humpback whales in paradise 2026

aitutaki, cook islands

The island Jewel of the South Pacific!

Voted 'the Most Beautiful Island in the World'

Welcome to paradise!

Join me for an unforgettable week in one of the South Pacific’s best kept secrets – the breathtaking island of Aitutaki. Here in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Cook Islands, you’ll have the rare chance to swim alongside majestic humpback whales in their natural sanctuary. This is a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter, set against the backdrop of white sand beaches, vibrant turquoise lagoons and the laid back rhythm of island life.

What to expect

Aitutaki is the kind of place that feels like a dream — a remote, turquoise lagoon surrounded by tiny islands where time slows down and the ocean feels endless. It’s here, in one of the most beautiful lagoons on Earth, that we’ll spend five unforgettable days swimming with humpback whales.

Each morning, we’ll head out onto the water, where the lagoon glows in shades of blue you didn’t know existed. When the whales appear, everything goes quiet. You’ll slip into the water and drift beside them — vast, gentle beings moving with grace and power, sometimes curious, sometimes silent, always humbling.

Beyond the whales, we’ll explore coral gardens teeming with life. You’ll glide beside turtles and eagle rays, swim above giant trevally, and watch hundreds of giant clams glow from the sandy sea floor. Every snorkel is a doorway into another world.

We’ll island-hop to picture-perfect motus like Honeymoon Island and the legendary One Foot Island, where the beaches are blindingly white, the palms sway lazily, and the water is impossibly clear. On land, we’ll follow jungle trails and volcanic ridgelines to take in panoramic views that stretch from reef to horizon.

Life here moves to a slower rhythm — and we’ll embrace it. From freshly cut coconuts and tropical fruit to dinners at local, hand-picked restaurants, each day ends with shared stories and incredible food. One night, we’ll celebrate with a cultural feast, joining in for dancing and singing under the stars, island-style.

Our home for the week is Paradise Cove — beachfront bungalows where the sound of the ocean is your soundtrack and the sunrises are pure magic.

This retreat is about more than swimming with whales. It’s about reconnecting — with the ocean, with nature, and with yourself. A week to feel alive, present, and immersed in the wild beauty of Aitutaki.

What’s Included

  • 6 nights of beachfront accommodation at Paradise Cove

  • 5 full days of respectful whale swim

  • Island-hopping to One Foot Island & Honeymoon Island

  • Guided snorkeling with turtles, eagle rays, giant trevally, and hundreds of giant clams

  • Scenic coastal hikes & cultural insights into island life

  • Fresh tropical breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at hand-picked local restaurants

  • A cultural night of island food, dancing, and traditional music

Secure your spot

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit

  • Total cost: $7,000 AUD (everything is inclusive, except for international flights to Tongatapu)

  • Final balance due 3 months before your retreat start date

Spaces are limited by design and they fill quickly.


This is your moment to dive in. Reconnect. Be moved and return changed.

Why Kaikoura?

Kaikōura is where the mountains touch the sea and the wild still feels close. Whales rise from deep ocean canyons just offshore, dolphins dance through crystal waters, and seabirds wheel through open skies — but it’s not just the wildlife that makes this place unforgettable.

It’s the warmth of the town itself. A small, soulful community where everyone waves, where stories are shared over coffee, and where the rhythm of life is shaped by the tides. The locals know the land, the sea, and each other — and they welcome you like an old friend.

Kaikōura is more than a destination. It’s a feeling — of connection, of wonder, and of coming home to the wild heart of Aotearoa.

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