S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Sea Cortez Whale Watching in Baja California March 2 to 9, 2013 a program of the stanford alumni association
When I first visited the Sea of Cortez in 1991, I was amazed. Practically in our backyard is one of the world s most biologically diverse environments, home to more than 6,000 distinct animal species and described by Jacques Cousteau as the aquarium of the world. We ve tapped Stanford s very own Jacques Cousteau, biological oceanographer Kevin Arrigo, whose research on the response of oceans to environmental disturbances has proven essential to understanding how marine ecosystems operate. Whether you enjoy donning a snorkel and fins for an up-close experience with teeming marine life or if you prefer to search for pods of dolphins and whales from the ship s bridge, you will have an unforgettable experience. Join us! Brett S. Thompson, 83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study Highlights caption EXAMINE sea life through the use of hydrophones and a bow-mounted underwater camera onboard the deluxe Safari Endeavour. ENJOY close encounters with sea lions, dolphins and giant Pacific manta rays on a kayak, paddle board or small sailboat. OBSERVE whales breaching in the breeding ground of Magdalena Bay and blue-footed boobies nesting atop coastal rocks. CONVERSE with fishermen who sustain a living on Isla Coyote, a remote island with no source of fresh water.
Loreto P a Bahía Magdalena c i f i c O c e Bahía Agua Verde a n Isla San Francisco Los Islotes Isla Espíritu Santo La Paz BAJA CALIFORNIA Sea of Cortez M EXICO Itinerary Due to the nature of our exploration, this itinerary is a guideline and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in excursions and the order of days may occur. Saturday, March 2 Depart U.S. / La Paz, Mexico / Embark Safari Endeavour Depart the U.S. on flights to La Paz, capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Upon arrival, transfer to the Safari Endeavour, our home for the next seven nights. Gather for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner and enjoy our first evening onboard. Safari Endeavour (D) Sunday, March 3 Isla Espíritu Santo Wake up in a desert-andsparkling-sea paradise, where reef fish abound along rocky shores. After a brief orientation, enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, beachcombing or exploring the marine environment aboard a skiff accompanied by a skilled naturalist. Hike among exotic desert cacti, and, weather permitting,experience a night snorkel for an otherworldly perspective on this unique marine environment. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Monday, March 4 Los Islotes / Isla San Francisco Observe sea lion colonies either from our ship or aboard a skiff at Los Islotes, a steep outcropping of rock that seems to leap straight from the sea. Or enjoy the unique opportunity to snorkel among a colony s playful younger members. Sway with the orange fan and white fire coral as it moves with the current, and watch for brownor blue-footed boobies perched on cliffs overhead. On Isla San Francisco, take a guided hike through the Cardón Forest, an assemblage of the world s tallest cacti, or choose to kayak, paddle board, snorkel or just relax in the calm, clear waters. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Tuesday, March 5 Bahía Agua Verde Experience the real Baja as we explore craggy canyons, gaze into crystalline waters and admire scenic vistas. Savor the local flavor with a delicious barbecue ashore as local music fills the air and perhaps share stories with a local ranchero and his family. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Wednesday, March 6 Bahía Magdalena / Loreto Drive overland to Bahía Magdalena where we board pangas, open, outboardpowered fishing boats, for
an exciting excursion in this gray whale breeding refuge. If we re lucky, we ll observe whales breaching nearby and perhaps even float within reach. Alternatively, explore historic missions and shop for local art in the picturesque 17th-century town of Loreto, site of the first Spanish settlement on the Baja Peninsula. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Thursday, March 7 At sea Stroll the decks or join the captain on the bridge with binoculars close at hand as we search for pods of dolphins, as well as blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales. Also keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, cormorants and a wide array of other wildlife that calls these waters home. If conditions permit, snorkel or kayak in a remote cove. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Friday, March 8 At sea / Isla Coyote Small-ship exploration allows us to tune in to weather and tidal conditions, reported sightings and other real-time data to pinpoint and reach nature s best offerings quickly and easily. Today, we may find schools of underwater wildlife to snorkel amidst in crystal-clear waters, ride a skiff alongside a leaping pod of bottlenose dolphins, explore red and white mangroves by kayak or spot endemic wildlife on a nature hike. Schedule permitting, we may also visit local fishermen on Isla Coyote, the Sea of Cortez An Excerpt from John Steinbeck s The Log from the Sea of Cortez It seems apparent that species are only commas in a sentence, that each species is at once the point and the base of a pyramid, that all life is relational to the point where an Einsteinian relativity seems to emerge. And then not only the meaning but the feeling about species grows misty. One merges into another, groups melt into ecological groups until the time when what we know as life meets and enters what we think of as non-life: barnacle and rock, rock and earth, earth and tree, tree and rain and air. And the units nestle into the whole and are inseparable from it It is advisable to look from the tide pool to the stars and then back to the tide pool again. only permanently inhabited island. A mere 200 yards in diameter, the islet is home to 20 members of the Cuevas family and consists of about 10 buildings. Walk beyond the weathered structures and explore the whale boneyard where enormous vertebrae are scattered. Enjoy a special farewell cocktail reception and dinner on our last night aboard ship this evening. Safari Endeavour (B,L,D) Saturday, March 9 La Paz / Disembark / U.S. After breakfast, depart our ship and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
