CONSERVATION ADVENTURES OVERVIEW
2012 ‐ 2013 Carpeta de presentación
Table of Contents Conservation Adventures
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Magdalena Bay Sea Turtle Conservation Adventure
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Gray Whale & Sea Turtle Conservation Adventure
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Magdalena Bay Sea Turtle and Kayak Adventure
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Magdalena Bay Academic Adventure
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Loggerhead Turtle Conservation Team Adventure
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Espíritu Santo Island adventure (for private groups)
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RED Sustainable Travel RED Sustainable Travel combines ecotourism with conservation activities to create stewardship of natural resources while strengthening local communities and their economies in Northwestern Mexico. The vision for the RED project is based on decades of conservation work in the region, and the forging of a grassroots movement focused on sea turtle conservation and coastal habitat preservation. RED places conservation in the hands of community members by linking natural resource preservation to economic opportunity.
Contact us To learn more about RED’s Conservation Adventures, departure dates or to program a private departure visit www.RedTravelMexico.com or send us an e‐mail to red@redtravelmexico.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/REDSustainableTravel Talk to us: ☎ + 52 612 125 7824 Skype: REDSustainableTravel
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Magdalena Bay Sea Turtle Conservation Adventure Trip Overview • 3 or 4 days ‐ perfect for trip extensions • Hands on participation in world renowned community based sea turtle conservation project • Additional activities: guided stargazing, kayak excursion, mangrove snorkeling, island exploration, nocturnal dune hikes • Genuine cultural exchange with guides and hosts from local fisher community • Regional cuisine with gourmet flair • Camp facilities include spacious tents with mattresses and bedding • Trips runs October through May. Gray whale observation in February and March Day 1: travelers depart from La Paz to Magdalena Bay (Loreto options available), stopping en route to try local ranchero fare. After arriving to Puerto San Carlos (3hrs), clients board pangas and head out to the tiny island base camp where they receive a detailed orientation and information on local species and conservation projects. Day 2: fishermen head out before dawn to set drift nets and initiate the sea turtle monitoring. Clients are invited to participate in all aspects of the monitoring over the course of 24 hours. The day also includes relaxation time, guided mangrove and hiking tours. Day 3: the monitoring concludes and any remaining sea turtles are released. After packing, the group heads to a secluded island picnic spot before heading back to Puerto San Carlos for departure to La Paz.
Retail price: $650 US per traveler. Includes: Ground transportation from La Paz to San Carlos and back (about 3 hours each way), all boat transportation, all meals starting on lunch of day one and ending on lunch of day three, drinks including wine and beer, taxes, a 3% donation to RED´s community conservation fund, comfortable camping accommodations.
Ideal for: Adventure travelers with an interest in nature, conservation and cultural interaction. Travelers should be comfortable in an upgraded campsite environment. Trip makes an ideal family adventure. Private/family/ corporate trips can be arranged. Minimum 6, maximum 14.
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Gray Whale & Sea Turtle Conservation Adventure Trip Overview • 5 day adventure • Hands on participation in world renowned community based sea turtle conservation project • 3 gray whale watching excursion (3 hrs each) over 2 days. • Genuine cultural exchange with guides and hosts from local fisher community • Regional cuisine with gourmet flair • Camp facilities include spacious tents with mattresses and bedding • Trips runs in February and March Day 1: travelers depart from La Paz to Magdalena Bay (Loreto options available), stopping en route to try local ranchero fare. After arriving to Puerto San Carlos (3hrs), clients board pangas and head out to the tiny island base camp where they receive a detailed orientation and information on local species and conservation projects. Day 2: Rise shortly after the sun comes up, grab a cup of coffee, and climb aboard the panga to help your fishermen guides set nets in the channel, initiating the sea turtle monitoring which runs for 24 hours. In the afternoon take your time to relax and read, or identify local birds with your guide. Day 3: the turtle monitoring concludes and any remaining sea turtles are released. Receive a brief orientation about the gray whales and their migration, before heading out in the search for them. Day 4: Head out again to search for whales. Take a walk through the sand dunes all the way to the Pacific. In the afternoon, take a leisurely kayak paddle through the mangrove canals or just relax and share stories with the other guests and your hosts. Day 5: Bid farewell to your hosts before heading back to La Paz. The photographs, stories, and memories you keep will tell the tale of the nature and wildlife adventure of a lifetime.
Retail price: $1400 US per traveler. Includes: Ground transportation from La Paz to San Carlos and back (about
3 hours each way), all boat transportation, 3 gray whale watching excursions, all meals starting on lunch of day one and ending on lunch of day three, drinks including wine and beer, taxes, a 3% donation to RED´s community conservation fund, comfortable camping accommodations.
Ideal for: Adventure travelers with an interest in nature, conservation and cultural interaction. Travelers should be comfortable in an upgraded campsite environment. Trip makes an ideal family adventure. Private/family/ corporate trips can be arranged. Minimum 6, maximum 14.
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Magdalena Bay Sea Turtle and Kayak Adventure Trip Overview • 5 day expedition • Hands on participation in world renowned community based sea turtle conservation project • Additional activities: guided stargazing, kayak excursion, mangrove snorkeling, island exploration, nocturnal dune hikes. Guided exploration of Magdalena Bay and local flora and fauna through mangrove canals • Genuine cultural exchange with guides and hosts from local fisher community • Regional cuisine with gourmet flair • Camp facilities include spacious tents with mattresses and bedding • Trips runs October through May. Gray whale observation in February and March Day 1: travelers depart with their guide from La Paz to Magdalena Bay (Loreto options available), stopping en route to try local ranchero fare. After arriving to Puerto San Carlos (3hrs), clients board pangas and head out to the tiny island base camp where they receive a detailed orientation and information on local species and conservation projects. The day concludes with a tour of the constellations. Day 2: fishermen head out before dawn to set drift nets and initiate the sea turtle monitoring. Travelers can kayak out to observe the monitoring nets throughout the day and into the night. The day also includes time to relax or kayak around tiny Conchalito Island. Day 3: the monitoring concludes and any remaining sea turtles are released after being measured and tagged. In the afternoon, kayakers can paddle through lush mangroves to spot birds and marine life. Day 4, travelers head out by panga to visit with fishermen or more kayak exploration of the bay. After dinner take a nocturnal guided hike through the sand dunes. Day 5, after breakfast, travelers pack up and head to a secluded island picnic spot before boarding the van back to La Paz.
