Slow Living and Marine Retreat Pre-Departure Guide

6 Nights 7 Days
Start Point: Cabo, Baja
End Point: La Paz, Baja

Ahoy, friend!

I’m beyond thrilled that you’re joining us for our Slow Living and Marine Retreat in Baja – a journey crafted for those who crave deep connection with the sea, its creatures, and a community of kindred spirits.

This isn’t your average beach getaway. You’ll be living alongside fellow ocean lovers in a hidden eco-village tucked away on the East Cape of Baja California Sur. Accessible only by dirt roads, this off-grid haven was built by and for people like us – those who feel most alive with salt in their hair and sand between their toes.

During this magical season, the ocean transforms into a stage for migrating humpback whales. From sunrise to sunset, you’ll witness breaches, tail slaps, and awe-inspiring displays just offshore. And yes – we’ll be sailing right into the heart of it, catching the wind while searching for the hundreds of whales migrating in the seas.

But this trip isn’t just about the wildlife – it’s about the rhythm of slow living. You’ll have access to paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, and even a music recording studio. We’ll gather for underwater sound meditations, cacao ceremonies, beach bonfires, and Sunday concerts under the stars. It’s community living at its most soulful.

After soaking up the East Cape magic, we’ll journey north to La Paz to explore the world-renowned Balandra Bay – often voted one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth! Then, we dive into two full days of marine expeditions: swimming with gentle whale sharks, snorkeling with playful sea lions, and optionally scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo National Park, known as the “aquarium of the world.”

This retreat flows directly from our Grey Whale Expedition, so if you’re craving even more ocean magic, you’re welcome to join us for both.

In this info pack, I’ll be sharing everything you need to prepare for this unforgettable journey into the wild waters of Baja.

Getting Ready to Experience Baja

Over the next few months, we will be sending you a few forms and documents to return in order to collect necessary information from you. Please do your best to fill in and return these as soon as you can.

Visa Arrangements – General Info

All guests coming on the Baja Ocean Tour MUST apply for a Mexican tourist card (FMM).

You can get an FMM online before you arrive. Or, you can obtain it at the INM office at the border. Either way, you’ll need to stop at the INM office for the official entry stamp.
FMM tourist permits are issued for 180 days.
The cost is 717 Pesos (approx $43 USD).

NOTE: Visa fees are NOT included in the tour price, and it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa promptly from Mexican Immigration. There are a few scammy websites around, so be sure to stick to the information on the website linked above.

How to Get There

Yep, we’re going remote… that’s the point!

We’re not taking you to Cancun or Puerto Escondido. This isn’t about overpriced beach clubs or pre-packaged tourism. This is a raw, far-flung adventure crafted for travellers who want to go beyond the norm.

Baja California’s Sea of Cortez is known as “the world’s aquarium”, and for good reason! It’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Yet, it remains one of the most underrated, under-touristed, and unspoiled regions in Mexico.

Because of its untouched, wild side, it’s a place where you can swim with thousands of mobula rays, share the ocean with sea lions, and if we’re lucky, cross paths with orcas.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? Now, we’ve just got to get ourselves there!

Land borders

You can make your way to Baja via the San Ysidro/ Tijuana land border or the Otay Mesa/ Reynosa border. The FMM/ Visa regulations are the same as above. If you are driving a car, you’ll need a temporary vehicle permit. This would be a very long drive and is not recommended unless you’re making this into a longer trip.
However, we recommend flying into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and flying out of La Paz International Airport (LAP) or Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). We can arrange transfer back to SJD if you choose to fly from that airport.

Flights to/ from Baja

Arrival Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Departure Airport: La Paz International Airport (LAP) or Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

On our final day together, we will depart La Paz at approximately 10:00 AM. On the way, we will stop at LAP Airport to drop off any travelers departing from La Paz. We will then continue the 2–2.5 hour drive to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), with an estimated arrival of around 12:30 PM at the airport. Please plan your flights accordingly.

You can expect to pay between $200 and 300 USD for flights from the USA.

