Los Angeles
Baja Sailing Voyage
a 7 day sailing trip with usal.
Begin the year adrift with Usal and This is Water — a two-boat voyage through the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Over seven unforgettable days, we’ll navigate the protected marine parks of Baja California, moving between remote islands and quiet coves. Each day blends adventure and restoration: snorkeling alongside vibrant reef life, hiking desert canyons, learning new skills at sea, and exploring the wild edges of this remarkable coastline.
In January, the Sea of Cortez comes alive — whales breach on the horizon, dolphins trail our wake, and nesting seabirds fill the air. This rare ecosystem becomes our classroom, our nourishment, and our muse.
Meals are crafted the way nature intended — fresh, local, and regenerative — led by a regional chef and shared in community aboard. Together, we prepare, cook, and gather under the open sky, living simply and intentionally on the water.
This journey is both retreat and expedition — a chance to rediscover the wilderness within while exploring the wilderness beyond. Designed for the curious and the courageous, it’s an invitation to begin the year with movement, connection, and awe — carrying the rhythm of the sea wherever you go next.
Ticket Type
When
01/10 - 01/17
Nights
07
Intensity
Trip Details
Nestled along the sparkling Sea of Cortez, La Paz enchants visitors with its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. From its roots as a settlement of the Pericúes people, through Spanish missions and colonial adventures, to its modern-day art, festivals, and culinary delights, La Paz is a harmonious blend of past and present. The biodiverse waters beyond boast 900 unique islands rich with marine life. During this sail we will be committed to Leave No Trace and conservation clean ups on shore, promising a low impact to the environment.
This experience is limited to 16 participants and will sell out (4 years running) No sailing experience necessary — just openness, willingness, and a sense of wonder
There are multiple pricing tiers to reflect your choice of vessel (monohull or catamaran). All rooms and beds are shared. Bring a friend or we will pair roommates before the sail.
Each vessel is led by a certified captain and first mate. The weather is pleasantly mild and sunny during the day and brisk in the evenings. Wind will determine our route but we typically sail north through the Sea of Cortez, making stops at the uninhabited islands of Isla Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, and Isle de San Francisco along the way.
What's Included
Set sail for seven days and six nights aboard our twin vessels — five full days spent exploring the open waters of the Sea of Cortez. Every detail is cared for: nourishing meals crafted by an onboard chef, guided adventure activities from paddleboarding and snorkeling to hiking and sailing, and lessons in ocean navigation and seamanship.
- 7 days / 6 nights aboard sailing vessels (5 full days on the water)
- Daily culinary experience
- Activities: paddleboarding, snorkeling, hiking, sailing, and nature skills
- Workshop programming
- Optional teachings on ocean navigation and seamanship
- Morning practice for grounding and reflection
- Group prep + integration call before and after the trip
- Snorkel gear, bed sheets, blankets, pillow and towel are provided by the charter company
Itinerary
January 10
Arrive in La Paz and make your way to Marina Costa Baja by 5P via taxi or bus. Settle into your vessel, meet your crew, and join us for an evening opening circle under the stars before settling for the night. Guests will be responsible for their own meals and transit the first day. We set sail early the next morning.
About your guide
Nick Sharp is a Venice-based therapist and experiential guide devoted to the art of reconnection by helping people remember that we are nature too. Drawing from over a decade of leading tall ship sails, wilderness adventures, and somatic journeys, Nick creates multi-sensory experiences structured to integrate present moment awareness and attunement. Whether working with horses, hiking through canyon trails, or navigating daily living, he invites people into direct, felt relationships with the more-than-human world.
He’s the founder of This is Water, a nature-based community delivering high-adventure sailing expeditions and accessible water-based programs, many for first-time sailors, in Los Angeles and across the globe. Nick leads with deep listening, builds safety in wildness, and gently creates openings for people to step into their own empowerment and possibility.
What's NOT Included
- Airfare and transport to and from the marina (easy instructions provided)
- Suggested tips for captains, chef and crew
