Heart of the Whale

After the playful, relational energy of dolphins, humpback whales invite something very different: stillness, reverence, and humility. To be with whales is not to swim towards them — it is to slow down enough to be received.
Tonga is one of the very few places on Earth where humans can enter the water with humpback whales in an ethical and respectful way. Each year, whales migrate here to rest, mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. This makes Tonga a sanctuary — not a feeding ground, not a hunting ground — but a place of care and continuation of life.  
Being welcomed into this space is a profound privilege.

From Dolphins to Whales — A Natural Evolution

If dolphins teach us belonging and joy, whales teach us depth and patience. This retreat is designed for people who: Have already tasted ocean connection ,Feel ready to slow down rather than seek stimulation,  Want to meet life from a place of reverence , Are curious about presence rather than performance.  You do not need to “do” anything with whales. You only need to be.

What This Retreat Focuses On

First-time, respectful encounters with humpback whales,  Learning how to enter the water calmly and consciously,  Understanding whale behavior, boundaries, and signals Deep listening — through the body, the breath, and the heart,  Integration through silence, reflection, and sharing.  Whales do not respond to effort. They respond to coherence.
There is no chasing, no forcing, no expectations. Some days the whales come close. Some days they remain at a distance. Both are teachings.

Heart of the Whale - Tonga
Retreat (7 days)

Kate Hamsikova

I’m Kate, the founder of Natural Born Swimmers and a passionate water lover. Water is my second home, where my dolphin friend taught me how to move, relax, and feel truly safe in the water. Since 2009, I’ve been teaching baby, toddler, and preschool swimming classes, focusing on water safety skills for young children. I also run pregnancy aqua classes, helping expectant mothers experience the calming and supportive power of water, especially in the third trimester.

My mission is to help families build confidence, connection, and joy in the water from the very start.

Course Pricing

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