Immerse yourself in and on the land, sea, and culture of Baja, Mexico while refining your sea kayaking/outdoor leadership skills and learning the natural history of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems! The coastline and islands of the Baja peninsula provide an unparalleled ‘classroom’ to learn sea kayaking leadership skills on the open water and explore the marine life and natural history of the region’s ecosystem!

Baja stirs the soul. Its geographic position and range of topography provides the region with a diverse set of climate patterns producing a wide diversity of flora and fauna that live amongst the breathtaking beaches, crystal clear water, mountains, and rugged desert landscapes.

In the Sea of Cortez, the world’s youngest and most nutrient-rich body of water, the Guaymas trench plunges nearly a mile deep and supports a great expansion of life. Its islands, known as the ‘Mexican Galapagos’,  are included as UNESCO world heritage sites. Colorful volcanic mountains rise from the sea and ancient shells are fossilized forming waterfront cliffs and beaches where adapted plants and animals thrive.

The region is home to one of the highest numbers of living species on the planet including 700 vascular plants, 90,000 species of fish, and 40% of the world’s total number of marine mammal species including colorful reef fish, playful dolphins, jumping manta rays, sea turtles, octopus, and many species of whales.

To be a leader in the outdoors, you must fully immerse yourself in your surroundings, mode of travel, and become well-versed in how to navigate through unique and challenging terrain under changing circumstances. That's something you won't learn in a four walled classroom!

This Sea Kayaking Leadership & Natural History course will engage you in practical and experiential modes of learning as you become part of the environment you are in and develop the skills to lead others and travel safely on the open water in a sea kayak while discovering the natural wonders and history of a complex, interconnected and sensitive ecosystem.

We will fly into Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and drive north to La Paz which will serve as our initial home base. While there, we will take daily field trips exploring the natural history/ecology of the mountain, desert, and marine environments, train in hands-on sea kayaking leadership skills, and do the staging for a multi-day backcountry sea kayak trip along the Sea of Cortez coastline and islands with students taking the lead!

Come join us and be a part of this unparalleled opportunity to build your outdoor leadership/sea kayaking skills and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Baja, Mexico!

Courses:

• OUT 2335 Kayak Touring Leadership (4 credits)
• BIO 1020 Introduction to Natural History (3 credits)

Trip Dates: May 12-26, 2024

Program fee: $2200

Airfare, CMC tuition, and other miscellaneous fees (passport fees, immunization fees) are not included.

Tuition: See current in-district, in-state, and out-of-state CMC Tuition Rates

Registration Deadline: Deadline extended - limited space available. Please use the form on this webpage for more information.