Baja Expeditions Welcome Packet

Transcription

1 Baja Expeditions Welcome Packet We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we ve lost our connection to ourselves. ~Andy Goldsworthy We are delighted that you ve chosen to join Baja Expeditions for your upcoming eco-adventure in Baja California! It is our goal in today s fast-past world to help you re-connect with nature, with yourself and your companions, with new friends and a portion of the price of your trip goes to support local environmental education programming and conservation research. We ve compiled this pre-departure information packet so that you can leave home well informed, organized, and focused on the experience ahead, with all of your logistical details in place. Please note that we have highlighted time-sensitive information that requires action! If you still have questions after reviewing this packet, just give us a call at (800) , us at m, or click the Contact Us link on our Webpage. We will do our very best to support you in having a safe and memorable journey. Sincerely, Tim, Carlos, Elizabeth, & The Baja Expeditions Team About Us: Family owned and operated since 1974, Baja Expeditions offers sustainable tourism that supports local environmental education, field research, conservation efforts, and as much time outside as possible conservation as a way of life. We collaborate with a variety of partners to provide access to the rich biodiversity in the deserts and seas of the Baja peninsula's wilderness and official Natural Protected Areas, and take seriously our role as a part of the community advocating for their sustainable management and preservation.

2 About Baja California Nearly 1,000 miles long, the peninsula of Baja juts out from mainland Mexico to form the second longest, most isolated peninsula in the world. Marked by protected coves, rocky shorelines, and coastal lagoons, it teems with a rich variety of marine wildlife. Baja s ochre deserts are lapped by aquamarine seas, and remain almost as wild as they were a thousand years ago. For over 40 years, we've been exploring the two faces of Baja: the Pacific side with its quiet lagoons that act as a safe nursery for gray whale calves; and the Sea of Cortez where marine mammals leap alongside us, escorting our boats and kayaks as we travel. In 2005, the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez) were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Many of the islands scattered throughout the Sea of Cortez are especially significant because they provide critical habitat for threatened or endangered species. MEXICO'S CONSERVATION PASSPORT Designed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas in 2006, this program raises funds for the continued protection of the shorelines, inlets, beaches and coves that make this area so extraordinary to visit. This mandatory access fee is NOT included in the Baja Expeditions trip price, rather it is included as a separate charge and will allow you as an individually booked traveler to visit all of Mexico s Protected Areas as many times as you wish for a calendar year. For our Day Trips, you may choose to purchase single-day passes for ~$5 per day. Baja California Sur: +52 (612) United States: (800) (858)

3 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP! FIRST, please complete and return via the Personal Information Form provided to you by the Baja Ex Sales Team; we will contact you once you sign-up online!! Upon arrival at the departure city for your trip, you will be required to sign the Liability & Release form, which is a requirement to join any of our expeditions.! If the person traveling is a minor, a parent or guardian will need to sign the Liability & Release Form. Please give us a call in advance if the minor will not be traveling with a parent or guardian, so that we can advise you on the procedure.! NEXT, consider making arrangements for your transportation and/or additional hotel nights.! If you would like to book additional hotel nights either before or after your trip we can help you. Contact our office and we will be happy to make the arrangements for you.! For assistance with air travel arrangements, contact our agent, Leslie Wahlgren at Kahala Travel in San Diego at the phone number: (619) ext. 232! Also keep an eye out for Direct Flights into La Paz from Tijuana, using the new Cross-Border Express Bridge (CBX)! Makes travel across the border simple!! FINALLY, make sure you have the proper travel documents for travel to Mexico. Carefully review our Terms & Conditions (below) regarding cancellation and other policies, and we recommend that you choose a travel insurance provider. Good luck with the details! Call us for assistance!

