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Ebb & Flow Coastal Retreat with Turning Tides

  • Middle Beach 128 Mile Stretch Rd Biddeford, ME, 04005 United States (map)
Mollusks and algae exposed in low tide

A retreat where mindfulness meets marine biology

$125.00

Nobody will be turned away for a lack of funds. Please reach out to Davinica at davinica@kaneel.me with a cost that feels accessible to you, even if that answer is $0!

Join Kaneel and Turning Tides this summer for a unique retreat blending mindfulness meditation and environmental science. Ebb & Flow is an invitation to pause, engage your sense of curiosity and play, and connect with the rhythmic cycles of the tides.

This day-long retreat invites you to move beyond the typical beach getaway and intentionally learn about the beach itself. Throughout the day, we will explore the coast through a series of immersive mindfulness practices, including:

Meditation

Slow down with guided mindfulness meditations inspired by the sounds of the sea

Ocean dip*

Awaken your mind and body as you immerse yourself in the water, allowing the waves to wash over you gently

Mindful Beach Combing

Observe the miniature treasures the tide has left behind

Walking Meditation & Coastal Ecology

Learn to walk with intention along the shore, noticing the marks animals leave in the sand, deepening your connection to the wildlife that inhabits the beach

Gourmet Lunch

Savor a delicious, locally-sourced and homemade meal featuring sustainable seafood, fresh seaweed, and seasonal vegetables

Guided Tidepooling

Cultivate wonder as you peer into the miniature worlds of tidepools with marine biologists from Turning Tides

Journaling

Embrace quiet time for personal reflection and centering

Community connection

Listen from the heart in our community sharing circle

No prior meditation or ecology experience is necessary; all are welcome!

* There will be hot showers available and time to change after the dip. We’ll offer variations on this practice for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable going into the water.

  • You will need to bring the following:

    • Close-toed water shoes or boots

    • Pants you don’t mind getting wet or dirty

    • Appropriate layers for sun and wind

    • A blanket or beach chair to sit on

    • Swimming suit and towel

    • Reusable plates, water bottle, and utensils

    • Sunscreen

    • Journal and pen

  • If you have specific questions about accessibility, please reach out to Davinica at davinica@kaneel.me.

    Cost: Nobody will be turned away for a lack of funds. Please reach out to Davinica at davinica@kaneel.me to figure out a cost that feels accessible to you.

    Parking: Parking is free. There is a small, packed gravel parking lot next to the beach. There are three wheelchair accessible parking spots. If you can carpool, please do so.

    Location: This event is accessible with a beach wheelchair. The entire event will take place on a beach with fine-grained sand. There is a moderate incline in the sand leading from the entrance of the beach to the water.

    Currently, there is a 32.5” distance between a cement barricade and a low wooden wall to enter the beach. If you need a wider entrance, we can try to contact the park to move the barricade.

    Activity: This retreat has a combination of sitting, gentle walking, and optional swimming. The tidepooling activity can be adapted as needed. We will slowly traverse roughly 0.5 miles down the beach and back.

    This class is taught orally. If you need visual materials, please let us know by June 1, 2026, by emailing Davinica at davinica@kaneel.me.

    Restrooms: There are 2 ADA accessible outdoor showers for after the dip. There is one all-gender ADA accessible restroom.

  • Waivers

    Everyone will need to sign a waiver for our guided tidepooling session. This waiver will be provided closer to the retreat date. If you would like to see the text of the waiver before purchasing your ticket, email Aubrey at aubrey.turningtides@gmail.com.

    Refunds

    1. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, even at short notice.

    2. If we cancel the activity due to unforeseen circumstances there will be a full refund. If we reschedule, you’ll have the option for a full refund or to transfer your ticket to the new date.

    3. All cancellations by customers must occur no later than June 12, 2026 at 9 am. In this case, you have the option of a full refund or to donate your ticket to our community care fund.

    4. No refunds will be issued in the event of a no show or cancellation within 24 hours of the booking start time.

    5. If the weather turns bad unexpectedly and the guides decide to cut the retreat short, a partial refund may be given.

    Other Terms

    1. All attendees must be over 18.

    2. Turning Tides ME and Kaneel will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any items or valuables brought on the trip by customers.

    3. Because of the nature of the tide pooling, we will be walking across slippery rocks in close proximity to ocean wave action. By purchasing a retreat ticket you are confirming that you are physically able and comfortable to do these things and you assume all associated risks.

      1. Some accessibility accommodations can be made. When you agree to the accommodations provided, you assume all associated risks.

    4. You must wear closed-toed shoes while tide pooling to prevent slips and falls. You will maximize your experience by wearing tall, waterproof boots or water shoes and shorts.

    5. It is required that all customers behave in a safe and respectful manner to all staff, other customers and the intertidal zone.

    6. Customers must follow the guide’s instructions during the full time that the activity takes place.

    7. The guide reserves the right to ask you to leave if unruly or unsafe behavior is displayed. In such an event, no refunds will be made.


Meet your guides

Davinica holding up two leaves while teaching

Photo credit: Friends of Casco Bay

Davinica Nemtzow

Davinica (she/her) is a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and the owner of Kaneel. Through mindfulness meditations, she builds inclusive communities that honor our collective growth, healing, and sense of belonging through connection to each other and immersion in nature.

Learn more about Davinica
 
Aubrey laying on seaweed while tidepooling

Photo credit: Turning Tides ME

Aubrey Jane

Aubrey Jane is the Founder and Lead Guide at Turning Tides ME. She has a background in marine biology and science policy and has studied Maine’s marine environment for almost a decade. Through guided tide pooling, she hopes to share all of the fascinating things she’s learned about Maine’s coast with locals and tourists alike, showing folks that there is so much more to a puddle of saltwater than meets the eye.

Learn more about Aubrey
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