SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES IN MO’OREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
BREATHTAKING MOMENTS WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS ON EARTH
This once-in-a-lifetime small group expedition will take you to one of earth’s true paradises. Mo’orea, French Polynesia is one of the only places on earth where encounters like this are possible.
Whale season runs July to November, and we run at the peak: August to October. Each morning, we'll head out in search of humpback whales, approaching them respectfully and ethically, on their terms.
When we're not in the water with whales, we'll be meeting stingrays, sharks and each other. Afternoons are for exploring the island, floating in our private pool, eating chef-cooked food, playing silly games and laughing more than you'd expect.
We’re also planning one women-only expedition week in 2027, stay tuned!
★★★★★
Not sure if this Expedition is for you? Take our Expedition Match-Making Quiz here!
7
Days
6
Guests max
Level 3
Ocean Native
Freediving Cert: Not required What does this mean?Level 3 · Ocean Native
- Repeated long surface swims (200m+)
- Back-to-back big days — real fitness needed
- No freediving required; must be confident snorkelling in open ocean
Sep–Oct
2027 Dates
See all dates2027 Dates
- Wk 1: 7 – 13 Sep
- Wk 2: 14 – 20 Sep
- Wk 3: 22 – 28 Sep
- Wk 4: 30 Sep – 6 Oct
From $6,200
USD per person
26–27°C
Water temp
Come eye to eye with one of Earth's largest creatures
They've swum thousands of kilometres for this.
Every year, humpback mums travel up from Antarctica to have their calves in warm, sheltered water.
We watch, we wait, and we only interact on their terms. Sometimes a mum rests below while her calf comes up to check you out, all flippers and curiosity, before heading straight back to her. Sometimes one rolls over and looks right at you. Other times there's a singer somewhere below — you can't see him, but his song rattles through your chest..
Our guests have all said variations of the same things after their first encounter:
time stops. your heart cracks open. nothing else matters.
Our promise is this: you will return home changed: carrying a new perspective, a fuller heart, a deeper appreciation for the world around you, new friends and memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
You’ll spend a lifetime trying to articulate it your friends and family. But our advice is - don’t try. You’ll come to learn its the type of event you have to experience for yourself.
Why Mo’orea?
It’s the question we get asked most about our whale swim expedition… so here’s our honest answer after 5 seasons.
Mo’orea holds a kind of magic that you have to feel it. People want to come back again and again and again, and it’s not just for the whales. Mo’orea is an island of striking mountains and lush green valleys, warm water, crystal lagoons, breathtaking sunsets, island music in the air, strong Tahitian culture, poké bowls under palm trees… the atmosphere is electric. And the temperature is slightly warmer than a few other whale island destinations.
We’re also incredibly grateful to the local connections that we’ve built over 5 seasons. our beautiful boat operators, the villa owners that welcome, and the local restaurants that feed our never ending hunger (after BIG days) to name a few.
Mo’orea has become our second island home.
Want to Join? Here’s how:
STEP 1: LEARN MORE
Check out all the trip details, FAQs, Terms and Conditions on our web page.
STEP 2: PRE-REGISTER
Pre-register for the ‘Swim with Whales in Mo’orea’ Expedition, so you’re on our mailing list - you’ll be the first to know when we launch applications for 2027!
STEP 3: APPLY!
When we launch to our mailing list, you’ll be able to apply. We will review applications, and send you an offer email if we’re a good fit! You’ll be asked to put down a deposit to lock in your place.
