respecting natural rhythms and regulations.
Program – Daily Rhythm of the Moorea Humpback Whale Retreat
A balanced flow of ocean immersion, sacred practice, rest, and integration
Each retreat unfolds over eight nights and nine days, gently paced to support the nervous system, deep embodiment, and authentic integration of the whale encounters.
The rhythm is intentionally spacious rather than rushed — allowing the intelligence of the ocean, the land, and the group field to guide the unfolding experience.
Whale Swim Days – Deep Ocean Immersion & Integration
We have five scheduled whale swims with a licensed local operator during the retreat. Each whale swim typically lasts approximately 3–4 hours on the water, including travel time, observation, and in-water encounters when conditions allow.
On whale swim days:
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The focus is fully on the ocean experience and nervous system integration.
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No additional physically demanding activities are planned.
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Afternoons are dedicated to rest, hydration, journaling, gentle sharing, nervous system settling, and quiet personal time.
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Evening Sacred Circles support emotional integration, grounding, and collective coherence.
This rhythm allows the body and psyche to truly digest the depth of the whale encounters rather than overstimulating the system.
Sacred Circles – Daily Heart Coherence & Embodiment
Sacred Circle gatherings take place every day.
These include:
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Guided meditation and breath awareness
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Toning and sound practices
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Nervous system regulation and embodiment
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Sharing and reflection
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Subtle energy alignment and integration
The Sacred Circle anchors the retreat field and supports the weaving of the experiences into lived presence rather than peak experience alone.
Land & Lagoon Days – Moorea’s Living Temples
On non-swim or lighter days, the program may include:
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Sacred hikes to Lemurian power sites and waterfalls
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Gentle island explorations and viewpoints
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Lagoon snorkeling with turtles, rays, coral reefs, and tropical fish
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One Sting Ray & Reef Shark Lagoon excursion in shallow, crystal-clear waters
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Spacious personal time for rest, swimming, reflection, and creative flow
All activities are optional and guided by weather, ocean conditions, and group energy.
A Living Schedule, Not a Rigid Itinerary
The daily flow remains responsive to:
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Ocean safety and whale activity
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Weather conditions
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Group nervous system coherence
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Natural rhythms of rest and integration
This allows the retreat to remain aligned with life rather than forcing a fixed agenda.
Accommodations – Beachfront Villa in Cook’s Bay, Moorea
A private sanctuary for rest, integration, and ocean connection
Retreat participants stay in a beautiful beachfront villa in Cook’s Bay, one of Moorea’s most stunning and energetically supportive locations. The villa opens directly onto the lagoon and offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains, sunrise light, and calm turquoise waters.
This space serves as both a home and an integration sanctuary throughout the retreat.
Villa Features
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Direct lagoon access with snorkeling from the pier
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Kayaks and SUPs available for gentle exploration
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Spacious indoor and outdoor areas for Sacred Circles, meditation, and relaxation
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Comfortable shared and private room options depending on availability
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Fully equipped kitchen for self-prepared meals
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Walking distance to small grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, and a smoothie stand
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Two washing machines and two dryers for personal laundry
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Quiet atmosphere supportive of nervous system regulation and rest
Internet & Digital Simplicity
Wi-Fi is available; however, internet speed on the island is generally slow and best suited for light messaging rather than streaming or heavy work.
Many participants experience this as a beautiful invitation into digital detox, deeper presence, and nervous system settling.
A Living Temple by the Water
Waking to birds, ocean light, and the rhythm of the lagoon creates a natural coherence that supports integration on every level. Many participants describe the villa itself as part of the healing field of the retreat.
This is not luxury tourism — it is simple beauty, grounded comfort, and intimate connection with land and sea.
What Makes This Retreat Different
This is not tourism.
This is a conscious pilgrimage into relationship with living intelligence.
This is not performance.
This is nervous system regulation, coherence, and embodied remembrance.
This is not extraction.
This is reverence, reciprocity, and ethical communion with Gaia.
This retreat is an expression of conscious travel in French Polynesia, where reverence for place, culture, and non-human life guides every choice. It is a sacred ocean experience rooted in humility, listening, and reciprocal relationship with life.
