Why This Trip is Different and Who Should Come

"Every aspect of nature, truly seen and felt through the gesture of reverence, has the power to lead us back to the sanctuary of our soul." — Christopher McDowell and Tricia McDowell, The Sanctuary Garden

This trip is different from other whale watch excursions in that there is:

• Opportunity to actually spend time in the water with the whales, snorkeling softly above them, being with them in their water home as a respectful guest. Though many trips provide great opportunities to see humpbacks up close from the deck of a large boat, or seeing them even closer at sea level from a small launch, there is nothing quite like floating in the water looking eye to eye with these giant, gentle cetaceans.
  
• Opportunity to share your sacred experience with a group of other spiritually oriented humans. Because this trip is designed specifically for spiritual communion with the whales, you don't have to worry about sharing the boat with wild party goers, fisherman, or those who may recognize only the physical reality of contact with whales and may judge your experience. You will be surrounded by others who understand the oneness we share with all life. You can express the full range of your emotional and spiritual experience and expect to be completely supported.
  
• Opportunity for learning and coaching in telepathic communication with the whales. Every participant on this trip, of course, will have their own private, unique experiences of communication with the whales. For those who are interested, Teresa will conduct informal workshops and provide individual mentoring throughout the week on telepathic communication to assist them in receiving the full depth of communication possible. Interested participants will receive a complimentary CD on these topics from Teresa prior to the trip . 

Who should come on this trip?

This is not a typical, average whale watch trip where the mix of people on the boat may be insignificant. This journey is designed to bring together people with deeply held values about the spiritual connection between humans and animals, and people who are seeking a spiritual communion with the whales. Because telepathic communication with the whales is a central part of the experience, people who already believe in such communication, or are open to it, will be very comfortable attending. People not comfortable with such concepts would not be comfortable in this group.

There are many other whale encounter trips around the world where the focus is more on the natural history of whales, the physical adventure of the experience, and photographic opportunities. We will be happy to refer you to these if our trip does not seem appropriate for you. Though the opportunities for great photos, physical adventure and learning humpback natural history definitely do exist on this trip, they are not the primary focus.

whale photo: ©Sierra Goodman

Must I be a strong swimmer or skilled athlete to do this trip?

No. You do not have to be a great swimmer or even physically very strong. Beginning or average swimming skills are adequate because we do very little actual swimming. While in the water we snorkel only from the small boats to the nearby whales--usually a matter of only yards. And we do not actually swim with the whales, we float above them.

It is highly recommended, however, that each participant become very comfortable and skilled using snorkeling gear in water before the trip. Learning to snorkel for the first time in open seas with swells can be scary for first timers. So take the time to learn in a local pool, ocean or pond before the trip.

center photo: ©Sierra Goodman