4 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS A passport is required for travel into Mexico if you do not have one make plans now to obtain one. Non-U.S. citizens should check with a Mexican Embassy or Consulate for any further requirements regarding travel documents. A tourist visa is also required. The document and fee are Ignacio Whale Watching Camp program. It is not included if you are flying out of Tijuana International airport on a domestic flight. If you plan to fly out of Tijuana, you can obtain a tourist visa at the airport for ~$25 Minors under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by both parents will need two notarized copies of the Consent to Travel form, signed by both parents. If you need a copy of this form, please let us know in advance of your trip. TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly encourage you to purchase some form of travel insurance. Air evacuation insurance is especially important if you are on one of our dive trips. In the event that you require a decompression chamber while in Mexico, emergency air evacuation may be necessary, and it is very expensive. If you wish to purchase one of these plans, send your payment directly to the company. If you plan, you must purchase coverage within 24 hours of making your final payment to Baja Expeditions, which is due 60 days prior to departure. You may also visit the companies websites or call them directly: Visit or call , using code number Visit or call , using code

5 TERMS & CONDITIONS Please carefully review the Terms and Conditions at the end of document which describe our policies regarding deposits, payments and cancellation. These terms may not apply if you sign up directly with a charter group. AIR TRANSPORTATION For assistance with air travel arrangements, please contact our agent, Leslie Wahlgren at Kahala Travel, (619) ext If you prefer to use another travel agent, please contact our office to make sure that your flight corresponds with our trip arrival and departure times. Important! Please check with us before purchasing your tickets to confirm we have the minimum number of participants to offer the trip. Tip! For trips beginning in La Paz, there is also the option to fly into San Jose del Cabo, also called Los Cabos (SJD). From many U.S. cities, there are more flights into Los Cabos than into La Paz, plus they tend to be less costly and more direct. Flights into San José del Cabo offer a shuttle through EcoBajaTours from the SJD airport direct to the La Paz bus terminal on the malecòn (boardwalk). CHARTER AIR TRANSPORTATION For our San Ignacio Whale Watching trips, we provide a charter flight to the Lagoon from Tijuana. GROUND TRANSPORTATION If you fly into Los Cabos, you will need ground transportation to La Paz. You can pre- arrange a private transfer, rent a car at the Los Cabos International airport, or take the public bus. The fastest and most comfortable way to get from the San José del Cabo airport to La Paz is through a direct shuttle with EcoBajaTours that takes you from the airport to La Paz bus terminal along the Malecon (boardwalk).

6 ACCOMMODATIONS For trips beginning in La Paz, we will book your stay at the Hotel Perla, the most traditional Hotel in La Paz, Mexico, characterized for having a truly privileged location in the heart of the Historic Centre, overlooking the sea and on the city s boardwalk.. Let us know if you would like us to book additional hotel nights either before or after your trip at this hotel. Visit for more information. In Loreto, you will stay at the lovely Hacienda Suites, built in the authentic Mexican hacienda style. You will find yourself surrounded by beautiful gardens, palm trees and a swimming pool where you may relax and refresh your body and mind. Visit for more info. For our San Ignacio Whale Watching trips, which depart from San Diego, we recommend the Hacienda Hotel located in the Old Town district of San Diego and is also our meeting place. Call or visit for reservations. Tell them you are with the Baja Expeditions group to receive a special rate for single or double occupancy. Secured parking is available for $16 per night. Note: You may choose to stay in any hotel you wish but you must be in the lobby of the Hacienda Hotel to meet your group on the first day of your trip. GRATUITIES/ TIPPING Many people ask, "should I tip the guides and crew and if so, how much?" Tipping is voluntary and any amount you leave is greatly appreciated! If you would like to leave a gratuity, we suggest a range of 5% to 10% of trip cost, depending on the level of service you received. Gratuities are pooled and distributed fairly among your trip guides and crew. If you do choose to leave a tip, please leave cash only. Guides cannot accept travelers' checks, personal checks or credit cards. MONEY AND ATMs There are no ATMs in San Ignacio Lagoon. La Paz and Loreto are larger, cosmopolitan cities and have many ATM machines. Often you have the choice of receiving money in US dollars or pesos. However, don't count on ATMs as your only source of cash. Most businesses accept credit cards and travelers checks, but some do not, even in La Paz. US dollars are accepted at most establishments, so it is not necessary to change your dollars into pesos before you arrive. We recommend bringing plenty of cash in small bills such as 1's, 5's, 10's and 20's to use for rentals, dining, tipping and other incidentals.

