Baja Mexico Whale Watching | Road Scholar

Day

1

Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Scripps, La Jolla

Location: San Diego, California

Meals: L,D

Stay: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle

Activity Note

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Luggage can be stored at the front desk until the rooms are ready. Walking approximately 1 mile; mostly flat, paved path; standing approximately 1 hour at the aquarium.

Morning:

After you have your room assignment, see the hotel notice board for the location of our Road Scholar private meeting room where the Orientation Session will take place. 11:30 a.m. Register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet at the hotel front desk when you check-in. Our Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader for most field trips and deliver educational content unless specified otherwise. Transportation will be via private motorcoach. For meals that offer a choice of dishes, we will circulate a form in advance to note each person’s preferences and save time ordering. While in Mexico, purified water will always be available on the motorcoach, at the hotels, and in restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Lunch:

In the hotel’s private meeting room.

Afternoon:

We will then hop aboard our motorcoach and travel north to the exclusive coastal community of La Jolla, home to the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium. At the aquarium, a member of the education staff will present a lecture focused on whales to prepare us for our upcoming whale excursions. Following the presentation, we’ll enjoy an expert-led exploration of the aquarium, learning about some of the most significant highlights among its more than 60 marine habitats and exhibits. Next, we’ll continue to the famous La Jolla shores for a leisurely nature walk with our Group Leader along the coastline and its coves, ending at Seal Beach, now part of a protected marine reserve. Along the way, we’ll spot the endemic Torrey pines, learn about the nesting habits of cormorants and be able to distinguish seals from sea lions. We’ll then reboard our motorcoach and return downtown for dinner.

Dinner:

At a local restaurant

Evening:

Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Note: Both a valid passport and a personal permit are required for entry into Mexico. The permit will be issued by the Immigration Bureau upon entering Mexico. The Group Leader will be on hand to assist as needed. You must carry all your belongings across the border when entering Mexico and again when re-entering the United States. When going through Customs into Mexico and returning to the US, as a general rule, no fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats nor plants are allowed.

Day

2

Enter Mexico, Tijuana, Ensenada, San Vicente, San Quintin

Location: San Quintin, Baja California

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Mision Santa Maria

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 200 miles, approximately 5.5 hours. Walking approximately 0.5 miles throughout the day. Must carry all belongings across the border and walk 200 feet. Keep passports on hand for border crossing. No fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats nor plants are permitted into Mexico.

Breakfast:

In the hotel’s private meeting room.

Morning:

After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and begin our quest for gray whales, driving through the most-crossed border in the world, separating the United States and Mexico at San Ysidro. Together with the Group Leader, we must get off the bus and walk across the border (approximately 200 feet) carrying all our belongings as we go through Mexican immigration and customs. You will need to present your passport and complete a form on site to receive the required personal permit. The Group Leader will be on hand to assist as needed. We’ll then drive on to Ensenada along Mexican Federal Highway 1 that runs the entire length of Baja California from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. The scenic drive offers spectacular views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean. Our Group Leader will discuss the multiple aspects of this important border as well as presenting an overview of the peninsula as we ride. Ensenada rests on the shores of the beautiful Todos Santos Bay, endowed with a Mediterranean climate, friendly people, and a historical ambiance. Stop for lunch.

Lunch:

In a private home in Ensenada.

Afternoon:

Heading further south, we’ll stop in San Vicente and visit a small community museum maintained by an enthusiastic local lady who proudly welcomes guests to her museum. The final portion of our journey to San Quintin brings us through one of the peninsula’s most important agricultural areas. We will learn about the life of indigenous workers from Mexico’s southern states that migrate to this area to work as field hands. We expect to reach the hotel — situated in front of a wide-open beach — in the late afternoon for check-in. After some time to freshen up and relax, we’ll gather at the bar for a welcome toast to Mexico before dinner.

Dinner:

At the hotel

Evening:

At leisure. You might like to take a walk along the sandy beach and gaze at the uncontaminated night sky. Tonight, or any night when appropriate, enjoy the “sobremesa” — lingering at the table to chat after dinner — as is customary in Mexico. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day

3

Baja Peninsula Landscapes, Rock Art, Guerrero Negro

Location: Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Halfway Inn

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 260 miles, approximately 6 hours throughout the day. Short walks up to 0.5 mile; slight uphill, uneven paths. Short steep hike approximately 0.3 mile to visit cave (may be avoided).

