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A gray whale surfaces in the blue waters of Baja, Mexico, during the great migration.
Mexico

Mexico: The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders

Program No. 12315RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
San Diego, California
Program Concludes
San Diego, California
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
20 ( 7B, 7L, 6D )
Activity Level
From
2,999
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.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Get within an arm’s length of a pod of gray whales aboard a 12-person fishing boat.
  • Visit the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to learn about whales with marine biologists.
  • Examine the bizarre boojum tree, towering cardon cactus and contorted elephant tree in Baja deserts.
General Notes
Nature always comes first in our wildlife experiences. This is a whale-watching program, and whale behavior is unpredictable. While close encounters are common, consider personal interactions with these magnificent creatures a special bonus. Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants have to arrange their own flights as well as transportation to the first hotel in San Diego. The program ends at the Courtyard Marriott with a drop-off at the San Diego Airport on the way.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Born in Mexico City, Veronica Luka Rangel adopted Ensenada as her home in 1994 when she settled there to study Oceanography at the State University. Her passion to protect the environment inspired her to continue in university studies as an environmental education teacher. Her enthusiasm has helped fuel the development of remote villages in Baja California, organizing cultural and environmental events, as well as participating in summer programs with the Kumeyaay and Paipai native communities.
Jazmin Mariscal is originally from Mexico City but grew up in Ensenada where she received a bachelor's degree in communications and cultural studies at the UABC, the State University. Being passionate about people and nature, she founded an Urban Community Garden Project to shares her knowledge in permaculture practices. Jazmin also practices and teaches West African dance, another of her passions.
Artemio Sicilia was born in Mexico City but raised in Ensenada. His active lifestyle includes teaching and tutoring high school and university students in a wide range of subjects in addition to being a dedicated group leader since 1991. Artemio is enthusiastic, resourceful, an avid outdoorsman, and a certified ocean lifeguard; he volunteers as a Senior Scout Troop leader. His inquisitive nature motivates him to lifelong learning, delving into Mexican history and culture among other topics of interest.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1 mile per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain, including sidewalks and gravel paths; some uphills, stairs; some without railings. Standing up to 1 hour per day. Getting on/off a motorcoach, minivans and panga boat from both a pier and the shore. Up to 3 hours on a boat. Up to 6 hours on a motorcoach in a day. Minimum of 2 hours on a motorcoach each day. Total of approximately 30 hours of motorcoach time over 8 days and 1200 miles. Program will require approximately 4 miles of walking over 8 days. Must be able to carry luggage across the border, approximately 300 feet. Due to uneven terrain and desert walks, wheelchairs and scooters can not be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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