Day 2: Trip to the Islands
After breakfast, we will board our boats for the one hour trip out to Espiritu Santo, where we will settle into our camp and have a snorkel and kayak check and safety briefing before lunch.
 Day 3 & Day 4
All afternoon of Day 2 through the morning of Day 4 will include snorkeling,
kayaking and study of the marine life common to the Sea of Cortez.
We will also do some hiking and exploration of the hills and desert
terrain where we will see a variety of plant life and incredible views
and landscapes.
We will snorkel with a colony of 500 sea lions while thy streak past, checking us out, blowing bubbles and performing all manner of acrobatics. This is so much fun you will want to return a second time. Your friends will not believe your pictures. Dolphins are easily spotted from our boat, allowing up close encounters and great picture opportunities. Manta rays and whale sharks inhabit the same area and are frequently spotted. Smaller, colorful reef fish are abundant and provide great photo opportunities.
 Island
exploration and hikes, especially to elevations for Sunrise and Sunset
offer the opportunity to study the rock and desert landscape as well
as the plants and animals that survive here. We will talk about the
geological history of the area and visit spectacular cliffs and sea
scapes by foot and sea kayak. Kayaking through beautiful arches and
sea caves will be another highlight of this adventure as well as quiet
swims in secluded coves with perfect sand beaches.
The two and a half days of island adventure is a quiet time in a quiet place; the cooling light breezes make no noise. There are no rustling leaves, palms or surf, as the Sea of Cortez is a still and magic place. You will hear the quiet.
As with our other programs, we will offer plenty of down time for exploration, swimming, volleyball or just plain relaxing. Each evening will include a class discussion and workbook activities and offer some time to work on our Spanish with our local guides and drivers.
 Day
4 Mid-Day: Return to La Paz
We will motor back to the Marina, where we will board our vans for the two hour drive through remote country and small quant villages to our desert camp site located at
Fox Canyon.
Our camp is high above the canyon, offering spectacular desert views. The highlight of this remote camp is a sixty foot waterfall appearing out of nowhere, cascading into a large, cool pool, where we have our own private swimming hole in the desert. We will spend the afternoon here swimming, relaxing and hiking the surrounding area. Starry evenings and campfires provide the perfect setting for daily class. Early to bed: tomorrow is another long day.
Day 5: Pulmo Reef
Located only one hour from our canyon camp, this is the only coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. Easily reached from shore, this site is a living laboratory of marine species. You will use your snorkeling skills to explore and observe the varied beauty of these crystal clear waters. Afterwards, you will relax on the beach as we complete our workbook and dive logs. There will be plenty of time for food and snacks in the little local beachfront food places and a well deserved siesta before heading back to the cool pool of our canyon camp. There will be plenty to talk about around the fire tonight.
 Day
6 Cultural Day
You will van back to La Paz and the Hotel Marina for hot showers and air conditioned rooms before a day on the town. Our cultural project here is an orphanage, housing over one hundred kids of all ages. They need English workbooks, art supplies, school supplies and clothing. The local priest running the facility will even provide clothing sizes if your group wants to bring something down. This is all voluntary, but a brief visit of an hour of so, would make a huge difference and be very much appreciated.
 We
will visit with an anthropologist couple in their little museum/shop,
watch hammocks and blankets being woven on 100 year old looms and
visit a family owned pottery factory that produces beautiful pieces,
perfect for gifts. Artisan shops are everywhere. Great food, colonial
architecture, beautiful waterfront scenery, all provide a memorable
end to your great Baja adventure.
Day 7 Departure Day
After a hearty breakfast, we will van you to the airport where you will have time for that last minute shopping before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip!
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