What level of hiking are we to expect?
The hiking you can anticipate is of a novice level. There may be a hill or two but that’s as difficult as it gets. Because the rock formations are dry and brittle, the areas that may look challenging are off limits due to safety reasons. The second factor to keep in mind is the intensity of the sun during most of the day – we keep the hiking short and effective. The areas we will be hiking are fossil beds, cactus forests, geological sites, and beaches.
Do I need to know how to kayak and snorkel?
No. The kayaks are simply hard plastic “sit-on” kayaks that are used in the bays, coves, and the area in which the boat is anchored. They are not sea-going kayaks where you have to learn various techniques such as rolling, etc. We also DO NOT kayak from island to island. If you do not know how to kayak we will teach you the basic moves.
As for the snorkeling, the gear is provided; however, if you have your own, you may want to bring it. If you do not know how to snorkel we will teach you. We start off in 3 feet of water, where you can see the marine life attached to the sandstone formations. Once you are comfortable and confident with your ability, you can venture off into 10′ + depths.
What is provided onboard the boat for scuba diving?
For those on our dive expeditions the ship’s inventory of scuba gear is as follows:
1. compressor/air
2. tanks
3. weights/weight belt
4. Ship’s First Aid Kit to include oxygen tank
Please Note:
1. It is the responsibility of the dive master(s) to administer First Aid to any persons in dive related incidents.
2. Anticipated number of dives per day is 3 – 4.
3. For expeditions not designated as a dive expedition. For 1 – 6 persons the cost of dive master – $180.00 per day (minimum 3 days) and ship’s inventory of scuba gear rental – $25.00 per day per person to a maximum 2 dives per day within the expressed itinerary of the expedition.
Do I need to be in great shape for the trip?
Our trips are designed for everyone; it accommodates all levels of experience and abilities. Most of our participants are first time kayakers, snorkelers, or simply have limited experience. Our expeditions are not considered strenuous or physically demanding, and a high level of fitness is not required. You can, however, anticipate a few hours of exercise each day. All we ask is that you embrace the adventure with an open mind and are able to have fun with it during the trip.
How do we address seasickness?
The M.V. Adventure, the ship utilized by Panterra, has a considerable amount of stability, chosen with the safety and comfort of the passengers in mind. In addition to this stability, in the event of bad weather, we simply avoid and do not venture into it. We have backup plans for alternative destinations and activities. However, if you suffer with motion sickness we recommend “sea bands” which are an elastic material band that sit on the pressure points of the wrists. Your second alternative is to use Gravol. Please check with your doctor if you have any further concerns. We have never had a guest whose trip was ruined by seasickness.
What are the accommodations, washroom and shower facilities like?
Accommodations on board the M.V. Adventure, are single berths based on double, triple or quad occupancy with both upper and lower bunks. Each stateroom features air conditioning, cupboards and drawers to unpack in, sink/vanity and comfortable spacious bunks. Shared restrooms and showers are separate to the staterooms.
What if I come alone?
No worries, many of our guests travel solo. The vessel has accommodations for 24 guests, but we cap our group sizes to 18 guests plus 2 naturalists. Consequently, there is the odd cabin that only one person will occupy. We will try to arrange single accommodation or put you together with a suitable partner. The wonderful part about these trips is the opportunity to meet new friends.
How remote is the area we will be exploring?
For the first couple of days there are other boats around our evening mooring spots. However, later on in the trip, we are usually the only ones in sight because there is no human habitation on the islands and because the boat is self contained with freshwater, food, etc. Imagine having the whales, dolphins, and beaches to ourselves – you couldn’t ask for a better playground. Once we have departed, the only other human interaction outside of our onboard guests are the folks at the fishing village we will be visiting.
In the event of an emergency the M.V. Adventure is equipped with a satellite phone, cell phone, VHF, and single side band radio.
Participants wishing to contact their families or friends while on the trip will have to bring their own cellular phones.
What type of clothing will we need to bring?
During the months of February to May the average temperature in the Sea of Cortez ranges from 23 – 33º Celsius, getting progressively warmer into the year. The days can become quite warm and in the evenings, the temperature is much cooler and may require a sweatshirt or light jacket.
The list of suggested clothing is as follows:
- sun hat/ball cap – sweat pants/shirt – sunblock/lip balm
- T-shirts – water socks – camera/film
- shorts – light hiking shoes – water bottle
- swimsuits – beach towel – daypack for shore excursions
- warm jacket – sunglasses (UV)
Please follow the suggested clothing list closely and if you have any questions about your gear feel free to call us.
Do you have a place for camera battery charges, etc?
Each stateroom has it’s own standard electrical outlets. For those participants who have digital cameras please insure that you have enough cartridges for your film as there is not a computer on board to download pictures.
Will we see whales and other cool marine animals?