Retail price: $1100 US per traveler. Includes: Ground transportation, boat transportation, all meals starting on lunch of day one and ending on lunch of day 5, drinks including wine and beer, comfortable camping accommodations, taxes, a 3% donation to RED´s community conservation fund.
Ideal for: Adventure travelers and sea kayakers with an interest in nature, conservation and cultural interaction. Travelers should be comfortable in an upgraded campsite environment. Trip makes an ideal family adventure. Private/family/corporate trips can be arranged. Minimum 6, maximum 14.
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res D RE dventu ic A m Magdalena e d a c A
Bay Academic Adventure Trip Overview
Mangrove, sea turtle, dunes, gray whale and sustainable fisheries practical learning experiences available Hands‐on learning helps to build character, spur interest, expand knowledge and research skills Participation of local experts and community leaders provides insight into human‐nature interaction Activities link academic challenges, situational learning, presentations and games with recognized research, conservation and community development projects • Parent‐student trips available • Junior high and high school curricula • Trips runs October through May. Gray whale activities in February and March • • • •
Much more than a field trip, RED Academic Adventures instill students with understanding and a sense of involvement in pressing scientific and social themes. Our instructors are trained in field protocol, risk prevention and management, and maintain Wilderness First Responders (WFR) certification. All instructors have advanced degrees in marine biology, oceanography, or ecology, with practical knowledge about the area and conservation projects related to the expedition. Day 1: Travel from La Paz or Loreto to Magdalena Bay with stop en route to learn about rustic ranchero lifestyle. Students board pangas, travel to basecamp on Conchalito Island. Island orientation (leave no trace camping), and introduction to sea turtles and Grupo Tortuguero research project follow before guided tour of night sky. Day 2: Fishermen head out before dawn to set drift nets and initiate sea turtle monitoring. Student teams accompany instructors and local experts to monitor nets every two hours over 24‐hour period. Captured turtles are weighed, measured, tagged, named and released. At night, student teams give presentations and participate in discussions. Day 3: Morning orientation is followed by a day of sighting and identification of gray whales. Students conduct more research at basecamp before presentation of observations and newly acquired knowledge. Day 4: Day begins with field orientation and walking tour of mangrove forests with focus on importance of mangroves to the ecology of the region. Additional whale observation followed by preparation of presentations on mangroves. Nighttime discussion with local fishermen (our camp hosts) about their experiences and path toward conservation. Day 5: Students pack up head out for sand dune exploration and island picnic before return to La Paz/Loreto.
Retail price: Fees start at $650 US per student. Please contact us for details. 6
Loggerhead Turtle Conservation Team Adventure Trip Overview This 12 day intensive voluntourism adventure puts travelers on the ProCaguama conservation team, in the
vanguard of recovering endangered loggerhead sea turtle populations on the Pacific coast of Mexico's rugged and beautiful Baja California peninsula. • Pre‐trip orientation, ongoing participation in Procaguama team strategy and planning meetings • Beach surveys on Magdalena Island, open water sea turtle capture, data collection, tagging and release • Participation in community outreach • Homestay with local family • Overnight stays in historic San Lazaro lighthouse • Trip culminates with local sea turtle festival • Close interaction with internationally recognized scientists, local experts and community members • Island exploration, snorkeling, kayaking and wildlife observation • Adventure runs during July and August of 2012.
Itinerary: The experience described above takes place in a dynamic research and field conservation environment, and schedules and itineraries will be defined on the ground.
Retail price: $1500 US per traveler. Includes: Ground transportation from Loreto or La Paz to López Mateos
and back (about 3 hours each way), all ground and marine transportation in López Mateos, all meals starting on lunch of day one and ending on breakfast of day 12, a 3% donation to RED´s community conservation fund, family homestay accommodations.
Ideal for: Voluntourist with an interest in nature, conservation and cultural interaction, and a deep desire to spend their time actively contributing to community conservation efforts in a rural fishing town. Selection of team members will be based on a pre‐trip application and telephone interview. Spaces are extremely limited.
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Espíritu Santo Island adventure (for private groups) Trip Overview • One day excursion perfect complement to meetings, conferences, and private groups from 15‐80 • Visit to Espíritu Santo Island UNESCO Biosphere Reserve • Snorkeling and (optional) SCUBA with friendly sea lions in warm, turquoise water • Ideal for all ages and activity levels. Participants can enjoy the scenery from the boat. • Guided tour of historic ruins on neighboring island. • Onboard naturalist to answer questions and lead discussions on local conservation issues • Team building activities available • Trip returns to La Paz by dinner time • Available year round. RED's one day outing to Espíritu Santo supports conservation of the Islas del Golfo Biosphere Reserve in what Jacques Cousteau called "the world's aquarium". Visitors will see up close why this natural wonderland is worth protecting. The Espíritu Santo trips also provide community members with an alternative source of employment, reducing pressures on fisheries resources and diversifying their income streams.
Retail price: Fee varies from $75 to $200 US per traveler depending on group specific needs.
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