Welcome to our Gray Whale Research Camp on Cresciente Island! This is a land of abundance, where whales frolic in the tides amidst dolphins, turtles and thousands upon thousands of seabirds. Get ready! After a 3 hour drive across the peninsula, we arrive at Puerto Chale, board our skiff, and start spotting our first whales within 15 minutes. Soon, we are completely surrounded by spy hopping, breaching and swimming whales. Then we head to camp for lunch, get installed and have our initial briefing. The adventure is just starting.
Our Research Camp allows visitors to experience gray whales in close proximity, waking and sleeping while life happens all around us. Every day, we spend 3-4 hours out on the water observing their behaviors, and taking photographs to later identify each individual and study the population. There are also huge numbers of marine birds in the area, as there are several nesting sites nearby, specifically pelicans, frigate birds and cormorants.
In the mornings after a hearty breakfast, we set off to our activities, including whale watching, birding and visiting a nearby sea lion colony. In the afternoon, we take long walks along the beach, to enjoy the view of the Sun setting over the bay as countless whales and dolphins blow in the distance. After the days’ activities you will be welcomed back to camp to put your feet up and reflect on the day with happy hour and a nice warm dinner. When we aren’t out exploring, we are enjoying camp, which includes sun-showers, hot meals of local cuisine and a daily happy hour. Our camp runs every year during Winter, giving your the opportunity to experience the peak of the whale wintering season, and our researchers the chance to obtain abundant data.
For 4 nights and 5 days immerse yourself in camp life. The expedition is book-ended by two lovely hotel nights in La Paz. It includes full days of activities, all meals and beverages at camp, and comfortable double accommodations.
Eco Migrations will be thrilled to live this amazing experience with you. Thank you!
I joined Eco Migrations for 2 weeks in February as a Gray Whale Research Volunteer in the Bay of Almejas. I went to learn about how to conduct Photo ID research and left with all my senses full, a memorable experience that will last me a life time, and a deeper appreciation for Gray Whales, Eco Migrations’ work and the Bay of Almejas.
Eco Migrations provided an immersive experience. I received hands on experience conducting research on the boat every morning and assisting in the afternoon with photo selection and editing. I was able to get a real sense of how Photo ID research is conducted and organized.
Jose Juan and Erin were great teachers, incredibly patient and passionate about their work. It was incredible to see what you could accomplish in two weeks!
Research aside, Eco Migrations created a thoughtful and comfortable camping experience. The food was amazing, many thanks to the incredible chefs! The evening sunset walks, with whales, dolphins and birds abound was a wonderful way to end each day.
I highly recommend Eco Migrations!
I was fortunate enough to join Eco Migrations on a study away class through my university. I cannot say enough amazing things about Eco Migrations and the two brilliant and wonderful facilitators – JJ and Erin – and their fantastic staff! The experience was educational, informative, fun, astonishing, and most of all, carried out with environmentally proper means! JJ, Erin, and their boat captains practice RESPONSIBLE whale watching – look it up, folks! Aside from whales, JJ and Erin had heaps of knowledge about the area in general; birds, the island, sea lions, etc.
I have to shake my head at some of the low-star reviews. People expecting a service for free (really?!), people upset because replies are not fast enough. Eco Migrations is the real deal and they are not some monstrous group that exists to just make money. They are in the field, doing the work, and are not simply sitting around a computer so yes, correspondence may take some time. If you’re looking for a beautiful whale and nature experience with a company full of integrity, look no further!
