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A World Away ...

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an Ignacio Lagoon has a ruggedness, magnificence, and variety of scenery and wildlife that delights anyone with a love of adventure and beauty. Baja is a wonderland to be experienced, most of it remaining as it was a thousand years ago.

This SummerTree Institute Expedition offers a chance to discover for yourself the gentleness of these wondrous friendly Gray Whales. We’ll explore ancient stories, mystical lore, and rare insights into new scientific discoveries about these amazing creatures and the oceans that they call home.

Aboard our skiffs, you’ll get excitingly close to enormous Gray Whales as they cruise the lagoon and investigate our small craft. Nothing compares to being within an arm’s length of a living, breathing, friendly whale.

Our expedition ventures into an ancestral breeding ground of the Gray Whale. Here in this secluded sanctuary, whales not only teach their newborn c alves how to survive, but they also teach us how to have a new relationship with the wild creatures of our oceans.

Fellow Explorers

,

Each year hundre

ds of California

Gray Whales spe

nd

up to three mont

hs in the protec

ted, calm waters

of

San Ignacio Lago

on on the Pacifi

c Coast of the B

aja

Peninsula. Here

they mate, give

birth, and raise

their young in p

reparation for t

he long migratio

n

north to the fee

ding grounds of

the Arctic.

It was in this v

ery lagoon in 19

77 that I first

experienced the

phenomenon that

changed the

relationship bet

ween humans and

whales -- a

mother whale pre

senting her baby

for us to touch

.

Now, almost 30 y

ears later, this

wonderful

experience “visi

ting the home of

the friendly

whales” is somet

hing we look for

ward to each and

every trip.

I invite you all

to join us for

this life-enrich

ing

experience. Comi

ng face-to-face

with a gentle gi

ant

is an encounter

you will never f

orget.

I’ll see you her

e.

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Baja California

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he peninsula of Baja forms the second longest, most isolated peninsula in the world. Baja’s Pacific coastline is irregular with many small embayments, rocky shore lines, and coastal lagoons.

This coastline is alive with wildlife including a rich variety of birds, reptiles, and small to large land and marine mammals.

San Ignacio Lagoon is the last natural, untouched area which serves as a California Gray Whale nursery. Here they raise their young until they are ready to make the long journey north in the spring.

The SummerTree Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental education organization.All images © copyright 2006, Doug Thompson and/or Robin Kobaly Thompson, all rights reserved.

San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching

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long the west coast of the Baja Peninsula, three lagoons provide California Gray Whales with safe waters at the end of their annual migration from the Arctic. San Ignacio Lagoon, the most remote and most closely protected lagoon of the three, lies midway between Ojo de Liebre to the north and Magdalena Bay to the south, both of which are open to commercial traffic. Surrounded by low dunes and bordered by mangrove-lined estuaries, San Ignacio Lagoon is a surreal landscape which provides a dramatic background for Baja’s most celebrated visitors, the California Gray Whales. Their travels encompass the Chukchi Sea, the Bering Sea, and the great Pacific Ocean. A Gray Whale may travel up to 10,000 miles in one complete season, the longest migration of any mammal on Earth.

While at San Ignacio Lagoon, activities to enjoy include whale watching from 22-foot pangas, beachcombing, bird watching, natural history presentations, and exploring the mangrove estuaries by skiff or sea kayak. A library of natural history guidebooks is also available for your use. We strive to provide a high level of amenities and services using ecologically and technologically appropriate means.

Your professional crew consists of local skiff drivers and cooks. Naturalist leaders are professionals drawn from both sides of the border with a special emphasis on Gray Whales.

San Ignacio Lagoon is part of El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Activities in the lagoon are closely regulated by agencies of the Mexican government to insure that human activities do not adversely affect the whales. We have a special commitment to protecting the land and sea environment. Our activities are fully permitted and sanctioned by the Mexican government.

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Itinerary

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ur waterfront accommodations include double occupancy cabin tents with comfortable beds, warm lined sleeping bags, pillows, night stand, chairs, and solar lighting. You can also enjoy a “Baja” solar-heated fresh-water shower after a day of whale watching. Wonderful meals with a Mexican flair are served in the comfortable surrounding of our large dining tent. We also provide beer, wine, juices, and clean, safe water.

Our daily itinerary is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of unexpected natural history opportunities. While we make every attempt to follow our general itinerary, the weather is unpredictable and often dictates our day’s activities.

Day 1 ... In the morning we will board vans at the designated hotel in San Diego. The vans will take us to the airfield to board our private charter plane to San Ignacio. As our camp bus takes us from the lagoon’s air strip to our camp, we will discuss and view the area’s unique natural landscape and its local people. There is an orientation to camp procedures upon arrival, with time left over to relax or explore before happy hour and dinner. Following dinner is a presentation by one of our naturalists.

Days 2, 3, & 4 ... Days are spent primarily whale watching. Other activities available are hikes led by a naturalist, bird watching, sea kayaking in the mangrove estuaries, beachcombing, or relaxing at camp.

