I was in Nosara, Costa Rica recently at our Surf and Yoga retreat. I am always amazed at how resilient, courageous and strong women are. My word for the retreat was ROAR because many of the women attending had never surfed before and some had never been out of the county. Yet, everyone showed up, every single day, ready to play ~ wholeheartedly. I love this quote by David Steindle-Rast, “The cure for exhaustion is not necessarily rest. It is wholeheartedness.”
I got to see women bond, share, cry, laugh, explore, heal, shop and try new things for the first time! I even got to witness our yoga teacher Gretchen Spiro paddle out for the first time and get great waves. She has not surfed since high school. I was thrilled and blown away once again by the magic that happens when women come together.
I had the lovely opportunity to meet a kindred spirit and TRUE WONDER WOMAN! Cynthia is a retired fire chief with lots of spunk and good energy. She has a really fascinating and interesting blog called imthinkingofretiring! Now she writes and blogs and you can find out all about her and follow her below. (be careful reading her blog in public because you will laugh out loud!)
She wrote our Galapagos Blog below and she really gets Women’s Quest!
“You should know that Colleen’s retreats are all small, unique, and exclusive. You can think of it as an artisanal, small-batch, gourmet travel.”
LET’S GO TO GALAPAGOS!!!
You can now just sign up for just the 6 day Galapagos portion of the retreat. We have 3 spots available which will sell out fast so please email colleen@womensquest.com for information.
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands Adventure Retreat, where nature, adventure and self-discovery come together in perfect harmony. Join us as we explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and shimmering waters of this enchanted archipelago. Day by Day itinerary here.
Why choose this tour?
6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat I’m super excited to recommend this Women’s Quest Retreat to the Galapagos Islands. Women’s Quest was founded by my good friend Colleen Cannon. After a highly successful career as a professional triathlete, she wanted to create adventures for women that are both liberating and empowering.
In her racing days, she was World Champion in 1984 and National Champion in 1988 and 1990. She also was a multiple U.S. National team member. She designs and leads transformative luxury retreats for women that focus on movement, balance, and targeting their “true hearts’ desires”. These adventures are full of joyful physical experiences that create true happiness.
You should know that Colleen’s retreats are all small, unique, and exclusive. You can think of it as an artisanal, small-batch, gourmet travel.
You’ll visit the Giant Tortoise and learn about the ecological reserve that helps to rescue them and return them to their natural habitat, which they also help protect. Hiking on Bartolome Island to the Galapagos pinnacle will give you the best view of the entire area. Then spend some time snorkeling on the North beach with the sea lions, fish, rays, and turtles.
Surfing at Tortuga Bay will be amazing, and not just because this beach is the only one in the world where you can watch iguanas (and maybe sharks up close); but also because Colleen has decades of pro-surf experience to share with you. You will love swimming in the crystal-clear pools between high volcanic walls. An opportunity for more snorkeling and perhaps a little cliff diving.
Science and Transformative Experiences
Colleen is keenly aware of the transformative benefits of spending time in these rare and protected environments. Studies have proven that connecting with these places “are often strongly related to emotion, affect, and social cognitive variables, such as developmental/therapeutic health, physical health, self-sufficiency, and educational, spiritual, and aesthetic/creativity benefits. The relationship between these types of experiences and transformations of attitude, beliefs, and behaviors in human
populations is presented.”
What does this tour include?
🏄♀️ 5 nights lodging. Rates are based on double occupancy, Shangrala and Blue Heron
🏄♀️ All Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
🏄♀️ Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish
🏄♀️ Private transportation on, to, and from the islands
🏄♀️ Private water transportation to islands
🏄♀️ Tour of Bartolome
🏄♀️ Tour of North Seymour
🏄♀️ All equipment for kayak, surf
What does this tour not include?
🏄♀️ Snorkel rental or bring your own
🏄♀️ Air transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes
🏄♀️ Galapagos National Park entrance fee
🏄♀️ Migration Control Card
🏄♀️ Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
🏄♀️ Gratuities (optional), tips, gifts, fuel surcharge
🏄♀️ Plane ticket from Quito to Galapagos
🏄♀️ Snacks
🏄♀️ Travel insurance
What do guests have to say about the 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat?
“Traveling to Galapagos and Ecuador with Women’s Quest is a magical adventure. In fact – it’s two adventures! Traveling to Quito and staying with a local family, hiking in the mountains and staying in a home stay is the best way to get a feel for the country. From there you move on to the Galapagos which is like a “fire hose” of nature where everywhere you look there is literally some amazing species just waiting for you to snap a photo. Even though you are experiencing real adventure- you are always in the capable hands of Jacqueline and her staff – encouraging you to do just a bit more than you wanted and cheering you and the other Questers along the way. This trip is not to be missed. It truly is a trip of a lifetime!”
Colleen and Jax make sure that you get a true Ecuadorian experience, your accommodation is at this little family-owned hotel. It has 17 rooms, comfortable and modern, surrounded by interesting fauna, and a beautiful landscape, and is maintaining the basic principles of conservation. Further adding to the immersive experience.
A typical day during this retreat takes you amongst the spectacular volcanic landscapes and blue waters of this archipelago; there are different activities every day, but WQ takes the time to make sure you will see finches, seabirds, giant tortoises, iguanas, swim with the sea lions, snorkel, surf and most importantly learn all about the habitats and evolution of the Galapagos Islands.
There is also a saltwater pond close by that is home to the rosy birds themselves, American flamingos. This is also a great place to take a dip and snorkel along the beach, thanks in large part to the unique combination of underwater species and aquatic terrain. And don’t be surprised if you see dolphins!
If you want to follow Cynthia, her blog, updates and free giveaways.. check out this link About Me
Day by Day:
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands Adventure Retreat, where nature, adventure and self-discovery come together in perfect harmony. Join us as we explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and shimmering waters of this enchanted archipelago.
On our first stop, Santa Cruz Island, we will visit the El Chato Ecological Reserve and marvel at the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will also visit the Darwin Research Station, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the important scientific work being done to preserve the unique species of the Galapagos.
Next, we will head to Bartolome Island, where we will embark on a scenic hike up 400 steps for the best view of all the Galapagos Islands. Here, we will observe the Galapagos Pinnacle, and with a little luck, swim with the fascinating Galapagos penguins. Snorkeling will provide an opportunity to see rays, turtles and a variety of flora up close.
The South End of Santa Cruz Island will be our next destination, where we can kayak, surf, or simply relax at Tortuga Bay, one of the top 10 unique beaches in the world. This magical place is home to marine iguanas, and in the afternoon, we will connect emotionally with the Galapagos horses.
Our journey continues to Santa Fe, where we will encounter colonies of sea lions, land iguanas, and in the afternoon, snorkel with sea lions, turtles, rays and wolf fish.
Finally, we will visit North Seymour, where the world-renowned blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance and red frigate birds inflate their scarlet red chests during mating season. In the afternoon, we will visit Bachas Beach, where flamingos, crabs, and marine birds await us.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands and experience adventure and self-discovery. Join us on this unforgettable journey!