This Retreat May Not Be Right For You If:
You want guaranteed close contact or thrill-based wildlife experiences
You prefer luxury tourism over nature immersion
You dislike swimming in open ocean
You need fixed schedules and predictability
You are uncomfortable with silence, reflection, or inner inquiry
This Retreat Is For You If:
You feel deeply called to whales and ocean consciousness
You value ethical, respectful wildlife encounters
You enjoy meditation, embodiment, sacred circle and inner work
You are physically comfortable swimming in open ocean
You are open to organic flow rather than rigid schedules
You seek transformation rather than entertainment
You value presence, humility, and listening
Pricing & Registration
Price (per person)
Option 1
Shared Room (Upstairs)*
4500 EUR
Option 2
Single Room (Upstairs)*
5000 EUR
Option 3
Shared Room (Downstairs, Private Bathroom)
5000 EUR
*Please note that the 3 rooms upstairs (2 singles, 1 shared) all share one inside bathroom and one outside bathroom, so single reservation is for the room only, bathrooms are shared.
Reserve My Spot
When you feel a genuine inner yes, we warmly invite you to reach out using the Get in Touch form at the end of this page and share your name, email, and preferred room option.
Once we confirm that there is availability for your chosen dates, you’ll be guided through the next step of securing your place with a 1500 EUR (1800 USD) non-refundable deposit.
We’re happy to support you with any questions along the way.
Payment Options
To pay with credit or debit card, use the button below:
Other Payment options:
Bank Transfer (in EUR within Europe)
Account holder: Jan Lemuri
BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX
IBAN: BE69 9672 5978 6978
Wise's address
Avenue Louise 54, Room S52 Brussels 1050 Belgium
Wise Transfer (internationally)
Venmo (USA): @Jan-Lemuri
What is Included
Pick-up and drop-off at the Ferry terminal
8 nights accommodation
5 whale swims
Guided hikes and snorkeling
Sting ray & reef shark lagoon excursion
Local transportation
Daily Sacred Circles
Pre-retreat Zoom call
What is Not Included
food
plane tickets
health and travel insurance
tips for the crew
personal expenses
*Note: Organizer reserves the right to change the program or accommodations due to unexpected circumstances, weather, higher force, etc.
Meet Your Hosts — Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
We are partners in life and in service — deeply devoted to the living intelligence of Gaia and the remembrance of the human heart.
Mo’orea holds a unique place in both of our souls. Long before we ever arrived physically, our inner worlds were already connected to Lemuria, to whale consciousness, and to the Sacred Feminine Intelligence woven through this land and ocean.
Our love story with Mo’orea is not conceptual — it is cellular. We have been held here in moments that dissolved time, merged heart-fields, and rewrote our nervous systems with grace. Encounters where the ocean became the universe, where whales brushed the aura with mile-wide heart fields, where inner child joy, tears, silence, laughter, and deep peace all braided into one living prayer.
We return again and again because this land and these beings continue to teach us how to live from the heart — how to soften into trust, coherence, humility, and embodied love.
We warmly invite you to step into this living field with us — and to discover what Mo’orea may awaken within you.
We invite you to read more about our journey and work together in the Meet the Team section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Moorea Humpback Whales Retreat
Is this a whale watching tour or a whale swimming experience?
This is a respectful whale swimming retreat where, under the guidance of licensed local captains and experienced facilitators, participants enter the ocean to be present with humpback whales. All encounters honor whale behavior, safety regulations, and ethical interaction principles.
Will we actually swim with the whales?
Yes — when conditions and whale behavior allow. Some encounters involve floating nearby and witnessing their presence; at other times whales may approach with curiosity. There is no chasing, touching, baiting, or interference. All interactions happen by whale choice.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer? Do I need a wetsuit?
Yes. You must be comfortable swimming in open ocean and able to swim at least 100 meters (109 yards) to reach the whales. All whale swims are done as a group with a trained local guide and safety equipment such as rescue buoys.
