Five boat days
Time on the water with an expert naturalist guide and boat captain.
Kingdom of Tonga · September / October 2027
A little closer
A little closer
to something
extraordinary.
Swim with humpback whales in Tonga. Join Rob and Mark for a small-group ocean adventure, with beachfront stays on the island of ‘Eua.
Express your interest ↗Six guest places planned · Dates to be confirmed
5 days
Out on the water
6 nights
Beachfront accommodation
6 guests
Plus Rob & Mark
‘Eua, Tonga
Blue Water Retreat
The experience
Meet the ocean
Meet the ocean
at its own pace.
A mask, a snorkel, and a chance to share the water with humpback whales. This is a surface-snorkelling experience: you do not need to scuba dive or free dive.
We’re bringing together a small group for five days on the water, returning to Blue Water Retreat for shared meals and time to unwind by the sea.
A small group. Space for the encounter.
Mark describes encounters with one boat at a time, and just four guests plus a guide in the water. Every encounter depends on the whales, conditions and the guide’s assessment.
What we’re planning
The adventure, and a place to come back to.
Our proposed experience brings the days on the water and your stay on ‘Eua together. We’ll share confirmed arrangements as the trip takes shape.
Six beachfront nights
Shared accommodation at Blue Water Retreat on the island of ‘Eua.
Meals at the retreat
All meals while at the retreat, with coffee and tea throughout the day.
Island air transfers
Return air transfers between Tonga’s main island and ‘Eua, plus a Sunday half-day island tour.
Snorkelling equipment
Standard equipment is available. We’ll share fit and comfort recommendations before you travel.
Time to unwind
Hot tubs, sauna, cold plunge, beachfront trails and the yoga deck with complimentary classes.
Your island base
Ocean days.
Ocean days.
Island evenings.
Come back to Blue Water Retreat after time on the boat. Settle into beachfront life with shared meals, space to rest, and a little more of ‘Eua to explore.
We’ll share accommodation and travel details with everyone who expresses interest.
A glimpse of the adventure
A moment on film.
Watch two videos shared by Mark.
Your hosts
Come along with
Come along with
Rob & Mark.
Rob Goddard
Rob Goddard is a life and mindset coach with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. He helps people create meaningful changes in their lives, build confidence, and move beyond the beliefs and patterns that hold them back.
His love of adventure extends beyond his work. Rob enjoys exploring new experiences and bringing people together to share them. He believes stepping outside familiar routines can offer a fresh perspective, deeper connection, and a reminder of what’s possible.
Co-hosting this expedition with Mark brings together Rob’s passions for people, personal growth, and adventure. He’ll be joining the experience alongside the group, bringing encouragement, curiosity, and enthusiasm for creating lasting memories together.
Follow Rob on Instagram ↗
Mark Seitchik-Goldstein
Mark holds a degree in marine biology and has many years of experience as a PADI scuba instructor. He has led small whale-encounter groups in different parts of the world.
He lives with his husband on their farm in Costa Rica, where nature, animals and an ecologically sustainable way of life are priorities.
“I find enormous joy being in the water with whales and find an equally huge amount of joy sharing this with others.”Meet Mark on Instagram ↗
Have a question for Mark? Email him directly ↗
Before you put your hand up
A few things
A few things
to know.
Is this experience for me?
You should be comfortable swimming offshore and getting in and out of a boat using a rear ladder. Some encounters may involve swimming a distance. This is surface snorkelling, rather than scuba diving or free diving.
When is the trip?
We are planning for September or October 2027. Exact dates are still to be confirmed.
Do I need my own equipment?
Standard snorkelling equipment is available at the retreat. We’ll share recommendations about fit, wetsuits and what to bring as the trip comes together.
Are whale swims guaranteed?
No. These are wild animals. Sightings and swims depend on their behaviour, sea conditions and the guide’s assessment.
Does expressing interest commit me to booking?
No. It starts a conversation so we can share confirmed details with you. It does not reserve a place, and no payment is requested at this stage.
Can I ask Mark a question directly?
Yes. You can email Mark directly with questions about the whale encounters or trip. To join the interest list, please complete the form below.
Six guest places planned · Tonga 2027
Can you picture
Can you picture
yourself here?
Leave your details and any questions below. We’ll keep you updated as the trip takes shape.
No payment or booking commitment required.
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