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About this trip
Welcome to the Winter Whaleness Weekend, a small and intimate freediving and wellbeing retreat near Byron Bay, designed to help you switch off from your work brain. Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring freediving, yoga, restorative breathwork, and intimate encounters with migrating humpback whales. Immerse yourself in daily yoga sessions, explore the vibrant marine life at Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) Marine Reserve, and partake in the transformative Mana Kai experience with Joga Wellness. With expert guidance from whale specialist Scott Wilson and the serene presence of Georgia Rose and Joey Hurl, this retreat promises rejuvenation, connection, and a taste of the coastal luxury Byron Bay has to offer. Indulge in plant-based food, work on your breath-hold and freediving skills, reconnect with your body and with nature.
What to bring
Clothing:
- Comfy, loose clothes for yoga
- Warm sweater
- Windproof jacket for boat
- Towel
- Swimwear
Freediving Equipment:
- Wetsuit (3.5mm-5mm open cell recommended)
- Fins
- Weights and weight belt
- Mask and Snorkel
- Go-Pro or Camera (optional)
- Anti-fog, wetsuit lube or other accessories as needed
- Dive computer (optional)
- Neoprene Gloves and Hood (optional)
Other:
- Sea sickness pills (don't risk it...)
- Journal and pen
- Yoga mat if you prefer to use your own
- Medication you may need
- Drinks or snacks you'd like to have
Who is this trip for?
If you're an ocean lover or an aspiring mermaid, this is the perfect trip for you! Here are some recommendations to make sure you get the most out of this trip:
- All guests must be 18 or over
- All guests must complete a medical statement. If a guest indicates ANY condition on this list, they will be required to present a medical certificate from their doctor clearing them to participate.
What’s included
- AccommodationOur own private home and pool. Both private and twin-share rooms availlable.
- Whale Swimming AdventureWe'll spend 3-4 hours offshore with the Humpback whales. Sightings are guaranteed although the whales decide if they want to swim with us.
- Nguthungulli FreedivingWe'll spend an hour in Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, fun-freediving to explore the beautiful wildlife that congregates here. We may spot grey nurse sharks and turtles!
- Mana Kai ExperienceA transformational healing experience designed to help relieve the body of anxiety, emotional blocks and fear, taking you on a deep somatic journey to soften back into yourself, connect with your flow
- Daily YogaDaily yoga ranging from active, heart-racing yoga to sleepy restorative flows with Georgia Rose Co. Yoga
- Freediving CoachingPool Freediving (breath-holding and dynamic technique) coaching from one of Australia's top freediving school founders, Bella Massey from Immersia Freediving
- Welcome DrinkAlcoholic, with non-alc options
- Daily BreakfastEnjoy a daily breakfast of fruit, toast and cereal, with delicious croissants and pasties on our last morning
- Immersia Freediving GiftA little treat for our guests
What’s not included
- Unspecified mealsApart from breakfast and the welcome diner on the first night, guests are requested to fund their own dinners. We will have a fridge full of grazing snacks and guests are welcome to bring food in.
- Freediving EquipmentRental is available
- TransportWe are unable to provide transport to and from the retreat house. Where possible, we will carpool between locations. We will also create a Whatsapp group for guests to arrange ride sharing in advance.
- Unspecified alcoholWelcome drink (alcoholic with non-alc option) will be provided, plus sharing wine during Welcome Dinner. All other alcoholic drinks are at guest's own expense. Guests may bring alcohol to the house.
Available Packages
Share a twin room with one other guest of the same gender.
Note: Please try to use a card which doesn't charge you international transaction fees. Balance must be paid within 7 days of putting down your deposit.
Package must be booked for 2!
Share a king bed room with your friend or partner.
Note: Please try to use a card which doesn't charge you international transaction fees. Balance must be paid within 7 days of putting down your deposit.
A little more 'me-time'. Enjoy your own private queen or double room.
Note: Please try to use a card which doesn't charge you international transaction fees. Balance must be paid within 7 days of putting down your deposit.
Available options
We will bring you a freediving weight belt with a selection of weight to save you carrying them on the plane!
Please specify shoe size in the overall comments, i.e. Euro 41
Itinerary
- Arrive at the private house near Byron Bay at 4pm, where you'll be greeted by the warm coastal breeze and a stunning sunset view.
- Welcome drinks to kick off your retreat, allowing you to unwind and connect with your fellow retreaters.
- Join Georgia Rose, a renowned yoga instructor, for a serene sunset yoga session, embracing the tranquility of the surroundings.
- After yoga, we'll head into Byron Bay town for a stunning plant-based group dinner at the famous 'No Bones' restaurant