The People Behind the Experience
A meaningful ocean experience is only possible through the expertise of those who know these specific waters best. Our circle is a handpicked network of world-record-holding freedivers, eco-conscious dive centres, and local marine guides who share our dedication to safety, environmental ethics, and slow travel.
While Rocío coordinates your overall journey, all technical in-water instruction, certifications, and safety supervision are provided by these independent, licensed professionals who retain full responsibility for training standards and operational safety.
Our Local Partnership Philosophy
Ocean Calling Retretas is not a mass-market travel agency. We are a small circle of professionals who believe that travel should be slow, respectful, and emotionally meaningful. While Rocío coordinates your overall journey, the technical water sessions are led by a handpicked network of local experts who share our dedication to safety and ethics.
Moʻorea, French Polynesia
Nicolas Buray — Marine Wildlife Guide & Founder, Tahiti Shark Expeditions
Nicolas Buray is the founder of Tahiti Shark Expeditions and one of the most experienced marine wildlife guides operating in French Polynesia. Based in Moorea, he has spent years leading private expeditions into the waters between Tahiti and its sister island — waters home to one of the most remarkable concentrations of large marine fauna in the Pacific.
His expeditions are guided wildlife experiences with genuine educational depth — oriented around sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles, and seasonal humpback whale encounters between July and November. Small groups, private boats, a wildlife-first philosophy: the animal always leads.
“Moorea is a magic place. We are waiting for you to meet the megafauna that inhabits these waters.” — Nicolas Buray
Tahiti Shark Expeditions / Nemo’z Diving Center — Tiahura, Moorea | tahitisharkexpeditions@gmail.com | nemozdiving.com
Nemo’z Diving Center — Tiahura, Moorea
One of the most established dive operations in French Polynesia, founded in 1989 at Tiahura on Moorea’s north-west coast. PADI and SSI certified, with maximum 4 students per course. In 2024, Nemo’z launched a dedicated freediving centre in partnership with Bluenery Academy, founded by world champion freediver Guillaume Néry — the first of its kind on the island.
nemozdiving.com | nemozdiving@gmail.com | +689 87 71 25 25
Amed, Bali, Indonesia
Bali Dive Resort & Spa
A dedicated dive resort operating across Amed and Tulamben, Bali. PADI 5-Star and certified PADI Eco Center — the only PADI Eco Center in Amed. Partners with Ocean Gardener NGO and the MERO Foundation on marine conservation. Shore access to Amed’s reef systems; short transfer to the USAT Liberty wreck.
balidiveresortandspa.com | amed@balidiveresortandspa.com | +62 819 1718 0240
Wayan — PADI Scuba Diving Instructor, Bali Dive Resort & Spa
Wayan is a professional PADI scuba diving instructor based across Amed and Tulamben — home to the famous USAT Liberty wreck, one of the most accessible and historically significant dive sites in Indonesia. He works with divers at every stage of their development: from first pool breaths to certified divers exploring complex reef and wreck environments.
What divers describe most consistently is the quality of calm he brings underwater. Teaching centres on buoyancy, relaxed breathing, and clear communication — the foundations that make every subsequent dive safer and more enjoyable. Patient, unhurried, genuinely adapted to each diver’s pace.
“Move slowly, breathe calmly, and let the ocean set the rhythm.” — Wayan
Bali Dive Resort & Spa — Amed & Tulamben | amed@balidiveresortandspa.com | balidiveresortandspa.com
Ocean Prana Freediving & Yoga
Founded in 2016 by Yoram Zekri — former world vice-champion of freediving, French national multi-record holder, and one of fewer than thirty AIDA Instructor Trainers globally. Beachfront on Jemeluk Bay, 15 metres from the water. 25-metre pool, yoga studio, organic café, on-site accommodation. AIDA-certified courses from introduction to instructor level.
oceanprana.com | contact@oceanprana.com | +62 812 3765 2887
Sophie Devonport — Master AIDA Freediving Instructor, Ocean Prana
Sophie Devonport is a Master AIDA Instructor at Ocean Prana in Amed, Bali — one of the most senior AIDA teaching qualifications available, spanning AIDA 1 through AIDA 4 and AIDA Youth.
