WELCOME! Thank you for your interest in what has been truly a “trip of a lifetime” for our small groups of Baja Adventurers over the past decade. We pride ourselves on leading safe, enjoyable and personable whale watching trips to Baja California . We are committed to a small group and friendly atmosphere. Eight people plus two leaders travel together in one 15-passenger Ford Van (maximum two vans-20 people total). The information that follows will give you a clear picture of the type of adventure you can expect. We hope you will join us.

ABOUT THIS TRIP: More Info
Yes, it’s about whale watching—but much more than that. You will have the opportunity to log upwards of ten (10) hours of close encounters with gray whales. No other whale watching tour provides this much time on the water in such a short trip. You will also have the chance to tour the largest salt-works in the world and/or participate in some excellent bird watching. Lastly, there will be time to relax, explore the town and eat some delicious fresh caught seafood and local Mexican cuisine.

Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) is located approximately 500 miles down the Baja California Peninsula . We will be visiting the winter home of the California Gray Whales. Observing newborn calves interacting with their mothers, and hopefully with our boat, is a special privilege. These huge mammals will be exhibiting all kinds of classic behaviors: spy hopping, breaching, sounding and possibly mating in the warm waters of the lagoon. We will enjoy about ten hours of up close and personal whale watching over the course of the weekend—going out on four separate excursions.

The van ride will take all day; however, the scenery is dramatic and it is a wonderful way to become acquainted with a unique and special landscape as well as your fellow group members! The overwhelming majority of our post trip evaluations, over the years, have told us not to charter a large bus as it takes away from the friendly small group atmosphere. We will make stops for meals and rest breaks along the way and do our best to share information about each small town’s history and the local flora. Maintaining a flexible and positive outlook on things is crucial when traveling in Baja California . The road conditions vary dramatically and delays are possible.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: Since 1995 the Aztec Adventures Outdoor Program has been partnering with Francisco Detrell and his company Expediciones de Turismo Ecologico y Aventura based in Ensenada, Baja California, on nearly all of their programs in Mexico.  Francisco Detrell has spent the last 30 years teaching, training, advising and consulting everyone from university students to government officials on the importance of sustainable tourism practices in Baja California.  Due to his commitment and influence, Aztec Adventures makes every effort to ensure that the money we spend, taking our groups whale watching, stays in the locales we visit.  It is important for us to establish long standing friendships with the local families we conduct business with whether that is the motel and restaurant owners or whale watch guide services.   In return, our hope is that these same families continue to improve their business services as well as the quality of life for themselves and their community.  Lastly, the Mexican Government has established legislative protection for Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) and the surrounding eco-system (Viscaino Biosphere Reserve) and continues to work cooperatively with the local citizens to protect the flora, fauna, land and water that make up this unique environment.  In essence what we have just described is the definition of “Eco-Tourism” or “Sustainable Tourism”.

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WEATHER: Expect daytime temperatures in the 70’s and evenings in the 50’s and plan on windy conditions in the afternoon and at night. It is usually sunny during the day, but we could also have clouds and even rain. Please come prepared clothing-wise. In our many years of leading this trip, we have rarely had to cancel a day on the water because of unsafe high winds and choppy seas—but please be aware that this is a possibility.

FOOD As part of the cost, we have planned for three buffet breakfasts (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) one group BBQ on Friday evening and a farewell fiesta dinner on Saturday night. In addition, two box lunches and additional snacks will be served while whale watching as part of the cost. Your trip leaders will provide coffee and Mexican pastries on the two early morning drives. The remainder of the meals will be at your expense (lunch & dinner Thursday). The restaurants that we visit are all very clean and serve delicious but inexpensive food—we expect that you will be pleasantly surprised.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: The fee of, includes professional tour leaders, Mexican Tourist Visa, personal travel insurance, three nights’ lodging (based on double occupancy), round trip transportation via air conditioned 15-passenger van, four guided whale watching excursions totaling ten hours, tours of the salt works and surrounding area, two continental breakfasts, four buffet breakfasts, two box lunches and three Fiesta/BBQ dinners. Single supplement is available for $190.00 additional. A $500.00 deposit is required to reserve your space. Please read our cancellation policies carefully before registering.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: Your personal expenses will include alcoholic beverages during meals, tips for the local guides, waiters, maids and any souvenirs you care to purchase. See our Frequently asked Questions (Bottom of the Page).

