Paddle through dense mangrove canals lush with wildlife and take part in a sea turtle conservation project recognized around the world as a model for community based conservation. You will learn about the importance of the green sea turtle’s survival from our base camp on a secluded island. Spend time exploring Magdalena Bay discovering neighboring islands and hiking up pristine sand dunes that lead to miles of untouched beaches. Experience the perfect combination of adventure, discovery and comfort for all ages. (Oct – May)
Sea turtle monitoring takes place both during the day and throughout the night. While night monitoring can be an exciting experience, travelers are free to pass the time stargazing or sleeping; the local conservation team will make sure the monitoring happens. So whether you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and jump right into conservation, or are content lying on the shell beach daydreaming, this trip will accommodate you. It’s your adventure.
Keywords: sea turtles, kayak, mangroves, marine biology, science & research, bird watching, sand dunes, hands on conservation, sustainable community development, stargazing, beautiful landscapes, gourmet cuisine & fresh seafood, cultural exchange, Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Trip Overview
• 5 day expedition
• Hands on participation in world renowned community based seaturtle conservation project
• Activities: stargazing, guided kayaking , mangrove excursion, island exploration, nocturnal dune hikes. Guided exploration of Magdalena Bay and local flora and fauna through mangrove canals
• Genuine cultural interaction with guides and hosts from local fisher community
• Regional cuisine with gourmet flair
• Cooking class with local chef
• Camp facilities include spacious tents with mattresses and bedding
• Trips run October through May. Gray whale observation in February and March
Itinerary
Day 1: Travelers depart with their guide from La Paz to Magdalena Bay (Loreto opEons available), stopping en route to sample local ranchero fare. AHer arriving to Magdalena Bay (3hrs), clients board pangas and head out to the base camp. AHer lunch and to local hosts, naturalist guides present a detailed orientaEon and informaEon on local sea turtle ecology and conservaEon projects. Stargazing follows dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 2: Fishermen head out before dawn to set driH nets and iniEate the sea turtle monitoring. Travelers can kayak out to observe the monitoring nets throughout the day and into the night. The day also includes Eme to relax or kayak around the Island.
Day 3: The monitoring concludes and any remaining sea turtles are released aHer being measured and tagged. In the afternoon, kayakers can paddle through lush mangroves to spot birds and marine life.
Day 4: Travelers head out by panga to visit with fishermen or enjoy more kayak exploraEon of the bay. AHer dinner take a nocturnal guided hike down the beach and through the sand dunes.
Day 5: AHer breakfast, travelers pack up and head to a secluded island picnic spot before boarding the van back to La Paz.
Ideal For
The adventuress traveler and eco traveler. Sustainable oriented travelings.
RED’s travel model is based on:
– Training: Small tourism enterprise management and operation, guiding, tourism services
– Sustainable business planning and incubation: Working with communities to create social enterprises based on principles of financial viability, transparency, and social and environmental commitment.
– Marketing and Sales: Centralized hub to service community enterprises.
In addition, every trip supports sea turtle research and conservation programs and local environmental education programs.
http://www.redtravelmexico.com/members/travelers/Pre-Trip-Information-Package-Sea-Turtle-and-Kayak-Adventure.pdf
Accommodation
Comfortable upgraded camping & amenities. Tents are equipped with either two singles or one double mattress with linens and pillows. Toilet and shower facilities are environmentally friendly and integrated in the landscape.
Our base camp is situated on Magdalena Island and is accessed and supplied by outboard skiff. With this in mind, we have designed the camp to blend safety, sustainability and comfort.
Our spacious tents are situated among the sand dunes, and provide stunning views of natural land and seascapes as well as local wildlife. Leave your travel pillow at home, as all tents are outfitted with mattresses, linens and blankets. Towels are provided, and our bathrooms and shower are integrated into the
landscape. As we are located in a remote and arid environment we ask that guests respect the surrounding habitat and use water wisely.
RED’s friendly local staff will make your experience as enjoyable as possible, and our WFR certified guides are equipped to attend to any medical emergency. Our chefs are happy to welcome you into the kitchen to show off their unique blend of regional cuisine with gourmet flair.
Includes:
ground transportaEon, boat transportaEon, all meals starEng on lunch of day one and ending on lunch of day 5, drinks including wine and bee r, com fo r table camp accommodaEons, taxes.
USD $1,250 per person, based on double occupancy, Add USD $150.00 for single occupancy.
Kids under 11 are entitled to 30% discount with paid adult.
Excludes:
Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 5, hotels or transportation prior or after the trip, tips (usually 10‐15% of the trip fee)
Payment:
A 20% deposit is required to confirm booking. Final payment is due to 45 days prior to departure: Fees are not refundable 30 days prior to departure; therefore we recommend that you purchase trip insurance. Kids under 11 are entitled to 30% discount with paid adult.
