Gray Whales and Whale Shark Expedition - March 19 - 26, 2021 8 Day Expedition La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Panterra
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Gray Whales and Whale Shark Expedition
March 19 – 26, 2021
8 Day Expedition
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico Expedition Brochure
May 16, 2020
Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay Sea of Cortez – Liveaboard Cruising Whale Sharks - Bay of La Paz • Identified by their mottled gray coloration • The Sea of Cortez and desert islands • Identified by gray/brown coloring with and heart-shaped spouts, adults grow to offers an amazing biodiversity of marine white spots distributed in pale vertical and 15 meters (49 feet) long, weighs up to 36 and terrestrial life. From sea to sky we will horizontal stripes along the back & sides. tonnes and live between 55 – 70 years. explore the natural history of this prolific • Known to aggregate seasonally in three • As part of their seasonal migration south, marine environment. different areas of the Sea of Cortez. We the gray whales arrive to the warm, • This amazing Galapagos type setting will be swimming in the Bay of La Paz, shallow waters of three nurseries located plays host to some of the rarest and most 1 of the 3 feeding grounds where the on the west side of the Baja Peninsula. beautiful wildlife life encounters possible juveniles aggregate exclusively to feed. • Mag Bay, 1 of the 3 nurseries, is protected and offers an amazing environment for • Whale sharks have a long juvenile stage from the wild Pacific Ocean by two barrier snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and wildlife growing from 18 inches at birth to 8-9 islands; Santa Margarita and Magdalena. encounters. It’s an ideal opportunity to meters to an age of approx. 25 years, The islands have created a series of explore, discover and learn. before becoming reproductive. They may lagoons ideal for the safety of giving birth • Evening presentations will be given on the live 100 to 150 years. and mating. natural history of the flora, fauna and • Filter feeders – surface feeding on • Female gray whales usually give birth geology of the area. plankton including copepods, krill, fish every two to three years with a gestation • The expedition has been designed to eggs and small nektonic life, such as small period lasting 11 -13 months. encompass culture through interaction, squid or fish. • Our day trip by van takes us to the Pacific education through hands on experience • Prior to our snorkel with the whale sharks side of the Baja where we will spend and unique wildlife experiences. we will be doing a presentation on the several hours exploring the lagoon. • Rich in natural history, unspoiled in natural history of the whale shark and the • In Mag Bay, the fishermen have given up beauty, and unrivaled in marine life, the importance of research and conservation fishing during the gray whale migration to Sea of Cortez is a world of a different time, of these gentle giants of the sea. become guardians of the whales. place and rhythm. Climate Clothing • March temperatures range from 80 F during the day to 55 F during • Shorts and a sun hat, with appropriate sun screen during the day, the evening warmth of the sun in the day, wind in the afternoon and and a thick fleece, pants and warm jacket at night. very cool temperatures in the evening. The water temp is • A warm, layered wardrobe is highly recommended while out on the surprisingly cold and one can anticipate 2/3 cool snorkels on the trip. water. Do not under-estimate your clothing needs!
Itinerary The expedition has been thoughtfully designed to take you on a journey as an explorer: search, discover, experience and learn. The Sea of Cortez and desert islands have hundreds if not, thousands of years of history with little documentation of the island’s history, geology or archaeology. Meet today’s community members that are born and raised in the remote coastal areas we will visit. Hear their stories of life at sea and growing up in what most of us would call a harsh uninhabitable environment. Please Note: Weather and sea conditions can affect the planned daily activities. As with all travel related to wildlife viewing and encounters, weather plays a role in the safety of the activity, especially at sea. We asked guests to be flexible in their expectations as we may have to change the itinerary and in rare cases cancel an activity. Embrace any changes to include replacing one activity with another due to circumstances beyond our control. Day 1 (March 19): Arriving to La Paz • Upon your arrival to the Cabo (SJD) or La Paz (LAP) Airports you will be greeted by our driver(s). From the Cabo airport it is a beautiful 2.5-hour drive through the coastal bluffs to the Hotel Catedral in La Paz. • Enjoy a special evening dinner courtesy of Panterra while getting to know fellow guests joining you on the trip. Day 2: Gray Whales – Magdalena Bay – The Ship • Check out of hotel. 5:30 am morning departure to Magdalena Bay (approx. 4 hour drive). Luggage will be transferred to the ship. • Stop for an authentic Mexican Ranch breakfast enroute. • Upon arrival we begin our whale watching adventure to include exploring a mangrove of nesting Frigatebirds and Cormorants, tide permitting. • Depart Magdalena Bay, stop for a fresh seafood lunch enroute. Arrive at the ship, the MV Adventure in time for drinks and appetizers as we set sail for the islands. Day 2 – 6: At Sea • Islands to be explored include; Isla Espiritu Santos, Isla Partida, Isla San Francisco, Isla San Jose and Isla Pardito. • For activities during the cruise please see below. Day 7: Disembarking the ship, Swim with Whale Sharks and Hotel Check In • After breakfast, disembark at 9:00/9:30 am, transfer to the day boats for a half day snorkel with the whale sharks (snacks/beverages provided). • Arrive to the Hotel Cathedral after your snorkel, pick up your room key at the front desk and enjoy the rest of the afternoon/early evening strolling and shopping along the famous Malecon (seawalk). • Plan on getting together for an evening meal at one of the local restaurants in La Paz. Day 8 (March 26): Expedition Concludes • Breakfast and hotel check-out. Our drivers will return you to the airport for your return flight home or continue with the Add-On adventures.
Activities Recommended Add-Ons for an Extended Stay: Meals
• Day trip to the gray whales Multiday Trips: • Fresh local dishes include seafood from
• Snorkel with whale sharks • Monarch Butterflies the area, and fresh meats, fruits and
• Copper Canyon by Train vegetables from the local farmers.
• Hiking, kayaking and snorkeling
• All meals are included with the exception
• Birdwatching / whalewatching Day Trips:
of lunch and dinner on Day 7 of the trip.
• Remote community visit(s) • East Cape Adventure (wildlife and history)
• Dietary needs can be accommodated
• Nightlight and astronomy • West Cape Adventure (arts and culture) with advanced notice.
• Exploring fauna, flora and geology
Expedition Includes: Expedition Cost:
• Airport and ground transfers while in Mexico (expedition dates) • $2695 USD per person based on dbl occ
• 5 nights onboard the ship, the MV Adventure • group size is limited to 16 participants
• Ship amenities (meals, alcohol / non-alcohol beverages,
accommodations, snorkel gear, kayaks and ships library) Panterra Facebook Photo Album
• National Park fees Links to past trips:
• 2 night stay at the Hotel Catedral in La Paz (breakfasts included) • Gray Whales and Whale Sharks 2019
• Gray Whales and Whale Sharks 2018
Expedition DOES NOT Include: • Gray Whales and Whale Sharks 2017
• Airfare
• Medical / Travel Insurance Additional links:
• Wetsuit (rental cost of $25 USD per person) • Trip Advisor Reviews
• Service provider gratuities • Frequently Asked Questions
• Items of a personal nature • Trip Payment
Panterra Eco Expeditions
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society
Mailing address: 9601 Sixth Street, Sidney, BC, Canada, V8L 2W1
Sidney, BC (Operations): (250) 655 – 1915 Email: info@panterra.com or Contact-Us Website: www.panterra.com
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