La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico·October 15 - 22 2022

Magica Espiritu Santo - Baja Sea Kayaking

Experience the warmth and clarity of growth and celebration. Please review our FAQ page for further information regarding your reservation.

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Overview

From the distinct beauty of sparkling turquoise waters and white sand beaches to the multi-hued reef fish and unique wildlife species, Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula is truly spectacular. There’s nothing like swimming alongside dolphins and playful sea lions while taking in the striking volcanic geology of the famous Isla del Espiritu Santo. The region inspires a sense of awe for the natural world we live in and opens hearts and minds to the warmth of inner growth. As you paddle along remote coves and shorelines, you’ll experience uninhabited beaches, desert scenery, and dramatic island cliffs, which beckon you to tranquil canyon hikes and wide-eyed exploration. It's our goal to circumnavigate the island as part of this epic journey! Each night, the absence of city lights will allow you to see the star-filled sky in all its glory as you contemplate the Infinite from your beachfront encampment.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what the trip will be like, and some of the key experiences along the way, but our days will unfold depending on weather and winds. Our goal is to journey around the whole island of Espiritu Santo.

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The day before your trip

Pre-trip

  • We’ll gather the trip group for a Zoom call several weeks before we leave for introductions, important logistical notes, and time for questions.
  • We invite you to read A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh as context for this journey of self reflection. We’ll touch on this classic book throughout the trip. 
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DAY 1

Arrival Day

  • Arrive in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico and check into our hotel, Posada LunaSol (see FAQ's for getting there).

  • We’ll gather at 7 PM for an important trip briefing. Enjoy the welcome gathering with our HHJ hosts and meet your travel partners for the week. It’s always exciting to look around the room and realize that you’ll be returning home with a whole new set of sisters! 
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DAY 2

Day 1

  • We’ll have breakfast at the hotel's poolside cafe, then gather our rental gear and transfer by boat to the island of Espiritu Santo.

  • Our incredible local guides will greet us with a delicious, refreshing lunch on the beach, topped off with a picture of the rich geology, wildlife, and culture of this incredible region.They'll set up camp and give you an overview of your snorkeling and kayaking gear so you're set for the adventure ahead!

  • Your first Baja sunset won't disappoint, and after a delicious locally-sourced dinner, you’re invited to gather for our first evening focused on CONNECTION.

  • You’ll have your own tent with a comfortable sleeping pad and solar lantern for journaling and reading. There’s always an option to sleep under the stars with the sound of the waves nearby. 
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DAY 3

Day 2

  • Awaken to the warm Baja sun glinting off the water and the smell of coffee and breakfast cooking right on the beach.

  • You’re invited to join in each morning for yoga on the beach, an easy hike, or quiet meditation. It’s your time!

  • Today we begin our mission of circumnavigating Espiritu Santos. The water temperature is delightful this time of year, so after our paddle, grab your snorkel gear, or just relax on the beach with a book or visit with a friend.

  • Tonight's gathering focuses on GROWTH - self-awareness, clarity, freedom.
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DAY 4

Day 3

  • As we continue around the island, you'll discover that each side has its own character and beauty! We'll take our time paddling 5-10 miles per day and we’ll camp on 2-4 different beaches throughout the week.

  • This evening, we’ll explore the ebb and flow of a woman’s life and embrace the power and presence of NOW. 
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DAY 5

Day 4

  • The adventure continues! Our support boats will guide a snorkeling excursion to Los Islotes, a sea lion nursery found amongst this spectacular snorkeling destination, which includes a rich diversity of wildlife. Swimming alongside these playful marine animals is an incredible highlight!

  • Our afternoons continue to include flexible time to explore the island or enjoy a nap.

  • This is a special evening for each of us to enjoy a solo experience. Clarity and peace come as we look up at the stars, embrace the insight and fullness of SOLITUDE, and align with the divine. You’ll be given journal prompts to support your discovery.


