Participate in Conservation on a Grand Scale
Intelligent, curious and physically impressive, whales are remarkable animals to be near. 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. And your work will support conservation efforts to ensure yours won’t be the last generation to experience the glory that is the Sea of Cortez.
sample itinerary
After an afternoon arrival in Baja California Sur you'll get to know your instructor team as you stroll along the Malecon, a pedestrian walkway. You'll enjoy the sunset on the Sea of Cortez, start learning about whale biology, and explore the EPI campus in La Paz.
sample itinerary
Today you'll board the “Pez Sapo”, your research vessel during the whale course. As soon as you embark on your voyage in the Sea of Cortez, you'll initiate the whale observation study. Later that evening you'll camp on a secluded beach or on the boat under star-lit skies.
sample itinerary
You'll fully immerse yourself in whale observation as you collect data up close from the research skiff. You study in detail the cetaceans encountered each day while you enjoy the scenery of red rock island cliffs contrasted with
spectacular azure waters.
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You'll finish up your field research and head back to civilization. In the evening you'll prepare your presentation for your intercultural exchange day and likely review the hundreds of photos you took of the largest animals on the planet.
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Today's intercultural exchange day will certainly be a highlight! You'll meet local students and learn about each other’s cultures, present research project results, and play soccer or volleyball while you practice Spanish with the locals.
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You'll round out your course by hiking to the San Javier Mission near Loreto or visiting the serpentarium in La Paz. On your last night you'll graduate at a festive farewell dinner and reflect on the wonders of whale research.
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Today you'll say goodbye to your instructors and head home from Baja California Sur.
Conservation Impact
Our Baja Whale Ecology Program allows you the 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 assist scientists in an authentic research project focusing on endangered marine mammals. Jump on board our research boat, and be an active collaborator in international conservation efforts helping the largest animals on the planet.
Academics and Education
Participants will spend five days and four nights searching the sea for whales aboard the Pez Sapo (local slang for the giant whale shark). You’ll learn how to identify varied species — blue, fin and humpback whales — as well as spot pods of swimming dolphins. You’ll contribute to the study and protection of these magnificent creatures in addition to working directly with them. The curriculum includes instruction and activities on cetacean identification, biology and ecology, along with conservation biology, journal writing, scientific method, research techniques, Spanish and art.
Cultural Exchange
The final three days of the program are spent on the Baja Peninsula, Mexico. Several local schools work with Ecology Project International, and you’ll visit one of them to share insights and collaborate with Mexican students. You’ll 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.