Please start looking into flights now; this will allow you to get an overview of prices, routes, and possible connections. Keep an eye out for promo fares, particularly with low-cost carriers. We recommend using sites like Skyscanner to help with your search.

Arriving in Baja – When do you need to be there?

You’ll need to be in Cabo by 4:30 pm on Day 1 if you want to take our arranged shuttle transportation. If you arrive before or after this, we can help you arrange a private taxi from the airport at an additional cost.

If you’re considering arriving a day early, we highly recommend it! Los Cabos is a vibrant coastal town that is super walkable and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to unwind, soak up the Baja sunshine, and grab any last-minute essentials before our adventure kicks off.

If you’re staying in Cabo the night before, please meet at the airport at 4:00 PM for our arranged shuttle to the accommodation.

If that timing doesn’t work for you, we’re happy to help arrange a private taxi at an additional cost.

Here are a few of our recommended hotels:

• Hotel: Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Blanco Beach Resort

• Airbnb: 1 Bedroom Condo with Private Hot Tub

• Hostel: Mayan Monkey Los Cabos

Accommodation in Baja

Finding good accommodation in Baja is a challenge, but one we have succeeded at after spending an entire month exploring the region and checking out different options. We will be staying six nights in a remote, boutique beachfront eco-casitas with wonderful communal spaces.

The rooms will be twin shares. We’ll pair you with another solo traveller of the same sex, with each of you having your own bed. However, there are double beds available for couples upon request.

If you’d prefer your own room on the trip, you can select this option when you book your trip. If you’ve already booked and would like to upgrade your package, please get in touch.

Food in Baja

Baja is known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, a beautiful blend of traditional Mexican dishes and super fresh seafood straight from the ocean.

What to Expect

All meals during the trip will be lovingly prepared by my much-loved step-mother, an incredible Mexican cook who pours heart and soul into every dish. Expect a rotating menu of delicious, home-cooked meals made with love every single day.

Some of our personal favorites include:

Ceviche: A refreshing dish made with freshly caught fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and sometimes a little chilli for a kick.
Mole: A rich and complex sauce made from chiles, spices, chocolate, and other ingredients, often served over chicken or vegetables. It’s a labor of love and a true celebration dish in Mexico.
Chilaquiles: A classic Mexican breakfast made with fried tortilla chips simmered in red or green salsa, topped with cheese, cream, onions, and often a fried egg or shredded chicken. Comfort food at its finest.

And that’s just a taste, there will be plenty more mouthwatering meals to keep you fueled, happy, and very well-fed throughout the adventure.

Daily Meals

All chef-made breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are INCLUDED.

Please let us know early on if you have any diet restrictions/preferences/ medical conditions. If you are vegetarian/vegan or have religious dietary requirements, you might want to consider bringing some of your own food (for snacks/breakfast stuff). It can be very difficult to cater to individuals in a big group, though we always do our best.

This adventure tour requires a lot of energy output each day, and a big part of our job is keeping everybody nourished, happy, and energised.

Staying Safe on this Tour

You may have guessed, but this adventure tour carries a certain amount of risk since we are heading out on the sea. This is not your average holiday per se.
Guest Safety is Elsewheria’s #1 priority, and our experienced ground team does everything within their power to set our group up for a safe adventure. The name of the game is security and safety first, and injury prevention. We take it very seriously.

Travel Insurance for Baja

You cannot come on this trip unless you buy travel insurance. You will need to prove you have insurance by providing a photocopy of your policy. You also need to sign a waiver (mentioned previously), releasing the guides, Elsewheria, and our partners in Baja of any liability.
Other companies we recommend: World Nomads or Safety Wing

Medical Considerations Before Travelling to Mexico

Before heading to any overseas country, you should always check out your government’s health advice. Below, you can find links to various government websites that outline this for travel to Mexico:

Most importantly, consult with a quality health care professional or travel doctors before departure to be sure you’ve got all the correct vaccinations, etc.

Money in Baja

The currency in Baja is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While you can use USD in most places, it’s best to use MXN to get the best bang for your buck.

It’s a predominantly cash country. Although some vendors will accept a card, it is not widely used.