Absolutely!!! The Sea of Cortez is one of the richest seas in the world for marine life. Understandably, we cannot predict what we will encounter and when, but we have a pretty good idea of where the animals are. The senior naturalist has 25 years of experience in the waters that we will be exploring. Anticipate encounters with large whales, dolphins, sea lions and manta rays, not to mention the other marine animals that will be encountered during our snorkeling and tidepooling explorations. You will observe some of the most beautiful and bizarre sea creatures imaginable.
Also, with the addition of our Wildlife Conservation Projects you may have the opportunity to work with us on our turtle monitoring program and whale shark research program.
What are the travel arrangements?
For those guests who have purchased the All Inclusive package, the Airline we have chosen to fly our guests on is Westjet, Alaska Air or US Airways. Airport transfers from Cabo to the vessel in La Paz are handled by commercial transportation companies (vans) and is included in the expedition cost.
If you would like to add on a trip extension please let us know at time of booking. There is no charge for this; however, there may be a charge from Alaska Airlines if there is a difference in the cost of the fare (higher fare) at the time of the change.
If you have booked the water/land package, it is your responsibility to show up at the boat at the designated time. If you do not arrive on time and need to meet the group in the islands, there will be a minimum charge of $100.00 US based on the distance the chase boat will need to travel.
How do we contact you in Mexico?
30 days prior to your departure you will be sent an orientation package that will contain pertinent information on the trip. Part of the information contains several phone numbers of how to reach the Panterra staff both in Canada and in Mexico. We also have a phone and email on board the vessel while in port.
What type of identification is required for travel from Canada to Mexico?
- All passengers need proof of citizenship.
- a valid passport is required.
- Names on ID must match name on ticket.
- If name is different, will need proof of legal name change.
- If passengers are not Canadian or US citizens, please contact the airline or consulate of their country of citizenship.
What about Safety?
The safety of our guests is our first priority. It is important to remember that these trips take place in a wilderness environment, far from hospital services. Involvement in activities like viewing animals from skiffs, kayaking, hiking, exploring, and swimming in natural environments contains inherent risks. If at any time you have concerns about your own safety, please advise the naturalists. Participation in all activities is voluntary.
There is NO SMOKING permitted onboard the ship. In addition, and applicable to school programs only, NO SMOKING is allowed during any portion of the Panterra trip.
What Means of Emergency Communication Are There on the Ship?
In the event of an emergency the ship is equipped with a satellite phone, cellular phone, single band radio and two VHF radios. All communications from family members or friends must be directed to the Panterra office at 1-800-665-6639. Once received the Panterra office will relay any messages with respect to an emergency only. Non-emergency calls will have to be made by the participant via public phones prior to the departure and upon return of the vessel.
Weather
The weather is generally warm and beautiful. During the day temperatures range from 20 – 30 degrees Celsius and a t-shirt and shorts are usually all you need. The evenings cool down and can occasionally dip down to 15 degrees Celsius sometimes requiring light pants and jacket. Sunburn and dehydration, in any weather, should not be taken lightly. Our daily activities are designed around the weather and certain areas may be inaccessible due to the sea and weather conditions. Safety and comfort of our guests are our main priority.
Air Temperature Water Temperature
January 20-24 C (68-75f) 16-20 C (61-68f)
February 20-24 C (68-75f) 16-20 C (61-68f)
March 20-24 C (68-75f) 16-20 C (61-68f)
April 22-26 C (72-79f) 18-22 C (65-72f)
May 24-28 C (75-82f) 18-22 C (65-72f)
June 26-32 C (79-90f) 20-24 C (68-75f)
July 28-38 C (82-100f) 24-30 C (78-86f)
August 30-34 C (86-104f) 24-30 C (78-86f)
September 30-34 C (86-104f) 24-30 C (78-86f)
October 26-32 C (79-90f) 24-30 C (78-86f)
November 22-26 C (72-79f) 20-24 C (68-75f)
December 20-24 C (68-75f) 18-22 C (65-72f)
In Closing…
No warranties, representations, terms or conditions apply to any program unless expressly stated in the Expedition Brochure, Participant Information Form, and the www.panterra.com website.
Panterra reserves the right to increase the program fee equal to and in the event of a US/Canadian/Pesos currency change of more than 10%. Panterra does not take responsibility for any events beyond its’ control. If you have any questions concerning the program or do not understand any of the written information please contact our office at 1-800-665-6639.
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that all participants and their parents/legal guardians carefully read through ALL OF the written information pertaining to the program located on the www.panterra.com website to INCLUDE the following: Expedition Brochure, ship information, Daily Journals and the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have a question we have not answered, kindly contact us at 1-800-665-6639, in the Victoria area – 656-0633. In the Calgary area 225-8327.
Additional Notes for Young Naturalist Expeditions – School Programs:
Exactly What Is The Young Naturalist Expeditions?
The Young Naturalist Expeditions are the result of our many years of introducing students to the wonders of the marine environment. During this time, the Panterra group has observed and recorded the marine life encounters, the exploration of environments, and the investigative activities, which most piqued the interest of the students, stimulating their desire for further knowledge. It is with this experience and information that we have designed the Young Naturalist Expeditions.
