What do I need to bring?
- Personal dive gear
- Clothing for a tropical environment
- Insect repellent
- Reef Shoes or Crocs
- Sunscreen/sun protection
We recommend bringing as little as possible. Expect limited (if any) phone reception and no high speed Wi-Fi. Just plenty of sunshine and wonder! Please note that baggage allowance is 1 dive bag and 1 checked bag per person (no more than 15kg in total). *Note that if you’ll be borrowing dive equipment from us your checked allowance will be of 10kg in total If you need to be reached by phone, anyone can call you at the eco-resort. There is paid Wi-Fi at reception.
You’ll need to get yourself to Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Brisbane (Redcliffe) or Gold Coast airport. From there, you’ll be whisked away to Lady Eliot Island and dropped off afterwards. Flights are additional and will depend on your destination port as to costs – Breathless will Invoice and Book these flights for you. In 2025, Return Flights from Hervey Bay to Lady Elliot Island on Seair Pacific cost approximately $485.00 per person Return flights from Gold Coast approximately $965.00 per person or Brisbane (Redcliffe) cost approximately $965.00 per person
Flights to and from the island are not included in the booking price and will be charged separately 30 days out from the retreat. This link will list all the latest flight times and costs > https://ladyelliot.com.au/getting-here/
What can I expect from food & accommodation?
The Eco-Resort Just a short walk from the lagoon, each eco cabin has been designed to fit into the natural surroundings whilst providing the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Accommodation and bathroom facilities are shared and each cabin is equipped with power points, ceiling fan and a deck for taking in the beautiful surroundings. The Banquets 3 meals per day are provided from the Beachfront Dining Room and it is the only restaurant on Lady Eliot and is known for it’s delicious, nourishing cuisine. Upon booking, you will be sent a form to let us know of any dietary requirements. Additional a-la-carte options are available should you wish to purchase.
How might a day on the island flow?
💨 Morning Breathwork Magic – Move, Breathe, and end up giggling on each others bellies for be best part of 30 minutes
🐬 Freedive session #1 – Learn to relax into intensity, reach new depths whilst encountering those fleeting moments of timelessness facing Manta Rays and reef sharks
🍃 Eco Resort Lounging – Soak up sun, doze off, read or explore what low tide washed up with the master reef guides⛵ Glass Bottom Boat trip – Mantas, whales and more
🦈- forget about numbers and performance and just explore, swim through caves, caress turtles and play with the local dolphin🏝️ Explore the Island – venture into the Pisonia Forest when a magic clearing appears and we open up a Breath-work ceremony, drinking sacred Cacao & connecting even deeper
🌅 360 Sunset Magic – Watching the shark fins and manta wingtips trail across the horizon as we savour the moment.
🕊️ The bird colonies return to the island in mass, creating an indescribable spectacle as their numbers black out the purple hues of the last moments of day
🌠A magical night dive – Secrets of the Great Barrier Reef unfold in the Eerie underwater world, hold on tight to each other and chase the phosphorescence
🌙 Resting in the Eco Cabins in wonder at what depths and heights tomorrow will bring. Can’t fathom we have another 5 days of this ahead…. Freediving is an incredibly relaxing activity that combines disciplines of the body and the mind. We will guide each guest individually to their own ability and limits. If for any reason you don’t feel like diving, you can still have a blast snorkelling around crystal clear waters or maybe doubling up on your yoga practice. Our Freediving instructors are very experienced and take safety very seriously, you are in really good hands.
Day 1 Fly into Lady Elliot on our private plane and meet the marine life from above. The reef is so crystal clear that it’s not uncommon to see whales and rays around the island before you’ve even landed. After checking into your eco cabin, we’ll be exploring the reef and dive sites from the comfort of our glass bottom boat.
Day 2 After morning breathwork on the beach, you’ll have the chance to explore the lagoon at low tide. We’ll have a training session in the pool before heading out on our first free dive. You’re then free to spend the afternoon soaking up the sunshine, reading or exploring the resort.
Day 3 Fall into the pace of island living. As well as our two daily dives, you’ll be able to visit the Pisonia Forest and take part in a breathwork ceremony with sacred cacao and the magic of nature all around us.
Day 4 A day to fully immerse yourself in nature. We’ll swim through caves, watch the dolphins play, observe the turtles, manta rays and maybe even catch sight of a whale or two. At sunset, settle back for the spectacle that is the bird colonies returning to the island and marvel as orange fades to purple and the stars come out in force.
Day 5 Our final full day of dives and breathwork lectures, a chance to pause and reflect on the past few days and to revisit favourite places before a a farewell dinner and stories under the stars.
Day 6 Breathwork and one last swim before flying back to Harvey Bay, Redcliffe, Gold Coast or Bundaberg.
Can we fish on Lady Elliot Island?
Situated within a highly protected ‘Green Zone’ the coral cay is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life and is known for its abundance of manta rays, turtles, amazing array of spectacular marine life and unspoilt coral reef. No fishing or spearfishing is allowed.
Do we need any prior experience?
No experience is required to join, we teach all levels of freediving including beginners. It’s recommended to swim in the ocean regularly as preparation and get used to wearing some freediving equipment such as fins, a mask and a snorkel.
What if I’m not interested in Freediving?
No problem at all! Come hangout on the amazing glass bottom boat tours, snorkel, swim in the lagoon and explore the reef with the Master Reef Guides. There will also be epic Breathwork classes, daily yoga and workouts and much more activities for everyone.
Medical
Lady Elliot Island is a remote location, 80km from the Queensland coast. There is limited air access and neither Lady Elliot Management nor Breathless hold liability for any flights and/or state of emergency transportation services in relation to accidents or illness whilst on Lady Elliot Island. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Qualified Senior First Aid Officers are on Island for any first aid issues. We also have a well equipped First Aid room which houses oxygen, a defibrillator, a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) emergency medical kit and other standard first aid equipment.
What is the average age range?
Our retreats attract a diverse range of participants in terms of age. While we frequently welcome families, with parents who are vibrant and youthful in their 50s to 60s, along with their young adult or teenage children, the majority of our attendees fall within the 20 to 40-year-old age bracket. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and enriching experience that appeals to individuals from all walks of life and various age groups.
Should I bring my own weights?
No need to bring your own weights; we have them available for you at the dive shop.
Do I need travel insurance?
Just like any overseas journey, personal travel insurance is not mandatory, however it is strongly recommended for your own protection and peace of mind should any unexpected situations arise.
Are solo travellers welcome?
Yes, solo travellers are absolutely welcome on the retreat. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, and many of our guests come alone and form lifelong friendships during their stay.
Is the retreat flexible? Do I have to attend all the activities?
While we highly encourage participants to take advantage of the wide range of sessions we offer, it’s important to emphasize that all activities are entirely optional. Your retreat experience should be tailored to your preferences, allowing you to create the most enjoyable and fulfilling holiday possible. This is your time to relax, rejuvenate, and make the most of your journey with us, and we’re here to ensure it’s everything you want it to be.
Breathless Expeditions: Refunds & Cancellations Policy
We strongly recommend reading our Terms & Conditions before booking or participating in any Breathless experience on this link located at the base of our website Terms & Conditions – Breathless
https://breathlessexpeditions.com/terms-conditions/
Special Terms & Conditions
To run the Lady Elliot Retreat, a minimum number of bookings is necessary. Up to 14 days in advance of the start date, Breathless Expeditions will be able to cancel the trip. In this case, a full refund of all payments including the deposit will be returned to customers. With your booking, you agree that Breathless Expeditions will not be held liable for any other travel arrangements clients could have made, including but not limited to flights and transportation bookings.