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DAY 6

Day 5

  • We’ll continue our daily invitations to beach yoga, morning meditation or light hiking.

  • Along the way today we'll visit a frigate bird rookery and have more opportunities to paddle and snorkel.

  • Tonight, we’ll focus on the power of listening and THE PRESENCE AND VOICE THAT WE GIVE TO OTHERS. Are we aware of the energy we bring into a room and the gift of how we make others feel, which is so central to establishing thriving relationships with others?
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DAY 7

Day 6

  • Savor your last morning paddle or a nature walk with our guides. We'll have an early lunch at camp, then transfer back to La Paz by boat, arriving mid-day.

  • After checking into the hotel (and enjoying a shower!), we’ll explore the lovely malecon promenade in LaPaz and take care of COVID tests at the hotel.

  • We’ll share our final dinner together at a local restaurant then gather one last time to CELEBRATE the highlights, breakthroughs and joyous camaraderie that we’ve experienced together. 
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DAY 8

Departure Day

Make your own schedule for departure, or choose to stay on in Baja. We encourage you to consider rounding out your weekend and take an extra day or two to explore this beautiful part of the world!


We want you to return home refreshed and inspired and with a community of cherished friends. 

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DAY 9

Continued Community

Your Honest Heart journey continues even after you arrive home. We'll host a follow up call for our new community to share inspiring take-aways and continue with additional opportunities to stay connected with new friends, and with us. And perhaps another retreat?


Growth is a lifelong journey to cherish.

The Experience

What's unplugging?

What's unplugging?

It means leaving the to-do lists at home, turning on your “out of office” notifications, turning off your phone, saying goodbye for the week and trusting all is well as you give yourself permission to be fully present with your own thoughts and embrace experiences, connections and growth that lift and nurture you and give you greater clarity as you move forward.

How do we guide growth?

How do we guide growth?

Each day we'll begin with a specific theme to focus on throughout the day, along with an inspirational offering, gentle stretching on the beach, or a brief morning walk in the island canyons. After dinner, everyone will gather to connect around sisterhood, and delve into insightful, guided journaling and small group sharing that flows naturally after you’ve had individual time to reflect. We promise light-hearted fun and enjoyable, thoughtful reflection. You'll never be put on the spot. Growth comes with an invitation, and you choose how! We're not here to tell you what or how to think or grow, but rather, we host your own discovery and unfoldment.

What's the difficulty of activity?

What's the difficulty of activity?

The beauty of our experiences is that they offer moderate activity levels with advanced options available. Our guides are flexible according to need and wind patterns. We travel in double kayaks, though you're free to let us know if you'd prefer your own. We'll paddle approximately 5-10 miles each day and plan to take a day's layover along the way for a relaxed day of snorkeling and exploring. As for hiking, our guides offer short hikes to explore the geology of the island canyons.

What's camp life like?

What's camp life like?

Our guides will help set up camp and stage a kitchen and group gathering area on the beach with comfortable, portable toilets discreetly hidden and clearly marked - and often with fabulous views! You'll also love the camp shower to hose off after a swim. You'll have your own cozy tent complete with a comfortable sleeping pad and the soft glow of your own solar lantern to keep you company at night. Or feel free to sleep out under the stars with the gentle lapping of the water at your feet. You’ll awaken to views of sunlight kissing the sea and the aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast.

What's the food like?

What's the food like?

Think fresh, and your favorite Mexican dishes prepared right in front of you! Feel free to hang out with our experienced chefs and take a few tips home! There's a plentiful variety of fresh fruit and juices and never ending homemade guacamole and Ceviche. Watch the fresh catch of the day, grilled and served Veracruz style, known for its bright, lively sauces full of that local fruit. Or enjoy piping hot handmade tamales, tacos or fajitas. Homemade flan, Baja lime pie, or cake baked in a dutch oven over the fire - take your pick! Be sure to let us know of any special dietary needs, and we'll take care of you.