7 PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERAS: The most versatile cameras are the 35mm variety, which accommodate a variety of lenses and accessories. If you are not an avid photographer, a water- proof disposable camera can be an inexpensive alternative. Most of our travelers are choosing digital photography, which has the advantage of being able to view your pictures immediately and delete unwanted shots. Good quality, water-proof digital cameras can now be had for less than $500 and are ideal for underwater photography. ACCESSORIES: For digital cameras, consider bringing along some form of external storage device (Memory Stick, SD, CF or Flashcard). You may want to upgrade to a 1Gb, which holds around 500 pictures on the highest resolution setting. The number of mega pixels largely determines the quality of your photos; the more pixels the better (and more expensive). A flash unit can be put to good use, especially for "people pictures". Polarizing filters for your lenses can help to cut down the glare on the surface of the water when photographing. A small tripod can be useful as well. CHARGING BATTERIES: You will have the opportunity to charge batteries in the camp s kitchen (for our whale watching camps) or onboard the Don Jose or support vessel in our diving and some kayaking itineraries. Give your equipment to the camp staff and they will take care of it for you. You will need a charger but you do not need an adapter. It is not possible to recharge batteries on our Espiritu Santo or Sea of Cortez kayaking trips. For these programs, please bring along enough batteries to last throughout the trip without recharging. OTHER TIPS: Be sure to try out a new camera before your trip. Remember to bring some lens tissue to clean the lens; you will need it. Bring a dry bag to store your camera and equipment; the clear ones make it easiest to find your equipment. Remember, wildlife behaves most naturally if they forget human presence, so try to whisper when photographing birds and marine mammals. Also, the most magical lighting conditions occur early in the morning and just before sunset

8 TIPS FOR TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Educate yourself about the geography, customs and manners of the Baja region before your trip. Our Reading List will point you in the right direction. Learn at least a few words of Spanish so that you can connect with the local people more quickly. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS Take only photographs, leave only footprints. These two simple phrases sum up the heart of traveling responsibly. Do not leave litter of any kind, and do not take any souvenirs from archeological sites and natural areas. Personal products, such as shampoo, toothpaste and soap, should be biodegradable in salt water to lessen your impact on the environment. DO NOT DISTURB Never disturb anything that you can avoid disturbing. Leave rocks and shells where they are; your desk will survive without another paperweight. The it s only one shell attitude multiples when a million people each take one shell from the same beach. THE ROAD MOST TRAVELED Always follow designated trails and resist the urge to go off the beaten path. Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats, and hopefully they will not disturb you. R- E- S- P- E- C- T Respect the privacy of others and always ask before photographing people. Also be respectful of local people's land by asking permission before entering private buildings or acreage. Showing respect will gain you the most treasured of souvenirs trust. BUY RESPONSIBLY Souvenirs are a vital part of every trip, special for their uniqueness and direct mental link to a fabulous vacation memory. As a responsible traveler, do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as tortoise shell, animal skins and feathers. Purchase souvenirs from local artisans to keep cultural traditions alive. *Be aware of the rules for bringing back souvenirs by the U.S. Customs Department. CHOOSE AND DONATE WISELY Select a tour operator whose business practices are based on responsible tourism guidelines, and who has adopted an environmental code of conduct. Encourage them by letting them know this was part of your decision- making process. You can learn about Baja Expeditions' Environmental Policy, our Conservation Clients, and our Partners in Preservation online at

9 WEATHER The Baja Peninsula is the most cloud-free area in the world. Even though annual rainfall averages only 2"-12" in this desert region, you should be prepared for the possibility of rain at any given time. Occasionally, windy weather requires us to stay near our base camp or on board our boat, as safety is always our primary concern. Layered clothing is recommended for these conditions, including a lightweight windbreaker. Air and water temperatures gradually increase from late spring through the fall months. Please follow the suggested packing list closely and if you have any questions about the appropriateness of your gear for your particular trip, call us! BAJA CALIFORNIA AIR AND WATER TEMPERATURES MONTHS LOW TEMP HIGH TEMP WATER TEMP Jan.-Apr. 50 F 80 F F May 72 F 95 F F June 79 F 98 F F July- Oct. 85 F 100 F F November 78 F 85 F F December 68 F 80 F F

