Baja Magica Espiritu Santo – Life’s Ebb & Flow
La Paz, Baja California, Mexico —
Oct 25 - Nov 2, 2026
Experience sisterhood, stillness, and the sea flowing together amidst Baja’s wild beauty.
“The awe-inspiring beauty of the ocean, the landscape, the brilliant sun, and vast starlit sky which was just the backdrop for 16 amazing women gathered together to talk, love and be loved. All of it felt "personal" - all of it was a highlight!"
- Baja Guest
Watch your Host Kerste Helms tell you about this journey!
Trip Overview
Discover the magic of Baja California Sur’s Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO-protected paradise of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Known as the “jewel of the Sea of Cortez,” this remote national park offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters in the world.
Swim alongside playful sea lions, watch dolphins leap beside your kayak, and snorkel above coral reefs alive with tropical fish. Each day brings opportunities to paddle quiet coves, hike desert canyons lined with giant cactus, and relax on pristine beaches.
Supported by our expert guides and skiffs that provide comfort and flexibility, we explore the beaches and preserves within this archipelago. Evenings bring star-filled skies, fresh Baja cuisine, and heartfelt connection as we reflect on the day’s adventures and dive into themes within our trip book, Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s classic women’s memoir, Gift from the Sea.
This is more than a trip to Baja — it’s a soulful women’s retreat where outdoor adventure meets inner clarity, sisterhood, and renewal.
2026 Itinerary
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![A woman with gray and black curly hair sitting in a hammock outdoors, using a laptop, with a background of greenery and flowers.]()
Pre-Trip
Several months before departure, we’ll connect on a welcome call to meet one another, share trip intentions, and review logistics. A second call invites us to begin to explore aspects of sisterhood community and themes within our trip book, Gift from the Sea, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the journey ahead.
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![Night scene at an outdoor restaurant or bar with string lights, tropical plants, and a thatched roof. People are standing and sitting around tables, with chairs and lounge chairs nearby. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed.]()
October 25: Arrive in La Paz
Arrive in La Paz in the afternoon and settle into our charming Mexican hotel. Meet your trip hosts and fellow travelers for a welcome gathering after dinner as we prepare for the days ahead.
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![Group of women sitting on a boat with hills in the background, some wearing life jackets, sunglasses, and hats, on a sunny day.]()
October 26: Transfer to Espíritu Santo Island
After breakfast, we’ll transfer across the Sea of Cortez to our island basecamp on this magical UNESCO World Heritage site. Once settled, enjoy an easy paddle or swim, and soak in your first Baja sunset.
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![Colorful kayaks are lined up on the sandy beach, with some boats floating on calm water near a rocky shore, and two people standing in the water, all under a clear blue sky.]()
October 27–30: Explore the Sea of Cortez
Each day brings a balance of adventure and reflection—kayaking calm turquoise bays, snorkeling with sea lions, hiking desert canyons, or simply relaxing under the stars. Our hosts weave in reflection, conversation, and sisterhood circles, creating space for laughter, insight, and renewal.
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![A woman with gray hair sitting in a boat on turquoise water, watching another boat pass by with mountains in the background under a bright blue sky.]()
October 31: Return to La Paz and Debrief
We’ll boat back to the mainland this afternoon for hot showers, fresh clothes, a well-earned nap and thoughtful afternoon debrief. Evening plans include a night on the town and celebration dinner.
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![Group of women wearing colorful flower crowns in an outdoor setting at night, smiling and posing together.]()
November 1: Celebrate Dia de Muertos
Savor our last day together with a hands-on Mexican cooking class and the vibrant colors and traditions of Día de los Muertos. It’s a beautiful close to a week of connection and discovery!
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![A group of people gathered on a covered outdoor terrace with a thatched roof, sitting in a semi-circle, listening to a woman standing and speaking. The area has a fire extinguisher, a sign promoting social distancing, and potted plants. Some attendees are taking notes or using phones, with lush green trees visible in the background.]()
November 2: Depart
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before airport transfers and departures. Or choose to continue your journey in the area. Whenever you depart, carry the warmth of Baja and your HHJ sisters with you as you journey home!
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![People standing on wet sand, with seashells in the center, as seen from above.]()
Continued Community
A few weeks after returning home, we’ll host a trip community follow-up call to reflect, reconnect, and keep the sisterhood alive.
We also encourage you to join our Honest Heart Community as a way to stay connected, inspired, and ever discovering YOU!
Highlights
Bask in Baja’s Best Season
October brings the Sea of Cortez to life — warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking calm turquoise coves and snorkeling with playful sea lion pups. White-sand beaches and golden sunshine set the stage for soul-nourishing adventure amongst a rare collection of sea life.
Travel for the Soul
Each day offers exploration: hike desert canyons and kayak along stunning cliffs, relax on the beach, or write quietly under the stars. Anchored by enduring themes from Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s classic memoir, Gift from the Sea, this journey invites you to discover not only Baja’s beauty, but your own, and to trust the blessings of life’s ebb and flow.
True Sisterhood, Unfiltered
This unplugged island retreat invites laughter, reflection, and friendship to flow as naturally as the tides. Together, we linger beneath sunset skies, bask in nature’s wonder, and create circles of belonging and connection that endure long after we return home.
