Breathe & Breach - A Weekend with Whales:
Freedive with Humpback Whales in NSW
Tweed Coast: 11th - 13th September 2026
from $1650 AUD per person
Escape to the stunning Tweed Coast in Northern NSW for a weekend of whales, wellness, and deep connection with the ocean. Timed perfectly with peak humpback migration, this getaway offers an unforgettable chance to swim alongside these gentle giants.
In a small group of up to 8 guests, spend two half-days on the water, searching for curious humpback whales and experiencing the magic of sharing the water with them in their natural habitat. We will also have the chance to dive at Cook Island - one of New South Wales’ most abundant dive sites and home to dozens of turtles.
When we’re not in the ocean, we’ll unwind in our luxury coastal house, immersing ourselves in restorative sound healing, breathwork & lung stretching sessions designed to enhance mindfulness and relaxation.
Inclusions:
2 x Private Whale Swim Charters - Saturday & Sunday, 8am departure from Fingal Head
On-board Whale Guide & Freediving Instructor for education, guidance and support
Luxury Beachside Accommodation - 2 nights near Cabarita Beach
Breathwork & Mindfulness Workshops to deepen your connection to the ocean and self
Sound Healing Session to restore balance and energy
Welcome snacks, light breakfasts & dinner at home on two evenings of the trip
Freediving gear hire (fins, masks & snorkel, wetsuits, weightbelts etc)
Room Options & Cost:
Shared Room – $1650 AUD per person
Four single beds in a comfortable shared room - a great option for solo travelers.Private Double Room (Shared queen bed) – $1850 AUD per person
Ideal for friends or couples sharing a double room.Private Double Room (Double bed - Single occupancy) – $2550 AUD
Enjoy your own private double room for a little extra space and privacy.A non-refundable deposit of $500 AUD per person is required to secure your spot
Who Can Join? No prior freediving experience is required, but you must be a confident swimmer in deep open water, comfortable with potential ocean surge - and, of course, excited to meet whales up close!
Note: This trip does not include formal freediving or depth training, but our freediving instructors will be in the water to offer tips and support as needed.
Getting There: Transport to, from, and around Tweed Heads is not included, but we’ll set up a group chat to help arrange carpooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No previous freediving experience is required. However, you must be a confident swimmer in deep open water and comfortable swimming in the ocean, including in conditions with some swell or surge. You should also be comfortable using a mask, snorkel and fins.
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While the trip is timed to coincide with peak humpback whale migration, whales are wild animals and sightings or in-water encounters can never be guaranteed. We will spend two half-days on the water searching for whales, but the nature of wildlife encounters means every trip is different. That said, we have never had a trip where we haven’t seen whales.
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Every whale has its own personality! Sometimes we encounter incredibly curious, friendly and playful whales that choose to approach us and spend time nearby. Other times, they're less interested and simply want to go about their day without interacting with us. We always respect their behaviour and give them the space they need. The experience is about sharing the water with these incredible animals on their terms, rather than expecting a particular interaction.
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Whales are enormous wild animals, so it's important to approach every encounter with care and respect. We have an experienced whale guide and freediving instructor on board to provide guidance, explain appropriate in-water behaviour and help ensure encounters are conducted responsibly. All interactions are subject to the whale's behaviour, weather and sea conditions.
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Cook Island is a beautiful marine reserve just off the Tweed Coast. It's home to an abundance of marine life, including dozens of resident green and loggerhead turtles. We can decide as a group how we'd like to spend our time on the water, whether that's focusing on whale encounters or taking the opportunity to explore Cook Island and its incredible marine life. The option to dive here is there if conditions allow and it's something the group would like to do.
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Freediving equipment is included in the trip, including fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits and weightbelts. You're welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
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We'll spend two nights in a beautiful luxury coastal house near Cabarita Beach, complete with a private pool, BBQ, firepit and garden. Think relaxed Palm Springs vibes, the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some downtime between our ocean adventures. Accommodation options include a shared rooms or private doubles.
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Transport to, from and around the Tweed Coast isn't included in the trip pice, however, we'll set up a group chat before the trip so everyone can coordinate travel arrangements and organise carpooling where possible.
Our house is just a 20minute drive from Gold Coast airport, or 40minutes from Ballina.
Our Beautiful Beach-Side Accommodation in Cabarita
Why Choose Eunoia?
There are a few whale trips out there — but none quite like this. Here’s what sets us apart:
Small Groups, Big Moments: We keep our trips intimate, with a maximum of 8 guests. This ensures more time in the water, more intimate and sustainable whale encounters, and a better opportunity to connect deeply with the ocean - and each other.
Curated Coastal Stays: Our trips are designed to restore and inspire. We choose prime accommodation on the stunning Tweed Coast that reflects our relaxed, nature-first ethos - think tranquil beach houses or hinterland hideaways. No crowds. No screaming kids. Just peace, comfort, and ocean energy.
Safety with Soul: We work only with fully qualified, highly experienced, and deeply passionate instructors - never ‘assistant’ instructors - giving you the safest whale swim experience out there.