SECRET HUMPBACK WHALE SWIMMING EXPEDITION


PACIFIC OCEAN | SECRET LOCATION

THIS IS A PLACE SO SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL WE CAN’T EVEN REVEAL THE LOCATION

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, there's a place so untouched we're not even going to tell you where it is. What we will tell you: humpback whales, dolphins, underwater caves, coral that doesn't look real, and a small group of people who are about to have the best week of their lives. You'll find out the rest when you're in.

★★★★★

Rated 5.0 stars by 250+ guests on Google

Not sure if this Expedition is for you? Take our Expedition Match-Making Quiz here!

8

Days

5

Guests max

Level 3

Ocean Native

Freediving Cert: Recommended What does this mean?

Level 3 · Ocean Native

  • Repeated long surface swims (200m+)
  • Back-to-back big days — real fitness needed
  • Strong current, swell, cold or low viz
Learn more →

Jul–Aug

2027 Dates

See all dates

2027 Dates

  • Wk 1: 26 Jul – 2 Aug
  • Wk 2: 2 – 9 Aug
  • Wk 3: 9 – 16 Aug
  • Wk 4: 16 – 23 Aug
  • Wk 5: 23 – 30 Aug
  • Wk 6: 30 Aug – 6 Sep

From $4,800 USD

Approx $6799 AUD

25°C

Water temp

Crystal-clear turquoise water at a secret, untouched Pacific whale-swimming location.

The Rarest Whale Encounters

On your first night, you'll think you've travelled back a few thousand years … to a time before mass tourism.

Yes - that's humpback out there, pec-slapping the surface 100 metres from your villa.

No boats hassling her. No crowds in the water. Just her, and you on the deck, holding a cup of tea you've completely forgotten about.

There's a reason they come in this close — the seafloor here drops to 300 metres within a few hundred metres of shore. Some people have even reported hearing whale song from land.

Do places like this still exist?” you’ll think to yourself.

When you jump in... 50m+ of visibility, water so clear it stops looking like ocean, and a humpback gliding past close enough that you forget to breathe up.

We've never found the words for that bit. Although eye contact to shatter your soul comes pretty close.

Why keep the location a secret?

This incredible place is so serene and it’s completely untouched by unruly and unregulated tourism.

Places like this barely exist anymore. We found it, we fell in love with it, and we're not going to be the ones who blow it up.

So here's the deal. We work with local operators, eat at local restaurants, cap the group at five, and sponsor the long-term conservation of several kilometres of this country's marine habitat.

In return: you find out where it is after you apply and get an offer email. If you come, you keep it off your socials and keep the sharing to a minimum.

That's the trade. We reckon it's a fair one.

Who is this for?

Your Water Experience and Fitness:-

We’ve rated this Expedition a Level 3 on our Ocean Expedition Intensity Scale.

This rating is for an expedition with a moderate-high physical demand - best suited to those of strong physical and mental fitness. You’ll be a fit if:

  • You're a strong, fit swimmer in deep, choppy water. You can swim 300+m in mixed ocean conditions with speed.

  • You’re able to lift and lower your body weight over the side of a small boat.

  • You’re steady on your feet - an experienced hiker and comfortable with exposed heights and rough trails.

  • 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.

  • You have a Freediving certification — recommended but not required.

If you’re unsure if you’re advanced enough, pre-register & apply anyway. We often curate groups with similar experience/level.

What we CAN tell you:

Okay okay, there are some details we need to share:

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights' accommodation in a local villa

  • 5 days on the ocean with local operators

  • All ground transport on-island

  • Breakfasts and lunches

  • Professional photography package of your expedition

  • Full-time support from experienced, insured Immersia facilitators

  • Direct sponsorship of a portion of marine protected area and preservation of sustainable marine careers for locals

  • Immersia Expedition Kit (with gifts from our sponsors!)

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights (we'll give you the airport code with your offer, so you can check feasibility before committing)

  • Dinners & snacks — we eat out at a different locally owned place each night, roughly $20-$25 a night

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Dive gear — bring your own. Weights available to rent!

  • Tips for the boat crew

  • Any accommodation, food, transport, dives, etc. you decide to take outside of the expedition

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: APPLY

Apply for the ‘Secret Location Expedition’, so you’re on our waitlist - you’ll be the first to know if a spot opens up for 2027!

STEP 3: BOOK!

We will review your application and send you an offer email including the location (so you can check it out!) if you’re a good fit! You’ll be asked to put down a deposit to confirm your spot.

YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM

A man sitting on rocks near a calm river, holding a professional film camera, surrounded by trees and greenery, under a partly cloudy sky.
A man wearing a black cap and a black T-shirt with colorful tropical graphics, sitting by the water near rocky cliffs and lush greenery, during an overcast day.

*subject to change depending on the expedition week

EWAN DONNACHIE

Facilitator at Immersia Freediving | Renowned Wildlife Cinamatographer | Immersia Expedition Olympics MC

Ewan grew up on the coast of New South Wales, spending his early years chasing waves, exploring nature, and developing a deep respect for the ocean. His career began as a professional bodyboarder, riding some of the world’s heaviest waves at spots like Shipstern Bluff and Teahupo’o, which taught him how to move through extreme environments with focus and care.

Today, he works as a wildlife cinematographer, shooting for BBC, Netflix, Nat Geo and Disney. He’s been been lucky to witness rare animal behaviours in remote locations, which has deepened his appreciation for the fragility of wild places.