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![A person swimming with Humpback whales in Mo'orea, French Polynesia.]()
Memories that Never Leave
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![Guest Testimonial for Immersia's Swim with Whales Expedition in Mo'orea, French Polynesia.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Solo female travellers in French Polynesia on a humpback whale swimming expedition.]()
New Travel Buddies
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![Guest testimonial for Immersia Freediving Expeditions.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![A beautiful private villa in Mo'orea, French Polynesia for a Humpback Whale Swimming Expedition.]()
Our Home for the Week
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![Stingray gliding over sand in the Mo'orea lagoon.]()
Meeting all kinds of Creatures
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![Meditation]()
A quiet moment in the morning
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![A light blue background with a heartfelt message about caring for animals and guests, signed by Betsy from Moorea Retreat 2024, with small icons of a heart, sparkles, and a whale at the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Freediver swimming with large stingrays in a Mo'orea lagoon]()
The Popular One
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![Private villa and pool, Immersia whale expedition base in Mo'orea.]()
You, in this paradise.
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![A testimonial quote from Christie about the Maldives Shark Expedition 2024, praising the effort and new friendships made, with an illustration of a shark at the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Guest swimming alongside a humpback whale in clear blue water, Mo'orea French Polynesia.]()
Interspecies Interactions
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![Quote about creating memorable travel experiences with a whale illustration in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Private villa and pool, Immersia whale expedition base in Mo'orea.]()
Tranquility
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![Quote about respectful and responsible tourism with whales, attributed to Jessica from the Mo’orea Expedition 2025, with an illustration of a whale's tail in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Group of women embracing outdoors, with a mountain in the background.]()
Shared Awe
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![Group of women sitting on a wooden dock by the water, smiling and wearing swimwear, with a cloudy sky in the background.]()
Lifelong Friendships
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![Immersia guest taking part in a coral restoration activity in Mo'orea, French Polynesia.]()
Coral Restoration Activity
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![Quote about a welcoming community with experienced instructors, attributed to Julia, a four-time Immersia Expedition guest, with a whale illustration in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Person in a wetsuit and mask kneeling underwater on the ocean floor, surrounded by a shark, a stingray, and several smaller fish swimming above.]()
Moments that make you a mermaid
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![A person swimming underwater in a vibrant, clear ocean with a mountain landscape in the background and a blue sky overhead.]()
Is it a ray? Is it a dress?
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![Inspirational quote about sharing memorable moments with like-minded people, attributed to Sol from the Moorea Expedition 2025, with a small illustration of a whale tail in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![A boat floating on calm water during sunset, surrounded by palm tree branches.]()
Sunset views from the Villa
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![A group of ten friends with diverse ethnicities on a boat, posing happily, some with colorful hair, dressed in casual summer clothes, surrounded by water and trees.]()
Last day vibes
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![A quote over a light blue background, with a small illustration of a whale in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Multiple printed photographs scattered on a wooden surface, showing people, outdoor scenes, and tropical elements.]()
Memories in film
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![Two women sitting on a wooden deck near a pool, hugging and smiling, with one woman wearing a tank top and the other wearing a light jacket and shorts, and a zebra print rug visible in the foreground.]()
Non stop laughter
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![Quote about adventures and community support from Marie at the Mo'orea Expedition 2025 with a whale tail illustration in the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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The Sunset Palette
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![Person sitting outdoors on wooden deck, holding multiple skincare or beauty product sachets and a tote bag, wearing a colorful swimsuit.]()
Gifts bc we love you all
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![A whale swimming underwater with two divers in the background.]()
Interactions we will never forget
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![Guest testimonial for Immersia Freediving Swim with Whales Expedition.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Underwater scene with several sharks swimming across the ocean floor with sandy bottom, water surface with ripples above.]()
Gentle Sea Encounters
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![Private villa and pool, Immersia whale expedition base in Mo'orea]()
A Shared Sunrise
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![Boat Trips on Mo'orea Humpback Whale Expedition Immersia Freediving.]()
You didn't think you could but you did
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![Quote about immersion expeditions with a whale fin illustration at the bottom right corner.]()
Guest Testimonial
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![Traditional flower crown in Mo'orea, French Polynesia.]()
Playing mermaids
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![Guest testimonial for Immersia Freediving Swim with Whales Expedition.]()
Guest Testimonial
What’s included?
