Travel insurance is required
Every guest needs their own travel insurance, with cover for emergency evacuation and water sports (from your own policy or the dive centre’s insurance). It is required for the retreat, and your dive or freediving partner may also ask to see proof of it before you get in the water. It also looks after you if your plans change, so please arrange it before you travel.
Not sure where to start? Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a diving safety organisation. This is not an endorsement of one policy. We don’t check your policy, so it is yours to arrange.
Health and diving
Your health is your own story, and you are always welcome to share whatever helps us take good care of you. We are not doctors, so we cannot give medical advice, but we can help you plan around what you tell us and put you in touch with the dive school if a question needs their expertise.
Dive and freediving schools ask every guest to fill in a health form and a medical questionnaire before they go in the water, usually the day before the first dive. You can fill them in in person at the dive centre, which keeps your health details between you and the school. If any answer is yes or not sure, the school will ask for a doctor’s signature, so please answer honestly. Ocean Calling does not collect, check or store these documents. You are responsible for being fit to dive. Snorkelling only is usually less strict, although some operators may still ask for a short form.
Is this retreat right for me?
The experience
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Most guests join solo. Groups are small and the atmosphere is welcoming without forcing connection.
Do I need experience?
No. Many retreats suit beginners, and activities are adapted to your level and comfort.
What if I feel nervous?
You can pause, rest or skip an activity at any moment. There is no pressure to continue.
Can I choose scuba instead of freediving?
Yes. Freediving is never required. A scuba experience can be arranged through trusted local dive centres.
Can I book a private retreat?
Yes. Private retreats for couples, friends or small groups may be arranged on request, depending on destination and availability.
Who leads the activities?
Trusted local professionals: certified instructors, experienced guides and destination partners.
Ocean and wildlife
Are wildlife encounters guaranteed?
No. Nature is unpredictable. Ocean Calling works in the best seasons with experienced local guides, but never controls the outcome.
Can I touch marine animals?
No. Animals are never touched, chased or approached actively. Encounters stay passive, calm and respectful.
Can I freedive with whales?
Where diving or freediving near marine mammals is restricted, encounters are from the surface only. Respectful snorkelling may be possible if local rules allow.
What if the sea is rough?
Activities may be adapted, delayed or replaced for safety. If you are sensitive to motion, take seasickness medication before boat trips.
What sunscreen should I bring?
Reef-safe sunscreen only. Mineral-based, without oxybenzone or octinoxate. In some places you apply it on land before entering the water.
Comfort and safety
Do I need a doctor’s OK to dive?
Ocean Calling does not ask for your health clearance or medical details, so please don’t send them to us. For freediving or scuba, your local dive partner may check that you are fit to dive with you directly, sometimes with a “fit to dive” form signed by a doctor, depending on your health history and the dive centre. This matters most with asthma, heart or breathing conditions, sinus problems or recent surgery. For snorkelling only it is usually not required. Try the “Is this retreat right for me?” page first.
Can I join with asthma?
For freediving or scuba, asthma may need a doctor’s OK, checked directly with the local dive partner.
Can I join while pregnant?
No scuba or freediving while pregnant. Snorkelling may be possible in some cases. Speak with your doctor first.
Are there dangerous animals or jellyfish?
The ocean is a wild place. Guides explain how to behave in the water, and you are told in advance about seasonal stingers.
Do I need vaccines or malaria tablets?
It depends on destination, nationality and season. Check official travel health guidance and speak to a doctor or travel clinic.
Insurance and liability
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is required for every guest, with cover for emergency evacuation and water sports (from your own policy or the dive centre’s insurance). Your dive or freediving partner may also ask to see proof of it before you get in the water. Ocean Calling does not check your policy, so please have it in place before you travel.
What should my insurance cover?
Ideally: trip cancellation, medical care, lost belongings, water activities and emergency evacuation where relevant.
Who arranges my insurance?
You do. Choose the policy that suits your trip, with cover for emergency evacuation and water sports (from your own policy or the dive centre’s insurance). If you are not sure what to look for, ask Rocío.
Will I sign a waiver?
In many destinations, yes. Local operators may require participation forms, medical declarations or waivers.
Booking and payments
How do payments work?
You pay a non-refundable deposit at booking to secure your place. The balance is due 60 days before departure. Where possible, you can pay the balance in monthly instalments, with the last one paid by that date. Rocío confirms the schedule with you when you book. See the cancellation policy for transfers and cancellations.
Can I cancel?
The deposit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. Any payment you made beyond the deposit can be transferred once to another Ocean Calling retreat within 12 months, in the same category and subject to availability, with written notice at least 60 days before the start. The new booking needs its own deposit (policy updated 4 October 2026). Cancellations within 60 days are non-refundable. See the full policy.
Are flights included?
No. You arrange your own flights.
Can I modify the itinerary?
Before booking you can share your interests and comfort level. Once the itinerary is confirmed with local partners, it is final.
What is not included?
Unless clearly stated, meals, activity and park fees, personal expenses, upgrades and on-site payments to local providers.
Respect and low impact
How should I behave?
In temples, villages and family homes, be respectful. Speak softly, remove shoes when asked and cover shoulders and knees where needed.
Is this a low-impact retreat?
Yes. Small groups, thoughtful pacing and trusted local partners. Travel still has an environmental cost, and Ocean Calling keeps learning how to improve.
Are alcohol and smoking part of the retreat?
No. Your personal time is private, but it must not affect safety, morning activities or group comfort.
Still unsure?
Message Rocío. She replies personally and can help you choose between freediving, scuba or a whale retreat. Open WhatsApp
One last check before you book
If you would like a friendly, two-minute read on how you might feel in the water, this is the moment for it — not a test, just a check-in. Is this retreat right for me?
Every question here exists so that, once you are in the water, you can stop thinking and simply notice what is around you. See the retreats.