CANCELLATION POLICY: PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING FOR AN OUTING

1. If you cancel from this outing thirty (30) days prior to the trip, you are entitled to a refund less a twenty-five percent (25%) handling fee or a credit voucher good for the full amount which can be used toward another outing. Credit vouchers are valid through the end of the academic year (Jun 30). Note: transferring from one trip to another constitutes a cancellation and must be done within the aforementioned deadline to avoid loss of fee.

2.If you must cancel from an outing after the aforementioned deadline (above), you may receive a refund (less a 25% handling fee) or a credit voucher good for the full amount ONLY IF WE CAN FILL YOUR VACATED SPOT. Please note that all other spaces must be filled before we can fill your space. If we are unable to fill your vacated spot, you will not be entitled to a credit voucher or refund. NO EXCEPTIONS.

3. Sometimes, we must cancel an outing due to low enrollment. In such a situation, we try to contact enrolled participants either by the Monday prior to the outing or the day of the pre-trip meeting. Enrolled participants will be eligible for a full refund or credit voucher.

4 In the event of cancellation due to unforeseeable circumstances on the part of Aztec Adventures (bad weather, natural disaster, or instructor illness for example), we will make every attempt to reschedule the outing or issue a full refund or credit voucher.

 LODGING: Please keep in mind that Guerrero Negro is a very small town with a population of 10,000+ people. The Salt Works and Fishing comprise the majority of the economy. Tourism only comes during whale watching season. We are not going to a five star hotel or a major tourist destination. In other words, Guerrero Negro is not Cabo San Lucas. However, our motel will have clean, pleasant double rooms, televisions, hot showers and a bathroom. Again, please do not expect the same standards that we place on U.S. motels for service and cleanliness. Pillows, towels, and washcloths can leave something to be desired. We encourage you to bring your own if this will enhance your comfort.

YOUR TRIP LEADERS: Your trip leaders are experienced Baja Travelers and Adventure Leaders. They lead all kinds of outdoor adventure experiences in Baja California . As a result, they have an intimate knowledge of the land, the people, and the whales. In addition, while they don’t have magic powers with the whales, they will do their best to call them close to your boat!

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION: This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Whale Watching Adventure. Traveling in Baja California can be challenging at times due to the lack of infrastructure. We expect everyone to contribute positively to the small group atmosphere by being considerate, friendly, and highly flexible and maintaining a good sense of humor. Everyone must be efficient and on time. Since we are traveling together, one person’s lateness will impact the rest of the group. If several people are late, we may not be able to do everything that we have planned. Lastly, the term “Ugly American” comes to mind. Too often U.S. Citizens traveling south of the border treat Mexicans with less courtesy and respect than they deserve. Part of the value of a trip like this one is that it gives you the opportunity to observe another way of life and to recognize the value and goodness to be found everywhere. NO DRUGS! Don’t even think about doing drugs--the penalty for possession of illegal drugs in Mexico is severe. Drinking is also prohibited in the vans and during our daily activities. However, a beer or margarita with dinner is ok. It has been our experience that people who drink too much become inflexible as well as a danger to others on the trip. Come on the trip to enjoy the sights of Baja, the whales, and the people. Thanks!

HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: This trip is strenuous in the sense that we will have two long days traveling by van. The whale watching boats (pangas) are small, 19-25’ long and driven by 75-150hp outboard motor. You will be required to climb into the boats. Everyone will be required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) at all times on the water and follow the explicit safety instructions of the guides.

You should definitely be comfortable in open water that can be choppy at times. Lastly, from our many years of experience we have found that some people must aggressively regulate their liquid intake so as not to become uncomfortable out on the water. Going three plus hours without a bathroom can be difficult to say the least.

RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY: We will be literally a full day’s drive from advanced medical facilities and safety must be of primary importance. We expect everyone to accept the responsibility of keeping oneself and the group free of injury. In the event of an injury that would require advanced medical treatment, we will more than likely need everyone’s assistance and therefore need to cut the trip short.

GRATUTIES & TIPS: Please, when we eat in restaurants share your appreciation of the hard working employees by tipping generously $2-5 for each sit down meal. Leave a few dollars at the end of the trip for your motel maids as well. In addition, please budget a minimum of $5-$10 tip per whale watching excursion for our whale watching guides. Our guides (Lancheros (boat captains), local bus driver/chaperones do an incredible job and since their jobs are only seasonal, they will surely appreciate the additional income.

