Where Ocean Meets the Mind
Ocean Mind, Ocean Life - a unique diving, research and meditation retreat
Deep Dive into Discovery
Join us for an extraordinary four-night, five-day retreat, where the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS) and MindWise come together to offer a transformative journey rooted in both science and mindfulness. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bazaruto Archipelago, this immersive experience blends ocean exploration, hands-on research, and meditation practices designed to foster presence and stillness.
In mindfulness meditation, the mind is often described as the ocean, and our thoughts as the waves that rise and fall upon its surface. This retreat invites you to explore both: the vastness of the ocean mind within, and the extraordinary beauty of the ocean itself in the renowned Bazaruto Archipelago.
Hosted by the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS) and MindWise, this four‑night, five‑day retreat offers a rare opportunity to combine marine research diving with a gentle, accessible introduction to mindfulness practice—set within Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory.
The Retreat Experience
Participants will take part in a unique and exclusive diving expedition with BCSS marine scientists, contributing directly to ongoing research projects at the BCSS Ocean Observatory. Guided by expert researchers, you’ll explore vibrant marine ecosystems while gaining first‑hand insight into conservation science and the fragile beauty of the underwater world.
Explore this vibrant world with guided diving sessions led by BCSS marine experts. Participants will actively engage in ongoing research at the Ocean Observatory on beautiful Benguerra Island, contributing to vital conservation efforts and gaining unique insights into marine ecosystems.
You will stay at the centre’s sustainable island research station from where you will commence your unique diving expeditions into the ocean and into the mind.
You will also make a journey of discovery into your mind. Each day, you will be guided by Gerry Rickard, an MA qualified mindfulness teacher, who will help you to focus on cultivating awareness, presence, and inner tranquillity. These practices are woven into the retreat schedule, complementing the scientific activities and encouraging a deeper connection with self, presence and nature.
This is not just a diving holiday—it’s a chance to actively support marine research while deepening your connection to the ocean and yourself.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is ideal for those drawn to:
- Marine science, conservation, and meaningful travel
- Diving with purpose and expert guidance
- Mindfulness and personal wellbeing
- A balanced experience of activity, learning, and rest
Whether you are an experienced or beginner diver or new to mindfulness, you’ll be supported in a small, intimate group designed to foster depth, connection, and presence.
The Research Centre
The Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS) research station is situated on Benguerra Island, within the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago. BCSS is Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory, dedicated to marine science, conservation, and ocean research in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.
Staying on site offers a rare opportunity to live and dive alongside marine scientists actively engaged in ongoing research and conservation projects. Accommodation is simple, comfortable, and immersed in nature —creating an environment that supports purposeful diving, learning, and mindful presence.
You will join a unique and exclusive diving expedition with BCSS marine scientists, contributing directly to ongoing research and conservation projects. Guided dives offer rare insight into marine ecosystems while supporting vital scientific work.
The Format
Our mindfulness and meditation sessions are led by Gerry. These sessions gently introduce practices that help reveal how worries, judgements, and habitual thinking can obscure the richness of the present moment, and how we can always find a place of stillness within that is ever present.
Meditation sessions are thoughtfully woven into the retreat schedule, complementing the scientific and diving activities, and offering space for reflection, stillness, and integration.
The skills we learn with our meditation practice, such as being fully present, acceptance, practicing with beginner’s mind, non-striving, patience and trust, can equally apply to our diving sessions.
No prior meditation experience is required.
Each day, we will practice mindful meditation in the early morning, taking a theme which will also reflect our time under water.
Our sessions include:
- Seated meditation with the sounds of the ocean
- Breath awareness with fresh sea air
- Mindful walking along the beach
- Gentle mindful movement and evening reflection practices
No previous meditation experience is needed. The guidance is clear, practical, and supportive — designed to help you understand how your mind works and how our thoughts often get in our way.
We practice by the ocean, where our thoughts are like the waves that come and go, yet behind them there is always the deeper ocean of our awareness.
We arrive in Vilanculos and transfer by boat to the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. We settle into our basic but stylish accommodation at the research centre.
These first afternoon is about settling in and getting to know each other and our surroundings.
We will introduce the retreat format and schedule and begin with a gentle afternoon meditation.
- Time to rest, swim in the ocean, journal, or simply enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere.
- Short evening reflection practice
Days 2 to 5 - Ocean Mind, Ocean Life
During these three days, you will join a unique and exclusive diving expedition with BCSS marine scientists, contributing directly to ongoing research and conservation projects. Guided dives from the centre’s 5-Star PADI dive centre, offer rare insight into marine ecosystems while supporting vital scientific work.
Each day consists of a morning meditation practice and theory, followed by a double tank dive where you will be exploring untouched reefs and the underwater biodiversity of the Bazaruto Archipelago. You will be diving exclusive sites, encountering members of the ‘Big Ocean Five’ — including turtles, dolphins, manta rays, sharks, and dugongs.
Afternoons can be spent relaxing to the sound of the waves, journalling, or exploring some of the scientific studies that the centre’s on-site scientific team have been involved with.
Each evening we will close our day with a short, themed meditation practice and discussion.
On Day 5 we will have our morning practice and share our learnings before taking the boat back to Vilanculos on the mainland where you can continue your onward journey.
Dates & Location Retreats
Two retreat dates are being offered in 2026
Retreat 1 begins:
- Arrive Wednesday, July 8th 2026
Retreat 1 ends:
- Sunday July 12th, 2026
Retreat 2 begins:
- Arrive Wednesday, November 4th 2026
Retreat 2 ends:
- Sunday November 8th 2026
Minimum number of participants: 4
Accommodation: The Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies, on Benguerra Island, in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Guests will stay in an active research station. The accommodation complex features communal bathroom facilities, shared with the tented camp located near the station. The staff camp is within 30 meters of the main accommodation unit and includes two large tents.
BCSS is a unique research station committed to and built with sustainability by design in mind. It’s powered partially by solar energy and designed to minimize environmental impact. Locally sourced materials such as coconut wood, reed walls, and thatched roofs were used.
BCSS follows permaculture principles to create a zero-waste food garden. This approach supports self-sufficiency while promoting healthy, organic, and chemical-free food production.
Fly directly to Vilanculos from Maputo or daily flights from Johannesburg with Airlink.
Airport Transfers included
Price and options
$2,200 per person all inclusive single accommodation
$2,100 per person all inclusive shared accommodation
Spaces are limited to ensure a highly personalised and immersive experience.
To register or learn more, please contact us or visit our websites for further information.
The retreat will be for a minimum number of 4 participants, making it more personal and intimate.
To register, or learn more, please get in touch directly with Gerry here.
What's included?
- Accommodation for four nights at the BCSS centre
- 3 full meals per day
- All diving equipment
- 3 x double tank dives
- Vilanculos airport pickup and return
- Return boat transfer to Benguerra Island
- National park fees
- All meditation sessions – plus workbook based on the sessions given
- Access to science projects
- Limited WI-FI
What's not included?
- Visas and visa fees
- International and/or internal flights (we can assist with booking advice and recommended route as well as extended itineraries)
- Other leisure activities
- Other transport
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
Visa requirements Mozambique
- All non-SADC travellers must apply online for a visa at www.evisa.gov.mz before arrival
- Visa-exempt nationalities are listed on this site
- Countries not eligible for an eVisa require a full visa either with the Mozambican embassy in their country or on arrival ($160 in cash)
- SADC citizens require no visa
