Skip to Main Content
Mexico

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

Program No. 12315RJ
Witness the gray whale migration, one of nature’s most phenomenal events, and see these gentle giants up close in the heart of their breeding grounds.
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
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.
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.
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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking short distances on varied terrain. Boarding small fishing boats from pier and beach, possibly wading into water knee high. Driving time on bus from 1.5 - 6 hours daily, half hour on a graded road. Elevations up to 3,500 feet (900 m.). For border crossings: must carry all belongings across the border including luggage and carry-ons and walk up to 300 feet (90 m) on a smooth sidewalk. Possibility of standing in line. Bathroom facilities on-route range from modern to rustic.
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
View Full List
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
Enroll with Confidence
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.

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.

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.

Sustainable Travel

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