INCLUDED
6 nights' accommodation in an oceanfront villa
5 days of magical marine interactions with local operators
Full-time support of 2 qualified, insured, experienced and vetted expedition hosts.
Daily Breakfast and Lunch (most dietary restrictions can be managed), unlimited water and hot drinks.
Professional photography package of your expedition
Workshops, Activities and Games - we will tailor the schedule of each week to the vibe and preferences of the group.
24/7 access & use of paddleboards and kayaks
Pickup from the Mo’orea Ferry and Transport around the island in a private van
Immersia Expedition Kit (with gifts from our sponsors!)
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to French Polynesia
Ferry transfers from Tahiti to Moorea - we will met you at the Moorea ferry terminal Moorea at the start of the trip
Dinners & snacks — we eat out at a different locally owned place each night, roughly $20-$25 a night
Travel Insurance – This is mandatory and self-funded. All guests must have coverage in the event of travel disruptions or injuries/sickness.
Freediving equipment (we’ll provide guidance on where buy in advance)
Tips for the boat crew
Alcohol or other drinks
Any accommodation, food, transport, dives, etc. you decide to take outside of the expedition
Who is this for?
Your Water Experience and Fitness:-
We’ve rated this Expedition a Level 3 on our Ocean Expedition Intensity Scale.
Whilst this expedition is beginner friendly (no freediving required), it does require a high level of ocean confidence and physical fitness;
you MUST be confident with open-ocean snorkelling. We will be doing repeated long-surface swims (200m+) in deep water.
you’ll need good health, fitness and stamina for long, physical days (back to back!).
you’re happy to roll with mother nature’s plans (this isn’t a resort-style trip).
You’re medically fit - we require everyone to complete a medical statement and we may require clearance from a doctor.
You’re over 18 years of age.
If you’re not sure, apply anyway, and we can help you assess whether you’re a match! OR you can take our Quiz here.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
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OUR MISSION:
To create moments and connections that change people’s lives and protect the ocean ecosystem.
WHAT DRIVES US:
Knowing that we build and promote ethical, respectful interactions that never jeopardise the wellbeing of animals.
Being the best in our category, That doesn’t mean fancy hotels or fake promises. It means having the highest standards. Caring about our guests more. Putting in more effort. Making sure we max out every resource we have to create INCREDIBLE experiences.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, NOT US
Most wildlife expeditions are run by content creators as a way to fund their content creation. Nothing wrong with that, as long as their guests know what to expect.
We are NOT content creators. We are experience facilitators. We aren’t going to ditch guests after the dive. We aren’t going to make you line up for a quick photo and then send you off to entertain yourselves. You’re the VIP, not us.
WE’RE EXTREMELY SELECTIVE
We vet guests through applications. Spicy, we know, but it helps us create an AMAZING group vibe of shared values and shared motivations. Let’s be real, we’ve all had a major experience ruined by one personality, and we don’t want to let that happen.
We are also extremely selective about operators we partner with, locations we choose, and the staff that represent us. We’d rather NOT deliver the trip than deliver something sub-par.
OUR COMMITMENT
Here’s what you can expect from us:
Honest pricing. We charge you what we need to to pay staff and run trips sustainably.
Respect and kindness for the environment and ocean
The highest facilitator:guest ratios in our industry
Dedicated 24h facilitators on retreat. We won’t ditch you for dinner or disappear at 3pm.
Convenient and secure booking platform.
Regular communication and support from our full time ops team.
Professionally qualified, experienced, and insured facilitators (no volunteers or trainees).
Licensed operators chosen for their safety records and values.
A LOT of silliness and fun. Expect games, dancing, human pyramids, dirty jokes, and our signature Immersia Olympics…
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You're an ocean and nature lover. You’re open to rolling with the unpredictable.
You’re here to make friends! And you're patient, and respectful in a group setting.
You value the safety and wellbeing of the group AND the animals
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YES! In 2027, we’re reserving one week of our expedition block specifically for women only.