What's the weather like?

What's the weather like?

October is a lovely time of year to be in Baja, with lows in the high 60’s and highs in the high 80’s. And the water feels GREAT!

What do I pack?

What do I pack?

A packing list is posted below, in the FAQ section. Be sure to pack a journal and a few good pens, which you’ll use daily. You might appreciate having a Crazy Creek chair, or similar, for solo journaling time. We have sleeping bags and snorkel gear to rent, or feel free to bring your own.

What's Included

What's Included

Hotel for the first and last night of the trip in La Paz - double occupancy - breakfast is included

All meals and gear while kayaking

Camping gear: comfortable sleeping pad and single tent

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant on our last evening

Travel day meals

Sleeping bags are available to rent ($20), or you're welcome to bring your own

Snorkel mask, fins and snorkel are available to rent ($25) or you may bring your own

Wetsuits are available to rent ($15)

Airfare and ground transportation to and from La Paz

Hosts

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer has always been a nomad who’s learned to embrace change, and wherever she’s gone, her “sisters” — wonderful women with whom she’s built teams, programs, and deep friendships – have been constant, supportive companions. She and her husband raised three children and recently entered the wondrous adventure of grandparenthood. While they build a hub for family and community in Colorado, you can find them touring the country on the Salt & Pepper Tour. Read more about Jennifer here.

Kerste Helms

Kerste Helms

Kerste and her husband live and work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, in Bellevue, WA. Kerste enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking and trail running every chance she gets. Read more about Kerste here.

FAQs

Reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 60 days prior to the departure date. 

You may fly directly to La Paz (LAP) and take a taxi to the Posada LunaSol hotel. Or, fly into San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and take a shuttle with Ecobajatours to La Paz ($30). We plan to offer a specific shuttle time that we will host on arrival day, so be in touch with us for more information.

For now, our trip partner requires all guests to be fully vaccinated for COVID, please bring your vaccination card with you.

There is currently no COVID testing required to enter Mexico.

We will arrange any required COVID testing right at the hotel before we fly home.

*Every guest, guide and crew member will be screened for their temperature daily. If any temperature reads above normal that person will need to evacuate camp OR isolate until evacuation is possible. This is a requirement of the government and is not up to the guides to make a judgement call.


If cancellations are made prior to 60 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 60 days of the trip date are nonrefundable. All cancellations must be received in writing. 

We do not offer trip insurance but we strongly encourage you to consider it for this international trip in case of trip cancellation or need for medical evacuation. One company our trip partner recommends is Travel Insurance Services. Additionally, many homeowners insurance policies cover loss of equipment, like expensive cameras or binoculars, so check with your provider see how you are covered.

We partner with top trip providers who attract the best guides in the business, and they love making your trip unforgettable. A major part of their compensation is tips, and it is customary to tip guides, especially if you feel they have been instrumental in the success of the trip. If you feel you received great service, 5-10% of the trip cost is always greatly appreciated! USD is fine.

You'll probably want to have some on hand. Most restaurants take credit cards, however local small shops and street vendors will likely require pesos. You'll get the best exchange rate through an ATM, which will be available at the airport when you arrive. The exchange rate has held relatively steady at 20:1, but be sure to check it before the start of the trip. It's a good idea to let your ATM and credit card companies know beforehand that you will be traveling abroad.

Our travel providers and guides are bi-lingual. It's always fun if you do know it, but it's not necessary.

Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Mexico does NOT require your passport to be valid for 6 months, but it must be valid for the entirety of your trip.

View our packing list.

Add Ons

Hotel single occupancy option

PRICE$125.00/pp

Sleeping bag

PRICE$20.00/pp

Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)

PRICE$25.00/pp

Wetsuit

PRICE$15.00/pp

Magica Espiritu Santo - Baja Sea Kayaking

Mexico· October 15 - 22 2022· 7 nights

FREE