Before committing fully to freediving in 2016, she spent ten years in the professional scuba diving industry. She approaches freediving as a tool for stress relief, nervous system regulation, and self-trust — creating the internal conditions that allow the body to do what it is naturally capable of, without force.
“Progress comes from relaxation, not force. When the mind becomes calm, the body follows.” — Sophie Devonport
Ocean Prana Freediving & Yoga — Jemeluk Bay, Amed | contact@oceanprana.com | oceanprana.com
Amed, Bali, Indonesia
Apneista Freediving & Yoga School
The first freediving school in Bali, established on the beachfront of Jemeluk Bay in Amed. Courses grounded in the Molchanovs freediving system, with deep integration of yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Beachside classroom on Jemeluk Bay, access to a 25-metre pool at Blue Earth Village, spa, and yoga shala. Non-competitive ethos, genuinely international community.
apneista.com | info@apneista.com | +62 821 4649 8087
Kwab Edusei — Freediving Instructor & Co-Founder, Apneista
Kwab Edusei is a freediving instructor and co-founder of Apneista Freediving & Yoga School in Amed, Bali. Molchanovs Freediving Instructor. His instruction integrates breath control, nervous system regulation, and equalization technique within a structure that values awareness as much as performance. Students progress at a pace shaped by their own readiness.
“Progress comes from relaxation and patience rather than force.” — Kwab Edusei
Apneista Freediving & Yoga School — Jemeluk Bay, Amed | info@apneista.com | apneista.com
Matthias Misof — Molchanovs Instructor Trainer, Apneista
Matthias Misof is a Molchanovs Instructor Trainer at Apneista — one of the most senior teaching qualifications within the Molchanovs system, and a role that reflects more than a decade of experience in freediving, coaching, and competition safety. Technical depth in freediving mechanics sits alongside serious engagement with yoga, meditation, and neuroscience as tools for improving performance.
“Relaxation creates progress. When the mind becomes calm, performance improves naturally.” — Matthias Misof
Apneista Freediving & Yoga School — Jemeluk Bay, Amed | info@apneista.com | apneista.com | +62 821 4649 8087
Coron, Palawan, Philippines
MJ Paula — Freediving Instructor, Freediving Coron
MJ Paula (Mary Jane Paula Jumuad) is a Filipino freediving instructor and two-time Philippine National Record holder. She discovered freediving in 2015, reached national record level within months, and left her career as a Certified Public Accountant to dedicate herself fully to teaching. Since 2016 she has trained thousands of students — from complete beginners to advanced freedivers, children, mothers, and seniors.
Her teaching is structured around safety, patience, and genuine progression. She is particularly valued by guests who come to the water with hesitation, helping them find ease and trust in themselves underwater.
“Do not rush. In the water, progress comes from patience, consistency, and learning to relax rather than force.” — MJ Paula
Freediving Coron — Coron, Palawan | info@coron-freediving.com | coron-freediving.com | +63 917 308 2848
Randy Dingding — PADI Scuba Diving Instructor, Corto Divers
Randy Dingding is a PADI scuba diving instructor based in Coron, Palawan, with extensive local knowledge of Coron Bay’s wreck and reef sites. He guides divers through some of the most complex and historically significant dive environments in Southeast Asia — including wreck penetrations, thermocline lakes, and diverse reef ecosystems. Divers consistently highlight his calm, supportive approach.
