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Byron Bay Freediving Retreat 2025 Recap – A Week of Ocean, Connection & Community

Writer: Curtis TredwayCurtis Tredway


Our Byron Bay Freediving Adventure Retreat has wrapped up, and what a trip it was! From unforgettable marine encounters to breathwork sessions, underwater photography workshops, and sunset adventures, this retreat had it all. More than just a freediving trip, it became a journey of connection—to the ocean, to ourselves, and to an incredible community of like-minded ocean lovers.


A Crew Like No Other



We had the privilege of hosting 11 incredible guests, each bringing their unique energy and passion for the ocean. Whether they were seasoned freedivers or taking their first steps into breath-hold diving, everyone embraced the experience, pushed their limits, and left with new skills, memories, and friendships.


Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) – Magical Encounters with Byron Bay's Marine Life




Over two days of diving, we explored the breathtaking underwater world of Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks)—one of Australia’s most biodiverse dive sites.


🐬 Day 1: We were greeted by a pod of common dolphins on our way out to the rocks! Below the surface, the marine life was just as welcoming—leopard sharks, turtles, spotted eagle rays, and a massive grouper all made an appearance.


🦈 Day 2: Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we were proven wrong. Along with all the usual suspects, we had an unforgettable manta ray interaction, spotted a guitar shark, and even had a mako shark sighting from the boat.


Each dive was a unique display of some of Australia's most sought after marine life.




All images captured by Curtis Tredway.


Beyond the Depths – Breathwork, Ice Baths & Citizen Science



This retreat wasn’t just about diving—it was about exploring the full potential of the human body and mind.


🧊 Breathwork & Ice Bath Workshop – Led by Michael from Boundless Breathing, this session took us on a journey through the nervous system, breath control, and resilience training. Seeing everyone step up to the challenge and embrace the cold was inspiring!

💨 Breathwork for Freedivers – Hosted by Curtis Tredway, this session focused on refining relaxation techniques, breath efficiency, and nervous system regulation, helping divers improve their underwater comfort and performance.

📸 Underwater Photography & Citizen Science Workshop – Freedivers aren’t just explorers; they can be ocean advocates too! Curtis led an underwater photography and editing workshop, showing how even a simple GoPro can be used to capture stunning images and contribute to citizen science initiatives. By sharing our images and observations, we can document marine biodiversity, track species populations, and advocate for ocean conservation. Every freediver has the power to make an impact!


Games, Sunset Adventures & Incredible Food




A retreat wouldn’t be complete without some land-based fun, and Byron Bay delivered.

🌅 Byron Bay Lighthouse Sunset – Watching the sun dip below the horizon after two full days of diving was pure magic.

🎨 Twilight Markets – The perfect way to experience Byron’s vibrant community, live music, and handcrafted local goods.

🍽️ Delicious Meals by Chef Ash Chan – Our private chef, Ash Chan (also a Wave 3 Assistant Instructor), kept us fuelled with incredible food every single day. Because let’s be real—nothing beats a post-dive feast!

🎲 Games & Quiz Night – A special thanks to Dani from Protect What You Love, who hosted a fun-filled games and quiz night. From marine conservation questions to general ocean knowledge, it was the perfect way to bring everyone together and share a few laughs.

🏠 Villa Vibes & Bubble Ring Battles – The stunning Byron villa became our home away from home, where the community vibe truly flourished. Between card games, competitions, and non-stop banter, it felt like a little freediving family. The bubble ring competition was a highlight, coming down to the wire—Jen snatched the crown from Haylee B. in a close call!


A Trip to Remember


It’s hard to sum up the magic of this retreat in words, but if there’s one thing that stood out, it was the people. Every single guest brought something special, creating an atmosphere of support, adventure, and shared love for the ocean.


A massive thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey. This was more than just a freediving retreat—it was an experience of growth, connection, and deep appreciation for the ocean and each other.


Until next time—see you in the blue! 🌊💙


Join Our Next Byron Bay Trip



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