Baja Sea Turtles & National Parks

Travel to the natural paradise of Baja California Sur to experience the wonder of national parks, marine sanctuaries, and to participate hands-on in a green sea turtle conservation project led by local fisher/conservationists in Magdalena Bay. Students will also get their hands dirty in a reforestation project in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. Accompanied by expert naturalist guides and educators, students will experience local culture on this once in a lifetime experience.

*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: April - May

Price: From $1,695 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.

Copy of Copy of Baja Ocean Wildlife: Day By Day Slideshow

Copy of Copy of Day 1: Arrive to La Paz and meet at the Hotel Catedral.

Copy of Copy of Day 2: After snorkeling, we'll head to Balandra Beach for lunch and swimming.

Copy of Copy of Day 3: Drive to Magdalena Bay to go to our secluded beach camp. After dinner, we'll have a welcome drink and orientation.

Copy of Copy of Day 4: This morning, researchers will set the turtle nets and check them regularly throughout the day.

Copy of Copy of Once a turtle is caught, it is brought to the camp to study.

Copy of Copy of After researchers, with the group's help, measure, weigh, and tag the turtle, it will be released back to the Bay.

Copy of Copy of Day 6: We will explore Magdalena Bay's mangroves to look for birds.

Copy of Copy of Day 6: Another option this morning will be to explore and have fun on the sand dunes. After lunch, we'll head back to La Paz.

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ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Arrive to Los Cabos, gateway to the Baja California Peninsula. From here we will meet our guides and transfer to the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and the region’s only pine and oak forests providing a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. We will meet our local hosts and learn firsthand about their centuries old traditions that have changed little over the past century.

Day 2 - Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve

Students will learn about the importance of Natural Protected Areas such as La Sierra de la Laguna, and will work side by side with local rancheros, on a soil restoration and native plant reforestation project to help protect the watersheds that provide the source of water for La Paz, Todos Santos and Los Cabos. We will round out the day with cultural activities, learning about life on the rancho.

Day 3 - La Paz Culture

We depart the Sierras and head north to La Paz, situated on the Sea of Cortez and what Jacques Cousteau named the ‘worlds aquarium’. We will take a walking tour of the city, and along the way our local guide will take us through some of the local history, architecture and food that make La Paz unique. In the afternoon we will visit Balandra Bay, a national park with turquoise water, white sand beaches, mangroves and a stunning backdrop of desert scenery.

Day 4 - Green Sea Turtle Research

Today we head to Magdalena Bay, jewel of the Pacific and home to diverse ecosystems and multitudes of marine species and migratory and marine birds. We will meet local fisher/conservationists that lead the sea turtle conservation and research project, and participate in the sea turtle monitoring. During the night we will discuss sea turtles, the important role they play in the ecosystem.

Day 5 - Magdalena Bay Exploration

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

We will spend the day exploring the sand dunes, mangroves and barrier islands of Magdalena and Almejas Bays. Students will learn about dune ecology, local fisheries, and the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

Day 7 - Espiritu Santo Island

Espíritu Santo Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to turquoise water, resident sea lions, tropical fish and visually stunning geology. We will take the day to explore the island, snorkel with the sea lions, and learn about the history of the island.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE

Head to the Los Cabos airport for your flight home.

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Photos: RED Travel Mexico, Elizabeth Moreno, Neil Osborne