Trip Overview

5-Day Marine Biology Introductory Course 

Part 1 of 4 - Dwellers Beneath the Sea and Sea Turtle Hatchlings  - The Importance of Conservation

4 nights hotel/3 days snorkelling activities

Do you know: 

1. Why did the whale sharks disappear early this year?

2. Why did over 50 gray whales arrive in the Sea of Cortez unexpectedly?       

3. What is El Niño/La Niña, and how does it affect the marine environment?    

These questions and more will be discussed during our informal conversations.

October in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) is the ideal time for sea turtle hatchlings to emerge from their nests and for snorkeling with sea lions after the pupping season. This region is renowned for its year-round diversity of marine life, including whales, dolphins, coastal birds, and a wide variety of fish and invertebrates.

Air Temps: Expect warm days with highs in the 80-90 °F (26-32°C). NO WETSUIT REQUIRED!

Water Temps: Expect warm, inviting waters ranging from 80-85°F (26-30°C). It is a magical time of year for snorkelling due to its excellent visibility. 

The course is designed as an introduction to marine biology, providing participants with a basic understanding of the diversity, behaviour, and interactions of marine organisms with their environment, their niche in the ecosystem, and the impact of human activities and environmental changes.

Participants will receive:

1. The Panterra Marine Science Field Workbook  

- to record your experiences, serve as a keepsake, and provide future reference.  

- informal discussions after the field sessions regarding the day's encounters (at the hotel).

2. A Certificate of Completion for the course  

3. A copy of photos capturing the marine life we encountered on the trip. This is a great teaching resource for the classroom.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of marine life in the Sea of Cortez through engaging, hands-on experiences. Participants will discover how these remarkable organisms interact and coexist, creating a vibrant tapestry of life beneath the sea that thrives in perfect harmony. Please refer to the Trip Overview for more detailed information about the planned activities. The informal sessions at the hotel will provide theoretical support for the day’s encounters as we complete the different sections of the workbook.

Our Playground is the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beauty and rich marine life. Jacques Cousteau famously called it "the world’s aquarium," highlighting its unique biodiversity and experiences. Join us for a blend of adventure, education, and hands-on engagement as you learn about the natural history of the marine environment.

            Unleash the explorer in you and join us on an educational adventure of a lifetime!

You'll be treated to breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters. Your trip includes 4 nights' accommodations at the Hotel Catedral, 3 x day trips of snorkelling: Espiritu Santo Island, Los Islotes and Cabo Pulmo. 

This educational trip is appropriate for individuals with novice to moderately advanced skill levels. Basic swimming proficiency and some snorkelling experience are prerequisites for participation. The program is ideal for guests interested in learning more about the marine environment, teachers and museum docents for professional development, and an educational snorkelling adventure and getaway.

The key highlights of the course encompass snorkelling activities, observation of wildlife, and the integration of a marine science field workbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Accommodations:  Hotel Catedral is a new lodging concept designed to meet the needs of today's travellers. Located in the historic center of La Paz, and a short walk to the Malecon, it is surrounded by major points of interest and is adjacent to the oldest church in the city, the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated architecture in a contemporary modernist style, Hotel Catedral focuses on every detail to provide guests with exceptional quality and service, both in its accommodations and its haute cuisine restaurant. More than just a place to stay, the hotel invites guests to embrace a lifestyle of elegance, comfort, and relaxation.  The hotel features a beautiful rooftop pool and bar, adding to its appeal. 

Meals/Beverages: Upon arrival on Day 1, a special "Welcome to Baja" dinner is planned for the group, courtesy of Panterra. Each morning, the hotel provides a delightful Mexican buffet breakfast as a complimentary service. On snorkel days, snacks, water, and beverages will be available, along with lunch provided for 2 of the 3 days. Guests are responsible for all other meals not mentioned.

