Our Story – The Heart of Halo Gaia
Where wild ocean, conscious travel, and community connection meet.
Born from the Ocean, Guided by Gaia
Halo Gaia Adventure Travel was born in 1999 from one woman’s encounter with the wild dolphins of Southern Mozambique – an experience so profound it became a lifelong calling.
What began as a moment of awe beneath turquoise waves evolved into a movement: a way of travelling that honours connection, conservation, and consciousness.
Today, Halo Gaia is a pioneering wellness and adventure travel company, based in Ponta Malongane, Mozambique, offering retreats, ocean encounters, and nature-immersive experiences that help people remember their place within the living world.
A Journey Led by Courtney Ward
Halo Gaia is owned and guided by Courtney Ward – ocean lover, sound healer, and creative entrepreneur affectionately known as “Kiri Kiri”,
Courtney first met the resident wild dolphin pods of Mozambique in 1999. That meeting changed everything. Her background in Complementary Health and wellness, music and sound therapy, community upliftment projects and her strong advocacy for conservation naturally flowed into the creation of Halo Gaia — a space where adventure and wellness converge.
More than two decades ago, Courtney pioneered and now subsequently works alongside Complexo Turístico da Ponta Malongane to facilitate ethical wild dolphin encounters and transformational retreats, sharing the joy, simplicity, and deep belonging that arise when humans meet nature with respect.
Years of Welcoming Adventurers
Retreats Facilitated
Guests Hosted
Years of Ethical Dolphin Interactions
The Halo Gaia Philosophy
The name Halo Gaia draws inspiration from the Gaia Hypothesis – the idea that Earth itself is a living, self-regulating organism. Just as the Earth maintains balance through the interplay of all its elements, Halo Gaia believes in creating experiences that restore balance within ourselves and our planet.
Each journey we curate is guided by four core principles:
Connection
Reawakening our relationship with the Earth and all her creatures.
Respect
Honouring nature’s intelligence, the dolphins’ autonomy, and local communities.
Community
Gathering people across cultures to learn, heal, and celebrate together.
Transformation
Inviting participants to rediscover freedom, joy, and belonging through wild nature.
Swimming with Purpose
The wild dolphin experiences at Halo Gaia are more than ocean safaris – they are conscious encounters designed to deepen awareness and protect marine life. Halo Gaia holds an official Marine Mammal Interaction Permit under Mozambique’s Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, operating with a no-touch, one-boat policy that ensures all interactions are on the dolphins’ terms.
Every encounter is guided by education, ethical practice, and reverence for the sea. Guests are invited to meet dolphins as teachers – ambassadors of joy, sound, and freedom.
Sound, Healing, and the Wisdom of the Wild
Music and sound have always been woven through Courtney’s journey. Her original Sound Journeys – inspired by indigenous instruments and the songs of the ocean – have become a signature part of Halo Gaia retreats.
These immersive sessions invite deep listening, meditation, and release, allowing participants to align their own inner rhythm with that of nature.
A Conscious Travel Collective
Over the years, Halo Gaia has grown into a vibrant network of facilitators, guides, and conservation partners. From Julio Masina, our ever-smiling host in Ponta Malongane, to the many guest facilitators who lead yoga, breathwork, and functional wellness sessions and retreats – every contributor brings heart and integrity to our shared vision.
Together, we curate retreats, youth camps, and ocean immersions that inspire awareness, adventure, and sustainable tourism across Mozambique and South Africa.
Lifechanging Stories from our Guests
A Rare Combination
"The setting, the people, and the friendliness — such a rare combination! I’ve been three times this year, and it’s become my yearly must-do because...Angels on Earth
"What a blessing to meet such wonderful souls who uplift with positive energy. The dolphins and whales were a bonus to this inspiring experience."A Divine Experience
"Gorgeous landscapes, soulful seascapes, and deep reverence for the ocean’s creatures — this journey is divine. The guides are heartful and wise, sharing soul...A Magical Place, Respectful Encounters
"What a magical place this is. Halo Gaia offers such an exquisite experience — so respectful to these precious ocean creatures. Courtney is...Breathed Back to Life
"Magical Mozambique has breathed me back to life — dolphins, sunrises, salt water, and new friends. Gratitude everlasting!"Healing Through Grace
"This retreat opened massive space for healing through unconditional love and support. Every second held such power — it became an eternal flame within me."A Journey of Love and Discovery
"The boat trips, drumming, and sound journeys vibrated through my spirit and soul. I discovered what love and passion truly feel like. So grateful ...Don’t Hesitate — Go Now!
It was amazing! I’m already saving for my next trip.Magical Mozambique
'Swimming with dolphins in Mozambique is pure magic! To connect so closely with these gentle beings is humbling and unforgettable."A Gift Beyond Measure
"Being in Mama Ocean with these extraordinary dolphin beings is beyond measure — truly a gift of grace that takes the breath away. The wonder,...A Magical Retreat
"Courtney holds the safest space for you to unfold. Her bond with the dolphins creates a higher chance of encounters. The sound journey was beautifully healing...Energy, Magic, and Love
What an amazing experience and such beautiful souls. Courtney, never stop spreading the magic — I need a weekly energy fix!A Simple Must-Do
"The facilitation was gentle and spot-on. Yoga, sound journeys, and nourishing food — perfectly balanced with rest and wild swimming. I’ll do it again...An Experience That Moved Me!
A Rare and Sacred Encounter
"We so seldom get the chance to interact intimately with other species in the wild. This dolphin connection was life-changing — facilitated in a protected...Wellness Meets Music
"Breathtaking views and peaceful tranquility. Sandy and Courtney hold a magical space where wellness and music blend seamlessly into an incredible retreat experience."Magical and Conscious Connection
"Every once in a while, we experience something that impacts deeply and unforgettably. Swimming with wild dolphins in Malongane was one such magical event....Play-Filled Wise Teachers"
If you need an injection of connection to your Self and all things naturally gorgeous, I recommend a trip with Courtney, Rhianne, and Lolla to swim with ...Spiritual and Life-Changing
"Embarking on the dolphin swim with Halo Gaia is an extraordinary experience that connects you intimately with nature’s most majestic creatures. Interactions are respectful and non-intrusive,...Heartfelt Connection
"Courtney holds incredible space for heartfelt, deep connection with wild dolphins. Her love and respect for all ocean life make every encounter even more magical."The Call of the Wild Ocean
Whether you come to swim with wild dolphins, attend a retreat, or simply reconnect with nature, Halo Gaia offers more than travel – it offers transformation. Each experience is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple joy of being alive on this beautiful planet.
“The dolphins remind us that freedom isn’t something to find – it’s something to remember.”