Mo'orea, French Polynesia | Humpback Whale Photography & Ocean Retreat
7 days | 6 nights | 5 full days with the whales | Maximum 5 guests
An unforgettable journey into the heart of French Polynesia, where extraordinary wildlife encounters, photography, adventure and human connection come together.
The Experience
Imagine floating in the warm, blue waters of French Polynesia as a humpback whale and her calf glide gracefully beside you. For a moment, the world above disappears, and you're left with one of nature's most extraordinary encounters. A moment that will change your life forever.
Welcome to Mo'orea.
Join me for an intimate, seven-day photography and ocean and land focussed retreat on one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. With just five guests, this experience is designed to take you beyond traditional whale-watching tours, combining five full days on the ocean with photography education, island adventures and meaningful connections with nature and like-minded people.
Every year, humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters of French Polynesia to breed, give birth and nurture their young. September and October are particularly special months to visit, offering opportunities to witness mothers and calves, playful juveniles and the incredible behaviours of these gentle giants.
From powerful breaches and tail slaps to the quiet beauty of a whale resting beneath the surface singing, every encounter is different, and every moment has the potential to stay with you forever.
But this experience is about so much more than whales.
More Than Just a Photography Workshop
I believe the most meaningful experiences are those that connect us more deeply with nature, with others and with ourselves.
This retreat has been created for anyone who shares that curiosity and sense of adventure, whether you're an aspiring photographer looking to capture your dream images or simply someone who wants to experience the natural world in a more meaningful way.
For photographers, you'll have access to my knowledge, experience and personalised guidance to help you develop your skills in underwater photography, wildlife storytelling, videography and editing. We'll work together to create images and videos that don't just look beautiful, but tell stories and evoke emotion.
For ocean lovers and adventurers, you don't need to own an expensive camera or have any photography experience. Sometimes the most powerful way to experience an encounter is to put the camera down, be present and simply take it all in. Joining a workshop like this only gets you closer to the action.
With only five guests, there's space for everyone to learn, explore and experience Mo'orea at their own pace.
We may arrive as strangers, with cameras in hand and stories yet to be told, but we'll leave as friends, connected by moments that photographs alone could never capture.
Five Full Days on the Ocean
The heart of this experience is five full days aboard our private whale-watching charter with Wildma Expeditions.
Unlike larger group tours, where guests may need to rotate between swimming groups, our private charter is reserved exclusively for our five guests, giving everyone the opportunity to enter the water together when conditions and whale behaviour allow.
Our days will be guided by Temoana and Tearenui, two local brothers whose knowledge of the ocean, connection to their island and passion for protecting its wildlife make this experience incredibly special.
Every encounter is approached with patience and respect. We don't chase animals or force interactions. Instead, we allow the whales to guide the experience, observing their behaviour and entering the water only when it is safe, permitted and appropriate to do so.
You don't need to be a freediver to join us. Whale encounters take place at the surface, and I'll be there to help you improve your snorkelling technique, confidence and positioning in the water. Guests do, however, need to be comfortable swimming in open-ocean conditions.
These are wild animals, and no two days are ever the same. Some encounters may be filled with activity, while others offer beautiful moments of stillness. It's this unpredictability that makes each experience so extraordinary.
Discover the Magic of Mo'orea
There's something about Mo'orea that is difficult to put into words.
Perhaps it's the towering volcanic mountains rising above turquoise lagoons, the winding roads lined with palm trees and fruit stalls, or the warmth of the people who call this island home.
But for me, it's the feeling this place gives you. Life moves a little slower here, inviting you to be present, appreciate the small moments and reconnect with the natural world.
Our workshop is designed to explore the island beyond its famous whale encounters.
We'll venture into the mountains, discover hidden viewpoints and photograph the island's extraordinary landscapes. We'll explore its beautiful lagoons, snorkel alongside reef sharks and rays, and search for turtles and eagle rays in the surrounding waters.
One of my favourite experiences is heading out at sunrise to photograph the famous shark and ray lagoon before the crowds arrive, when the first light illuminates the mountains and the water is beautifully calm.
Our waterside accommodation also gives us direct access to the lagoon, with kayaks available for further exploration.
And for those who love a sunrise or sunset as much as I do, we'll make the most of every opportunity to experience the island in its most beautiful light.
We'll also spend time learning about Mo'orea's culture, people and conservation efforts, developing a deeper appreciation for the place we're privileged to explore.
This is not about rushing from one activity to the next. It's about making the most of our time together while leaving space for the spontaneous moments that often become our favourite memories.
Photography, Storytelling & Creative Education
Photography is about more than knowing which settings to use. It's about understanding light, anticipating moments and learning how to tell stories that make people feel something.
Throughout this experience, I'll share the techniques and creative approaches I've developed through years of photographing wildlife, both above and below the surface.
Our education will cover:
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Underwater photography: Camera settings, light, composition, movement and positioning to capture compelling underwater images.
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Wildlife storytelling: Understanding animal behaviour, anticipating meaningful moments and creating images that evoke emotion.
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Photography & videography: Developing your creative approach across still images, moving footage and different camera systems.
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Editing & post-production: Creating beautiful, natural colours in Lightroom, developing video workflows in Premiere Pro and building a consistent visual style.
