Freediver Adam Sellars reveals latest ‘whale retreat’ experience

A freediving expert and former Bachelorette contestant wants you to meditate alongside whales in this Australian-first retreat planned for the Sunshine Coast.

Freediver Adam Sellar reveals plans for Australian-first whale retreat on the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast is set to host Australia’s first ‘whale retreat’ this winter, with freediving tourism operator and former bachelorette contestant, Adam Sellars, unveiling his latest water-based experience.

Whale Week Australia will be held on the Sunshine Coast by Mr Sellars, featuring daily swimming with humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica to Australia’s east coast.

The peak migration season is between June and October.

The week-long experience, offered by the Pressure Project, is set to include meditation, ice baths and snorkelling along with marine talks and yoga sessions.

Mr Sellars explained the retreat was unique in the way it offered guests multiple opportunities have once-in-a-lifetime encounters with the whales.

“Every humpback whale retreat is overseas, in places like Tonga and Tahiti, places like that,” Mr Sellars said.

“I have a Tonga retreat myself and I just thought why aren’t we doing this in Australia? Because to go to Tonga would cost people in the vicinity of $10,000.”

The Pressure Project founder and coach Adam Sellars. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Sellars said the extra activities and sessions would help turn the whale retreat into a “holistic” experience, with guests setting off on a boat from Mooloolaba each day.

“Everyone is either doing whale watching or they are doing swimming, but the maximum amount of time they can do is four hours,” Mr Sellars said.

“This is also going to be more holistic, kind of like a mental health retreat, whales really add another layer to the presence.

“When you are staring at a humpback straight in the eye you are definitely not thinking about whether you have a busy week next week.”

Freediver Adam Sellars reveals plans for Australian-first whale retreat on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Sellars said the nature-based experience would be carried out with a focus on sustainability.

“At Pressure Project we emphasise safety, conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that all interactions with marine life are conducted respectfully and sustainably,” Mr Sellars said.

“The more connected we feel to the ocean, the more we want to protect it.

“If you’re looking for a powerful, nature-based escape, this is it!”

According to the Pressure Project website the retreat is expected to run across three seven-day sessions for $2500, excluding accommodation and meals.

Originally published as Freediver Adam Sellars reveals latest ‘whale retreat’ experience