STEWARDSHIP: It is important to the Aztec Adventures Outdoor Program to give something back to the places and communities from which we derive so much enjoyment and knowledge. Whenever we visit small communities in Baja California we strive to bring with us used clothes of any kind, but especially children’s clothing. Many of our local Mexican friends struggle economically and a generous donation of clothing is always appreciated. We encourage you to go through your closet for items you no longer wear or use and bring them on the trip.

SCAMMON’S LAGOON WHALE WATCHING TOUR

ITINERARY

Thursday, Feb. 21, 28, or Mar. 6

Meet in Parking Lot V on 55 th Street (SDSU Campus). Depart from SDSU at 6:00am SHARP! Travel all day, making stops in Tijuana , Ensenada , San Quintin, and Catavina for meals, toilets, and gas. We will have a continental breakfast in Ensenada (pastries and coffee) and stop for a brunch in San Quintin. Arrive in Guerrero Negro approximately 6:00PM . Check into our motel. Dinner with group at motel restaurant.

Friday, Feb. 22, 29, or Mar. 7

Meet at vans at 7:00am . Breakfast at Mario’s. Depart in tour bus for Whale Watching at 9:00am . On water approximately 9:45am and return to shore after three hours. Enjoy a quick snack and travel to Ojo de Liebre Natural Park for afternoon of whale watching (2 hours). Complimentary barbeque dinner at Mario’s in evening.

Saturday, Feb. 23, Mar. 1, Mar. 8

Meet at vans at 7:00am . Breakfast at Mario’s. Depart in tour bus for whale watching at 9:00am . On water at approximately 9:45am– return to shore after 3 hours. Enjoy a quick snack and tour the Saltworks. Farewell dinner with group at Las Cazuzlas restaurant.

Sunday, Feb. 24, Mar 2. or Mar. 9

Meet at 5:00am , load up the van, and depart at 5:30am SHARP! Travel all day making stops in Catavina (Continental Breakfast: pastries & coffee), El Rosario (Brunch), San Telmo, and Ensenada . Be back at SDSU in time for supper – depending on the border crossing!

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING LIST :

Everyone should attempt to limit his or her luggage. Guerrero Negro is a small dusty town. You won’t need any “Sunday fancy go to meetin’ clothes”. Dress for the weather and definitely make sure you bring everything that’s on the equipment & clothing list.

• PASSPORT *** A notarized copy of a birth certificate and photo I.D. usually works—but often meets with some hassles.
• Two (2) 1-LITER BOTTLES OF DRINKING WATER (minimum)*** we will have plenty of purified drinking water available throughout the trip.
• SNACK FOODS *** we will be bringing coffee and Danish pastries for the early morning drives—thus stopping for a late breakfast—early lunch.
• MONEY/SMALL BILLS - $1’s, $5’s, & $10’s are best. $20’s are okay. $50’s are a hassle. Also, the hard working whale watching guides of Guerrero Negro greatly appreciate the tips. ***
• TENNIS SHOES or COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
• WATER SHOES/SPORT SANDALS – we may need to roll up our pants and get our feet wet at Ojo de Liebre Natural Park when boarding the pangas.
• LONG PANTS & SHORTS
• T-SHIRTS
• LONG SLEEVED SHIRT
• SHADE HAT – baseball or Indiana Jones styles are perfect.
• SWEATSHIRT, SWEATER, or POLAR FLEECE JACKET***
• RAINCOAT &/OR WINDBREAKER W/HOOD
• PERSONAL TOILETRIES (INCLUDING TOILET PAPER)
• SUNGLASSES*** (polarized lenses allow you to see beneath the water’s surface better)
• SUNSCREEN
• CAMERA AND/OR VIDEO CAMERA WITH EXTRA BATTERIES***
• FANNY PACK/DAYPACK – for carrying your essentials in the van & while whale watching. ***
• DUFFLE BAG, BACKPACK, or SUITCASE - for putting the above into.
• PILLOW*** and/or INFLATABLE NECK PILLOW—for the van ride.
• TOWEL/WASHCLOTH many past trip members have recommended bringing your own towel and washcloth because the ones issued by the motel are small and leave something to be desired.

