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Plan Your Adventure > Scuba Diving
> Whale Shark Research and Natural History Expedition
| Whale Shark Research and Natural History Expedition |
Join our quest as we cruise the sea in search of the world's largest fish and actively collaborate in an important study of whale sharks.
Aboard the Don Jose, you don’t need to be a diver to be wowed by wildlife in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. Bring the whole family for a cruise in this magical “world’s aquarium” (as Jacques Cousteau described it). You can hike, kayak, swim, and explore nature in between whale shark sightings, Or if you’re a scuba diver, jump in!
A spotter plane will help marine biologist Dení Ramírez locate the enormous, spotted plankton feeders, who migrate here to feed and give birth. Like sharks everywhere, these animals are threatened worldwide, and Deni’s research – with your help – contributes to the knowledge base necessary to their preservation.
Each spring these amazing fish migrate to the Sea of Cortez, which teems with plankton, their primary food source. Feeding at the surface, the whale sharks give you plenty of opportunities for close encounters—even without the need for scuba gear. To increase the odds of finding them, we use a spotter plane for a limited time each trip to direct our boat towards the animals as they feed.
During each encounter, you'll observe and assist Dení as she obtains DNA samples, takes photographic IDs and records behaviors. Data on feeding zones, biology, genetics and migratory patterns will be gathered and analyzed to promote global conservation of this threatened species. You'll also learn how you can even help with whale shark research after your trip —by submitting photos and sighting information which will be used in mark-recapture studies.
The thrills of this expedition don't end with big fish sightings. We'll also stop at some of the best dive sites in the area that have earned the Sea of Cortez its world-famous reputation for diving excellence.
Your adventure is aboard our 80' Don Jose. Its high second and third decks provide spectacular vantage points as you ply the seas in search of whale sharks. This vessel was designed and built in 1978 especially for Baja Expeditions. The Don Jose comfortably accommodates up to 16 passengers in seven above-deck cabins, each with a changing area, storage closet, adjacent shower and head, plus a sink in most.
Air conditioning is available at night in each cabin. With a convenient swim step, storage lockers, DVD and VHS video system and a natural history library for your perusal, this vessel will make your adventure a true pleasure.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared by our onboard cooks. Each evening, you'll also enjoy our famous Don Jose-style happy hour as you watch the sun and moon change guard.
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| Map Url: |
Trip Map |
| Itinerary: |
Day 1 ~ Arrive in La Paz, Mexico
Arrive in La Paz and transfer to the Marina Don Jose to meet your dive master and visiting guide and check into the Don Jose. Spend the rest of the day exploring the colorful city of La Paz on your own before spending the night dockside on board the Don Jose. (No meals)
Day 2 - 6 ~ Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California)
Early in the morning of Day 2 our search for the whale sharks begins, as we head out to the Sea of Cortez, also called the Gulf of California. Each spring the plankton-rich waters near La Paz provide excellent feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of marine animals including whales, dolphins, sea lions and whale sharks.
While all these species may be in the area, we will focus on encounters with whale sharks, the largest fish in all the oceans. The periodic aid of a spotter airplane will direct us to any animals found in the area.
Our visiting guide and researcher, Deni Ramirez, will be on hand to help you learn more about this magnificent fish. So little is known about the whale sharks that the research she is conducting is vital to understanding and protecting this threatened species.
Obtaining DNA samples, taking photographic IDs and observing whale sharks to obtain sex ratios and sizes has allowed Dení to begin the process of defining the population. Participants will have a chance to assist Deni as she works with the sharks and learn more about the global effort to protect them through talks, discussions, and demonstrations.
Not only will we encounter whale sharks, but we will visit some of the best dive sites in the area, explore these legendary islands, snorkel with playful sea lions and investigate odd and mysterious plants that somehow thrive in the rocky desert.
The daily itinerary depends on the groups' experience level, location of the whale sharks, weather conditions, and other variables. (B/L/D daily)
Day 7 ~ Sea of Cortez to La Paz
After a morning dive to savor the last moments of this incredible getaway, it's time to say goodbye. We return to La Paz, having lunch en route, and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 8 ~ La Paz to your home city
Depart to your home city. (No meals) This is a general itinerary and subject to change.
Hotel on night 7 and transfer from the airport in La Paz to the dock are included in the trip fee. |
| Trip Fee: |
$1995 deluxe/$1,795 standard pp dbl occ
For a family of 2 adults and 1 kid 15 and under staying in the same deluxe cabin, the kid is entitled to a 30% discount. If 2 kids are traveling with the 2 adults, the younger kid stays for free while the older one gets 30% off.
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| Includes: |
Deluxe or standard shipboard accommodations on days 1-6; B/L/D on Days 2-6; B/L on Day 7, hotel on night 7. Beer, soda and wine while shipboard; Spotter plane to search for whale sharks (Limited time); Dive tanks, weights and belts; transfer from airport to the Don Jose on Day 1. Services of knowledgeable guides and caring crew members; detailed pre-departure information to help you plan your trip.
The Conservation Passport Fee of $25 is not included in our trip fee. The Passport was designed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to raise funds for the continued protection of the shorelines, inlets, beaches and covers that make this area so extraordinary to visit. The passport allows you to visit Mexico's Protected Areas as many times as you wish for an entire year. |
| Trip Dates: |
| May 20 - May 27, 2012 |
Available |
| May 27 - June 3, 2012 |
Almost Sold Out |
| June 3 - June 10, 2012 |
Available |
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Whale Shark and Natural History Expedition Guide Reports:
* Whale Sharks Diving Quest and Research Project was reformatted in late 2009 to include natural history in the itinerary. Now divers AND non-divers can join us on this trip! |
The best advice comes from real people. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to learn from travelers who’ve gone before you. In this section, you can read reviews from past Baja Expeditions participants, and see what they have to say about their experiences on our Whale Shark Research and Natural History Expedition.
“An overall excellent experience with an amazing crew... Deni was very good. Her presentations and knowledge made the trip very enjoyable.”
—Dennis Divins and Sherry Piatt, Arnold, California, USA, 2010
“Very unique experience. Excellent crew. Food very delicious.”
—Lucille James, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 2010
“Definitely would travel with Baja Expeditions again! Having Deni share her expertise was a big advantage.”
—Cecelia Mooney, Spokane, Washington, USA, 2010 |
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| Trip Rating: |
Appropriate for all ages |
| Trip Length: |
8 days / 7 nights |
| Price: |
From 1,795 pp dbl occ |
| Accommodations: |
6 nights on the Don Jose / 1 night in a waterfront hotel |
| Activities: |
Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, whale shark field research participation |
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