This is a great option if you’d prefer a women-only experience.
NOTE: even on our mixed-gender weeks, we categorically never mix genders in share rooms anyway. We also vet every single human through our application process. So if you’re not fussed, our mixed gender weeks are just as much of a vibe!
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2027 PRICES
Shared Womens Room (price pp) - USD $5500.00
Private Queen Room (price pp) - USD $6000.00
Non-swimming Guest (price pp) - email to enquire
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Non refundable deposit of 15% secures your spot.
50% payments must be completed by 6 months before your expedition date.
All final balances are due 3 months ahead of your expedition.
Payment Plans available!
When you book you can opt into a monthly payment schedule.
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We understand that life is unpredictable. Here is our policy if something happens or you change your mind. Please think carefully before booking as we cannot make exceptions to this policy. We run small group adventures with a high level of personalized service, so late cancellations have a significant impact!
Full payment is due no less than 3 months before the trip start date, and late payment may result in the cancellation of your spot and loss of deposit.
Deposit: Non-Refundable.
Cancellation of trip up to 5 months before the start date: Refund or Credit less Deposit.
Cancellation within 3-5 months weeks of the start date: Credit of 50% less Deposit to be used within 1 year.
Cancellation within 3 months of the start date: No Refunds or Credits. Name change may be available.
Please read our Terms and Conditions here. All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover them in the event that they are sick or unable to attend with late notice.
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Humpbacks arrive in French Polynesia from July and stay through to November.
The official observation season is 20 July – 20 November, with the peak from August to mid-October. We run our expeditions in the peak window!
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Nope! You need to be a confident, fit swimmer in deep open ocean — but no freediving certification or experience is required.
In French Polynesia you observe whales from the surface anyway, so breath-hold ability isn't the point!
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Honestly, both.
It's active and physical — big ocean days, 200m+ swims over and over again — but we stay in a villa, with a private chef, a pool and a lot of laughing!
While we do stay in one location overnight, we’re not inclined to label our Mo’orea expedition as a ‘retreat’.
It’s incredibly active — we even categorised it as Level 3 on the Ocean Expedition Intensity rating!
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Yes, within strict rules. French Polynesia is one of only a handful of places worldwide where in-water encounters with humpbacks are permitted, and it's tightly regulated — licensed operators only, limited numbers in the water, minimum distances. We only work with licensed local operators, and never force an interaction.
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Your photography package focuses on:
Our land adventures and life around the villa
Lagoon portraits, scenes and wildlife shots
Snorkelling and freediving photos in between whale swims
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any human + whale photos. Whilst we have been lucky in the past, we feel that focusing on this type of photography negatively impacts the whales and the group dynamic.
We’d rather you leave with unforgettable encounters and a handful of beautiful memories, instead of chasing a single frame.
Please expect that the photographer may not be present in the water during most whale interactions. You, the guest, are the focus, not our photography portfolio.
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We’ve been doing this for a while. We know that it’s the PEOPLE, not the wildlife/weather/accommodation/etc. that will make this a life-changing trip.
This is one of our more high-stakes, high-intensity expeditions, and we want to make sure you’re ready for this kind of adventure!
When we review applications we’re asking ourselves 3 questions:-
Is your ocean experience and skill a good match for this?
Do we share similar values around wildlife interaction and group dynamics?
Do we fit with what you’re looking for?!
The application process is NOT about assessing your IG follower number or cool you are; it’s about us being super honest and ensuring that you’re going to get the most of of this adventure!
Trust us - this small extra effort on both sides means that you can turn up confident in the knowledge that you’ll be at the right level, with great people, who are all on the same page.
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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN APPLICATIONS
We want to make sure WE are a good fit for YOU!
It’s not about proving anything to us. We are reading your application with 3 things in mind:-
Your experience/skill in the water. For this expedition we need you to be confident in deep open ocean, and we recommend taking a freediving course beforehand!