Phone:
(619) 594-7271

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Is it just college students that go on these trips?  This trip has always attracted a more mature audience.  In fact, it is rare that a college student join us unless they are acting as an assistant trip leader or traveling with their grand parents.  The median age for this trip is approx. 56 years old.  Our oldest trip member has been 83!  Most of our trip members are retired, or soon to be, and love to travel the world.  Furthermore, most of our trip members are not from San Diego or even California.
2. How much spending money should we bring? Aside from tips, you should consider money for beverages (all alcohol is at your expense) at meal times, gifts or souvenirs for yourself or friends, and any other incidentals that you may wish to purchase.  American dollars are most welcome in lieu of Mexican Pesos.  There is no need to exchange currency before the trip. 
3. How much should we be tipping? Since all of your meals are included in the cost of the trip, we would suggest $2-$5 at restaurant meal times depending on the amount of “beverages” you consume.  We recommend $5-$10 per person per whale watch.  Your boat captains (lancheros) will work very hard to create close encounters with the gray whales.  Lastly a few dollars for the maids at the end of the trip, plus $5-$10 for our local bus drivers/chaperones.  Of course tipping is completely at your own discretion and certainly not mandatory, but keep in mind that your trip leaders and the gray whales are great believers in “Karma”.  Generosity always generates good Karma!
4. Should Francisco get a tip as well?  Francisco Detrell is the heart and soul of our whale watching program in Baja California.  He will work very hard to ensure your comfort, safety and enjoyment throughout the trip.   He will also strive to share as much of his knowledge of the natural and cultural history of this Magnificent Peninsula we call Baja California.  All of that in mind, he is certainly worthy of a tip if you so choose.  How much you may ask?  In the past, trip members have given anywhere from 2%-10% of their trip fee.
5. Where do we stop during our drive? Specifically, we make our first stop at the San Diego/Tijuana Border to pick up Mexican Tourist Visas.  This process takes about 30 minutes.  Our next stop is 70 miles away in Ensenada where we will meet Francisco Detrell at his office.  Francisco will have coffee, tea and Mexican pastries waiting for us.  This stop also takes about 30 minutes.  Then it’s just under 120 miles to San Quintin for a late breakfast/early lunch at Restaurant Quintin in the town of San Quintin.  This stop takes over an hour.  After lunch we will make a gas station pit stop and take another 30 minute break upon reaching the community of Catavina (112 miles from San Quintin).  The last 145 mile stretch to Guerrero Negro will be our longest.  All of our stops will have toilet facilities. 
6. What’s the food like? We may be biased, but we have found it to be delicious for many years now.  Most all of the food we partake of will be locally grown or harvested.  Most of the fruit comes fresh from the southern part of the Peninsula and the sea food is fresh from the lagoon or the ocean.  Restaurant menus offer the “typical” Mexican entrees as well as local sea food specialties such as fish, scallops and shrimp.  It is rare for anyone to become sick (diarrhea) due to the food on the trip.
7. What if I have special dietary needs? We will work with you as best we can as long as you inform us in advance.  We have had lots of vegetarians and non-sea food eaters join us over the years.
8. Can we drink the water? All of the water and ice served in restaurants is filtered/purified.  You need not worry about getting sick.  The tap water in the bathrooms and motel rooms is not for drinking however.  We will supply filtered water throughout the trip so you can keep your personal water bottles full.  In addition the motel supplies small bottles of water daily in each room.
9. Does anyone ever get sea sick? Occasionally the wind can make the lagoon a bit rough causing large swells and/or choppy water.  Those that have been susceptible to motion sickness in the past are encouraged to bring preventative medications. We will have a clear idea of the lagoon conditions at breakfast each morning.
10. How long is the border wait? You should plan for anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.  Usually it’s no more than an hour once reaching the border.  We make every attempt to take advantage of the “little known” car pool lanes.  Some trip members enjoy the spectacle of all the “souvenirs” being sold.
11. What’s the deal with the military checkpoints along the highway? There will be several military checkpoints along the highway where we may be required to exit the vehicle so that the soldiers can inspect it for illegal drugs and guns.  Since we will be transporting neither, we have nothing to worry about or fear.  The purpose of the military checkpoints is to ensure the safety of all motorists traveling the Peninsula.
12. What are the road conditions like? The pavement on Highway 1 has been in consistently good condition for nearly a decade now.  However it is still a two lane highway with little to no shoulder in most areas making progress slow at times.  Our trip leaders pride themselves on their safe driving record and wealth of experience traveling Highway 1 throughout the year.
13. What should we wear to go whale watching? Comfortable shoes and socks, long pants and rain pants, upper layers consisting of shirt, sweat shirt, fleece jacket and rain jacket with hood, shade hat with chin strap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If it gets really warm, you can certainly remove layers.  Also, you can bring a small day pack with cameras, binoculars, water bottle, etc.)
14. How much time is there between the morning and afternoon whale watch trips? By the time we get back to the motel, there is usually about one hour.  Day light is short this time of year and the wind always picks up in the late afternoon evening.  It is important that we make the most of our early afternoon schedule so as not to be hindered by the wind when out viewing the whales.