Make sure you exchange enough MXN pesos, as although there are some ATMs available, due to the remoteness of our destinations, they are scarce.

We highly recommend using Wise to minimise costs in ATM fees and currency conversion while travelling.

How much should you bring?

To cover tipping, alcohol souvenirs and other extras, I’d recommend bringing an additional $300-500.

Please see the note on tipping in the next section of this document. It is always better to have MORE than you think you need, just in case. You can always change the MXN back to your preferred currency at the end of the trip, if need be.

Tipping Staff and Porters

The Elsewheria team, including our ground team in Baja, goes above and beyond for guests before, during, and after the trip to make sure that everyone has the best possible ocean experience imaginable.

So, how do you show your guides some love? Well, besides bringing good vibes and laughing at their jokes, tipping is the next best option.

Below, we have included the industry standard recommendation to offer our staff some additional compensation based on your overall experience and keeping in mind the length of the trip and how hard we work to ensure you have an incredible time in Baja. Show your staff some love!

A generous tipping budget to cover all your bases is around $300-500 USD for the entire trip. This should be more than enough, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Tipping recommendations (in USD):

Tips for your western guide can be paid in USD/EURO cash post-trip or via Venmo, Wise, PayPal, etc.
Baja guides can be tipped in MXN or dollars.

SIM Cards and Internet Access in Baja

There are a couple of options for staying connected in Baja. The cheapest option is often to get a local SIM once you’re on the ground. The most popular companies in Baja are Telnor, IZZI, Satellite, Microwave, and G3.

We would highly recommend an eSIM card for Baja (and travel in general!) They might set you back a little more, but they are so convenient. You can be connected as soon as you set foot in the country, without having to scout out the nearest phone shop.

For Baja, I’d recommend Jetpac if you’re down for the ease of an eSIM.

The hotels that we stay at will also offer free Wi-Fi.

Weather Conditions in Baja in February

February is one of Baja’s most magical months – think clear skies, calm seas, and just-right temperatures for ocean adventures. Rainfall is minimal, the sun is generous, and the conditions are ideal for sailing, snorkeling, and soaking up the wild beauty of the coast.

Daytime temps typically range from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C), with cooler evenings that call for a cozy jacket or hoodie.

The ocean hovers in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C), which means it’s wetsuit season – and yes, we’ll be slipping into some thick ones to stay warm and comfy while we swim with whale sharks and snorkel with sea lions.

What to Pack for Baja

Don’t worry, team, we’ve got you covered with a FULL packing list for our Baja Retreat. From underwear to suncream, we’ve covered it all.

Note on Laundry: Although you might get the opportunity to do laundry, it is not guaranteed. Please pack assuming you will not have laundry available (unless you call washing your underwear in the sink, laundry – then yes, you can do this!)

About the Guides

This Baja Adventure will be guided by Audy and Will – Elsewheria’s wonderful co-founders <3 Here is a bit more about each of them:

Meet Audy: Co-Founder, Ocean Addict & Whale Enthusiast

Audy Scala is the Co-founder of Elsewheria, a certified scuba instructor, freediver, and fearless traveler who’s been writing her own map since the age of 17. Her journey has taken her hitchhiking through Latin America, diving with manta rays in Indonesia, working in ocean conservation in Bali, and singing with whales in French Polynesia.

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau.

For Audy, the sea is home; a sacred mirror, a healer, and a teacher. She feels most alive underwater, and nothing brings her more joy than witnessing others fall in love with the ocean too.

Audy is the lead guide for our Baja adventures and co-leads the Pakistan tour. Deeply connected to Mexico, where her family lives and her heart belongs, she speaks Spanish and is passionate about sharing the richness of its culture and community. Mexico, she says, is where the warmth of the people can melt any fear, bias or misconceptions – Mexico is a truly magical place.

When she’s not guiding trips, you’ll find her journaling from a hammock deep in the jungle, strumming her guitar around a campfire, dancing barefoot at music festivals, or curled up in a coffee shop, lost in a fantasy novel.