10 RECOMMENDED READING Here are some of our favorite books about the diverse wildlife and natural history of the Baja region. They are widely available in bookstores, online, or at your local library. We also have a selection of guide books and other natural history reference books available in our camp libraries and onboard the Don Jose. For more books, check the trip- specific Resources section of Field Guides: Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Baja California, Walt Peterson, 1999 Field Guide to the Gray Whale, The Oceanic Society, 2002 Baja California Plant Field Guide, Norman C. Roberts, 1989 Natural History, Travel Narrative: The Forgotten Peninsula, A Naturalist in Baja California, Joseph Wood Krutch, 1986 Almost an Island: Travels in Baja California, Bruce Berger, 1998 Into a Desert Place, Graham Mackintosh, 1995 The Log from the Sea of Cortez, John Steinbeck, 1941 A Desert Country Near the Sea, Ann Zwinger, 1983 Whale Watching: Whales: Touching the Mystery, Doug Thompson,2006 Eye of the Whale, Epic Passage from Baja to Siberia, Dick Russell, 2004 Reflections of a Whale Watcher, Michele Gilders,1995 Sightings: The Gray Whales Mysterious Journey, Brenda Peterson & Linda Hogan, 2002 Whales and other Marine Mammals of California and Baja, Tamara Elder, 2002 Saving the Gray Whale: People, Politics, and Conservation in Baja California, Serge Dedina, 2000 Fiction: King of the Moon: A Novel of Baja California, Gene Kira, 1996 The Pearl, John Steinbeck, 1947

11 HEALTH AND DIET If you have any doubt about your physical condition, please discuss the details of your trip with your doctor. Even though we have first-aid and emergency gear, we will be traveling in remote areas located far from medical facilities. No vaccinations are required for travel to Mexico, but do bring any prescription medications you will need during the trip (either in their original containers or with a copy of the prescription label, which your physician can provide). Our meals are prepared with the local influence of our Mexican chefs, and most of our travelers rave about them. With some exceptions (i.e.; kosher, macro-biotic), we can accommodate most travelers with special food requirements, including vegetarians and vegans. Please inform us of your dietary preferences. Remember to bring along a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. We provide plenty of safe, clean filtered drinking water. Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher is recommended. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, bring along a prescription or over-the-counter medication. GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT It is important to remember that all of our trips take place in a wilderness environment, far from hospital services. Activities such as viewing large animals from skiffs, sea kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming and diving in a natural environment contain certain inherent risks. If at any time you have concerns about your own safety, please advise your guide. Remember also that all participation is voluntary.

12 SWIMMING WITH SEA LIONS On many of our itineraries, you ll visit Los Islotes, a small volcanic island located just north of Espiritu Santo Island, which is home to approximately 400 resident California sea lions. Here, you ll have the opportunity for a close encounter with some of natures most graceful, playful and magnificent sea mammals. Your guide will advise you of the safest and most enjoyable way to approach them. Common sense and a few simple rules will protect you and the sea lions from harm, and insure that Los Islotes will be enjoyed by you and them for years to come. Swimming with Whale Sharks Swimming with the whale sharks of La Paz is one of our most popular activities from October through to May. Please be aware that you will swim in open water with those majestic creatures and the activity requires some physical fitness and water abilities Whale sharks are completely harmless animals, but weather conditions can have an influence of the difficulty of the trip As conversation is one of our main priorities we stress to have an as little impact as possible on this critically endangered species For your own safety please pay close attention to the briefing and advice of your guide and captain Baja California Sur: +52 (612) United States: (800) (858)

13 PACKING AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST We suggest that you pack your belongings in a water-resistant, collapsible duffle bag and use this checklist as a guideline when packing. Dress is strictly casual and camping clothes are the rule. Towels and linens are provided for trips onboard the MECHUDO. Baja California Sur: +52 (612) United States: (800) (858)