Will this expedition meet your expectations and needs?
Do we have shared values around wildlife, nature and thr group dynamic? We love hosting guests who want to connect with others, who respect nature and are here for more than just ‘content’.
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Fill in an application form
We review applications on a first-come-first-served bases. Get in early!
If we think we’re a good fit, we will send you a booking link and hold your spot for 12 HOURS ONLY. After this, we cannot guarantee the spot will be held.
After 12 hours we send the booking link to the next set of applicants.
It sounds very fast but this is the fairest way we have fund to give applicants a chance to book!
Our Policy on Safety & Values
Maintaining high standards of safety and operating to our values is something we don’t take lightly. Some of these points may seem obvious to you, however we want to be as clear and transparent about who we are, as not everyone is like us (& that’s ok!). Here are a few things we can promise you:
All guests are vetted according to their values and ocean experience. With us, you will never be placed on a week with ‘randoms’, or people who don’t value the ocean (or who can’t swim!).
Our trip leaders are hand-picked for their values and experience. They’re insured and qualified. Minimum: first aid + freedive or snorkel instructor qualification.
We employ a full-time operations manager to make sure guests are 100% prepared with all the info they need? We don’t just send some Claude PDF and ignore you until the day before your trip.
We take safety seriously. Our instructors are trained in safety procedures way beyond the minimum first aid requirements. Each trip has a risk assessment and a long ass safety briefing for guests. We have and will remove guests who compromise safety.
We have a 65% guest return rate. Honestly so stoked and proud about this. We LOVE our guests.
Speaking of which.. guests are THE priority. We’re not influencers, or photographers trying to fund our portfolio. Everything we do is for them.
We uphold strict professional boundaries. That means our expedition leaders will never get wasted, act recklessly or hook up with guests. We know this may sound obvious, but we have to state this as openly as we can, as not all operators uphold such professional standards.
We only work with licensed operators chosen for their safety records and values. We also almost exclusively work with locals in-country where possible.
We contribute to local non-profits and try to make sure we are listening and giving back to the place
A typical day on expedition…
05:45 - RISE N’ SHINE!
Coffee on the deck, eyes on the water. Maybe a little meditation to prepare for the day ahead!
08:00 AM - OCEAN!
To the boat! Most days we’ll spend the morning on the ocean, with one afternoon session :)
13:00PM - LUNCH!
Time to feast because you’ll be hungry! Enjoy a home-cooked meal at the villa, or lunch boxes if we’re off on a little afternoon adventure.
15:00 PM: RELAX
Afternoon mission: local lagoons, workshops at the villa, games, or a visit to the Coral Gardeners!
18:00 PM - DINNER + SLEEP!
Dinner at a mixture of at-home (chef meals) and locally owned restaurants. Group games and lots of silliness to ensue.
Want to Join? Here’s how:
STEP 1: LEARN MORE
Check out all the trip details, FAQs, Terms and Conditions on our web page.
STEP 2: PRE-REGISTER
Pre-register for the ‘Swim with Whales in Mo’orea’ Expedition, so you’re on our mailing list - you’ll be the first to know when we launch applications for 2027!
STEP 3: APPLY!
When we launch to our mailing list, you’ll be able to apply. We will review applications, and send you an offer email if we’re a good fit! You’ll be asked to put down a deposit to lock in your place.
OUR HOME FOR THE WEEK
We’ve secured one of the most in-demand villas on the entire island. Think more ‘cosy Polynesian beachhouse’ than ‘luxe hotel’.
The villa is tucked away in a private community, directly on the water with sunrise views. Watch sunrise and whales breaching on the horizon from the pool deck and little private beach.
The villa is made up of 2 buildings:
the main house (for private rooms)
the garden studio (for shared room guests)
There’s plenty of space for chilling, games and relaxation, and 2 kitchens which guests are welcome to use (although our chef will always be preparing delicious feasts!)