Ewan has been part of Immersia since the beginning, as head photographer, co-host, and freediving instructor. He loves capturing the magic of our trips and helping guests interact with wildlife in a positive, respectful way.

A woman with long wavy blonde hair, wearing a black tank top with thin straps, is standing outdoors in front of tall green plants, smiling and looking to her left.
A woman snorkeling underwater with a large Humpback Whale, in Mo'orea French Polynesia.

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.

EMILY (EM)

Freediving Instructor & Facilitator Immersia Freediving

Emily is a freediving instructor, whale guide and passionate ocean lover who has spent much of her life in the water.

With a background in competitive swimming and water polo, her connection to the ocean began early and has continued to evolve through freediving, marine wildlife and exploration. For the past two years, she has been part of the Immersia team as a freediving instructor, helping guests develop confidence in the water and discover the freedom and connection that comes with exploring beneath the surface. Back home in Sydney, Emily also works as a whale guide, sharing her knowledge of marine wildlife and the ocean with guests aboard whale-watching expeditions.

Emily is particularly passionate about the intersection of the ocean, psychology and mental wellbeing. She believes that time in the water can be deeply transformative, offering an opportunity to slow down, challenge ourselves and reconnect with what matters. As a host and instructor, she loves creating experiences that go beyond simply freediving/snorkelling - encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, discover what they are capable of and take something meaningful from the ocean home with them.

A typical day on expedition…

05:45 - RISE N’ SHINE!

Coffee on the deck, eyes on the water. If a whale breaches while the kettle's boiling, today’s going to be a good day!

08:00 AM - OCEAN!

On the boat. We spend 5 of our days on the ocean — whales, dolphins, and exploring the underwater landscape.

13:00PM - LUNCH!

Back to the villa for lunch. Debrief, laugh at each other's whale faces, dry out.

15:00 PM: EXPLORE!

Afternoon mission: jungle trails / hidden lagoons / caves / coastal lookouts… group choice!

17:00 PM - DINNER + SLEEP!

Dinner at a different locally owned joint each night. Group games, workshops and lots of silliness to ensue.

Where your money goes

The non-secrety thing we’re proudest of!

A slice of what you pay goes straight into the long-term conservation of several kilometres of this country's marine habitat.

We purchase/sponsor 1 km² per expedition week — you’ll get to see your group’s certificate on your first briefing day!

It’s not an optional add-on donation, it's built into the trip! <3

Why Applications?

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.

FAQs

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: APPLY

Apply for the ‘Secret Location Expedition’, so you’re on our waitlist - you’ll be the first to know if a spot opens up for 2027!

STEP 3: BOOK!

We will review your application and send you an offer email including the location (so you can check it out!) if you’re a good fit! You’ll be asked to put down a deposit to confirm your spot.

  • What our previous guests say

    I had just about the best experience during Immersia’s Whale Diving trip in Mo’orea, French Polynesia.

    Immersia’s crew was absolutely lovely too- full of positive energy and really experienced in not just free diving, but also keeping up good group dynamics and running a tour. It was awesome to see Ewan at work as a cinematographer, and hear all of the literally awesome stories from his wildlife documentarian day job.

    And I can’t begin to describe how AWESOME were the pictures taken by professional photographers who joined us for every single dive!!!

    Highly recommended for energetic people who love nature and the company of fun and adventurous folks of all levels :-)

    Ignas

    French Polynesia Expedition 2024

  • What our previous guests say:

    This has been my 2nd retreat with Immersia Freediving and it did not fail to disappoint. I recently joined the swimming with Whales retreat in Moorea and not only was it well planned with added extras that complimented the experience but it was all done with so much love and thought. It was a safe and fun environment, with extremely knowledgable instructors and World class photographers to capture the beautiful interactions. Thank you Immersia for an incredible, life changing experience x

    Kelly

    French Polynesia 2024

  • What our previous guests say

    I recently came back from Immersia’s whale expedition in Moorea and wow, it was incredible. I’ve attended several retreats with Immersia and have always come home with a full heart.
    Vibes were high in Moorea with mind blowing wildlife interactions (humpback whales, pilot whales, dolphins, reef sharks and rays), stunning accomodation and very experienced local boat/ tour operators with an emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters.
    Immersia consistently attracts a very welcoming community with highly experienced instructors and a no-pressure environment. The Immersia community keeps me coming back for more.

    I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat! A truly priceless experience- highly recommend!!

    Julia

    French Polynesia Expedition 2024

  • What our previous guests say:

    Loved every minute of it. Had a wonderful time whale diving, chasing turtles, doing yoga and improving breath ability. Well organised and no bad eggs in the group. Would recommend to anyone to try at least once!

    Andrew

    Winter Whaleness Weekend 2023

  • What our previous guests say:

    This is now the 3rd immersia trip we have done and they just get better and better. We got blessed with an amazing group of people to share the trip with, our instructors Bella and Sylvia were just absolutely incredible, full of so much knowledge and so kind and patient. They were there for all of us no matter what time, we couldn’t be more grateful for everything they did for us and helped us achieve. The trip itself was so well planned and organised, we got to visit such incredible places and had dive to new depths and smash out some new PB’s. So grateful for another perfect retreat with immersia. Cant wait for the next!

    Zoe

    Freediving Immersion Philippines 2024