The Living Desert - Public Programs

The Friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon
March 16-20, 2009

Join us on a fabulous Living Desert Eco-Tour

Each year hundreds of California gray whales spend up to 3 months in the protected, calm waters of San Ignacio Lagoon on the Pacific coast of Baja, giving birth and raising their young until they are old enough to manage the long migration north to their Arctic feeding grounds. Now, you can be among the relatively few to venture into the home of the “friendliest” gray whales and get to know them in an entirely new way for yourselves.

We invite you to join The Living Desert and a small group of like-minded adventurers to experience this very special place where the desert meets the sea--San Ignacio Lagoon. Travel with internationally respected marine naturalist Doug Thompson, Director of Expeditions for The SummerTree Institute, for five peaceful days of whale watching. In outboard-powered skiffs you’ll get an up-close and personal experience, interacting with mother and baby whales. Coming eye to eye with these gentle giants is a life-altering connection you will never forget. We’ll also have time to discover and explore the fascinating area around camp: kayaking within the mangroves, tide pooling, admiring and identifying a wide variety of birds, as well as evening programs to teach us about the complex ecosystem surrounding this remote lagoon, the last untouched whale nursery of the Pacific.

This trip begins in San Diego, where we fly by private charter directly to the shore of San Ignacio, then shuttle by land to our camp at the lagoon. Our beachfront accommodations are fully equipped comfortable canvas cabin-tents. Experienced professional guides handle all the logistics, our transportation, meals and refreshments, to insure a high level of amenities and services.

Mark your calendar now! The Living Desert has reserved the entire camp, which accommodates only 21 guests, so you’ll want to sign up early.

The Friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon
March 16-20, 2009

COST:

$2,395 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes a tax deductible donation to The Living Desert (exact amount to be determined)
A small additional fuel charge may be incurred

All participants must be Living Desert members (visit our web site at livingdesert.org for the many benefits of membership and specific fees)

TRIP INCLUDES:

Round trip ground and air transportation from/to San Diego to San Ignacio camp
Meals, juice, beer and wine. Begins with lunch on Day 1 and ends with lunch on Day 5
Camp accommodations based on double occupancy include roomy cabin tents, sleeping bags with liners, pillows/cases and comfortable Baja beds
Related camp facilities and equipment
Skiffs with naturalists, drivers and lifejackets

NOT INCLUDED:

Transportation from your home city to/from San Diego
Hotel in San Diego (recommended for the night before)
Transfers to/from Lindburgh Field (San Diego Airport, for guests
flying in)
Staff gratuities

RESERVATION TERMS:

Reservations are by paid deposit only, check or credit card, $1000 deposit per person. Upon receipt of your deposit, you will be sent our complete trip package, which includes an equipment checklist, suggested reading, and other useful information, including travel insurance information
Final balance payment is due December 1, 2008

CANCELLATIONS:
All cancellations must be in writing. Your initial deposit, less a $100 per person handling fee, is refundable up to 90 days before departure. There will be no refund for any cancellation after the 90 day period unless your space can be filled. Because we must strictly enforce our “Reservation and Cancellation Policy, we strongly urge you to purchase travel insurance.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Living Desert trip leader, Judi Greene, at 760-346-5694, x2503, or
e-mail jmgreene@livingdesert.org