The Experience
An Unplugged Journey
Unplugging in Baja means truly stepping away, leaving the to-do lists behind, setting your out-of-office message and putting your phone aside so you can sink into the rhythm of island life. With no distractions, you’ll find the rare freedom to be fully present with your own thoughts and the beauty around you. This is the gift of the Sea of Cortez — space for clarity, growth, and authentic connection that nourishes long after the trip ends.
Our Trip Book
Gift from the Sea, Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s timeless memoir, draws wisdom from the simplicity of seashells collected along the shore. Through reflections on solitude, marriage, motherhood, and creativity, she explores how women can reclaim balance, clarity, freedom and joy amid the noise of modern life — finding renewal and peace in stillness, and strength in simplicity.
Activities
Our Baja journey is designed for women of all experience levels. Paddle stable double kayaks along turquoise coves, with guides always nearby to support you. Snorkel vibrant reefs straight from our skiffs — returning whenever you’re ready. Optional desert hikes reveal the island’s volcanic cliffs, cactus forests, and quiet canyons. Every activity is flexible, guided with care, and adapted to the group’s comfort and the day’s rhythm.
Days’ Ebb & Flow
Each morning begins with intention — whether it’s a gentle stretch on the beach, a canyon walk, or a simple reflection to carry with you throughout the day. In the afternoons or evenings when we’re not exploring, we gather in circles of sisterhood with occasional guided journaling and heartfelt conversation that flows naturally. You’ll never be put on the spot; instead, we create space for discovery at your own pace.
Accommodations
Camp on the beaches of Baja is both simple and beautiful. Our team sets up a kitchen and gathering space, with private camp toilets tucked away in scenic spots. Rinse off in the sea, then finish with a quick freshwater shower. You’ll sleep in your own spacious walk-in tent with a comfortable cot, pad and solar lantern — or under the stars with the sound of the waves as your lullaby. Wake to the glow of sunrise over the Sea of Cortez and the aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast. This trip also includes three nights at our partners’ charming hotel in La Paz.
Meals
Meals are fresh, vibrant, and full of Baja flavor. Watch our camp chefs prepare ceviche, handmade tamales, tacos, local dishes right on the beach. Fresh fruit, juices, and local specialties round out every meal. Dietary needs are happily accommodated — because nourishing food is part of the joy of this experience.
Weather
October is one of the best times to visit Baja. Days are warm and sunny, with highs in the 80s and comfortable evenings in the 60s. The Sea of Cortez is wonderfully swimmable this time of year — perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply floating in turquoise waters.
What to Bring
We’ll provide a detailed planning guide with a complete packing list before your trip. Pack light and practical—think refillable water bottle, quick-dry layers, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sun protection. All camping, snorkeling, and kayaking gear is provided, so you can travel light and focus on the adventure ahead.
Your Hosts
Kerste Helms
Baja Host
Monnie Brodbeck
Baja Host
Jennifer Dale
Founder & Host
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Three nights hotel in La Paz, double occupancy, breakfast included.
Camping gear: single tent with cot, sleeping bag or sheet, solar lantern and chair.
Activity gear: snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit if desired, kayak with skirt
All transportation, guided activities and meals while camping
Farewell dinner and cooking class in La Paz
Trip Group Calls: 1 pre-trip welcome call & 1 community & book call; 1 post-trip reconnection call
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Airfare and ground transportation to and from La Paz, Mexico
Airport transfers in Baja
Travel day meals
Alcohol
Trip Insurance
Gratuities
Baja Magica Espiritu – Life’s Ebb & Flow
Experience sisterhood, stillness, and the sea flowing together amidst Baja’s wild beauty.
Book Your Spot
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Cost includes 3 nights in hotel, 5 nights beach camping (solo tent).
3,645 USD
4,045 USD
FAQS
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Reserve your spot through our website, which links you to our WeTravel registration platform. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 180 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card or debit with a flexible payment schedule.
Please keep your WeTravel reservation confirmation email to access your individual account information any time through the ‘Manage Your Booking’ button at the bottom. Everything regarding your trip – guest survey, waiver forms, visa/passport uploads, planning guide, etc. – lives here.
If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time through our Contact page.
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If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded except for a $500 per person service charge.
Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing via email to info@honestheartjourneys.com.
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HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of unexpected medical circumstances. We also highly recommend you obtain cancellation insurance.
We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. If you don’t already have your own insurance source, you can now book insurance directly on WeTravel registration platform.
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Once your registration is complete and your trip is paid in full, you’ll receive a detailed Planning Guide designed to support your preparation. This includes:
A complete day-by-day itinerary
A curated packing list tailored to your destination
Hotel and lodging information
Important travel tips and logistics
An introduction to our selected trip book and related resources
Additional materials to help you feel confident and prepared
At this time, we’ll also collect your emergency contact details, travel insurance information, and require signed release forms to ensure your safety and the smooth coordination of our journey together.
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Fly into either La Paz, Mexico (LAP) and taxi directly to the hotel or Cabo San Lucas (SJD) and take the shuttle to La Paz. You’ll find further helpful travel information HERE.
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Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date to ensure it remains valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the destination.
No visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to this destination. -
We curate our gatherings to support deep connection, clarity, and authentic joy within our sisterhood. In service of this, alcohol is not part of our shared group experiences. Guests are always free to make personal choices outside of scheduled activities.
Building Relationships Around the World
Whenever possible, we partner with sustainable and women-led companies who care deeply for their communities and environments. We also support organizations within the regions we visit, fostering relationships that extend beyond a single journey. Together, these connections help cultivate a growing global sisterhood rooted in respect and shared purpose.