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
• 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
Expert
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
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:
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.
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.
We stay in comfortable family-run guest houses, and spend three nights camping on the beach.
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.
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:
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.
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.
We stay in comfortable family-run guest houses, and spend three nights camping on the beach.
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.
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
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
A Day in the Life:
La Ventana
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
This Program is Directed by
Mike Oster
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
This Program is Directed by
Mike Oster
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!