TONGA 2027
Some encounters stay with you forever.
Why TONGA?
On my 40th birthday in 2019, I was floating in the waters of Tonga as a curious humpback calf played near our group, its mother resting below.
My mask slowly filled with tears—my heart felt so full. Then the mother rose towards us, and we met eye to eye. Something inside me shifted, and that moment has stayed with me ever since.
In September 2027, I’m returning with a small group to share this extraordinary place: whale encounters, freediving, island life, and space to slow down and feel it all.
I’d love you to join me.
Whale encounters, freediving and island life with Michaela Werner.
Join me for seven nights at Sanctuary on Uoleva Island, Tonga. With just eight guests, we’ll share days on the ocean, opportunities to swim with humpback whales, guided freediving, and time to slow down and take it all in.
Seven nights · Five days on the water · Up to eight guests
IMAGINE YOURSELF...
ONE WEEK IN TONGA
Whale encounters. Freediving. Time to simply be.
Five days on the water, with a flexible mix of whale encounters and freediving shaped by the conditions and our group’s preferences. Between ocean adventures, we’ll make time for breathwork, yoga, meditation and the simple pleasures of island life.
MEET THE WHALES
Float at the surface and witness humpback whales in their world. Each encounter unfolds on their terms, guided by Erez’s team with care and respect.
We enter as guests, open to whatever the ocean offers.
FIND YOUR FLOW UNDERWATER
Explore Tonga’s reefs and blue water, with personal coaching from me to help you refine your technique, move more efficiently and feel more at ease.
Freediving activities are for certified Stage A or Molchanovs Wave 2 freedivers.
SETTLE INTO ISLAND LIFE
Ease into the day with gentle yoga, breathwork or meditation. Between adventures, enjoy shared meals, visit local villages, enjoy beach time or allow yourself to rest and reset.
Confident swimmers and snorkellers are welcome—you don’t need to freedive to join us.
YOURÂ GUIDES
 A SHARED LOVE OF THE OCEAN
Michaela Werner
I’ll be joining you in the water and throughout the week, sharing my love of freediving through personal coaching, technique sessions, breathwork, mobility and meditation. Whether you’re refining your skills or simply enjoying the ocean from the surface, I’m here to help you feel welcome, supported and at ease.
Erez Beatus
Erez is a world-record freediver, underwater photographer and passionate ocean conservationist. He has been sharing whale encounters in Tonga since 2008 and is the founder of Sanctuary, our island home for the week. Together with his team, he brings years of experience, local knowledge and a thoughtful approach that puts the whales first.
Together, we look forward to sharing a place that means so much to us—with space for adventure, learning, laughter and connection.
YOUR ISLAND HOME
Sanctuary, Uoleva Island
Seven nights by the ocean, with sandy feet and time to slow down.
Set on the beachfront of Uoleva Island in Tonga’s Ha’apai group, Sanctuary is our home for the week. Oceanfront rooms, shared meals and welcoming communal spaces offer somewhere to settle in, connect and unwind between adventures.
There’s a dedicated dome for movement and meditation, coral reefs to explore, and a beautiful stretch of beach for those moments when you’d rather simply sit and watch the sea.
Seven nights’ shared accommodation and all meals are included.
"I use the strategies I learned in this masterclass daily. They help me show up for myself and my family in incredible ways."
Dina Porters
"I love the live practice sessions included in the masterclass! Being able to put what I learned into practice right away was powerful."
Petra Shrew
OUR APPROACH
 We enter their world as guests.
The whales’ wellbeing comes first. We follow Erez’s team’s guidance, stay together at the surface and allow encounters to unfold without chasing, touching or forcing interaction. Sometimes that means quietly observing; sometimes it means choosing not to enter the water.
We bring curiosity, patience and respect. The whales set the pace.
MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE:
Cancellations over 180 days before the trip are fully refundable except for a 300$ administrative fee.
Our time on the water will be shaped by weather, sea conditions, whale behaviour and the group’s preferences. Whale encounters take place at the surface; freediving is a separate activity.
Do I need to be a freediver to join?
Will we freedive with the whales?
How will we divide our time between whales and freediving?
Are whale encounters guaranteed?
How many people will be in the water?
What equipment should I bring?
How do I get there?
