Ceremonial Gray Whale Retreat
to deepen the animal & human relationship
through interspecies connection
February 7 -14, 2027 • Baja Mexico • Loreto & San Ignacio Lagoon
Facilitated by Neave Karger and John Halas
Collaborating with the Web of life, Water and Whales
Join us in Baja to experience wide open spaces and the rhythm of the water while communing with beings that steward the water and land, guiding us to remember our connections to the web of life and the ease with which we connect with nature. Our world desperately needs more people willing to trust their intuition as well as their connection to the web of life, animals, nature and themselves and to be willing to remember our place within everything.
This is an immersive ceremony that journeys on the sacred waters of San Ignacio Lagoon, one of the last undeveloped gray whale birthing sites on the planet, and has been designated a UNESCO Heritage Site. We will also journey on the sacred waters of The Gulf of California, one of the world's most magical natural sanctuaries home to blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, orcas and an endless diversity of marine life.
Under the expansive skies and the rocking of the boat we will open to our own natural rhythms pulsing with our frequency ... attuning to inner and outer rhythms, listening deeply to the language of waters and animals, and remembering what it means to be part of the whole.
Throughout our journey, we will weave:
Whale medicine & wisdom
Intuitive Interspecies Communication
Connection to the web of life
A loving supporting community
Fun, pleasure and play
Potent healing in a spiritual atmosphere
All guided through the power of the pulsing rhythms of the ocean and the web of life with reverence, presence, and soulful connection.
Why Whales?
Whales are teachers of:
Presence
Magnetic Stillness
Frequency awareness
Acceptance
Emotional Balance and Fluidity
Relationship of ocean and earth Leylines
Magic of the migratory impulse and the tidal cycles
Reflecting developmental rites of passage
What You Can Expect
Small group (10 participants) for intimacy and deep connection
Daily sessions in nature, intuitive practices, and attunement with whales as well as the rich marine life we encounter
Opportunities to ethically observe and, if invited and allowed on their terms, interact with whales, listen, and receive their wisdom
Time for reflection, journaling, silent communion, and group connection.
Who This Is For
This ceremony is for those who:
feel a deep calling to wild places and to learn from wise beings
want to listen more than perform
are drawn to inner expansion and understanding of the web of life
wish to weave spiritual insight with respectful, meaningful presence in nature
“This was a life changing experience. An opportunity to learn about and participate in the Web of Life. It was amazing to be that close to such magnificent beings!! - Lori
The Journey at a Glance
Day 1 — February 7 — Arrival in Loreto
Welcome to Loreto and Baja. We gather at the edge of the Gulf of California, inviting the lapping tide to orient us into the rhythm of Baja. In the opening circle we will greet our fellow travelers, the land, the water and the Web of Life as we begin to shift from external doing into internal attunement and connection.
Day 2 — February 8 — Sailing within Loreto Bay National Park in search of blue whales
Guided by a local biologist, nature guide, and conservation ally we sail on the rich marine biodiverse waters of Loreto Bay National Park in search of blue whales while encountering other wildlife, dolphins, and seabirds.
The gentle rocking of the boat begins a new rhythm guiding us to be present in the moment and open to possibility of connection with variety of beings.
Day 3 — February 9 — Sacred Travel from Loreto to San Ignacio Lagoon
We travel from Loreto on the Gulf of California to San Ignacio Lagoon on the Pacific Ocean. Our scenic drive winds through wild, untouched desert alternating with hundreds of white sandy beaches, lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters while we pass through many small towns.
Our final destination is Antonio’s Ecotours on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, an eco-friendly whale watching camp that offers whale watching tours as well as very fresh authentic regional sea food and comfortable though rustic lodging and camping in a safe, friendly and respectful environment. San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the last undeveloped gray whale birthing sites on the planet, and has been designated a UNESCO Heritage Site.
The vastness of the lagoon, distant salt flats and mountains shift us into a wider field of awareness as we settle into our camp that we will call home for the next 3 days. We sleep under expansive starry skies, feeling the land and waters dance, listening to the breathing of the whales and the many sounds of nature inviting us to come home to ourselves.
“I loved Antonio’s! The rustic setting, the boats and the opportunity to be right on the water all added to the magical experience.The staff are outstanding, their knowledge and their genuine concern that everyone had a meaningful experience was so authentic, and so perfectly attuned to the energetic harmony of the trip.
Antonio’s staff are kind, insightful, knowledgeable people with an educational focus, taking every opportunity to teach us about their beloved whales. I loved their safety-first approach and how they honor and respect the whales - taking their stewardship seriously.” Teresa
Day 3 — February 9 — 1st boat excursion on the Lagoon among the Gray Whales
As we get our first impressions of this ever changing nursery of grey whales we will introduce ourselves, greeting the land and the water, broadcasting our intention of connecting with nature, animals and the web of life with love, curiosity and respect to deepen our connection and communication.
After a delicious lunch we head out for our 1st of 6 whale watching trips. We shift our attention from traveling on land to traveling on water and being present with intimacy and fluidity. With curiosity we listen with our hearts as we respectfully enter the whales’ home, asking how we might be gracious guests. We focus our attention on the web of life, both physical and metaphysical.
We find ourselves in a potent and mystical realm as we get in sync with the rhythms of the whales.