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Social media & storytelling: Curating your work, creating engaging content and sharing stories that connect with an audience.
Learn Before, During & After the Retreat
One of the biggest improvements I've made to my workshops is extending the education beyond our time together on the island.
Before we arrive, we'll work through online photography and storytelling sessions, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the most of your time in Mo'orea.
During the retreat, our focus will be on putting that knowledge into practice. I'll be alongside you in the field, offering personalised guidance, answering questions and helping you improve as you create.
After the retreat, the learning continues with dedicated post-production sessions covering Lightroom, Premiere Pro and social media storytelling, helping you turn your photographs and footage into work you're proud to share.
My goal is for you to leave not only with extraordinary images, but also with greater confidence, new creative skills and a deeper understanding of how to tell meaningful stories through photography.
A Small Group, A More Personal Experience
With just five guests per workshop, this retreat is intentionally intimate.
I want everyone to feel supported, included and comfortable being themselves, regardless of their photography experience or background.
Some of my favourite memories from previous workshops have nothing to do with photography. They've been the conversations over dinner, the laughter between adventures, the quiet moments watching the sunrise and the friendships that continue long after everyone returns home.
That's what I hope to create here.
An experience where you arrive for the whales, but leave with something much more.
Workshop Dates | 2027
Workshop 1: 19th – 25th September
Workshop 2: 26th September – 2nd October
Workshop 3: 3rd – 9th October
Each workshop is limited to five guests to ensure an intimate, personalised experience.
What's Included
Ocean & Wildlife Experiences
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Five full days aboard a private whale-watching charter with Wildma Expeditions, exclusively for our five guests
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Opportunities for ethical, guided humpback whale swimming, subject to conditions and whale behaviour
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Three sunrise lagoon experiences with reef sharks and rays
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Three guided channel snorkelling sessions, with opportunities to encounter turtles and eagle rays
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Snorkelling equipment hire if required
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Kayak access for lagoon exploration
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Whale education and marine conservation insights from the Wildma team
Accommodation & Transport
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Six nights at our beautiful waterside accommodation
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Your choice of private double room or shared twin room, subject to availability
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Vehicle transport for our island adventures
Food & Dining
Photography & Education
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Personalised photography and videography guidance throughout the retreat
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Pre-workshop online education sessions
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Practical, hands-on tuition in the field
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Post-workshop editing and storytelling sessions
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Photography and video techniques covering underwater, wildlife and landscape subjects
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A photo gallery documenting our journey together
Culture & Connection
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Cultural experiences and insights from our local guides
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A cultural and conservation tour with Keep Mo'orea Wild
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Small-group adventures exploring the island's landscapes, lagoons and local life
What's Not Included
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International or domestic flights to Tahiti
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Ferry transfers between Tahiti and Mo'orea
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Evening meals on five of the six nights
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Personal travel and medical insurance
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Additional activities or personal expenses outside the retreat
Workshop Pricing & Accommodation
Our waterside retreat offers two accommodation options, with a maximum of five guests per workshop.
Shared Twin Room | $7,095 AUD per person
Two places available per workshop. You'll share a bedroom with one other guest, with your own single bed.
Private Double Room | $7,595 AUD per person
Three private rooms available per workshop. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom with a double bed.
Both options include the same workshop experiences, private whale charters, education and activities. The only difference is your accommodation.
Booking & Payment
Deposit: $1,000 AUD to secure your place.
Remaining balance: Due by 30th June 2027.
Returning guests: Receive a $200 AUD discount as a thank you for joining me on another adventure.
With only five places available on each retreat, both workshop dates and accommodation options are limited.
Meet Our Local Guides | Wildma Expeditions
Our whale encounters are led by Wildma Expeditions, a locally operated business run by brothers Temoana and Tearenui.
Their knowledge of the ocean, passion for conservation and deep connection to their island home are an essential part of what makes this journey so meaningful.
Beyond helping us encounter the whales safely and respectfully, they share a perspective on Mo'orea that can only come from growing up with these waters, wildlife and traditions.
Working with local guides and supporting the people who call this island home is an important part of my approach to travel.
Your contribution to this workshop will go towards keeping Mo'orea wild. A portion of the price paid will go towards buying square meters of wild land to keep it wild and saved from overdevelopment.
Why Explore With Ross Long?
I'm a self-taught wildlife and ocean photographer who believes that the best way to learn photography is to get out into the world, experience it and create.
Over the years, photography has taken me to extraordinary places and introduced me to incredible wildlife, cultures and people. What began as a passion for capturing beautiful images has grown into something much more meaningful: a desire to help others connect with the natural world through photography and shared experiences.
My approach to teaching is personal, practical and grounded in real-world experience. Whether you're picking up your first camera or looking to take your storytelling to the next level, I'm here to help you develop the confidence, skills and creative vision to create work that matters to you.
Above all, my experiences are wildlife-first. Ethical encounters and respect for the animals and environments we explore will always take priority over getting the perfect photograph.
I want you to leave with beautiful images, of course, but more importantly, with memories, friendships and a renewed appreciation for the world around us.
If my approach to photography, travel and connecting with nature resonates with you, I'd love to welcome you to Mo'orea. I can't wait to share this beautiful place with you.
Ross x