Day 5 ... After an early lunch you depart to meet the incoming flight at the landing strip. Arrival back in San Diego is planned for late afternoon. Upon arrival you will be transported by van back to the hotel. If you are planning your domestic flight home this same evening, please schedule your departure for after 5:00 pm.

We suggest that you arrive the day prior to your trip and depart later in the day after returning to San Diego to avoid difficulties in the event of delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

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The Many Experiencesof San Ignacio Lagoon

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Weather

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n the winter, San Ignacio Lagoon has many faces. Mornings are usually cool with temperatures in the 50’s to 60’s. Daytime temperatures can range from the 60’s to 70’s.

Once the sun sets, it cools down. Layered clothing is best so that you can acclimate. It is also important to be prepared for the possibility of rain, and a windbreaker is very useful. On most days, a t-shirt and shorts are all that you need for strolling on the beach. We take advantage of the local weather patterns for our comfort by spending midmornings and early afternoons out in the lagoon with the whales.

Comfort & Health

We can normally accommodate the particular food requirements of various people, including

vegetarians. Our meals are prepared with the Mexican influence of local chefs on the camp staff. Please inform us prior to departure if you have any dietary concerns.

If you have a medical condition, we ask that you discuss with your doctor the details of the trip as described in our literature, and let your doctor determine your fitness for this journey. Even though we have adequate first-aid and emergency gear, we will be in a remote area far from medical facilities.

Please remember to bring a hat and sunglasses – we will provide the safe, clean water. We also recommend that you bring sunscreen with a block out rating of SPF 15 and protective lip balm.

N ovember: Gray whales

are traveling south from the cold northern latitudes and are passing by the Southern California coastline. Intermittently we may see whales arriving in San Ignacio Lagoon in November.

December : Gray whales begin arriving in significant numbers in December. Pregnant moms are becoming more familiar with the lagoon while adult males are displaying courtship behavior. By the end of December, whales that will spend the duration of the winter in Baja will have arrived in the lagoon.

January: Activity is high in the lagoon. Normally thirty to forty percent of the season’s calves are already born by the end of January. Friendly interactions between whales and human visitors to the lagoon are common. There is also energetic mating behavior occurring during this time. January and February are great times of year to experience the amazing courtship behavior as well as the gentle interactions between humans and mother whales with newborn babies.

February: February is a truly magnificent time in Laguna San Ignacio. Mating activity of these huge mammals is going strong. Friendly encounters are common, and the baby whales have already gained many hundreds of pounds since birth. Breaching and spy-hopping seems to be happening all around us. The highest population of Gray whales is normally recorded in February.

March: March is a time when some males begin the northward migration back to the Bering Sea and the food-rich, cold waters of their summer feeding areas. Moms with calves seem more at ease when the intense mating activity slows down, and the newborn babies have gained more strength and size. Friendly encounters abound.

April: April is an exceptional time in San Ignacio Lagoon. The weather is a little warmer and the lagoon can have as many as fifty to seventy moms and newborn calves. The young whales are now strong, curious, and friendly, and are ready for their northward migration. April provides a wonderful time when the whales are most curious about us and every person feels a special relationship within this magical world.

Through the Seasons with the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon

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Photography

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AMERAS: The most versatile cameras are the ones that provide a variety of lenses and other accessories while keeping your equipment bag a manageable size. If you are not an avid photographer,

disposable cameras can be an inexpensive and effective way to record your Baja experience. Be sure to try out a new camera before your trip, to ensure that it is working properly and that you know how to use it. El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve is regulated by an agency of the Mexican Government that does not allow professional video equipment or any underwater cameras in San Ignacio Lagoon during Whale Watching Season without a special permit from the government.

LENSES: A short to medium telephoto lens (80-210 mm range) and a wide angle lens (28-80 mm) are useful. Polaroid filters for your lenses can also help to cut down the glare on the surface of the water when photographing.

MEMORY CHIPS/FILM: It is easy to shoot 100 or more images each day if you are an avid photographer. Also be prepared for both bright sun and overcast conditions.

OTHER EQUIPMENT: Bring a day pack in which to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, and binoculars while out whale watching. A water-proof bag is recommended or plastic bags in which to wrap your pack while out in the boats.

Clothingn Wool shirt or sweatshirt n Warm jacket n Cotton long-sleeved shirt n T-shirts n Pants, Shortsn Socks, underwearn Tennis shoes (spare)n Waterproof sandalsn Sun hat, capn Wind breakern Waterproof top & pants n Bandanan Sleep wear n Water booties (optional) n Gloves or Mittens n Warm hat (ski cap) n Polarized sunglasses

Toiletries Kitn Toothbrush, paste n Suntan lotion/sunscreenn Skin cream/lip balm

(SPF 15) n Bath towel & wash clothn Brush, comb, shampoo n Personal medicines

(in prescription bottle)n Extra prescription glasses

Miscellaneous Gearn Camera, film, batteriesn Battery charger for

cameran Binoculars n Flashlight, extra batteries n Dry-bag for camera n Pocket knife n Day pack n Passport n Small first aid kit n Dirty clothes bagn Tweezers n Moneyn Sewing kitn Books, journal, pens

We ProvideDouble-occupancy cabin tents, beds, sleeping bags and sheets, pillow and pillow case, life jackets (child and adult sizes), showers, meals, snacks, beverages, beer, juice, water, water bottle, and happy hour cocktails. Our adventures also include whale watching twice a day, kayaking, beachcombing, nature walks, birding, and informal evening presentations in our large dining tent.

