Whales in Baja, Mexico
Intelligent, curious, and physically impressive, whales are remarkable animals to behold. Aboard the research vessel Pez Sapo, you’ll scan the shimmering blue horizon for fins. At night, you’ll sleep beneath the stars on pristine beaches. Your work will support conservation efforts to ensure that yours won’t be the last generation to experience the whales in Baja, Mexico and the glory of the Sea of Cortez.
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sample itinerary
Arrive in Baja - After an afternoon arrival in Baja California Sur, you'll get to know your instructor team as you stroll along the Malecon, La Paz's waterfront boardwalk. Enjoy the sunset on the Sea of Cortez, start learning about whale biology, ecology and species identification, and explore EPI's campus in La Paz.
sample itinerary
To the boat - Today you'll board the “Pez Sapo”, your research vessel on course. As soon as you embark on your voyage in the Sea of Cortez, the whale biology and ecology observation studies begin. Later that evening you'll camp on a secluded beach or on the boat under star-lit skies.
sample itinerary
Dive into Research - Fully immerse yourself in whale ecology observation as you collect data up close from the research skiff. Study whales in detail while you enjoy the scenery of red rocks and island cliffs contrasted with
spectacular azure waters.
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Back to Land - Finish up your whale ecology field research and head back to the mainland. In the evening, prepare your presentation for tomorrow's intercultural exchange day and review the hundreds of photos you took of the largest animals on the planet.
sample itinerary
Exchange - Meet local students and learn about each other’s cultures, present your whale ecology research results, and play soccer or volleyball while you practice Spanish with your Mexican peers.
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Wrap Up - Round out your course by hiking to the San Javier Mission near Loreto or visiting the serpentarium in La Paz. Tonight you'll graduate at a festive farewell dinner and reflect on the wonders of whale ecology research.
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Depart - Say goodbye to your instructors and head home from Baja California Sur reflecting on the whales in Baja, Mexco and the time you spent studying whale ecology on the Sea of Cortez.
Conservation Impact
This course is a rare chance to join a whale research project in the Sea of Cortez, a World Heritage Site and home to 39 percent of the world’s marine mammal species. This program is an amazing opportunity to see whales in Baja, Mexico and assist scientists in an authentic research project focusing on endangered marine mammals. Jump on board our research boat and become an active collaborator in international conservation efforts; help ensure a future for the largest animals on the planet.
Safety
EPI is committed to ensuring a safe and rewarding experience for participants in all our programs. Baja California Sur, the region where EPI works, remains safe and free of travel restrictions. All our program sites are vetted for safety concerns, and the city of La Paz remains as safe as most American cities. Additionally, EPI’s Baja courses are primarily conducted in remote, secure locations and on the grounds of our private campus. Please contact us if you have questions about safety in traveling to Mexico.
Academics and Education
As a participant, you’ll spend five days and four nights aboard the vessel Pez Sapo (local slang for the giant whale shark), searching the Sea of Cortez for whales. You’ll learn how to identify varied species — blue whales, fin whales humpbacks —and spot pods of swimming dolphins. You’ll contribute to the study of whale ecology and protection of these magnificent creatures while working directly with them. EPI’s curriculum includes instruction and activities on whale identification, biology, and ecology, along with conservation biology, field journaling, scientific method, research techniques, Spanish, and art.
Cultural Exchange
The final three days of the program are spent on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Dozens of local schools work with EPI, and you’ll visit one of them to share insights and meet with Mexican students. Many U.S. groups also participate in a service project with one of our local partners, such as trail building for the national park or an aquaculture project for a local non-governmental organization.
If you are an individual student hoping to join an EPI group, you can! Check available dates and enroll now on-line!
Conservation for the next generation A nonprofit organization
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