Morning:

Participants will learn basic snorkeling skills and then free-diving techniques in the shallow bay of Ensenada Grande.

Afternoon:
Participants will use their snorkeling skills to explore the rocky shoreline at Las Cuevas and their free-diving skills to see garden eels in the sandy flats at 25ft.

Evening Presentation:
Survival of the Finnest: Fish are the most abundant vertebrate animals which dominate nearly every habitat in the hydrosphere. Why are they so successful?

Morning:

We depart camp at about 6am, when the stars are still in the sky, and light is about to break. The hike is relatively flat with a few boulders to scramble up or slide down. The trail terminates at the opposite side of the island and reveals stunning views of the eastern side of the island, especially as the sun comes over the horizon. We will return to camp at about 830am for breakfast. The remainder of the morning will be free time to work on projects, journals, or to rest.

Afternoon:
Escape the heat and jump into the cool water at Isla El Candelero. This tiny island is a great spot to get up close to birds like cormorants, gulls, and pelicans; as this island serves as a small rookery.

Evening Presentation:
Gulf of California: Introduction to an ocean oasis: 40 minute slide show presentation that introduces students to oceanography and the physical processes which formed the Gulf of California and the biotic and abiotic factors that make it one of the most biological diverse marine systems on the planet.

Morning:
Snorkeling at El Candelero. This tiny island is a great spot to get up close to birds like cormorants, gulls, and pelicans; as this island serves as a small rookery. Below the surface are big schools of angel fish, snappers, and parrotfish. In the nooks and crannies of the reef are blennies, eels, and many invertebrates.

Afternoon:

Students will learn about geology of Espiritu Santo while they paddle the coastline in sit on top kayaks. They will identify basic rock formations and paddle into sea caves and though arches. We pass by “bachelor island” where the bull sea lions haul out during mating season.

Evening
Time for research projects

Morning:

Work along a scientist who is researching corals of the Gulf of California. Students will assist in coral restoration projects.

Afternoon:

SCUBA diving or discover SCUBA (non certified divers). Those who are not SCUBA diving will have options for other activities such as snorkeling or kayaking.

Evening:
Research projects.

 Morning:

Snorkeling at El Corralito one of the large expanses or coral reefs on the island. 

Afternoon:

SCUBA diving or discover SCUBA (non certified divers). Those who are not SCUBA diving will have options for other activities such as snorkeling or kayaking.

Evening: Research projects.

Return to La Paz. Overnight at Hyatt.

Morning:
Meet with local environmental activists working on projects to help protect the Sea of Cortez. Possible presentations by scientists, as well as non-traditional science disciplines such as filmmakers, artists, and storytellers who work to study, document, and preserve the Sea of Cortez.  — Actual presentation will be determined by the availability of the speakers that day.

Afternoon:
We will visit some of the cultural attractions of La Paz, then shopping for souvenirs along the malecon.

Evening:
We’ll gather once last time at Rancho Viejo Restaurant for a mouth watering dinner of their famous arrecherra style meat with fresh salsas and tortillas.

Morning:
We will meet in the hotel restaurant for a hearty breakfast for your big travel day. Depending of departure times and arrival times of the next group, your group may depart La Paz as early as 9am. You will journey by 15-passenger van to Los Cabos Airport. Flights depart after 4pm. 

We hope you now love the Sea of Cortez as much as we do!