Program Directed by
Mike Oster
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Baja & the Gulf of California
Marine Science & Conservation on the Mexican Coast
Described by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau as “the world’s aquarium,” the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, teems with marine life, from acrobatic dolphins and sea lions to massive manta rays and whale sharks. Travel to Baja, Mexico, this summer and dive into this incredible underwater ecosystem. Learn about marine conservation from professionals in the field and embrace adventure as you snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard. Alongside marine biologists and conservationists, see groundbreaking conservation initiatives in action and lend a hand in research projects and the preservation of at-risk habitats.
- Highlights
• Get up close with sea lions, dolphins, and tropical fish while snorkeling
• Camp on the Pacific Coast and learn to surf on its pristine waves
• Help identify and examine species with marine biologists and researchers
• Kayak or paddleboard the clear waters alongside charismatic sea lions
• Camp on the Pacific Coast and learn to surf on its pristine waves
• Help identify and examine species with marine biologists and researchers
• Kayak or paddleboard the clear waters alongside charismatic sea lions
“Given Bobby’s love for science, ocean, and marine life, I was hoping that he would learn even more being out on the water with your experts. The program absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way!”
—Danielle W., New York, NY
Featured
Expert
An Expert joins each Career program for a portion of the itinerary, lending their insights and perspectives to the experience.
Jenny Adler is a conservation photographer and underwater photojournalist. Her work is informed by her scientific background, and she uses her imagery to communicate science and conservation. She has a degree in marine biology from Brown University and...
Jenny Adler is a conservation photographer and underwater photojournalist. Her work is informed by her...
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
La Ventana, Gulf of California — 3 days
Begin your program in La Ventana Bay on the Gulf of California and settle into your waterfront accommodations, run by a marine biologist, sea captain, and educator. Get to know your group during an in-depth orientation, then dive into the water and snorkel or scuba along the rocky coast. Learn to identify the resident aquatic species—including fish, crabs, and sea stars—and assist in examining and recording their behaviors. After sunset, grab a flashlight for nighttime snorkel excursions, in search of nocturnal marine species and glowing bioluminescence. Take a cooking class and learn how to make authentic tortillas and spicy salsas, and practice traditional dance moves with students from a local dance troupe.
Punta Marquez, Pacific Coast — 2 days
Adventure across the peninsula to the Pacific Coast, stopping to hike in this dramatic desert landscape. Stay on a remote stretch of beach and continue learning about the different ecosystems found in Baja. Search for fossilized shark teeth in the soft, white sand and learn to surf the perfect wave. Visit an oyster aquaculture lab, then cook meals together as a group as you watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. Gaze at millions of stars, point out constellations, and learn the basics of celestial navigation.
La Ventana, Gulf of California — 6 days
Return to La Ventana Bay and meet locals dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs. Help check the health of the local reef and collect data for projects aimed at protecting native species. Perform a plankton tow and assist in the collection of invertebrate species. Through partnership with the local school, invite students and their teachers to the beach to learn more about these animals. Spend your down time relaxing on the beach, swimming, or practicing Spanish. Enjoy a research presentation from an expert on whale sharks and manta rays, then spend a day on the water searching for either of these magnificent creatures.
Day trip to the interior of the peninsula for an exciting hike to a secluded waterfall oasis and natural hot springs. Lend a hand with beach cleanups, plant native species in a nearby cactus sanctuary, and join a game of football. Pack your boat for an overnight camping trip on Cerralvo Island, the southernmost island in the Gulf of California. Hike beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs and snorkel with playful sea lions near a rookery. Visit the nearby towns of La Paz and Todos Santos to speak with local artisans about their work. Finally, enjoy the last night of your program reflecting on your adventures and savoring one final meal together with your group.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, California, and fly together to Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
La Ventana, Gulf of California — 3 days
Begin your program in La Ventana Bay on the Gulf of California and settle into your waterfront accommodations, run by a marine biologist, sea captain, and educator. Get to know your group during an in-depth orientation, then dive into the water and snorkel or scuba along the rocky coast. Learn to identify the resident aquatic species—including fish, crabs, and sea stars—and assist in examining and recording their behaviors. After sunset, grab a flashlight for nighttime snorkel excursions, in search of nocturnal marine species and glowing bioluminescence. Take a cooking class and learn how to make authentic tortillas and spicy salsas, and practice traditional dance moves with students from a local dance troupe.