Days 4 –5 — February 10-11 — Two Whale Excursions Daily on San Ignacio Lagoon
Each day we journey twice onto the Lagoon to experience connection and communion with whales and the web of life.
Each day has a theme inspired by whale medicine and the rhythms of the Earth.
With respect and curiosity, we will explore, practice and experience:
Playful joy
Increasing your capacity to intuitively feel your connection with the whales and the web of life
Nature’s rhythms and the migratory impulse
The power of radiating gracious compassion
The arts of attention, intention and magnetic stillness
Guided by Neave’s Intuitive Interspecies Communication we deepen into listening... to whales, to all animals, to waters, to the land, to inner knowing, to the personal messages from the web.
Day 7 — February 13 — Loreto - Integration
Back where we began,
we honor our transformation, carrying the rhythms of wilderness into the world beyond.
This is a day of integration and exploration practicing deep inner listening
as we harvest the teachings, the communications. Listening with curiosity of who we are now.
We move in and out of the rhythms of group and individual exploration of Loreto
We gather in the evening for a final ceremony to honor our transformation, witness and honor each other and the web of life , carrying the rhythms of wilderness into the world beyond.
Day 7 — February 14 — Departure
We complete our journey and return to our everyday lives,
carrying in our hearts an indelible awareness of our intimate connections with the web of life.
Neave Karger
Neave is passionate about playfully sharing her knowledge of the interconnectedness of all species and the web of life. She opens sacred space for interspecies dialogue, ceremonies, classes, and healings to support people to awaken their intuition with themselves, animals and the natural world.
Neave delightfully creates ceremonies in collaboration with nature and the animals to deepen the connection with the web of life. Ceremonies she has led include Grey Whale Ceremonial Retreat 26, Circle of Life: Animal Experiences: Salmon Lessons, Eagle Lessons, Heron Lessons, Crow Lessons, Meet your Spirit Animals, sweat lodges, house and land blessings, winter solstice spirals, summer ceremonial celebrations.
Through her work with animals and the natural world Neave knows that sacred space, intention, ceremony and being witnessed is transformational.
What’s Included
Your journey is fully held and supported, so you can enter into presence and receptivity without distraction.
Accommodations & Comfort
Comfortable shared lodging throughout the journey
Hotel Oasis (Loreto) 4 nights
Antonio’s Ecotour Whale Watching Camp (San Ignacio Lagoon) 3 nights
Double occupancy $4,400
Single occupancy $5,000
$1,000 Deposit required to reserve your spot. Balance due by December 1, 2026.
Transportation
Transfers from and to Loreto airport
All group road travel within Baja, by private mini-bus
Nourishment
Meals included at Antonio’s.
You are responsible for meals in Loreto and while en-route to Antonio’s.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, these can be requested when booking.
Drinking water available during activities.
Entry & Experiences
Park and other entrance fees where required
1 blue whale watching trips led by a experienced guide
6 grey whale watching trips led by experienced guides
Guided group sharing circles in wilderness
Before & After the Journey ~ Gatherings of Connection and weaving the web
Monthly Zoom calls with Neave and John in the months leading up to the journey, to connect with eachother, and explore teachings about web of life
Two post-journey Zoom gatherings for integration, reflection, and continued connection
What’s Not Included
To ensure clarity so participants can prepare with confidence, the following are not covered in the trip cost:
Travel & Insurance
International airfare to/from Loreto
Travel insurance, including:
Insurance is mandatory, please arrange with your trusted providers.
Travel insurance that covers health care, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Visas & Entry Fees
Visa fees (if applicable — depending on your nationality)
Personal Expenses
Gratuities & tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
Personal shopping (gifts, souvenirs, crafts, market purchases)
Optional Experiences
A choice of massages and personal pampering in Loreto
Helpful Notes for Planning
Gratuities:
Tipping is a customary and appreciated part of the culture in Baja. Tipping guides, camp staff, and drivers is strongly encouraged. We can provide guidance on suggested amounts.
Ready to Join?
Spaces are limited to 8 participants.
For details, deposit information, and application form, click here:
Let the web of life strengthen your connection. Come explore with us.
Rev. John Halas
John’s deep, mystical bond with whales has earned him the title of Whale Whisperer. When swimming with Humpbacks, he experiences a pod consciousness in which he and the whales think and move as one entity. A familial connection with whales remains in his daily life and influences his ceremonial practices.
As a minister in a community that honors all spiritual paths, he has led many spiritual ceremonies, retreats and rites of passage and is looking forward to meeting other whale lovers at this ceremonial retreat.
Meet Your Facilitators
Day 6 — February 12 — Last Whale Excursion at San Ignacio Lagoon then Travel to Loreto
Our final morning whale excursion filled with gratitude for the connection and the new understanding of the connection.
We leave our watery sanctuary on the Lagoon, and return to the human world.
The return journey is time to integrate, as our bodies adjust to the rhythms of the land anchoring our experiences.
“ In that moment when you are in presence of whales everything fades away. You don’t remember if you are married or the state of the world. You are being in the moment connected with a magnificent creature.”
Daniel - Antonio’s 2nd generation Owner, Captian and Guide.
“John and Neave were incredibly supportive and deepened the experience profoundly.
It was fun and inspirational to see them work as a team and work with the ceremonial container together.”
- Tbird
Benefits of Being in Ceremony with Animals
