Gray whale and sea turtle adventure in Magdalena Bay Base Camp

Gray whale and sea turtle adventure in Magdalena Bay Base Camp

Journey to Magdalena Bay, “jewel of the Pacific” and home to a staggering number of migratory and marine birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals including the migratory gray whales.

On this four – day expedition you will witness the incredible gray whales that migrate from the Arctic to mate and calve in these protected waters, as well as participate in a world – renowned sea turtle research and conservation project. You’ll have the chance to explore the vast sand dunes, kayak through lush mangrove canals, and wonder at the star – filled nights. When not out on the water, pop in the kitchen for an impromptu class on regional cooking, or head down to the beach to see what you can learn about traditional fishing techniques. Enjoy comfort, local cuisine and hospitality in our eco – camp nestled into the dunes at the water’s edge. Camp can be reserved for family getaways and private escapes.

Day 1 - La Paz to Magdalena Bay
Depart from La Paz early in the morning en route to Magdalena Bay (3.5 hours with stop at a rancho for coffee and bathroom), Enjoy lunch before heading out to see the gray whales that come here to mate and calve before returning to Bering Sea. Afterwards, you’ll arrive at RED’s Gray Whale Camp nestled into the natural surroundings, and after happy hour, learn about the important sea turtle restoration project which will be the focus of tomorrow’s activities. Get a good night’s rest, tomorrow we search for turtles. Includes lunch and dinner

Day 2 - Sea Turtle Monitoring and mangrove exploration
Wake up early and grab a cup of coffee and watch the fisher-conservationists prepare the nets used in the sea turtle monitoring, or stay in bed and catch a few extra z’s. During breakfast we will learn about the monitoring protocol and how we can participate in the data collection. Every two hours you will have the chance to accompany the monitoring team in pangas to check the nets for turtles. Captured sea turtles will be transported to camp where we will help take measurements and other important data before releasing them back into the wild. During the day you’ll have the chance to get out and explore the mangroves and dunes that make Magdalena Bay so unique. Monitoring continues into the night. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Gray whale observation
Today we set out after breakfast to search for the friendly gray whales that make the incredible migration from the Bering Sea, all the way down to Magdalena Bay where every year the whales come to breed and calve. Get ready for an incredible interaction with another species. When not out observing gray whales, pop into the kitchen to learn about regional cuisine, or relax and get lost in a book. After dinner, relax and enjoy the stars in a night sky that never disappoints. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Gray Whales to La Paz
In the morning wake up to take in the spectacular sunrise one more time. After breakfast we will bid farewell to our hosts and head out in the search for whales. Make sure your camera is handy to capture images of these magnificent giants. After a picnic lunch on a secluded barrier island, we start back for La Paz where the journey concludes. Includes breakfast and lunch