March 31-April 5, 2008
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Trip Price: $1895
 “Highlights of my Baja trip were the magnificent
scenery—vistas of mountain and sea; improving my sea
kayaking skills; pleasant, cooperative, thoughtful
co-travelers; and the moonlight on the water. How
wonderful to relax, knowing that great guides are
concentrating on the details! A wonderful mix of
activities and relaxation time in a truly amazing
environment.” Jackie G., Baja 2005
The Sea of Cortez is home to twelve species of whales, including the Blue Whale, as well as pods of Bottlenose and Common dolphins, California sea lions, elephant seals, and more than fifty species of birds. Ancient volcanic mountains far on the opposite shore are the backdrop for every sunrise from our private sustainable retreat. Clean white sand, clear water, and brilliant sunlight and blue sky create the turquoise waters that are perfect for sea kayaking.
 Our base camp is a remote, eco-friendly “retreat village” that we will have to ourselves right on the coast, inaccessible by anything except boats. It has beautiful beachside bungalows (two beds in each), ample areas to hike and explore, single and double kayaks, snorkeling, fishing (last year’s catch included sea bass and lincod), a sea lion rookery close to camp, and much more.
The “village” is based on sustainability—composting toilets, solar showers, and minimum impact ethics. However, it does not skimp on “green” luxuries, like coffee  or tea delivered to your yurt in the morning, margaritas in the evening, and delicious food cooked by wonderful local women.
To access the retreat, we’ll be flown from San Diego to Bahia De Los Angeles (a 2 and a half hour flight, with a stop in the middle to re-fuel). Then we’ll take a boat ride for about an hour through the Midriff Islands, stopping at bird rookeries or to watch dolphins or dig clams on our way to the retreat.
Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute is your guide for this trip. Her co-guide is Leslie Palotas, a gifted kayak instructor and spirited and fun companion. Days will be spent sea kayaking, snorkeling, relaxing in a hammock on the beach, hiking, exploring, and being motored out to various destinations where we are likely to see whales and other Baja wonders. We’ll return to our “village” in the evening for fantastic meals in the open air main yurt.
The details…
What to bring: When you register, you’ll receive a detailed packing list, so you’ll be sure to have what you need. You bring simply your personal gear. Full wetsuits and snorkeling gear are all provided, as well as kayaking gear and linens for the bed.
Is this trip right for me:
This trip is perfect for women looking for choices on an outdoor vacation. All outings are optional, you can sea kayak every day, or choose between activities, relaxing or reading when not on an excursion. The comfortable beds make this trip accessible to all kinds of travelers. No experience necessary, just a longing for Baja’s magical beauty.
How in shape do I need to be:
Though many women use their trip as motivation to get in better shape before they go, no experience or particular level of fitness is necessary for this trip. All outings are optional. Winds can occasionally come up, causing more challenging sea kayaking from time to time.
Weather: Daytime temperatures range from the upper 60’s to the upper 80’s, getting cooler at night. We choose the end of March for it’s warm days and “swimmable” water temperatures.
Meals: Food matters on vacation! Meals are prepared by local Mexican women, with plenty of fresh food and occasionally the “catch of the day.” A cantina bar is also available in the evening (included in the price of the trip). The fish we catch or clams we dig easily fit into menu plans.
What does my trip fee cover:
Your trip fee is $1895 (plus 12% Mexican tax), which is all-inclusive from San Diego. It covers a private plane and boat that takes us to our retreat village, full wetsuits for snorkeling, the cantina bar, lodging in the beachside bungalows, and everything other than your travel to and from San Diego.
Group size: Minimum
of 10, maximum of 14
Schedule: Arrive in San Diego by Sunday evening, March 30. There is a Holiday Inn near the airport that offers free shuttle service from the main airport to their hotel, and then to Brown Airfield (about 15 miles south) where we’ll meet early Monday morning, March 31. We’ll fly and boat to our retreat village the morning of March 31, and then be on Baja time—relaxing, choosing your activities, listening to the sounds of the ocean, and getting to know a little part of this rich peninsula. We’ll be flown back to San Diego on Saturday, April 5 in time for an evening meal together.
Transportation:
Whether you are flying or driving to San Diego, plan on
arriving Sunday evening (Mar 30). Plan your return
flight for anytime on Sunday, April 6.
Payment information:
Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel,
please do so in writing. If you cancel 90 days prior to
the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is
refundable; 60 to 89 days, the balance of your trip fee
is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through
the end of the following year; 0-59 days, the trip fee
is not refundable or transferable.
We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance so that you can
recover your losses should you need to cancel for any
reason.
Some companies that Wild Institute participants have
used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505)
www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort and Travel Insured,
800-243-3174. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip
plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or
other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up: A
non-refundable deposit of $400 holds your spot, and
payment in full is due by January 10, 2008. With your
deposit, please send name, address, phone, and e-mail
address to:
The WILD Institute
P.O. Box 353
Loretto, MN 55357
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*Our canoe trips follow the American Canoe Association
standards for instruction and safety*
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