Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the breathtaking tropical paradise of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. This exclusive humpback whale underwater photography retreat gives you the rare opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea. With just five guests, the experience is intimate and personalised, allowing you to capture the extraordinary photographs you’ve always dreamed of.
Every year from July to November, Humpback Whales migrate thousands of kilometres from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm, sheltered lagoons of French Polynesia. These waters provide a safe haven where they mate, give birth, and nurture their young. The end of September/beginning of October is peak season, when newborn calves can often be seen staying close to their mothers, learning to breathe, dive, and play. Here in Mo'orea, you can witness their awe-inspiring acrobatics: breaching, tail slapping, and gliding gracefully beneath the surface.
This isn’t just a photography tour, it’s a full retreat, crafted for those seeking depth, connection, and adventure. It caters for all people that are seeking a deeper connection with nature. This means that if you are a photographer, it presents you with the opportunity to capture photos like you've only ever dreamt of and you'll have access to my knowledge and experience to help guide you in improving your camera and storytelling techniques.
'With just five guests, this retreat offers an intimate experience where connections run deep. We may arrive as strangers, but we’ll leave as friends, bonded by unforgettable moments in the wild'.
Whether you’re snorkelling or joining from a freediving background, this experience caters for all as no freedive experience is required. We do not dive down with the whales as it is illegal and scares them away, we stay on the surface, but gently exhale to go just under the surface so we can watch calmly. The Wildma team will support you through safe and ethical whale swims, helping you read whale behaviour and connect deeply with these incredible animals so that you get an organic and life changing interaction.
Why Mo'orea? Mo'orea is a destination unlike any other Ross has explored. From lush rainforests and misty mountains to crystal-clear blue waters, it is a true adventurer’s paradise. The island offers endless opportunities to capture and share unique stories through photography. It is also THE BEST water Ross has ever swam in. Warm, crystal clear with no particles, a blessing for photography.
Mo’orea isn’t just about whales though. This retreat offers a variety of land and water-based adventures designed to elevate every part of your photography journey. Hike the lush mountains, capture the perfect shot from a swing overlooking the peaks, or kayak alongside friendly rays and sharks in crystal-clear waters that mirror the sky. We’ll also experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from a range of stunning vantage points.
Each day, we’ll dive into practical lessons on camera settings, composition, and how to anticipate and capture wildlife moments with precision and emotion. You’ll also receive hands-on guidance in editing, from creating natural, vibrant tones in Lightroom to developing a consistent visual style that reflects your personal brand. We’ll explore how to curate your images for social media, grow an engaged audience, and share meaningful stories that connect people to the ocean. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or build your presence as a photographer, these sessions are designed to be inspiring, supportive, and packed with value.
If you’re looking for a powerful, nature-based escape, this is it. This Mo'orea retreat is the first of its kind to offer a dedicated, all-inclusive humpback whale swim experience where we will spend four full days out on the ocean swimming with these gentle giants.
Spaces are limited to only FIVE people.
Date: 12th - 18th October 2026
Mo'orea, French Polynesia
Early Bird Price until 5th September 2025:
$5,995 AUD for a shared room
$6,595 AUD for a private room
Payment plan available: Pay monthly instalments or quarterly instalments.
Standard Price after 1st September 2025:
$6,595 AUD for a shared room
$7,195 AUD for a private room
Payment plan available: Pay monthly instalments or quarterly instalments.
Deposit: $1,000 AUD deposit to secure space
Returning workshop customers receive a $200 discount.
What's Included:
- Four full days aboard our private boat charter limited to five people
- Snorkelling gear hire if you do not own your own
- Kayak hire to the lagoon to swim with sharks and rays
- Guidance for freedivers and snorkellers in the channel for turtles & eagle rays
- 6 nights accommodation at a beautiful retreat with private or shared rooms
- Car hire to get around the island
- Lunch on all boat trips
- Pizza night on our final night together
- Exclusive Mo'orea Whale Retreat T-shirt
- Personalised photography tuition
- Expert photography and videography education
- Cultural & Whale education from the Wildma team
- Photo gallery from the trip
What You'll Learn: During this immersive experience, you'll learn expert techniques from Ross Long himself, an award winning wildlife photographer with a deep passion for marine life. From mastering composition and lighting to understanding whale behaviour, Ross will guide you every step of the way to ensure you capture the perfect shot. The learning doesn't just stop with whales, Ross will teach you various aspects of photography covering underwater, portrait, landscape and lifestyle. Mo'orea offers it all.
Why This Experience is Unique:
Mo'orea is a destination unlike any other Ross has explored. From lush rainforests and misty mountains to crystal-clear blue waters, it is a true adventurer’s paradise. The island offers endless opportunities to capture and share unique stories through photography.
Unlike traditional whale swims, this trip is specifically designed for aspiring photographers who want to hone their skills while connecting deeply with nature. To maintain an intimate and immersive experience, the group is limited to only five guests.
We’ll be joined by two native brothers, Temoana and Tearenui from the Wildma team, aboard their own vessel. Their knowledge, passion, and love for their island home are both inspiring and contagious, making this journey truly unforgettable.
Why travel and explore with Ross Long?: Ross Long is an award winning wildlife photographer. In 2023 and 2024 he was a winner and finalist in numerous photography competition including the Sony Alpha Awards and the Ocean Photographer of the Year. Ross is a self taught photographer who believes that the art of photography is best learnt by being in the field. Ross Long is renowned for his ability to capture stunning images that evoke emotion and inspire change. His passion for conservation and dedication to educating others make him the perfect mentor for aspiring photographers looking to make a meaningful impact through their art.
What's not Included:
- Flights to Tahiti
- Ferry transfer from Tahiti to Mo'orea
- Breakfast & evening meals for 5 out of the 6 nights
- Additional Activities outside of the retreat
