Yoga Retreat with Diana Estey
Immerse yourself in the warmth, spaciousness and wildness of Baja's Sea of Cortez on this unique and powerful retreat combining yoga and kayaking. The beauty of this remote wilderness provides the ideal setting to pause and reconnect to yourself and nature.
The colors of the rising and setting sun, smooth white
sand beaches, as well as the smells and sounds of
of the sea accompany morning and evening yoga ses-
sions as you connect with your body, breath and to the community of other participants.
The days unfold with delicious fresh foods, invigorating paddles, and the exploration of the islands' warm waters and rich marine life through swimming and snorkeling. The trip is fully supported by Sea Trek's staff and skiff which carries a complete kitchen and all the amenities for luxurious island camping.
Waterfront accommodations are complete with brillant blue skies, diving sea birds, and dolphins and whales breaching offshore. This is a retreat of rest, renewal and vitality. The unique and peaceful setting of these remote islands and the physical movements of our bodies in connection to nature gives us the opportunity to appreciate the possibility and abundance within us and around us at all times. We can take this renewed energy and creativity back home and infuse it into our lives and endeavours there.
Yoga sessions are suitable for all levels. All levels of kayaking experience welcome.
Date: March 19-26, 2010
Cost: $1595 - Price covers Diana's fee, two hotel nights, all food, guides, support boat, Marine Park fees, tents, wet suits (optional for snorkeling). Does not include airfare.
Diana Estey began her yogic journey 15 years ago. Her teaching and practice has transformed over the years to an integrated vinyasa flow melding the techniques of her primary teachers, Rodney Yee and Shiva Rea. Diana also teaches the meditative practice of Yin Yoga with a foundation from the teaching of Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. Diana's passion is to create the space for us to experience the vitality and freedom as well as the humility and beauty of our humanity through the movement of our minds and bodies in our yoga practice. In addition to a wealth of yoga training and teaching, Diana also works as a corporate facilitator and outdoor educator cetified as both an ACA Kayak Guide and PSIA Ski Instructor.
Itinerary
The Yoga Retreat itinerary below is similar to Sea Trek's Classic Island trip with the addition of the daily yoga practice at sunrise and sunset and other sessions during layover days.
Day 1
You will be greeted by the friendly folks from C&C Transport when you arrive at Loreto's airport. We load up into vans for the 15 minute drive to our hotel near Loreto's peaceful, palm-lined waterfront. Your specific rooms will be waiting for you. The afternoon and early evening are at your leisure to enjoy strolling the plaza around the historic mission, visiting the shops and small restaurants of the town, or perhaps just relaxing by the waterfront.
Diana and the Sea Trek staff will meet with you at 6:00pm at the hotel for a thorough orientation where any and all questions will be addressed.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast at our favorite cafe, a van shuttles us to our launch site at Puerto Escondido. This natural harbor, Baja's largest, is 16 miles south of Loreto and located at the foot of the Sierra Giganta mountain range.
After a basic sea kayaking lesson we pack our kayaks with our personal gear and make the two mile crossing to Isla Danzante. Our motorized support boat carries our kitchen setup, the group commissary, purified water, iced drinks, food coolers and even chairs.
Isla Danzante is a multi-coved island with jagged peaks that look like a dinosaurs back. From the island, off to the west you can see the rising peaks of the Sierra Giganta range and the coast to the south. It's not unusual for dolphins to pass by our cove in the mornings or to see some of the resident Fin whales. And of course, there's always the magic of Baja's nighttime sky so full of constellations.
Day 3
Enjoy an incredible sunrise on the Sea of Cortez that reveals Los Candeleros islands. These sea carved islands are home to cormorants, boobies and osprey. On this day we'll paddle along the dramatic shoreline of Danzante before crossing the channel to Isla Carmen off to the east. The channel between the islands offers another opportunity to see dolphins and whales. Landing on the southwestern tip of the island we set up camp on a beautiful white sand beach with views of Isla Danzante and the mountainous coastline.
The afternoon schedule is flexible, offering more kayaking, singles rescue practice, snorkeling, hiking or just relaxing with that best seller novel.
Day 4
After a delicious breakfast of Mexican eggs, tortillas, fresh fruit and brewed coffee we'll pack up for a day trip. Exploring the interesting coves of Carmen, we land on a beach for an afternoon of snorkeling and sunbathing. Back at camp, while your guides prepare a feast of yellowtail, herbedrice, mixed green salad and tortillas it's time to watch the sunset color changes on the rock faces of the Sierra de la Giganta range.
Day 5
After two nights on Isla Carmen we cross back over to Isla Danzante and a new camp site. We'll explore more of Danzante's shoreline and then set up camp surrounded by massive rock formations overlooking one of the Island's many tranquil coves.
Day 6
It's time to paddle to our final campsite at Punta Coyote as we cross back over to the Baja peninsula. The point itself is a rocky shoreline with monolithic boulders and the snorkeling here is excellent. Here we spend our last night under the stars and for those with an adventurous spirit we'll paddle out after dinner hoping for a light show of bioluminescence.
Day 7
There's time for an optional early morning paddle to greet the sunrise. Then after breakfast we'll pack up and paddle to our take out at Puerto Escondido. Our van will shuttle us back to Loreto in time for lunch at the local mouthwatering taco stand followed by an afternoon of exploration in town. We'll dine together at a colorful restaurant for a farewell fiesta as our journey nears its end.
Day 8
There is still time for early risers to enjoy one more brilliant sunrise over the Sea of Cortez and the magnificent parade of colors as dawn turns to morning. Then we'll pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the airport for the flight to Los Angeles, homeward-bound connections, and your next adventure.
Please note: This Baja sea kayaking Itinerary is subject to change.