WHAT:  Spend a week at the Sea of Cortez in Baja Mexico. Encounter the largest mammal on Earth (blue whale) and other magical cetaceans, on a research boat with field experts.

WHO:  Great Whale Conservancy is a grassroots 501c3, saving whales for 30 years.  They've successfully influenced global shipping industry to reduce ship collisions with whales.  Your trip hosts will be co-founders Michael Fishbach, Heather Watrous, their daughter Delphi Waters, along with a small local team that they work with every year.   Michael and Heather live in North Carolina, Delphi in New Hampshire, but they travel to south America and Europe frequently making a real impact in recovering the worlds whale population (only 2% left after industrial whaling).  30 years ago Michael and Heather started the Baja research trip, and friends and ocean lovers have joined. It's always a magical time.

WHEN&WHERE:  One week in February or March every year. 2024 dates are March 3th - 10th.  Arrive and depart on Sunday.  Only 4 spots are available.

COST: $3,750 covers all your lodging, meals, daily boat on the sea, and other activities.  Less for children and who can share a room/bed.  If you pay $5,500 Great Whale Conservancy will give a tax-deductible receipt for 5500. AIRFARE:  About $500 from major US airports to Loreto, Mexico. Ticket price doesn't tend to change regardless of when you book.

THE EXPERIENCE  3 meals full of fresh local ingredients, staying at luxurious local houses. Every morning walk a few minutes to the boat, to start your day on the sea.  For the season of 2022, guests sighted:

• Blue Whales - 50

• Fin Whales - 24

• Humpback - 13

• Orcas - 11

• Dolphins - numerous

Michael has many pictures and reports on the Great Whale Conservancy blog

CONTACT  Call 774.257.8308 or hi@Paikea.Love  Paikea is the organizer and co-host for the week.