Whale Swimming Ocean Retreat
~Jervis Bay
11-13 SEPTEMBER, 2026
A Rare Ocean Experience in Jervis Bay
Imagine being on the water as majestic humpback whales make one of the longest migrations on the planet — traveling thousands of kilometres from Antarctic feeding grounds back toward tropical waters. For just a handful of days each year, these incredible giants pass through Jervis Bay on their southbound migration, sometimes slowing in its calm, sheltered marine waters to rest, play and connect with their calves — a rare behaviour that doesn’t last long and doesn’t happen everywhere.
This retreat is built around those fleeting days — an opportunity to share the water with humpback whales, dolphins and seals in a way few people ever get to, guided by experts and held in a small, intentional group.
Why This Is a Very Special Offering
This isn’t just another trip — it’s a deep ocean immersion designed to connect you to the natural world, your own breath, and the extraordinary presence of whales during their southern migration.
From 11–13 September 2026, you’ll join a select group of women in a supportive, soulful community to:
Swim with humpback whales during the rare window when they linger in Jervis Bay on the southern migration.
Snorkel in the pristine Jervis Bay Marine Park, known for its aquamarine waters and abundant marine life.
Build breath‑hold ability and comfort in the water with intro freediving sessions — regardless of your experience level.
Learn about whales and ocean ecology, deepening both knowledge and connection.
Engage in ocean‑mindfulness and breathwork practices designed to cultivate calm, presence, and inner resilience.
A Transformative Small‑Group Ocean Experience
Limited to just 10 spots, this retreat is intentionally intimate so you can:
Move at your own pace on the water
Receive personal support from guides and experts
Share meaningful time with other ocean‑minded women
Experience the ocean and its creatures in a way that’s respectful, ethical, and unforgettable
This is a rare chance to witness and be present with whales in their own environment.
Your Home Base — Jervis Bay
Located less than 3 hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is a place of striking natural beauty: aquamarine waters, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and thriving marine life make it one of the most captivating coastal environments in Australia.
Our coastal retreat — a beautifully designed beach house just steps from the water — will be your sanctuary between ocean adventures, where you’ll share meals, stories and connection with your fellow tribe.
What previous participants are saying
The whaleness retreat was a deeply immersive experience. It gave me opportunities to learn about and connect in an ecologically sensitive and ethical way with these beautiful creatures and the ocean, as well as being able to work through limiting self beliefs. Shannon takes great care to ensure physical and emotionall safety as well as nurturing, fun AND adventure.
-Jennifer Parke
What’s Included
Two nights accommodation in a stylish coastal beach house retreat
All wholesome meals and snacks
A private 6‑hour whale boat charter to see, swim with and listen to whale song in the bay
Freediving session to build confidence and breath awareness
Sunrise swims and ocean breathwork sessions
Marine education & mindfulness activities
Tools and practices to deepen your connection with the ocean
Journaling and reflective practices to integrate your experience
(Retreat transfers and travel costs not included; optional gear hire available.)
This is more than a retreat — it’s an invitation to slow down, see the world from a different perspective, and experience nature with depth and intention.
Availability & Investment
Limited to 10 spots — places are expected to fill quickly.
Accommodation & inclusion tiers start from $1899 to $2849, with flexible payment plans available. A $500 deposit secures your space.
Room options include (subject to availability):
Superior Queen Room with balcony and own bathroom (private) $2849
Deluxe Queen Room with balcony (private) $2599
Private Queen Room (downstairs) $2299
Shared King Room with King Bed / Single Bed $2399 / $2199
Twin-share Room $2199
Three-way Share Room $1899
*Salty Tribe Members receive $100 off.
Accommodation
Our architecturally designed coastal retreat is located in Vincentia - a short stroll to Orion’s Beach. Enjoy multiple living areas, spacious rooms, and beach views - located a short drive from our water activities. There are both private and shared options depending on your budget.
The Itinerary
Day 1: welcome dinner and meeting our tribe. Arrive at our beach home in Jervis Bay, soak up the salty air while connecting with fellow Salty Tribe ocean enthusiasts. Be guided through ocean-mind body practices to help you connect with your body and the stunning surroundings of Jervis Bay and get ready for an intro to freediving session and welcome dinner to prepare you for your weekend of salty nourishment.
Day 2: meet wisdom through the eyes of whales! You will have the opportunity to swim alongside humpback whales, fur seals and dolphins on our personal eco-friendly boat charter of Jervis Bay with local ocean experts. Experience “whale radio”, a live stream of whale song between snorkels, explore the Jervis Bay Marine Park and take in the stunning surroundings of the coast (you will be in awe by the cliffs and caves alone!) Learn about whales and the ocean in engaging ways to explore your connection with them, increase your knowledge of marine life and tune into your inner wisdom through the eyes of a whale.
Day 3: start the day with movement and mindfulness at sunrise, an ocean dip, and coastal walk. You will also be guided on a snorkelling adventure in the Jervis Bay Marine Park to meet the marine life that call these waters home and grow your comfort in the ocean. Enjoy a shared brunch together and finish with reflections and connections with our salty tribe before making your way home.
Meet Shannon, your Salty Guide
Hello! I’m the proud founder of The Salty Tribe, where I’m passionate about helping women build a deeper connection with the ocean, grow their confidence in the water, and nurture their care for the underwater world.
With over a decade of experience as a snorkel and dive instructor, educator, conservationist, and more recently a certified results coach, people I’ve guided often tell me I have a knack for creating a safe, supportive space for them to explore the ocean in their own way.
Over the years I’ve been incredibly fortunate to swim with some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring wildlife around the world — from reef sharks and manta rays to whale sharks and migrating humpback whales. Experiences like these have shown me just how powerful and transformative time in the ocean can be.
One moment that deeply shaped my journey happened 30 metres underwater, when I experienced anxiety and a panic attack while diving. Facing that challenge forced me to slow down, breathe, and learn practical ways to manage fear and reconnect with my body and mind in the water.
Through confronting those fears, the ocean became a powerful teacher — helping me rediscover my confidence, resilience, and sense of calm.
Today I’m passionate about guiding others through their own ocean experiences, whether that’s snorkelling vibrant reefs, building confidence with freediving, or sharing the water with incredible wildlife like migrating whales.
These encounters have the power to shift perspectives, awaken a sense of wonder, and remind us just how special — and worth protecting — our oceans truly are.
I am so grateful to introduce my fellow ocean mermaid Consu who together we will be your ocean guides for this retreat!
For more details about my qualifications explore here.
Meet Consu, your salty co-leader
Consuelo’s professional journey reflects her deep-rooted passion for the great outdoors and her commitment to fostering connections between people and nature.
She is experienced in conducting ecological monitoring, science communication, and leading environmental education projects on a variety of topics. Motivated by a desire to increase environmental awareness and share the wonders of nature with others, Consuelo has pursued a path of environmental education and completed a Master’s degree in Environment at the University of Melbourne.
Consu proudly identifies as a marine enthusiast, captivated by the ocean's vast wonders and the profound impact of ocean experiences on our collective well-being. Currently, she channels her passion into community engagement roles within conservation non-profits while also contributing to the Surf Therapy initiatives along the Surf Coast and The Salty Tribe’s Women to Water events.