 Experts in the Field: Our senior naturalist and guest marine biologists/scientists will lead guided wildlife excursions in diverse environments for comparative analysis. An evening presentation on the natural history of the marine environment will be offered alongside instructional guidance and hands-on experience in the field. The collective expertise of your instructors exceeds 60 years, underscoring their status not only as specialists but as seasoned veterans in their respective disciplines.

Course Material: The curriculum (your course workbook) has been designed to introduce participants to the natural history of the marine environment in the Sea of Cortez. It has been taught for over 30 years as a credit program to students around the world and is now being offered to participants in a shorter form.
Part of the resource material includes field guides designed by our lead naturalist, Lela Sankeralli, with 35 years of experience exploring the southern Gulf Islands of the Sea of Cortez.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for the course.

This particular trip, Part 1, is the start of a series of 5 being offered by Panterra. 

Journey to the Sea of Cortez - Marine Biology Introductory Course 

Part 1 - October 26 - 30 - Dwellers Beneath the Sea and Sea Turtle Hatchlings - The Importance of Conservation

Part 2 - March 23 - 27 - Fish and Marine Mammals - Migrations and the Sea of Cortez 

Part 3 - May 23 - 27 - Mobula Rays and Orcas - Prey/Predator Relationships

Part 4 - July 2 - 6 - Reefs, Rocks and Mobula Rays - Food Chains and Webs

Part 5 - Cruise Expedition - July 2026 - To be announced late 2025/early 2026. This multiday cruise will visit areas rarely visited by tourists and other areas where new species have arrived in the Sea of Cortez, establishing new territories.  

DISCLAIMER: We kindly ask our guests to understand that weather conditions are beyond our control. Our itinerary has been designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate any necessary changes. While it is rare, there may be instances where we need to replace one activity with another or shift activity days. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace any changes that may arise due to circumstances beyond our control. Prices quoted are in USD, all taxes included.
 

Oct. 27 - The trip begins in La Paz at the Hotel Catedral with check-in at 3:00 pm. Once you are settled in, we invite you to join us at 4:00 pm for a cocktail, presentation and introduction of the Panterra Marine Science Field Workbook followed by a “Welcome to the Baja Dinner,” courtesy of Panterra.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - After breakfast, we will take a short walk to the office where we will gear up and depart for Espiritu Santo Island.
Activities planned:
- 2 snorkel sessions observing and identifying the marine life encountered
- Bird watching and identification
Upon return, we will take a short break and then gather at the hotel rooftop for an informal get-together to summarize and record the day's encounter in the Workbook. Approx. an hour long, wrapping up the day's activities.
- Dinner and the evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure.

 Day 3 - After breakfast, we will take a short walk to the office where we will gear up and depart for the California sea lion habitat at Los Islotes. 

Activities planned: 

- Natural history tour around Los Islotes 

- Gear up and enjoy a snorkel with California sea lions at their colony. Observe and identify the marine life encountered at this amazing microecosystem.

- After the colony we will head over to "the cave" for our second snorkel

 - Bird watching and identification on the return. 

- Upon return to the hotel, we will take a short break and then gather at the hotel rooftop for an informal get-together to summarize and record the day's encounters in the Workbook. Approx. an hour long, wrapping up the day's activities. 

- Dinner and the evening are yours to enjoy at your leisure. 

Early morning, 6:30 am departure from the hotel with breakfast on the way.

Days Activities:

- 8:00 am sea turtle hatchling release 

- 9:30 am - 12:30 pm - 3 hrs in the marine reserve 

- 3  or more snorkel sessions scheduled

- lunch afterwards - guest responsibility

- head back to the hotel

- Evening group dinner. Guest responsibility

After breakfast, we will meet for a short exam (as a testament to the knowledge gained during the course) followed by the presentation of the Certificate of Completion. This now concludes the 5 day Marine Biology Introductory Course.

Check out is at 12:30 pm. 

Guests are welcome to arrive a few days earlier or stay a few days later. Of course, we will extend our special discounted rate at the hotel to you.