“Stay calm, move slowly, and respect the underwater environment.” — Randy Dingding
Corto Divers — Corto del Mar Hotel, Coron | cortodivers.com
Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
Cebu Fun Divers
A long-established PADI 5-Star dive centre set directly on Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. The famous sardine run begins just metres from the dive shop, making encounters that elsewhere require planning an almost everyday experience. Moalboal sits within the Coral Triangle — the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on the planet. Small groups, personalised instruction, buoyancy and marine awareness at the centre of every course.
cebufundivers.com | info@cebufundivers.com | +63 906 412 3660
Jonel — Scuba Diving Instructor, Cebu Fun Divers
Jonel is a local Filipino scuba diving instructor at Cebu Fun Divers in Moalboal, guiding students through one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Philippines. His familiarity with Moalboal’s currents, conditions, and marine life behaviour comes from years spent in these specific waters. Divers describe him as patient and reassuring: a calm presence that makes the underwater environment feel safe.
“Move slowly, breathe calmly, and allow yourself time to adapt underwater.” — Jonel
Cebu Fun Divers — Panagsama Beach, Moalboal | info@cebufundivers.com | cebufundivers.com
Kalle Epp — PADI Master Instructor, Cebu Fun Divers
Kalle Epp is a PADI Master Instructor at Cebu Fun Divers, working across certification levels from first-time open water students to advanced divers. His teaching is structured and methodical, designed to build strong technical foundations. Divers develop calm air consumption, refined buoyancy, and the kind of underwater awareness that makes every subsequent dive safer and more rewarding.
“Slow down, breathe calmly, and let the underwater environment guide the experience.” — Kalle Epp
Cebu Fun Divers — Panagsama Beach, Moalboal | info@cebufundivers.com | cebufundivers.com | +63 906 412 3660
Koz — PADI Course Director, Savedra Dive Center
Koz is a PADI Course Director at Savedra Dive Center in Moalboal — one of the most credentialed positions in recreational scuba diving education, requiring both exceptional technical skill and the ability to train and evaluate dive instructors. She works with divers across the full range of certification levels, from Open Water beginners to Divemaster candidates and instructor trainees.
“Take your time, stay relaxed, and trust the learning process.” — Koz
Savedra Dive Center — Panagsama Beach, Moalboal | koz@savedra.com | savedra.com | +63 917 321 1475
Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
Savedra Dive Center
Savedra Dive Center has been at the heart of Moalboal’s diving scene since 1983 — over four decades of education and exploration. The only PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center and PADI Tec Rec training facility in Moalboal. Directly on Panagsama Beach, steps from a house reef that drops from three metres down to sixty-five. Three daily boat departures to Pescador Island and surrounding reef sites.
savedra.com | koz@savedra.com | +63 917 321 1475
Ardi — SSI Scuba Diving Instructor, Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Ardi is a local Indonesian scuba diving instructor and a permanent member of the teaching team at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan. Growing up around the Gili Islands, he developed a relationship with these waters long before he became an instructor — one built on direct experience of the reefs, currents, tidal patterns, and marine life behaviour that no formal training alone can produce. Patient, safety-focused, with particular expertise in turtle encounters and reef navigation.
“Stay relaxed, breathe slowly, and enjoy the experience.” — Ardi
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan | info@manta-dive.com | manta-dive.com | +62 812 3788 9378
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
One of the most established dive centres in the Gili Islands for over 25 years. Set in the protected marine waters between Bali and Lombok. SSI training from Open Water through to instructor level. Resident turtle population, reef sharks, and healthy coral ecosystems make meaningful encounters part of an ordinary dive day. Actively involved in marine conservation and reef monitoring.
manta-dive.com | info@manta-dive.com | +62 812 3788 9378
Lisa — SSI Scuba Diving Instructor, Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Lisa is a professional scuba diving instructor at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan. She reads where a student is — technically, emotionally, in terms of comfort in the water — and adapts accordingly. Beginners describe feeling genuinely reassured in her presence. Certified divers appreciate the care she brings to refining buoyancy, awareness, and technique. She creates the conditions in which divers actually improve.