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We’ll see ruggedly beautiful landscapes as we ride into the desert and begin to explore its wonders. The mountainous peninsula is covered by innumerable species of flora, many of which are endemic. Among them is the cirio (boojum tree), Baja's signature plant. Our Group Leader will provide expert commentary aboard the motorcoach to introduce the varied desert eco-systems as well as local flora which will help us to recognize and understand the distinctive vegetation during the drive and the short nature walks in these magnificent landscapes. Before lunch, we will stop at a cave with simple rock art in the middle of the Valle de los Cirios Nature Reserve. Cataviña is surrounded by gigantic granite boulders and unique vegetation. The scenic hike to the cave offers exceptional views both at the bottom and top of the hill where the cave is located. Until recently thought to be about 2,000 years old, tests have dated some of the older paintings at closer to 7,500 years. We will be joined by local schoolchildren who will lend a helping hand where the terrain is most challenging. The kids speak minimal English, so use your Spanish — no matter how rudimentary — or communicate in the universal language of gestures. As we interact with these youngsters, we’ll get a sense of what life is like in such a remote place.

Lunch:

At the Cataviña hotel restaurant. We will have Caldo Tlalpeño, a traditional soup- meal.

Afternoon:

We’ll reboard the motorcoach and continue our drive to Guerrero Negro — Black Warrior — situated on the 28th parallel just below the border with Baja California Sur. It also marks the beginning of the Vizcaino World Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to whale sanctuaries, migrant birds, endemic vegetation, gigantic rock art caves, and the world’s largest salt plant. Arriving in Guerrero Negro, we’ll check into the hotel with some time to freshen up, then gather for a toast and chat with fellow Road Scholars before dinner.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure. Prepare for early check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day

4

Nature Reserve, Scammon’s Lagoon & Whales, San Ignacio

Location: San Ignacio, Baja California Sur

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Desert Inn, San Ignacio

Activity Note

Getting in/out of minibuses, on/off a small panga boat (10-16 passengers) from an inclining pier with a knee-high step; panga riding approximately 3 hours. Dress in layers with waterproof jacket or windbreaker for boat ride, waterproof pants recommended, likelihood of getting wet. Boat ride can be bumpy and cold if windy and cloudy, but warm on a sunny day. Driving about 90 miles, approximately 2 hours.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We’ll check out of the hotel early and board our motorcoach to begin our gray whale adventure. Access to the whale sanctuaries is limited to a select number of authorized eco-operators. We’ll drive to the office of one such operator, then transfer to their minibuses for the journey across part of Exportadora de Sal, one of the world’s largest saltworks. Along the way, we’ll learn about the history and solar-evaporation process behind Baja’s salt production. Ospreys are especially common here, often nesting on telephone poles and even on the ground. Upon reaching the pier on Scammon’s Lagoon, we’ll embark on the first of three unforgettable outings to encounter gray whales. Dividing into smaller groups, we’ll board traditional panga boats with experienced local captains who will guide us through the lagoon. From these small boats, we’ll venture among the whales for close-up views of these remarkable marine mammals—sometimes at arm’s length. Each year, gray whales migrate roughly 5,000 miles from the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the sheltered lagoons of Baja California, where they court, mate, give birth, and nurture their calves. After returning to the pier, we’ll transfer back to the minibuses and return to the eco-operator’s base, where there will be time to freshen up.

Lunch:

In a local food truck.

Afternoon:

We’ll continue on to San Ignacio. Along the way, the Sierra de San Francisco Mountain chain rises parallel to the highway, while rolling hills of red volcanic rock gradually transform the landscape. Palms begin to fill the canyon as we approach San Ignacio, nestled in a lush oasis. This charming and peaceful town grew around an imposing 18th-century mission, still in use today, at the heart of the palm-filled valley. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have free time to relax or explore the town at your own pace. Before dinner, we’ll gather at the bar to sample a local beverage.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

5

San Ignacio Lagoon & Whales, Town Exploration

Location: San Ignacio, Baja California Sur

Meals: B,L

Stay: Desert Inn, San Ignacio

Activity Note

Getting in/out of vans, driving about 65 miles, approximately 2.5 hours round-trip; partly graded road. In San Ignacio Lagoon, getting in/out of small panga boats from the beach, possibly wading into shallow water up to knee high. Riding in boats approximately 2.5 hours. Bring water shoes, waterproof gear, wear roll-up pants. Boat ride can be bumpy and cold if windy and cloudy, but warm on a sunny day.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

With our Group Leader, we’ll board vans and travel to the remote San Ignacio Lagoon for another unforgettable whale encounter. Each outing offers a different experience and new opportunities for observation. Along the way, we’ll pass small fishing settlements along the lagoon’s shore, as well as a handful of eco-camps authorized to service whale excursions. Upon arrival at a designated eco-camp, we’ll prepare for our second memorable outing, beginning with a brief presentation by camp staff on the whales and the lagoon ecosystem. We’ll then divide into small groups, board panga boats with local captains, and set out in search of those blows, humps, and fins!

Lunch:

At a restaurant in the eco-camp.