We’re walking distance to the closest shop and juice bar for any little treats or extras you might like.
YOU MAY BE HOSTED BY…
*This is just some of our Team. Each host is subject to change depending on the expedition week. Please note, all hosts are hand-picked, certified, experienced Immersia-approved leaders.
BELLA
Founder of Immersia Freediving, Head Facilitator/Instructor
In 2017, I left London and my corporate consulting career for Bondi Beach and discovered the world of freediving, and the broader ocean community.
I was terrified of deep water, currents, waves, and sharks. It didn’t come naturally. But slowly, confidence replaced fear. Freediving felt weightless and quiet, like dancing underwater. I found calm, strength, and my closest community, including my husband.
I realised I wanted to help everyday people experience that same transformation.
So in 2020, I walked away from my career and started Immersia Freediving.
Five years later, we’ve taught 1,500+ people and hosted ocean expeditions in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. I truly believe that the ocean has something to teach every person who comes to it, and that’s what we’re here for.
EWAN
Co-Facilitator at Immersia Freediving | Renowned Wildlife Cinematographer | Immersia Beach Olympics MC
Ewan is a lifelong ocean and nature lover who grew up on the coast of New South Wales, chasing waves and exploring the wild.
He began his career as a professional bodyboarder, riding heavy breaks like Shipstern Bluff and Tahiti’s Teahupo’o, learning to stay calm and capable in extreme ocean conditions. That connection to nature naturally evolved into cinematography.
Today, he’s a wildlife cinematographer working with BBC Natural History, Netflix, National Geographic and Disney+, capturing rare and remote animal behaviours around the world.
Since day one at Immersia, he’s been our head photographer, host and instructor, guiding guests to experience the ocean with skill, respect and care. Moʻorea is one of his favourite places on Earth, and he loves sharing it with others.
MICOL
Our Private live-in chef and Villa Host
After long days spent on the water, we’ll be returning home to deeply nourishing, vibrant plant-based meals prepared by Micol, our private live-in chef and villa host. Her food is designed to restore energy, support recovery and bring people together around the table (or poolside!), blending her Italian roots with seasonal and local ingredients in an intuitive, mindful approach to cooking.
Micol is an Italian chef, freediving instructor and yoga teacher. For her, breath, movement and food all weave together into one cohesive lifestyle. With years of experience living and working by the ocean, she understands what bodies need after hours of diving, swimming and sun. Beyond the kitchen, Micol brings a calm, grounded presence to the villa, holding space with warmth, humour and genuine care. A natural host and all-round vibe-bringer, we are incredibly happy to welcome her back for a second year running.
DANA
Co-Facilitator | Underwater Photographer | Storyteller | Conservationist
Dana Bjaner is an underwater photographer, storyteller, and ocean conservationist from Ecuador. She’s spent over a decade exploring the Galápagos, forming a deep connection with the islands and their wildlife: a bond that continues to shape her work and the way she shares the ocean with others.
We first discovered Dana two years ago through her breathtaking Galápagos imagery on Instagram. We quickly began plotting a joint expedition. In May 2025 we hosted our first Galápagos journey together with seven incredible guests. It was pure magic.
Since then, Dana has co-hosted four of our Mo’orea Whale Expeditions, capturing unforgettable moments and bringing her warmth, expertise, and infectious passion for nature to every trip.. Our guests love her as much as we do. She’s become a close friend and trusted team member we’re proud to work with.
Want to Join? Here’s how:
STEP 1: LEARN MORE
Check out all the trip details, FAQs, Terms and Conditions on our web page.
STEP 2: PRE-REGISTER
Pre-register for the ‘Swim with Whales in Mo’orea’ Expedition, so you’re on our mailing list - you’ll be the first to know when we launch applications for 2027!
STEP 3: APPLY!
When we launch to our mailing list, you’ll be able to apply. We will review applications, and send you an offer email if we’re a good fit! You’ll be asked to put down a deposit to lock in your place.
