Maui Whales Kayaking Retreat, February 20-25, 2017
This particular Maui retreat is reserved for friends and guests of Lori Reyes DeSanti and Chris DeSanti. We will be spending five nights/six days basking in the natural beauty of the Hawaiian island of Maui together.
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the waters around Maui to mate and give birth. The ocean is filled with the sounds of their breathing, splashing and playing. During this retreat, we get in the water and immerse ourselves in the absolutely spectacular beauty and majesty of their energy and their song.
We swim and kayak in the water seeking greater connection with the ocean and the whales. Trip activities include:
- Swimming and snorkeling in beautiful bays
- Kayaking out to the whales together
- Being surrounded by singing and breaching whales
- Feeling the magic of their song reverberating in your body
- Snorkeling abundant reefs full of tropical fish and turtles
- Visiting the summit of Haleakala
- Hiking and exploring different sacred sites
Sometimes the whales come very close! We do not approach them, we let them come to us…
We follow federal marine mammal guidelines and do not approach closer than 100 yards to the whales. We kayak into their general area and then we raft up our kayaks and invite them to come closer. Then we either watch from our kayaks or quietly get in the water with our masks, snorkels and fins, look around with reverence and awe, listening to the energy of their song as it resonates within us.
We will be using comfortable, sit-on-top kayaks that are suitable for people of most all ages and abilities. If you have questions, please give us a call.
Living Simple: Our accommodations are in canvas walled tents on raised platforms with private outdoor hot water showers. Each tent has two twin beds, linens provided. This simple campground setting is an optimal environment for you to sink deeply into the rejuvenating and inspiring energies of this sacred island and its vibrant ocean. It is an ideal setting to support you in letting go of the busyness of your everyday life and returning to the ancient rhythms of the sun, sand and sea.
Helping each other: As part of our retreat experience we will all be helping to make sure our activities and our time together flows smoothly. Many hands make light work. We all share in the joy of everyone lending a hand and helping each other in our time together.
“Our Hawaii trip is going deep and deeper. 
Thanks for your humor and the way you take live easy and happily”
Your Adventure Guide:
Founder of Dolphin Whisperers, Joe Noonan is an author, a minister and a shamanic nature guide who has been bringing people to swim with wild dolphins and whales in Hawaii, in Maui and in Bimini, the Bahamas for over twenty years. A dolphin and whale whisperer, he holds the space for humans and cetaceans to connect in a very fun, respectful and magical way. Working in concert with the elemental energies of nature and the sea, all kinds of exciting adventures unfold. Here’s the story and video of one particularly magical Maui whale encounter on another kayaking trip with Joe.
Off the Grid: Wifi is available, and, you are invited to use this opportunity to turn off your phones and computers and enjoy an internet holiday.
Arriving/Departure: Your final airport destination is Kahului airport on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The airport code for Kahului is OGG. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport to our retreat. Please plan to arrive at our location after 4pm on February 20th. We need to depart our retreat setting before 10am on the morning of the last day of our trip, February 25th. SpeediShuttle is a reliable organization to book your shuttle. And there are also taxis that you can hire right at the curb to take you to our location. The taxi cost is approximately $60 each way, less if shared.
Trip Policies: Please click here to read our trip policies
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance, accident and health insurance are optional and are not included. If you wish to have travel insurance you will need to arrange it for yourself. Please click here for more information on optional travel, accident and health insurance.
Included in cost: Five night’s accommodations, all kayak and scheduled outdoor adventures and most meals are included.
Not Included: Your airfare to Maui, your shuttle to and from the airport, any activities not listed here and several meals out on the town.
Payment: Please contact Lori’s office.
What to bring: The less you bring, the simpler your trip. We encourage you to pack light and keep your luggage to a minimum.
2-3 changes of clothes
Warm sweater/jacket, windbreaker and/or raincoat (it is cold at the summit of Haleakala!)
1 or 2 bathing suits
Beach towel and bath towel
Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste
Suncreen, hat, sunglasses and rashguard for sun protection
Headlamp flashlight
Waterbottle and small bag/backpack
Spending money – we recommend bringing $200 in cash for our meals out on the town and for miscellaneous items.
Optional book, earplugs, journal, wetsuit
“The entire Maui Adventure was a memorable, awesome and mind-boggling experience. Mahalo, Joebaby!” – Marcos Gaser, Slovenia/Argentina group organizer
