Esteban Barrera
Join a motivated group of women on the Women’s Baja Sea Kayaking Expedition and experience the untamed beauty of the Sea of Cortez, where rugged coastlines meet rich marine life and the sense of connection runs deep. This is more than just a sea kayaking trip—it’s an opportunity to forge lifelong friendships, build resilience, and develop the leadership skills to thrive in both wilderness and life.
This expedition offers a supportive and empowering environment to learn and grow as a sea kayaker and leader. Surrounded by inspiring landscapes and like-minded women, you’ll paddle remote waters, explore isolated beaches, and gain the confidence to face challenges head-on—whether they come in the form of strong winds, tricky tides, or personal growth.
Photo credit: Oscar Manguy
The Sea of Cortez offers a rare blend of challenge, beauty, and solitude. Traveling along this remote coastline, you’ll paddle through waters that few ever experience, often going days without seeing anyone outside your group. In this environment, far from the distractions of modern life, you’ll have the chance to connect deeply with yourself and your coursemates.
Every stroke, every campfire conversation, and every shared challenge will strengthen your sense of community and self-reliance. As you paddle, camp, and hike along the coast, you’ll develop practical outdoor skills and discover strengths you didn’t know you had—from learning to navigate changing sea conditions to making critical decisions as a team. The friendships you build here will become a source of strength and inspiration, long after the course ends.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
This course takes place along the remote and untouched shores of Baja California, where the desert meets the sea and every beach feels like a hidden gem. You’ll paddle from campsite to campsite, setting up camp on pristine beaches beneath the stars. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike into the desert, and learn about the unique ecosystems of this incredible region.
With each passing day, you’ll become more comfortable with the rhythms of life on the water—paddling at sunrise, cooking meals over camp stoves, and resting under the stars. Surrounded by towering desert cliffs and the calm expanse of the sea, you’ll experience the freedom and joy that come from traveling in such a wild, remote environment.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll develop the skills to travel confidently in coastal environments and grow as a leader in real-world situations. Core learning areas include:
• Sea Kayaking Techniques: Master paddling, navigation, and rescue skills in dynamic conditions.
• Coastal Camping: Learn to set up camp, cook meals, and practice Leave No Trace principles on remote beaches.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Develop your leadership style through hands-on decision-making, structured leadership development, and teamwork exercises.
• Ecology and Natural History: Explore the marine and desert ecosystems of Baja and learn to identify local wildlife.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and competence to plan your own sea kayaking expeditions, as well as the leadership skills to thrive in any team setting—on the water or in life.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
Weather and Winds: The Sea of Cortez is as challenging as it is beautiful. Strong winds from the north, known as “nortes,” can make paddling difficult, and you’ll need to learn how to read weather patterns and adjust your plans accordingly. These challenges will build your resilience and decision-making skills, teaching you how to stay calm and focused when conditions change.
Remote Environments and Self-Reliance: In this remote environment, self-reliance and teamwork are essential. You’ll often be several days away from medical facilities and modern amenities, relying on the skills and strength of your team to navigate challenges.
This course emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and mutual support, ensuring that you leave with both the skills and the mindset to lead with confidence.
Living, paddling, and exploring with a group of like-minded women creates a unique sense of connection and empowerment. The friendships you build here will be rooted in shared experiences, personal growth, and the strength you find together. These bonds will inspire and support you long after the course ends.
Graduates of the Women’s Baja Sea Kayaking Expedition become part of the global NOLS community—a network of adventurers, leaders, and explorers who use their experiences to create impact and inspire change. The skills, connections, and confidence you develop on this course will stay with you for a lifetime, helping you thrive in any environment—whether on the water, at work, or in your personal life.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
The Women’s Baja Sea Kayaking Expedition offers more than an outdoor adventure—it’s a life-changing experience of strength, connection, and personal growth. You’ll explore remote waters, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills to lead with confidence and resilience.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, connect deeply with others, and experience the untouched beauty of Baja, this course is for you.
“I already feel more prepared to support kayaking activities, lead icebreakers and evening activities, while providing more savvy guidance and leadership to my groups.”