A wetsuit is strongly recommended and effectively required — both for warmth and buoyancy during longer floating periods.
If you do not have a wetsuit, you will be required to wear a safety flotation collar, which provides flotation but is less comfortable and more restrictive for swimming.
For the best experience and safety, bringing a properly fitting wetsuit is highly recommended.
When is the best time to swim with humpback whales in Moorea?
Humpback whales migrate to French Polynesia from July through November. Our retreat dates in late September and October fall within peak season when whales are actively present for breeding, calving, and singing.
Is this experience safe for participants and whales?
Yes. Safety and well-being are our highest priorities. We work with licensed local captains, follow regional marine regulations, and maintain strict ethical interaction guidelines. Participants always swim as a group under direct supervision and follow safety instructions at all times.
Do you guarantee whale encounters?
No. Whale behavior is natural and unpredictable, and no specific interaction can ever be guaranteed.
That said, Moorea offers exceptionally strong encounter conditions, and across all our years of retreats here, we have never had a group that did not experience deeply meaningful whale encounters — often far beyond what participants imagined or hoped for.
Every experience is honored as meaningful regardless of duration or proximity.
What level of physical fitness is required?
You should be comfortable swimming confidently in open ocean, snorkeling, and spending extended time in the water. For the Moorea Humpback Whales Retreat, encounters often require steady swimming in open and sometimes rough waters, with changing currents and swell. A solid level of physical fitness, water confidence, endurance, and emotional steadiness in open environments is important for this experience.
If you feel that this level of physical challenge may not be aligned for you at this time, we warmly invite you to explore our other retreats that offer beautiful cetacean encounters with less demanding physical requirements:
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Baja Gray Whale Retreat — ideal for those who prefer boat-based whale encounters, where gray whales often approach the boat voluntarily, allowing profound connection without the need for long swims or open-ocean exposure.
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Sataya Dolphin Retreat (Egypt) — a gentle and joyful experience where participants primarily float calmly in the water, and dolphins naturally approach the group. Strong swimming ability is not required, making this retreat accessible for many bodies and ages.
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Beluga Whale Retreat (Churchill, Canada) — a uniquely accessible Arctic experience where interactions happen in shallow estuary waters through a combination of snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating presence. Belugas are naturally curious and often approach closely. Participants are supported with full cold-water gear (wetsuits, gloves, boots), and there is no long-distance open-ocean swimming required.
We are always happy to help you choose the retreat that best supports your body, nervous system, safety, and joy.
What is the daily rhythm like?
The retreat includes five scheduled whale swims with a licensed local operator across the nine-day journey. Each whale swim typically lasts approximately 3–4 hours on the water.
On whale swim days, we intentionally keep the remainder of the day gentle and spacious, allowing for rest, nervous system integration, nourishment, journaling, and quiet reflection. No additional physically demanding activities are planned on swim days, so the body and system can fully integrate the experience.
Sacred Circle gatherings take place every day, offering space for sharing, grounding, embodiment practices, meditation, and collective coherence.
On non-swim days or lighter days, the rhythm may include island explorations, gentle hikes, lagoon snorkeling, nature immersion, and spacious personal time, always balanced with integration and rest.
The schedule remains responsive to weather conditions, ocean safety, and whale activity, allowing the retreat to flow in alignment with nature rather than rigid timelines.
How do I get from Tahiti to Moorea?
After arriving in Papeete (Tahiti), participants take the ferry to Moorea, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Ferry tickets are usually purchased on the same day at the terminal.
Group coordination and pickup upon arrival in Moorea are arranged in advance. After your sign-up, we will stay in close communication and provide you with all practical travel details, timing coordination, and arrival guidance.
Do I need an ESTA or visa if I connect through the USA?
If your international flight connects through the United States — even if you do not leave the airport — you will need to complete an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This is required because you technically enter U.S. territory during transit.
Please apply in advance at the official website:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
If you are unsure whether you need an ESTA or visa, we recommend confirming with your airline or local embassy.
What should I pack for the retreat?