“Slow down, breathe calmly, and enjoy the experience.” — Lisa
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan | info@manta-dive.com | manta-dive.com | +62 812 3788 9378
Neil Baxter — SSI Scuba Diving Instructor, Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Neil Baxter is an experienced scuba diving instructor at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan. His teaching is characterised by a clear focus on safety, buoyancy, and technical foundations that make diving feel increasingly natural rather than effortful. A calm and enjoyable learning atmosphere without sacrificing rigour — the combination that actually produces confident, capable divers.
“Slow down, breathe calmly, and let the ocean guide the experience.” — Neil Baxter
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan | info@manta-dive.com | manta-dive.com | +62 812 3788 9378
Giving Back: Our Conservation Partners
For those who feel called to give back, we facilitate optional connections with local NGOs. These are not staged activities, but real restoration projects led by marine biologists.
Amed, Bali, (Indonesia): Support reef recovery with Ocean Gardener or Livingseas Asia, rebuilding fragile ecosystems one fragment at a time.
Gili Trawangan: We support the Gili Eco Trust, founded by Delphine Robbe. Guests can learn about the Biorock technology used to restore damaged reefs and participate in workshops dedicated to the scientific understanding of coral rehabilitation.
Coron (Philippines): We collaborate with C3 Philippines, the recognized national lead agency for dugong research. Their community-run programs empower local fishers to monitor and protect critical seagrass meadows and mangroves.
Coron (Philippines): We also proudly support the Culion Foundation Inc., whose internationally recognized Women-Managed Marine Protected Areas (WMAs) have earned prestigious awards like the Blue Parks Award. Their "Eco-warrior" programs successfully convert former environmental violators into dedicated stewards of their local waters.
Mo'orea (French Polynesia): Learn about the delicate balance of the Polynesian lagoon through hands-on Coral Gardening Workshops. Our partners focus on restoring resilient "super corals" to ensure the long-term survival of the reef habitats that rays and turtles depend on.
The Safety Container
We provide the structure so you can focus on the experience. Please note that while Ocean Calling coordinates the retreat, all technical in-water instruction, certifications, and safety supervision are provided by these third-party licensed professionals and dive centers, who retain full responsibility for training standards and operational safety.
Learn more about us
To learn more about our story and how we work, please see:
FAQ
Who leads the underwater sessions? All technical instruction and certifications are led by independent, licensed professionals from our partner centers, such as Freediving Planet, Savedra, or Nemo’z. These include world and national record holders. Rocío Ruiz hosts the retreat, handling the group energy, logistics, and comfort.
What is Green Fins? Green Fins is an international standard for sustainable diving and snorkeling. Partners like Savedra follow these guidelines to ensure that their operations do not damage coral reefs or disturb marine life.
What is the Biorock project in the Gili Islands? Biorock is a reef restoration method that uses safe, low-voltage currents to encourage coral to grow up to five times faster than normal. We partner with Gili EcoTrust and Manta Dive to support these vital underwater nurseries.
Do I need to be an athlete to dive with world champions? Not at all. Our collaborators, including record holders like Sandra Delija and Guillaume Néry’s academy, specialize in patient, beginner-friendly coaching. They focus on relaxation and breath awareness rather than performance.
Can I get certified during the retreat? Yes. Most of our retreats offer optional certification upgrades through our partners. In Bali, you can earn WAVE L1 or L2 or similar certification through Apneista, or PADI Open Water through Bali Reef Divers. Similar options are available in Moalboal and Coron.
Who leads the underwater sessions? All technical instruction and certifications are led by independent, licensed professionals from our partner centers, such as Freediving Planet, Savedra, or Nemo’z. These include world and national record holders. Rocío Ruiz hosts the retreat, handling the group energy, logistics, and comfort.
What is included in the retreat price? Retreats typically include boutique accommodation in private rooms, land transfers, breakfast, host support, and a 60-minute Balinese massage (Bali). International flights, travel insurance, and certification fees are not included.