15. How much free time will we have? Between traveling to and from the lagoon for whale watching and eating meals, the days are very busy and can be tiring for some. We will make every effort to provide you with time to shop the local stores and experience town on your own.
16. What’s the van ride really like/what’s the best way to be comfortable? The van ride is long!  There will be two people to each bench seat.  We truly appreciate “younger” folks allowing “older” folks to sit in the front seats simply because it takes less energy to get in and out of the van.  We highly recommend bringing a pillow or two and an extra layer.  We run the air conditioning so it can get cool at times.  We always encourage good conversation and sharing interests and histories.  Again, one of the consistent comments we receive is that traveling in the van truly allows people to get to know each other on a more intimate level than if we were in a large tour bus.
17. Does it matter where we sit in the Panga (boat)? The closer you sit to the boat captain (lanchero) the less “bumpy” the ride will be.  We highly recommend that those with less years under their belts, allow those older to sit towards the back.  Once we get out to the lagoon it is easy to move around and trade places.
18. What should we do when a whale(s) approaches the boat? The first thing you should do is smile.  The second thing you should do is be friendly—to the whales and to each other.  The third thing is to “ooh” and “aah” and just enjoys the magic of the moment.  Fourth, feel free to take some photos or video.  Fifth, if the whales get really close just make sure you keep your hands and lips away from their eyes, blowhole, fins and tail!
19. Why can’t we collect shells and other natural objects along the beach to take home with us? Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) is part of the Viscaino International Biosphere Reserve.  Thus it is both illegal and unethical to take any natural object or artifact from the area.  Again, in order to sustain the tourism potential of this area for present and future generations we need to embrace the fact that anytime we take a natural object away from this area it diminishes the essence of the resource.  We have come to celebrate and help sustain the migration and birthplace of the gray whales—not to take away and consume.  
20. Where do the donated clothes go? We have always made arrangements with the motel staff to fairly distribute any used clothing or school supplies that our trip members donate to the community.
21. What’s the deal with riding in local vans and buses? Our whale watching guide services are required to provide their own transportation to the Lagoon. Thus we will be leaving our vans at the motel or restaurant and traveling in local vans and buses.  Unfortunately these vehicles are not as comfortable or as well maintained—but our local drivers make every effort to drive the dirt roads as safely and efficiently as possible.
22. Can you provide references?  Absolutely!  We have an endless number of past trip members that would welcome your correspondence.  Let us know if you prefer to communicate via e-mail or telephone and we will put you in touch immediately.
23. Can you meet us at the San Diego Airport if we are coming from afar?  It would be our pleasure to assist you with local transportation to/from the airport so that your stay in San Diego either before or after the trip is an enjoyable one.
24. Do you arrange overnight accommodations in San Diego before and after trip?  Of course we do.  We will be happy to suggest hotels or motels either near the airport or near our SDSU campus.  In past years we have had quite a number of trip members join us from outside San Diego so we are well prepared.
25. Is there available telephone communication in Mexico during the trip? Yes, there are several public phones in town where a phone card can easily be purchased.  In addition, if you already have a calling card, we can use any phone available to us at the motel, restaurant or whale watching outfitter.  Lastly, our staff carry a satellite phone for use mainly in the event of an emergency—but are willing to share the phone if it is an important matter.
26. What documents should I have for travel in Mexico?  A valid passport is ideal.  However, the U.S. has extended the deadline for mandatory passports for travel in Mexico and Canada due to the overwhelming demand.  In lieu of a passport, please bring a birth certificate and valid photo identification (driver’s license).  Upon crossing the border we will obtain Mexican Tourist Cards for all trip members.  The fee for these cards is included in the cost of the trip.
27. Is age a factor in enjoying the trip? Absolutely Not!  We do hope that you are reasonably fit and can comfortably handle getting in and out of a 15 passenger van and/or whale watching panga (fishing skiff).  Our staff will always lend a helping hand should you need a little assistance. 
28. How many whales can I expect to see? You can expect to see dozens and dozens of whales in close proximity to the boat (100 yards) and hundreds in the distance.  However, all it takes is one close and friendly encounter for you to forget about all the others.
29. Is it really possible to actually touch a gray whale?  On many of our past trips group members have had the fortunate experience of touching gray whales.  Please know that we cannot predict this behavior—so do not set your expectations so high that you only become disappointed.  Remember, this is a whale watching trip.
30. How many trip members can you accommodate? We will register a maximum of 16 group members per weekend trip.  Our minimum number is eight.  All trip registrations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. 
31. What type of weather can I expect? You should always expect windy/breezy conditions—especially in the afternoon and evenings.  Day time high temperatures average 75F degrees and nights are a chilly 50F degrees.  The wind always makes the temperature feel cooler than it is.

