Connecting and re-connecting people with nature provides benefits to humans (including physical and psychological benefits) and to the environment (including environmental stewardship, sustainable behaviours, and advocacy). One way to encourage this connection is through ecotourism experiences. This presentation will provide an overview of how Shannon Hurley, a marine scientist and conservationist, is running shark ocean retreats in New South Wales to connect women to the ocean, develop deep ocean awareness, share knowledge of ocean systems and the wildlife (with a focus on sharks), learn mindfulness techniques, meet likeminded people, and encounter a range of marine species including misunderstood shark species. The presentation will then explain how Dr. Brianna Le Busque, a conservation psychology researcher who specialises in the psychology of shark conservation is evaluating these retreats through qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the benefits that these retreats have for the individual participants and shark species. Specifically focusing on how having personal experiences with sharks can change peoples’ perceptions of sharks, but also teach people about their own strength and resilience.