Meet Will Hatton: Co-Founder & Chief Adventure Planner

Co-founder of Elsewheria and globe-trotting adventurer, Will has been on the road since the age of nineteen and has travelled to over a hundred countries. A passionate outdoorsman, Will is also a self-professed nerd and enjoys poring over maps and data points to plan the perfect adventure itineraries into truly remote corners of the world. Will strongly believes that travel is the ultimate tool for personal growth and enjoys nothing more than cheering on guests and friends as they hike, bike and explore with him.

The OG Broke Backpacker, Will, has been recording his adventures for nearly twenty years and leading small groups to far-flung lands since 2011. Will first found himself in Pakistan in 2016, and started leading group expeditions in this magical country (one of his all-time favourites!) in 2017.

Will is the lead guide for our Pakistan adventures and the supporting guide for our Baja adventures. Permanently married to the mountains, Will’s other passions include entrepreneurship, playing cards, handstands, swords and writing short stories. When he isn’t on the road, Will is based in beautiful Bali where he is the Co-founder of Tribal Hostel, founder of Ahoy Wellness Villa and dog-dad to three fluffpups.

Paying the Balance, Deposit and Cancellation Terms

Alright, it’s time to talk money and T&Cs, folks. Here are the nitty-gritty details about payments and our terms:

Deposit Terms

All deposits are non-refundable. However, if the client cancels more than 90 days before the start of the trip, the full deposit may be applied as credit toward a future Elsewheria trip (one-time transfer only and must be used within 12 months).

If cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the trip, the deposit will be forfeited.

In cases where extraordinary, non-recoverable costs (such as flights, permits, or visas) are involved, these costs are never refundable by us, regardless of notice.

Final Payment Policy

Final payment is due at least 90 days before the trip start date, unless otherwise stated.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

Cancellation After Full Payment

90+ days before the trip: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
51-90 days before the trip: 50 percent refund of total payment (excluding the deposit).
31-50 days before the trip: 75 percent refund of total payment (excluding the deposit).
Less than 30 days or fewer before the trip: No refund. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies.

All refunds will be processed back to the original card or payment method used at the time of booking. Once a refund has been accepted by the bank or payment provider, Elsewheria has no further control over the release of funds.

If you are unable to attend this adventure, please inform us as soon as possible.

Organiser-Initiated Cancellation

Elsewheria reserves the right to cancel a trip if the minimum required number of participants stated in the provided itinerary is not met. In this case, all payments will be fully refunded, including the deposit. Notification will be provided at least 60 days before the start of the trip.

Early Trip Departure Protocol

In the event that a trip participant needs to leave the planned trip itinerary early due to illness, injury, family emergency, personal reasons, or simply because they want to, etc, then there are a few things to note:

Should a trip participant choose to leave the planned itinerary early for any reason, from the moment they leave the tour, all expenses from that point onwards are the responsibility of the trip participant.

This includes, but is not limited to, hotels/accommodation, transportation, emergency helicopter evacuation, internal flights (even if we have purchased you a flight for the trip you are attending), meals, airport transfer, guide services – everything that is normally covered by Elsewheria during your tour is no longer covered once a trip participant decides to leave.

Once the decision has been made to leave the tour, the trip participant must sign an “Early Departure Waiver Form” – formerly releasing Elsewheria of any further obligations to fulfil our tour/guide/transport/logistics services.

That said, in an emergency situation or in case of severe illness, Elsewheria staff will do everything within our means to aid the trip participant until they are in a safe/stable condition. When possible, Elsewheria staff can also help you book new accommodation, flights, transport, etc, but all of these expenses are for the trip participant to pay.

Point being, our staff will always be available to the best of our ability to facilitate the logistics of your departure, should you choose to leave the trip early.

Liability Waiver

All tour participants will be required to sign an industry-standard waiver releasing Elsewheria from liability related to any aspect of this trip. Waivers are usually issued on day 1 of the tour at our first team briefing. If you would like to request a copy of the waiver in advance, please email

Any questions?

Please check out our FAQs on the tour itinerary page, or email us at adventure@thebrokebackpacker.com

Again, we are very excited to get to meet you in person in Baja soon!