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Travel Suggestions for Baja

Whale Watching Trips
Van Ride:

1. Favorite Non-Perishable Snacks & Water Bottle

2. Pillow or head/neck rest
3. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes—no heels/flipflops!
4. Jacket or extra layer—air conditioning & outside temperatures may be cool.
5. Passport, wallet, money and other essentials
6. Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes
7. DO NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER—USE TRASH CAN NEXT TO TOILET!!!!
8. Personal plastic bag for garbage
9. Music—CDs—trip leaders will have their favorites.
10. Small Day Pack or Travel Bag
11. Wear your seat belt—even if it is uncomfortable
12. Be courteous & cooperative with rotating seating in the van.
13. Coffee, Tea and Pan Dulce (Pastries) will be served upon arrival in Ensenada

Motel Stay:

1. Favorite Towels & Washcloths
2. Favorite Pillow
3. DO NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER—USE TRASH CAN NEXT TO TOILET!!!!
4. Alarm Clock?

5.   Baja California has the same electric current and electrical sockets as U.S.
Whale Watching:

1. Camera & Extra Memory Cards or Film--Video Camera & Extra Batteries
2. Binoculars
3. Rain Jacket with Hood & Rain Pants (Aztec Adventures can provide)
4. Wide Brimmed Hat with chin strap
5. Sun Screen
6. Empty Bladder just before launching!
7. Don’t overdue it with coffee and beverages at Breakfast if you have a small bladder!
8. Box Lunches will be served (ham & cheese sandwich, fruit, soda, cookies)
9. Please do not take any shells or other natural objects from the lagoon—it diminishes the resource for the future.
10. THIS IS A WHALE WATCHING TRIP—NOT NECESSARILY A WHALE TOUCHING TRIP!

Tipping & Stewardship:

1. $5-$10 per person per excursion for our lancheros (boat captains)
2. $2-$5 or more for each sit down meal
3. A few dollars at the end of trip for maids left in motel room
4. “Pack out” all personal trash back to U.S.
5. Purchase gifts, souvenirs, food, etc. in town.
6. We encourage you to learn and appreciate as much as you can about all of Baja California in addition to the Gray Whales.  Please insist that your trip leaders provide time for both formal and informal presentations.
7. Your guides, waiters, house keepers, drivers, etc. all work very hard during a short tourist season—your generous tips are greatly appreciated and they go along way towards generating good “Karma”.
8. GOOD KARMA = FRIENDLY WHALES

Group Dynamics:

1. Make every effort to be on time—but remain flexible
2. We encourage positive conversations and group cohesion
3. Stay well hydrated—we will always have purified water available at the motel and in the van.
4. Share your concerns appropriately with the trip leaders.
5. MAKE NEW FRIENDS & SPREAD GOOD KARMA!!!
6. Allow everyone a chance to have their turn in the event of a friendly whale encounter.
7. Be patient at meal times—the food will be delicious—it just takes time to serve a group our size.  Use the extra time to make friends and enjoy others’ company.
8. Understand that your trip leaders reserve the right to make mistakes and not meet 100% of your expectations—as no one is perfect. 
9. The needs of the group as a whole (this includes the trip leaders) is more important than the needs of any one individual.

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