14 PAYMENT POLICY & PROCEDURES; TERMS & CONDITIONS If you are not paying online directly: A. - 20% guarantee deposit at the time of reservation is required. B. - Balance payable 60 days before the travel date. If a reservation is made less than 60 days prior to trip date, payment in full is required to confirm the reservation. A $25 fee will be charged for any check returned for insufficient funds. C. - Visa, MasterCard or American Express Payment. Reservations can be made by the passenger with credit card; additional 5% bank fee will apply. D. - Check payment policy. Payment can be made by check in US dollars sent by mail or courier service, meeting A and B requirements. Shipping or mail should be addressed to Baja Expeditions, Inc Palm St., San Diego, CA A $25 fee will be charged for any check returned for insufficient funds. E. - Wire transfer Payment / Bank information: ACH Information: Beneficiary Name: Baja Expeditions, Inc. Address: 3096 Palm St, San Diego CA Account Number Routing Number: (works for all Wells Fargo locations) Wire Information: Bank Name: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Bank Address: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA Beneficiary Account Number: Beneficiary Account Name: Baja Expeditions, Inc. Address: 3096 Palm St, San Diego, CA Domestic (US) Wire Routing Number: International SWIFT BIC: WFBIUS6S AGE AND CONSENT TO TRAVEL All ages are typically welcome on the adventures. For ages 12 and under please speak to program managers for details. As per the Mexican Government and Department of Immigration, children under the age of 18 must have a Consent to Travel Form signed and notarized by parents or legal guardians if accompanied by any other adults. In the event that only one parent or legal guardian is accompanying the minor, the Consent to Travel Form must be signed and notarized by the parent or guardian not attending.

15 Cancellation and "No show" policies If you must cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations are accepted notifying over the telephone based on the following plan: Notification up to 24 hours before the tour, refund is 80% of total cost; If cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before tour, there will be no refund. We strongly encourage you to purchase a form of travel insurance in the event that you must cancel your trip. CANCELLED TRIPS on behalf of Baja Expeditions BAJA EXPEDITIONS, INC. reserves the right to change an itinerary or cancel any trip. In the event BAJA EXPEDITIONS cancels a trip due to: Acts of God, weather, equipment failure, insufficient registration, or any unforeseen problems, clients will be offered either transfer to another comparable trip, or credit towards a future trip. BAJA EXPEDITIONS, INC. is not responsible for any penalties or any other trip preparation expenses including non- refundable airline tickets or hotel charges. LIABILITY A release of liability must be signed by all participants prior to each trip a parent or guardian must sign for a minor. Participation will not be allowed on any trip without a signed release of liability form, and there will be no trip refund. RESPONSIBILITY BAJA EXPEDITIONS, INC. and cooperation agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the passengers in all matters relating to transportation, hotels, and other reservations and do not assume any liability whatsoever for injury, damage, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to any act or default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person, including BAJA EXPEDITIONS, INC, its employees and agents rendering any of the services included on the trip for any circumstances beyond their direct control. Upon receipt of deposit by BAJA EXPEDITIONS, INC, the passenger agrees to the above terms. Baja Expeditions, Inc. complies with the U.S. Privacy Act. Some of these terms and conditions may not apply for charters. All trips are subject to a fuel surcharge and, for charter groups, user fees for Natural Protected areas. These Terms and Conditions supersede any other.

16 BAJA EXPEDITIONS EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS You may want to copy and leave this page with friends and family during your trip. From USA and Canada From Mexico From all other countries La Paz Office (Business hours) (612) (612) (612) (612) La Paz Office (Emergency only) Elizabeth Hammond (Director) Carlos Means (Director of operations) Elizabeth Hammond (Director) Carlos Means (Director of operations) Elizabeth Hammond (Director) Carlos Means (Director of operations) San Diego Office (Business hours) (858) (858) (858) Hotel Perla in La Paz / Hacienda Suites in Loreto (800) Hacienda Hotel in San Diego

17 NOTES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE YOU'RE AWAY My Baja Expeditions' trip name is: My flight schedule is: Departure date, time, airline, flight: Return date, time, airline, flight: Other info about my trip or instructions for while I'm away: Thank you for choosing to travel with Baja Expeditions. We wish you a wonderful trip! Baja California Sur: +52 (612) United States: (800) (858)