Punta Marquez, Pacific Coast — 2 days
Adventure across the peninsula to the Pacific Coast, stopping to hike in this dramatic desert landscape. Stay on a remote stretch of beach and continue learning about the different ecosystems found in Baja. Search for fossilized shark teeth in the soft, white sand and learn to surf the perfect wave. Visit an oyster aquaculture lab, then cook meals together as a group as you watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean. Gaze at millions of stars, point out constellations, and learn the basics of celestial navigation.
La Ventana, Gulf of California — 6 days
Return to La Ventana Bay and meet locals dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs. Help check the health of the local reef and collect data for projects aimed at protecting native species. Perform a plankton tow and assist in the collection of invertebrate species. Through partnership with the local school, invite students and their teachers to the beach to learn more about these animals. Spend your down time relaxing on the beach, swimming, or practicing Spanish. Enjoy a research presentation from an expert on whale sharks and manta rays, then spend a day on the water searching for either of these magnificent creatures.
Day trip to the interior of the peninsula for an exciting hike to a secluded waterfall oasis and natural hot springs. Lend a hand with beach cleanups, plant native species in a nearby cactus sanctuary, and join a game of football. Pack your boat for an overnight camping trip on Cerralvo Island, the southernmost island in the Gulf of California. Hike beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs and snorkel with playful sea lions near a rookery. Visit the nearby towns of La Paz and Todos Santos to speak with local artisans about their work. Finally, enjoy the last night of your program reflecting on your adventures and savoring one final meal together with your group.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Theme
Marine Science & Conservation • Work with scientists and conservationists to help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Gulf of California. Under the guidance of marine biologists, collect data on undersea species, catch—and later release—specimens for close-up observation, and evaluate the health of a coral reef. Work alongside whale shark and manta ray researchers to identify and catalog individual animals.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities. While you don’t need to be an advanced swimmer, this program spends a lot of time in and on the water, so a level of comfort and a basic ability to swim is necessary.
Accommodations
We stay in comfortable family-run guest houses, and spend three nights camping on the beach.
Meals
We eat most meals in small, local restaurants with a lot of fresh fruit, seafood, chicken, rice, beans, and other traditional Mexican food. For day trips we pack our lunches to bring with us.
Scuba Opportunities
While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are at least Basic Open Water certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, depending on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Theme
Marine Science & Conservation • Work with scientists and conservationists to help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Gulf of California. Under the guidance of marine biologists, collect data on undersea species, catch—and later release—specimens for close-up observation, and evaluate the health of a coral reef. Work alongside whale shark and manta ray researchers to identify and catalog individual animals.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities. While you don’t need to be an advanced swimmer, this program spends a lot of time in and on the water, so a level of comfort and a basic ability to swim is necessary.
Accommodations
We stay in comfortable family-run guest houses, and spend three nights camping on the beach.
Meals
We eat most meals in small, local restaurants with a lot of fresh fruit, seafood, chicken, rice, beans, and other traditional Mexican food. For day trips we pack our lunches to bring with us.
Scuba Opportunities
While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are at least Basic Open Water certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, depending on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.
A Day in the Life: La Ventana
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in La Ventana Bay.
- Morning
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast as a group at your waterfront accommodations
8:00am
Board the panga boats and go snorkeling, scouting for dolphins and other wildlife
- Afternoon
12:30pm
Eat a packed lunch on board your boat
2:00pm
Return to La Ventana to enjoy some downtime or project time
4:00pm
Kayak or stand up paddle board from the beach down the coast
- Evening
6:30pm
Prepare and eat a delicious dinner of fresh fish, fruit, and Mexican fare
8:00pm
Enjoy a presentation by a local whale shark and manta ray researcher
9:00pm
Group meeting to recap the day and discuss the plan for tomorrow
A Day in the Life:
La Ventana
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in La Ventana Bay.
- Morning
7:00am
Enjoy breakfast as a group at your waterfront accommodations
8:00am
Board the panga boats and go snorkeling, scouting for dolphins and other wildlife
- Afternoon
12:30pm
Eat a packed lunch on board your boat
2:00pm
Return to La Ventana to enjoy some downtime or project time
4:00pm
Kayak or stand up paddle board from the beach down the coast
- Evening
6:30pm
Prepare and eat a delicious dinner of fresh fish, fruit, and Mexican fare
8:00pm
Enjoy a presentation by a local whale shark and manta ray researcher
9:00pm
Group meeting to recap the day and discuss the plan for tomorrow
“What gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment was the fact that I was able to be part of a strong community while also doing what I love.”
—Thea K., Chappaqua, NY
Program Directed by
Mike Oster
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