Safari Endeavour Cruising the cobalt-blue waters of the Sea of Cortez aboard the Safari Endeavour is the ultimate Baja experience. Small-ship travel allows our captain to access hidden coves and pristine beaches to find the best locales for snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Equipped with a bow-mounted underwater camera that streams live footage to the lounge and staterooms, this expedition ship offers nonstop opportunities to view all the underwater action, and with the ship s hydrophone equipment, it s also possible to listen in on the crackles, bubbles, squeals and songs from the marine world beneath us. Accommodating 86 guests, the Safari Endeavour offers the spacious feel of a larger vessel while preserving an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. All staterooms are above deck and offer sea views, en suite facilities, ipod/iphone docking stations and flat-screen TVs complete with DVD players. Amenities include an intimate wine bar, two hot tubs, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and massages (one complimentary massage per person). Program Cost * Rates are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise specified. Double Single Category Rate Rate** Master Stateroom $4,995 $6,995 Stateroom with twin beds, desk and chair, view window or porthole, shower Commander Stateroom $5,395 $8,995 Stateroom with twin beds, desk and chair, view windows, shower Captain Stateroom $5,695 N/A Stateroom with king or twin beds, desk and chair, view window, bath and shower HOT TUB HOT TUB Lockers 322 320 318 316 314 312 SAUNA 321 319 317 315 313 311 Lockers 309 308 306 304 302 307 305 303 301 Upper Deck Admiral Stateroom $6,595 N/A Stateroom with king or twin beds, desk and chair, refrigerator, view window, shower Expedition Gear 212 213 211 210 209 208 207 206 205 204 203 WC 202 201 BAR SALON BOW VIEWING AREA Main Deck Commodore Suite $8,695 N/A Suite with king or twin beds, sitting area, refrigerator, view windows, French doors and balcony, Jacuzzi tub and shower Swim Step and Kayak Launch Platform GALLEY DINING ROOM LIBRARY Wine Bar WC 112 110 108 106 Massage Massage Office 111 109 107 105 103 Underwater Camera Cabin Deck *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. **Single accommodations are limited at these rates. Built: 1983 / Refurbished: 2012 / Length: 232 feet / Beam: 37 feet / Cruising Speed: 10 knots / Registry: U.S.
Information Terms & Conditions Dates March 2 to 9, 2013 (8 days) Size Limited to a total of 84 participants Included 7-night cruise aboard the Safari Endeavour 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Open bar throughout duration of the cruise Equipment for kayaking, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding One complimentary massage treatment per person Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our onboard naturalists and professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program Not Included International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services F u e l C o s t s In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this program to be moderately strenuous. Full days of touring are balanced with free time onboard. Daily excursions involve one to three miles of walking in reserves or hiking on beaches or trails, which are, in some cases, uneven. Some of the walking takes place on natural terrain, where paths can be rocky and rugged. You ll need to be sure-footed on stairs and ramps, and you must be comfortable boarding small vessels and managing beach landings (ship s crew will be on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 10 years of age and older on this program. Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for this program. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within a specified window: 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for Any Reason benefit. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford. edu/goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692. California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in August 2012 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2012 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S.
Stanford Faculty Leader From an oceanographer s perspective, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most beautiful and biologically productive places on earth. Kevin Arrigo KEVIN ARRIGO joined the Stanford School of Earth Sciences in 1999 and has taught courses in global change, marine ecosystems, remote sensing of the oceans, ecosystems modeling and oceanography. In addition, he co-teaches a field course on coral reef ecology as part of Stanford s Bing Overseas Studies Program in Australia. During our program, Professor Arrigo will discuss the effects of agricultural runoff on the Sea of Cortez and the recent changes to the feeding grounds of the gray whale in the Arctic Ocean, one of his primary research areas. Professor Arrigo reflects, It never ceases to inspire me when I think of the long and dangerous migration these whales must make to get from their breeding area in the Sea of Cortez to their feeding grounds in the far north. At Stanford: professor and associate chair, environmental earth system science; director, graduate program in earth, energy and environmental sciences, School of Earth Sciences, 2005 2010 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow, 2009, Woods Institute for the Environment Recipient of the School of Earth Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award, 2008 BS, natural resources, 1983, University of Michigan PhD, biology, 1992, University of Southern California S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form Sea of Cortez March 2 to 9, 2013 SIGN UP ONLINE! I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds King Bed 2nd choice: Twin Beds King Bed Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s). Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CARD # EXPIRES CELL PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?cortez2013. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 8739
Sea Cortez whale watching in baja california Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305-6105 (650) 725-1093 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Association March 2 to 9, 2013 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy So near and yet so far; this was a well-planned and well-organized trip. George, 57, and Ruth, 57, Burlingham, Copper Canyon College, 2009 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y