We will provide a detailed and personalized packing list in our communication after your sign-up. For now, here is a general overview to help you prepare:
Essentials
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Reef-safe sunscreen and lip SPF
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Mosquito repellent
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Reusable water bottle
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Light tropical clothing
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Light long sleeves for evenings
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Swimsuit and towel
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Sun hat and sunglasses
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Windbreaker for boat rides
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Wetsuit (strongly recommended)
Helpful Extras
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Snorkeling gear
Snorkeling gear rental is included in the retreat price and provided by the boat operator in all sizes. However, we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel for the best personal fit and comfort. Fins are not necessary to bring. An anti-fog spray for your mask is also helpful. -
Dry bag
After swims everything tends to get wet, and there can be sea spray during boat rides. A dry bag helps keep phones, towels, clothing, and valuables dry. -
Small backpack
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Hiking shoes or sturdy sandals
Good-sole sneakers (such as Sketchers) are fine — just make sure you feel safe on slippery or muddy terrain. Moorea receives tropical rain and forest paths can become muddy, but the hikes are absolutely worth it. -
Sea sickness medication
The ocean can occasionally be rough, so this is highly recommended if you are sensitive. -
Underwater camera (optional)
The guides and our team will be capturing photos and videos. Many participants find it more meaningful to fully stay present in the experience rather than focusing on filming. -
Water shoes
Helpful for beaches with coral fragments. -
Personal dietary or natural care items
If you require specific items such as gluten-free products or specialty cosmetics, it is best to bring them. Plant milks such as soy and oat milk are available locally. -
Small sitting mat for nature meditation
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Three crystals or meaningful objects
Please bring three crystals or symbolic objects that we will imbue with gratitude and gift to the whales, water, and land during our sacred ceremonies. This is an important part of the energetic and ceremonial work of the retreat. If needed, you may also purchase beautiful Himalayan crystals from us in Moorea.
What is the weather and water temperature like?
Moorea has a warm tropical climate, with daytime temperatures around 27°C / 81°F, evenings around 21°C / 72°F, and ocean temperatures around 25°C / 77°F
A wetsuit provides warmth and comfort during extended time in the water. For boat journeys, it is important to bring a windbreaker, warm hoodie, and cap, as it can become windy and cool after being in the water, especially during longer rides between swim locations and on the return trip to shore.
What if the ocean is rough or I get seasick?
Ocean conditions can vary and may occasionally become rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, bringing sea sickness medication is strongly recommended and can make a significant difference in your comfort on the water.
All whale excursions are operated by licensed professional captains who make safety decisions based on real-time weather and ocean conditions. In the rare case that conditions are deemed unsafe, the operator may cancel a whale swim for safety reasons (this has not yet happened in our years of retreats, but safety always comes first).
If a participant experiences nausea while on the boat, the excursion generally continues as planned rather than returning early to shore. We encourage participants to prepare accordingly and to listen respectfully to their own limits while remaining part of the group container.
Each participant can also support their own comfort by avoiding fruit juices, coffee, and highly acidic foods before whale swims, as these can increase the likelihood of nausea on the water.
Our intention is always to balance safety, realism, personal responsibility, and compassionate presence within the natural rhythms of the ocean.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. Participants prepare their own meals or enjoy nearby restaurants. A fully equipped kitchen is available at the villa, and grocery stores and restaurants are within walking distance.
There is also a wonderful smoothie stand right next to the villa, offering fresh juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, and light nourishing options, which many participants enjoy between activities.
For larger grocery shopping, we organize a group trip to a larger supermarket upon arrival, and transportation is provided by van.
What accommodations are provided?
Participants stay in a beautiful beachfront villa in Cook’s Bay with direct lagoon access, snorkeling from the pier, kayaks, SUPs, space for daily sacred circles, and comfortable shared or private rooms depending on the selected accommodation option.
The villa is equipped with two washing machines and two dryers, allowing guests to easily refresh clothing during the retreat.
Wi-Fi is available, however internet speed on the island is quite slow and best suited for light messaging rather than streaming or heavy work. Many participants enjoy this as a gentle invitation into deeper presence and digital simplicity.