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Sea of Cortez Whale Shark Research and Natural History
Join our quest as we cruise the sea to study and observe whale sharks
Price: $1,795 USD per person
Duration: 8 days
Operator: Baja Expeditions
Each spring, these amazing fish migrate to the Sea of Cortez, which teems with plankton, their primary food source. Feeding at the surface, the whale sharks give you plenty of opportunities for close encounters without the need for scuba gear. To increase the odds of finding them, we use a spotter plane to direct our boat towards the animals as they feed.
During each encounter, you'll observe and assist Dení as she obtains DNA samples, takes photographic IDs and records behaviors. Data on feeding zones, biology, genetics and migratory patterns will be gathered and analyzed to promote global conservation of this threatened species. You'll also learn how you can even help with whale shark research after your trip —by submitting photos and sighting information which will be used in mark-recapture studies.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - ARRIVE IN LA PAZ
Arrive in La Paz and transfer to the Marina Don Jose to meet your dive master and visiting guide and check into the Don Jose. Spend the rest of the day exploring the colorful city of La Paz on your own before spending the night dockside on board the Don Jose. (No meals)
Days 2 - 6 - Sailing the Sea of Cortez
Early in the morning of Day 2 our search for the whale sharks begins, as we head out to the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Each spring the plankton-rich waters near La Paz provide excellent feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of marine animals including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and whale sharks. While all these species may be in the area, we will focus on encounters with whale sharks, the largest fish in all the oceans.
Our visiting guide and researcher, Deni Ramirez, will be on hand to help you learn more about this magnificent fish. So little is known about the whale sharks that the research she is conducting is vital to understanding and protecting this threatened species.
Obtaining DNA samples, taking photographic IDs and observing whale sharks to obtain sex ratios and sizes has allowed Dení to begin the process of defining the population. Participants will have a chance to assist Deni as she works with the sharks and learn more about the global effort to protect them through talks, discussions, and demonstrations.
Not only will we encounter whale sharks, but we will visit some of the best dive sites in the area, explore these legendary islands, snorkel with playful sea lions and investigate odd and mysterious plants that somehow thrive in the rocky desert.
The daily itinerary depends on the groups' experience level, location of the whale sharks, weather conditions, and other variables. (B/L/D daily)
Day 7 - Sea of Cortez to La Paz
After a morning dive to savor the last moments of this incredible getaway, it's time to say goodbye. We return to La Paz, having lunch en route, and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 8 - La Paz to Home
Depart to your home city. (No meals) This is a general itinerary and subject to change.
Prices & Dates
Dates: May & June
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: $1,795 USD per person
Included: Deluxe or standard shipboard accommodations on days 1-6; B/L/D on Days 2-6; B/L on Day 7, hotel on night 7. Beer, soda, and wine while shipboard; Dive tanks, weights and belts; transfer from airport to the Don Jose on Day 1.
Excluded: Airfare to La Paz and meals as indicated on the itinerary are not included. Also, the Conservation Fee of $30 is not included in our trip fee. This covers the use of Mexico's new conservation passport and the support of the Fund for the Protected Areas in Southern Baja California (FOSANP). The passport allows you to visit Mexico's Protected Areas as many times as you wish for an entire year.
Conservation
Benefitting Organization:
Friends of Wild Baja - A campaign by Baja Expeditions to protect some of Baja's last great places, including Magdalena Bay, Laguna San Ignacio, and the Mechudo Corridor. Donations are used to support proactive conservation strategies including purchasing conservation easements to maintain lands as open space, developing sustainable fisheries, and environmental monitoring and enforcement.
By booking through SEEtheWILD, we will make a donation of $90 to this fund to support wildlife conservation programs in this region.
Featured Animals: sharks
Images
Call us at 503-395-7360
Mon - Fri
9am to 5pm
Pacific Time
Similar Trips:
SEEtheWILD Promise
All of our trips & volunteer expeditions:
- Directly support wildlife conservation
- Educate travelers about wildlife
- Support local communities
- Reduce environmental impact