Personal Equipment Check List

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lease plan well when packing for your trip. This list will serve as a format for your individual needs. We want you to be comfortable at the camp. Remember that dress is strictly casual, and camping clothes are the rule. We suggest that you pack your belongings in a collapsible duffel bag. Hard suitcases take up the same amount of space full or empty and are awkward. The baggage weight limitation on the charter flight is �0 pounds per person.

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Trip Details

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RAVEL DOCUMENTS: A Tourist Card is required to travel in Mexico and will be provided for you on Day 1. You must bring a valid Passport. This is VERY important. You may apply for a passport at most post offices, and since it usually takes several weeks to process, be sure to apply early. Minors, under the age of 18, must have one notarized copy plus one photo copy of both parents’ consent when traveling alone or with one parent (call us for documents). You will NOT be allowed to board our private charter flight without proper documentation.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend the purchase of a short term travelers’ insurance policy for your protection. It’s a good idea to have travel insurance for any adventure travel.

CANCELLATION TERMS: All cancellations must be in writing

and are refundable dependant upon filling your space. We make every effort to maintain waiting lists for each departure. Trip cancellation insurance is available and recommended.

SAFETY: Your safety is our first concern. It is important to remember that these trips take place in a wilderness environment, far from hospital services. Engaging in activities such as viewing animals from skiffs, sea kayaking, hiking, and exploring in a natural environment contain certain inherent risks. If at any time you have concerns about your own safety, please advise the guide. Remember, all participation is voluntary.

TIPPING: Tipping of guides and crew is normally organized as a “group tip” at the end of the trip. A general guideline is 5-10% of the trip fee per guest. Tips should reflect your satisfaction with crew performance. There are twelve camp staff taking good care of us all.

Local artists’ work is available in a small gift shop (cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted in the gift shop).

We accept MasterCard and Visa.

Doug ThompsonD I R E C T O R O F E x P E D I T I O N S

The SummerTree Institute

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oug Thompson has organized and led over one hundred long-range natural history expeditions, taking adventurers to exciting places from Mexico to New Zealand. As a marine naturalist, he has earned world-wide credibility as a leader in experiential research with whales.

Doug is an author, ecologist, internationally recognized naturalist, expedition leader, lecturer, award-winning film-maker, photojournalist, and author of Whales:Touching the Mystery published by NewSage Press. A portion of each book sale by the author is donated to The SummerTree Eco-nomic Project for San Ignacio Lagoon. Doug’s inspiring lectures are welcomed time and again by universities, corporations, world-class resorts, and retreats.

Doug brings to SummerTree Institute Expeditions a profound understanding of our place on this planet and a deep, rich history of our connection to the sea. Doug has developed natural history programming with national award-winning people including Shari Lewis and James Deckard.

S E L E C T E D Q U O T E S “Why do whales living wild and free in the ocean, seek encounters with humans? In Whales, Touching the Mystery, Doug Thompson shares with us his thirty years of experience studying gray whales in remote Baja Mexico lagoons, and explores the mystery of the extraordinary interspecies connection. And he shares, too, his love for the whales, the place, the people. You will want to own this enchanted book, and the glorious DVD that accompanies it. Here is hope for the future of the whales – and for us all.” Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, UN Messenger of Peace

“ … a wealth of experience and knowledge.” The Cousteau Society

“ … environmentalist extraordinaire.” The Los Angeles Times

“…Ecologist Supreme, credentialed naturalist, writer, award-winning documentary film-maker, photojournalist, lecturer, hot storyteller…above all, a man at peace with the planet.” The Orange County Register

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RECOMMENDED READING We have a fairly extensive camp library on the natural history of whales and of the local area. The following books are some of our favorites. You might enjoy reading these prior to our journey. If you would like a more complete list of natural history books regarding Baja, please write or email us and we’ll be happy to send it along.

“The very air here is miraculous, and outlines of reality change with the moment.

A dream hangs over the entire region.”

JOhN STEINBECk, Log from the Sea of Cortez

Brenda Peterson & Linda Hogan2002SightingsThe Gray Whales’ Mysterious JourneyNational Geographic, Washington, D.C.

Roger Payne1995Among WhalesScribner, N.Y.

Doug Thompson2006

Whales: Touching the MysteryNewSage Press, OR

The SummerTree InstituteP.O. Box 307 • Morongo Valley, CA 92256

(760) 363-7229 • FAX (760) 363-1166 • doug@summertree.org • www.summertree.org

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit endeavor

Dick Russell2001

Eye of the Whale Simon & Schuster, NY