How to Choose the Right Ocean Expedition: What to Know Before You Go
- Kelsey Williamson
- Jan 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 7
If the idea of joining an ocean expedition sounds incredible but also scares you and you don't know where to start then, welcome. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Ocean expeditions aren’t about being the strongest swimmer, the best diver, or the most experienced traveler in the room. It's about curiosity. Respect. And saying yes to experiences with no expectations especially ocean safaris and just enjoying being out on the ocean regardless of what you see or not.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is this for someone like me?” then this guide is for you.
First: What is an Ocean Expedition (Really)?
An ocean expedition isn’t a resort vacation with snorkeling here and there. It’s immersive, purpose driven travel centered around wildlife, place, and presence.
Think:
Small groups
Long days on the water
Real wildlife encounters, of course not guaranteed and on the ocean’s terms
Guides who read conditions, behavior, and energy
Moments that are life changing
You’re not chasing guarantees. You’re showing up for the possibility.
Step 1: Choose the Why Before the Where
Before you Google destinations, ask yourself:
What’s actually calling me right now?
Not what looks good on Instagram. Not what you think you should want. But what your body is craving.
Awe and emotion? Whales. Big animals. The kind of moments that makes you think "is this real life?"
Movement and magic? Mobula rays, bait balls, migrations that feel alive and electric.
Presence and calm? Slow water. Freediving. Breath.
Creativity? Photography, storytelling, seeing the world differently through a mask
Your why will guide everything else including the right destination and season of marine life.
Step 2: Pick a Beginner-Friendly Destination
Not all expeditions are created equal. Some are perfect first steps into ocean travel.
Great beginner options often include:
Warm water
Calm conditions
Snorkeling (not required scuba)
Supportive guides
Popular first expedition regions include places like Baja California for mobula rays and megafauna, or Mo'orea, French Polynesia for humpback whales and rays & sharks in the lagoon. Between these two trips it's a good thing to note that the Baja California trip to swim with mobula rays doesn't invovle as much swimming compared to the French Polynesia trip which involves a ton of open ocean swimming/snorkeling. So that is another thing to remember when choosing.
Pro tip: Season matters more than destination. A great place at the wrong time and you won't get to see any of the marine life. French Polynesia's whale season for example starts mid July and ends at the end of October where the mobula ray migration in Baja is from April-June/early July.
Step 3: You Do NOT Need to Be an Expert Swimmer
Let’s clear this up right now.
You do not need to:
Be a freediver
Hold your breath for minutes
Have fancy gear
Be fearless
However you do need:
Basic swimming skills and being comfortable in the open ocean
Willingness to listen and not take anything personal in the water (safety is always the top priority)
Respect for wildlife
Openness to learning
The best expeditions are designed to meet you where you are and of course gently expand your comfort zone. Of course, it's always recommended to get some swimming in before your trip whether at a swimming pool or if you're near a lake or ocean and even better if you wear a snorkel and mask to get used to them.
Step 4: Choose the Right Mask & Snorkel (This Is Everything)
This might sound small, but it can make or break your entire experience. The single biggest comfort issue we see on first-time expeditions? A poorly fitting mask, a new mask that fogs or a snorkel you can't breathe out of correctly.
Your mask should:
Seal comfortably t o your face (not your friend’s, not the internet’s)
Feel snug without squeezing
Stay sealed when you inhale gently through your nose
Not leak when you smile or move
A good snorkel matters too, simple, comfortable, and easy to clear is better than fancy. We don't recommend a dry valve at the top of the snorkel but recommend a semi-dry snorkel with a splash guard at the top of the tube.
And here’s the part people skip: Break your mask in before the trip.
A brand new mask straight out of the box will fog every single time.
Get rid of the new masks' film by burning it off or using toothpaste. Spend time swimming with it beforehand. Clean it properly. Get familiar with how it feels. Because nothing pulls you out of a magical moment faster than fighting a fogged up mask while humpback whales or mobula rays are cruising by.
Clear vision will keep your body calm, especially if the ocean is rough at all and overall you WILL have a better experience.
Trust us, future you will be very grateful.
Step 5: Look at the Group Size (This Matters More Than You Think)
Smaller groups are always better for in water encounters.
Why?
Less pressure in the water
More personal guidance
Safer wildlife interactions
Stronger group connection
More flexibility when conditions change
Of course ,if the trip involves you staying on a live aboard or a larger ship then a group size of 12-14 is around the maximum I would suggest. Usually those larger boats have two zodiacs and you split the group into two groups for the in water experience.
Just remember, if you see huge group numbers, ask yourself: Will I feel supported, or lost?
If you're already a confident swimmer and have been on many ocean expeditions before sometimes a larger group can be fun though as you get to meet many people who are all interested in the ocean in some way. Our 12 person Norway trip is always a blast with the group dynamic but again we have two zodiacs with 6 people on each zodiac.
Step 6: Choose the Right Guides (This Is Everything)
Your guides shape your entire experience.
Look for companies who:
Prioritize animal welfare over photos
Talk openly about ethics and behavior
Are calm, confident, and observant
Adjust plans based on conditions
Care about how you feel, not just what you see
The best guides don’t promise sightings, they create space for magic to happen.
Step 7: Know What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Before booking, understand:
Daily time on the water
Physical demands (easy, moderate, long days)
Accommodation style (shared house, hotel, shared rooms, etc.)
Daily flow & pace (early mornings, long boat days, flexible schedules)
A good expedition should feel clear, transparent, and human, not confusing or salesy.
Step 8: Trust the Pull (Yes, Really)
If you keep coming back to the same trip…If you’ve saved it, shared it, thought about it at many times…If you've been dreaming of the experience…
That’s not random.
Ocean expeditions tend to find people right before they’re ready and this could be the start of an addiction I promise you will want to have.
These trips WILL be life changing. So stop dreaming, book your spot and sea for yourself ;)
These are some of our most popular ocean safaris coming up:
Comments