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On the Road: The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders |
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Program Number: |
12315RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
7 nights |
| Location: |
San Diego, USA
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| Price starting at: |
$1,649.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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On the Road; Natural History; Independent City Discoveries
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| Meals: |
20;
7 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Observe one of the most miraculous natural phenomena on the planet: the 5,000-mile winter migration of gray whales to the Baja Peninsula to mate and deliver their calves. Journey from San Diego into Mexico to trace the migration and lifecycle of the gray whale.
Highlights
• Aboard a 12-person fishing boat, get within an arm’s length of a pod of gray whales.
• Visit the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to learn about whales with marine biologists.
• In the deserts of Baja, examine the bizarre boojum tree, towering cardon cactus, contorted elephant tree and other endemic plants.
Activity Particulars
Be able to board small fishing boats from pier and from beach, possibly wading into shallow water up to knee high; possibility of encountering rough seas. Walks are usually short and on relatively flat terrain, however often on uneven ground; if participant can't join, he/she may spend time in town or at the hotel during the activity. Driving time on bus varies, up to 5 hours/day. Four hours van drive on graded road. Bathroom facilities on-route range from modern to rustic.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival San Diego, Calif., 1 night; coach to San Quintin (Mexico), 1 night; coach to Guerrero Negro, 1 night; coach to San Ignacio, 2 nights; coach to Cataviña, 1 night; coach to San Diego, Calif., 1 night; departure.
Independent arrival San Diego, Calif. | 1 night | Coach to San Quintin (Mexico) | 1 night | Coach to Guerrero Negro | 1 night | |
Begin your deep dive into the life of the gray whale with an excursion to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla for an introductory lecture given by a marine biologist, followed by an expert-led exploration of the aquarium. Explore beautiful La Jolla’s shores, and walk to the famous coves and protected seal beach. Drive through the most-crossed border in the world into Mexico, and explore the wonders of the desert and its innumerable species of flora, including the cirio (boojum tree), Baja's signature plant. Enjoy a lecture on the Vizcaino World Biosphere, and learn about birds, whales and the largest salt plant in the world.
Coach to San Ignacio | 2 nights | Coach to Cataviña | 1 night | Coach to San Diego, Calif. | 1 night | Departure |
Each year, gray whales travel approximately 5,000 miles from the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm waters of the wildlife refuges of Scammon’s Lagoon and San Ignacio Lagoon to court and mate, to give birth and care for their young. Here’s your chance to get within arm’s reach of them in this Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Three outings in small fishing boats are scheduled in two lagoons on three different days. Learn about the whale-counting process and surveillance system in the whale sanctuary. In San Ignacio, visit the tree-filled “zocalo,” and enter a local’s home where you’ll enjoy the company of your host and learn to make flour tortillas by hand. Back into the Central Desert, a combination of sun, sand, gigantic granite boulders and amusing collages of boojums, cardons and elephant trees that make Cataviña a superb desert garden.
San Diego
The oldest city in California, San Diego possesses a rich history in a gorgeous, light-filled setting. Cabrillo National Monument, historic Old Town and the city’s Spanish Mission help to tell the story of San Diego’s past. The city is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and cross-cultural feel.
Mexico
The oldest of the land’s found by Europeans in the New World, Mexico has endured a rough history at the hands of Cortes and subsequent invaders. Despite a turbulent past, the country maintains its relaxed and inviting charm with a mix of modern and traditional from its industrious cities to its captivating wildernesses.
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Accommodations
Comfortable hotels, including historic colonial style hotels in Mexico.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Esther Mitrani
| | Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
| | | | Isabel Sanchez
| | Although she lived for many years in the United States, Ensenada is Isabel Sanchez's hometown and where she first worked as a guide for cruise-ship passengers. She moved to Palm Springs, Calif., specializing in leading desert excursions. A desire to return to her family and home, and to instill the native culture in her children, inspired Isabel to return to Tijuana in 2004 and join Andiamo.
| | | | Hiroshi Kawashima
| | Hiroshi Kawashima’s mother is a native of Baja California and his father is Japanese. He studied biology at the State University and, as an avid surfer, he has become an expert on Baja California’s coast. His ease in human relations, love for nature and extremely active outdoor life have helped him develop a deeper understanding of his rugged homeland and its people. Having acquired a taste from his Japanese ancestors, he began a successful tea business in 2002.
| | | | Karla Patterson
| | While art is Karla Patterson’s passion and ceramic production is a constant in her life, her vibrant personality, love of travel and desire to expand her knowledge has made her an expert leader. Although Baja Californian is her home, Karla has lived throughout Mexico, the United States and Europe, working in public relations, teaching, guiding and participating in art courses. Her guiding experience began with the cruise ships, leading groups in Ensenada.
| | | | Carlos Granados
| | Born in Los Mochis and one of 11 siblings, Carlos Granados’ family moved to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Living on the border, he studied English and completed high school in the U.S., as well as some studies in biological sciences at the University of Texas. In 1984, his family returned to Sinaloa to begin a cotton seed mill business, where Carlos worked as a seed analyst for 12 years. Carlos’ love of the region led him to become certified as a specialist in the Copper Canyon. | | | | Audrey Evans
| | Audrey is an education specialist at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the coordinator for their whale watching excursions. Spending her early childhood in northern California, she developed a love for all things marine. She holds a degree in biology, concentrating on ecology and evolution, and has a ten-year career as an informal science educator. Audrey has held past positions as a naturalist as well as an educator for an environmental non-profit where she taught members of her community to recognize chemical and biological indicators of water quality. She has always had a particular interest in marine mammals and looks forward to witnessing the annual migration of gray whales as they pass the San Diego coast. Audrey has observed these animals up-close in their breeding grounds in Baja California, and is always enthusiastic to share her experience and knowledge with others! | | | | Maria Mitrani
| | Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led tours through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo. | | | |
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