Women Who Make Waves: Malwina Maguire Sailing the World on Alivo

Malwina Maguire was one of my very first friends when I moved to Baja, and we’ve shared so many unforgettable adventures—from local surf sessions to hiking to Everest Base Camp together. But the more I got to know her, the more I realized what a force she truly is. Her passion for life, her positivity, and her endlessly good energy never stop inspiring me.

Now, she’s taken on her biggest adventure yet—sailing the world. Malwina and her husband are currently living aboard their 1977 Searaker 50 sailboat, Alivo, which they bought in Marina del Rey, California. Together, they’re slowly making their way west, chasing remote surf breaks, exploring underwater worlds, and immersing themselves in different cultures. Along the way, Malwina teaches yoga, fitness, and healing modalities online, and shares their story through beautiful, honest content on YouTube.

Here’s what she had to say about her roots, her journey, and the mindset that keeps her moving forward:

When did you first fall in love with the ocean?
I’ll always remember my family taking my sister and me to Alki Beach in Seattle. I’d take the washed-up logs from the beach and play with them in the ocean, pretending they were my dolphin friend. I’d be shivering cold, but devastated when we had to leave and go back to suburbia.

How has your connection to the ocean shaped who you are?
Nature and the outdoors were the foundation of my youth—camping, hiking, swimming, snowboarding. It became therapy. I think that connection pulled me toward a more intentional life. The flow of water eventually became a core principle in my teaching and healing work.

Like the ocean, I’ve adapted to living symbiotically and off-grid. Sailing life means riding literal waves and life’s metaphorical ones too. It’s not easy, but it’s immersive. It brings me peace and purpose.

What’s something you wish more people knew about you or your profession?
I was born in Poland. My dad won a green card in the late 80s, and we immigrated to Seattle when I was about three. I grew up in the mountains, lakes, and rivers of the Pacific Northwest—and that shaped me just as much as the ocean has.

What first inspired you to pursue your passion?
Watching my parents go from survival to thriving in a new country where they didn’t speak the language. They left everything behind for a dream—and seeing them live that out taught me to put my all into anything I do and trust the process, no matter how hard it gets.

Did you face any significant challenges or obstacles along the way? How did you overcome them?
So many. But I always try to remember: the problem isn’t that there are problems—the problem is expecting otherwise. Every challenge is a gift wrapped in thorns. You just have to be willing to unwrap it.

What motivates you to keep going, even when things get tough?
My motto: it’s not about feeling good all the time, it’s about getting good at feeling. Life is hard. But give yourself grace. Feel it all. Stand back up. Keep going. And remember—whatever you’re not changing, you’re choosing.

What are some of your most memorable underwater or marine experiences?
Cave diving in the cenotes of Tulum 🤯
A humpback whale and her baby swimming next to me in Chacala, MX
And surfing in Maui with the cutest turtles and dolphins!

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t—make your own footprints 😄 Just kidding. Honestly, don’t wait until you know everything. You learn by stepping forward. People will doubt you. Let it fuel you.

How do you define success?
True, authentic happiness. Being proud of who you are and the life you’ve built. Feeling passionate about your path.

What’s next for you in your journey?
More sailing—maybe for the next five years… or forever. Hosting a retreat somewhere tropical. Starting a family in a few years. And eventually, building our own sailboat or dream home from scratch.

In Her Wake

Malwina’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when you let the ocean lead you—when you trust yourself enough to follow your dreams into unknown waters. She reminds us that resilience, joy, and purpose don’t come from having it all figured out, but from diving in anyway.

You can follow our journey at Alivo Sailing on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Or connect with her personally on instagram @malwinamaguire.

And if you know someone else out there quietly making waves, we’d love to hear about them. Send us their story and help us celebrate the women who inspire us to live fully and fearlessly.