Afternoon:

We’ll continue at the lagoon with some independent time to look for migrating birds, observe the ospreys caring for their chicks in nearby nests or simply find a spot to relax. In midafternoon, we’ll return to the hotel by van and have some time on our own before setting out again with our Group Leader on a walking visit of the town’s tree-shaded plaza. We’ll explore the well-preserved mission and observe daily life in the square, where locals gather and children play. We’ll also visit a local home known for its date bread and pie. In the company of our welcoming host, we’ll try our hand at making flour tortillas and enjoy them fresh with local ranch cheese.

Dinner:

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening:

At leisure. You might like to stroll on the plaza or enjoy the warm evening air in the hotel garden. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day

6

Scammon’s Lagoon, Desert Walk, Cataviña

Location: Cataviña, Baja California

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Mision Cataviña

Activity Note

Getting in/out of minibuses, on/off a small panga boat from an inclining pier with a knee-high step; boat riding approximately 3 hours, may be bumpy. Dress in layers with waterproof jacket or windbreaker for boat ride, waterproof pants recommended, likelihood of getting wet. Walking short distances in the desert; mostly flat, gravely, uneven terrain. Total driving is about 235 miles, approximately 5 hours.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

After checking out of the hotel, we will walk along the oasis to reach the water spring, a scenic picture spot, then board the motorcoach returning to Guerrero Negro for our third and final encounter with the whales. Back in Scammon’s Lagoon, transfer to the pier by minibus then board the panga boats to bid the whales farewell. Every outing is a memorable experience. Whales were slaughtered here for nearly a century during the whaling era. Since harvesting gray whales was banned in 1946, populations have rebounded. The “friendly” phenomenon among whales was first reported in 1976. Especially at the end of breeding season, “friendlies” have been known to seek human contact, often coming alongside and surfacing near pangas. Some whale mothers have even been observed apparently teaching their calves to interact with humans. These “friendly” behaviors exist only within the lagoons of Baja California where local boat captains are keen observers to be sure human behavior stays within bounds.

Lunch:

Bag lunch aboard the boats.

Afternoon:

After returning from our field trip, we’ll have time to freshen up before continuing north by motorcoach. Along the way, we’ll stop for a walk among especially tall cardón cacti and whimsical elephant trees before arriving in Cataviña for an overnight stay. Set in the heart of the Valle de los Cirios Nature Reserve, the Cataviña Boulder Field is defined by sun, sand, massive granite boulders, and striking combinations of boojum trees, cardón cacti, and elephant trees—creating one of Baja’s most remarkable landscapes, a superb “desert garden”. After checking in to the hotel, you’ll have time to freshen up before we gather in the cozy bar for a tasting of tequila, Mexico’s national spirit. We’ll learn about its origins, how it is produced, and what to look for in a quality tequila—then raise your glass for a traditional Mexican toast: salt, tequila, lime… salud! To the whales!

Dinner:

In a private set-up at the hotel

Evening:

We’ll continue to enjoy the festive mood with a selection of traditional Mexican “finger foods” as we further immerse in Mexican traditions. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day

7

Morning Walk, San Quintín Bay, Ensenada, Farewell Dinner

Location: Ensenada, Baja California

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Las Rosas Hotel & Spa

Activity Note

Early morning walking excursion. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 230 miles, approximately 6 hours. Walks up to 1 mile; slight uphills, uneven gravely paths.

Breakfast:

At the hotel,

Morning:

We’ll rise early and set out before breakfast for a walk to experience the striking beauty of the thorny desert in the light of the rising sun. After breakfast, we’ll board the motorcoach and enjoy our final views of this dramatic landscape as we continue toward San Quintín. There, we’ll leave the main highway and make our way to San Quintín Bay for lunch at a pleasant waterfront restaurant housed in a former flour mill.

Lunch:

At a restaurant facing San Quintín Bay.

Afternoon:

We will reboard our motorcoach and ride on to Ensenada with expected arrival in the late afternoon for hotel check-in. Ensenada is an active seaport and a popular holiday destination in Mexico. Relax at the hotel, enjoy its amenities and its spectacular ocean view from every room. Before dinner, gather at the hotel scenic bar. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell toast. As we dine, we will hear the rhythm of the waves against the cliffs below.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day

8

Program Concludes

Location: San Diego, California

Meals: B

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Passports required for border crossing. Must carry all belongings including luggage across the border and walk approximately 300 feet. Possibility of standing in line. No fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, or plants permitted. The State of California allows one liter of alcoholic beverages per adult (21 years of age and older).

Breakfast:

At the hotel

Morning:

We will depart Ensenada by motorcoach in the morning at 8:00 a.m. and cross the border back into San Diego. Final destinations are the San Diego Airport, with arrival expected at approximately 12:00 Noon. We will then continue to the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

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