Baja Student Ocean Wildlife Expedition
Join us for a unique wildlife adventure to Baja California Sur, Mexico. We’ll snorkel with whale sharks, meet the “friendly gray whales,” and participate in a sea turtle research project while camping in beautiful Magdalena Bay.
*This is a sample itinerary that is flexible based on your group's budget and needs. Contact us at right for a customized proposal or call us at 800.215.0378 with any questions.
Available Dates: February - March
Price: From $1,995 per person depending on group size. Teachers travel for free (excluding airfare).
Includes: All in-country transportation, accommodations, meals as noted in itinerary, camping in Magdalena Bay, activities, guides, and a donation to turtle conservation.
Notes:
Accommodations at the turtle project are field camping with comfortable amenities. Walk-in tents are equipped with two cots with linens and pillows. Toilet and shower facilities are environmentally-friendly and integrated into the landscape.
Maximum group size of 16 people, minimum of 8 students.
Minimum recommended age is 8 years old.
Request a Proposal (Teachers or Parents Only)
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVE TO LA PAZ
Fly into La Paz or Cabo San Lucas (shuttle service available for an extra cost) and meet at the hotel in La Paz. Meet your guide for an orientation and dinner after you arrive. Overnight at Hotel Catedral, a beautiful new hotel (3 nights). (D)
DAY 2 - WHALE SHARK RESEARCH
Whale sharks are the true “gentle giants” of the oceans. The largest fish on the planet, these gentle beasts return yearly to the coast just off La Paz. Join whale shark researchers in their efforts to learn more about these magnificent creatures and support their protection. You'll have several opportunities to snorkel with these incredible (but not aggressive) animals. After, we'll head to Espiritu Santo Island to snorkel with sea lions and then relax at nearby Balandra Beach, named "Mexico's most beautiful beach" for a picnic lunch and snorkel. Dinner will be on your own to visit one of La Paz's many fine restaurants. (B, L)
DAY 3 - LA PAZ TO MAGDALENA BAY
Our guide will pick us up at the hotel after breakfast to head across the peninsula to the Pacific (about a 3 hour drive). Arrive to beautiful Magdalena Bay and head by boat to a secluded location where you will camp for the next three nights. If weather allows, you can look for gray whales on the way to the camp. Once settled in, a local expert will provide a camp orientation, followed by happy hour and a delicious dinner after sunset. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 - GREEN TURTLE RESEARCH
Today after breakfast, you will help set nets used in efforts to study the black turtles, a sub-species of green turtles. Once a turtle is found, it is brought ashore to study, including taking the length and width, weighing, tagging, and other data collection. Once complete, the turtle is released back into the water. We will bring a picnic lunch and some shade and spend most of the day working with the turtles. Afterwards, feel free to head out in a kayak to explore the Bay. After dinner, your guide will lead a star gazing lesson or make a campfire; you won’t often find a better place! (B, L, D)
DAY 5 - GRAY WHALES
Head out early to search for gray whales. We will take small boats known as pangas that will take us out into the channel. Friendly whales often approach the boats, and the mothers are known to push the young calves closer, which can make for an incredible interaction between two species. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded barrier island before heading back out to see whales. After lunch on a nearby island, we'll head out for a second round of whale watching and then head back to the camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 - EXPLORE MAGDALENA BAY
Today we explore the magic of the greater Magdalena Bay complex, its vast, rolling sand dunes and winding mangrove canals teeming with birdlife. After lunch, we head back to La Paz and the group is on its own to explore town and have dinner on your own. (B, L)
DAY 7 - TODOS SANTOS
Today will be a dry day, visiting the artist community of Todos Santos (1.5 hour drive). Explore the history of this town with a walking tour and then visit a turtle conservation project hatchery to see if they have any hatchlings ready for release. If time allows, take a hike to a nearby pond to look for birds and other wildlife. Tonight the group will have a final celebratory dinner together. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 - DEPARTURE
Head to the airport for your flight home or to explore other parts of this incredible region. If you're flying out from Cabo, be sure to schedule your flight after 2 pm. (B)
Photos: RED Travel Mexico, Elizabeth Moreno, Neil Osborne