During the trip the students will explore, discover, research and identify the marine organisms encountered, recording their findings in the Expedition Workbook (for credit) or the Expedition Notebook (experiential – non credit). This will be accomplished through hiking, snorkeling and kayaking.
Some of the onboard activities include: plankton hauls and observations with the use of a microscope, night-light observations, collection of data through observation notes, and use of a dry specimen lab, which will enhance the marine studies.
For those students doing the credit program, the success of the program is based on the students’ completion of the Expedition Workbook. Panterra does not take responsibility for completion of the program should the students arrive unprepared, or choose not to complete their responsibility to the workbook.
For the 2011 season we will be introducing a turtle monitoring program and assisting a local scientist with her whale shark research.
What Paperwork Will Be Sent To The School and What Paperwork Do We Have To Return To The Panterra Office?
Paperwork sent to the school:
1. Upon initial contact from the teacher/supervisor the Program Outline (to include the Participant Information Form) will be sent to the school in a PDF file through email.
2. Upon receipt of the initial deposit confirmation of the booking will be given in the form of a “Statement of Account”.
3. September 15th – The “Participant Information Forms” must accompany the second payment. At this time Panterra will email a copy of the “Consent to Travel” form that must accompany the teacher/supervisor while traveling with the students. This is legally required by customs in Canada, the US and Mexico and must be notarized by a Public Notary.
4. December 15th – The Expedition Workbook or Expedition Notebook, will be sent to the school for distribution to the students by the teacher/supervisor. An “Immigration Form” will also be sent to the teacher/supervisor and required to be completed no later than 90 days prior to departure, the time of the last payment.
5. 21 days prior to departure, confirmation of the flight itinerary, airline tickets and group insurance policy.
Paperwork to be returned to the Panterra office by:
1. Initial deposit – due upon booking
2. Payment 2 – September 15th and all “Participant Information Forms”.
3. Payment 3 – 90 days prior to departure – the “Immigration Form”.
PLEASE NOTE: The “Participant Information Forms” are essential to the pre-organization of the trip so we kindly ask you to ensure they are filled out properly, signed, in the case of student participants by a parent/legal guardian, and submitted with Payment 2. In the event the Participant Information Form requires being returned for completion or correction or has not been submitted with Payment 2 there will be a $25.00 late processing fee per form. Panterra reserves the right to refuse participation to a participant should the proper paperwork not be submitted prior to Payment 3 the Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply. It should also be noted that it is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to insure all necessary paperwork for entry into the US and Mexico is obtained for non-Canadian citizens.
What Does The “Medical/Dental Travel Insurance” Package Include?
This insurance coverage is included in the program cost. The insurance is subject to the benefits, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as specified for each of the insurance coverage listed in the information booklet sent to the group supervisor prior to departure.
The package includes:
- Emergency Excess Hospital/Medical Expenses – $2 million maximum limit
- Air Flight Accident – sum insured – $50,000.00
- Baggage – sum insured $500.00
Participants are responsible for reading and understanding the insurance coverage in the information booklet sent to the group supervisors. This insurance does NOT cover participants who change their minds. Panterra does not handle claims or take responsibility for the outcome of any claim. If you have any questions concerning the coverage please contact the insuring company directly.
What is the “Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance” and why might we need it?
This insurance coverage is NOT included in the program cost and is highly recommended in the event of cancellation without a replacement. The insurance is subject to the benefits, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as specified for the insurance coverage listed in the information booklet provided upon request or sent to the school supervisor prior to departure.
The package includes:
- Cancellation and Interruption
- Extended Medical/Dental coverage – $10 million
- Emergency Excess Hospital/Medical Expenses – $2 million maximum limit
- Air Flight Accident – sum insured – $50,000.00
- Baggage – sum insured $500.00
This insurance must be purchased at the time of the submission of the Participant Information Forms (Payment 2).
Participants are responsible for reading and understanding the insurance coverage in the information booklet sent to the group supervisors. This insurance does NOT cover participants who change their minds. Panterra does not handle claims or take responsibility for the outcome of any claim.
If you have any questions concerning the coverage or would like to purchase the insurance please contact:
Ray Battiston, BA, CAIB, CIP, Insurance Broker
Business Toll Free: 1-800- 526 -7420
Fax: Toll Free 1-888-751-5124
Email: raybattiston@on.aibn.com
What type of identification is required for travel from Canada to Mexico?
- All passengers must carry a passport.
- Names on passport must match name on the “Participant Information Form” and airline ticket.
- If any passengers are under 18 years of age a Panterra “Consent to Travel Form” must be notarized and must accompany the minor.
- If passengers are not Canadian or US citizens, please contact the airline or consulate of their country of citizenship. It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to insure all necessary paperwork for entry into the US and Mexico is obtained for non-Canadian citizens.
Required travel documents are as follows:
1. A valid passport
accompanied by:
2. Airline tickets
3. Consent to Travel Form (completed) and in the company of the teacher/supervisor.
4. A Mexican Tourist Visa is also required and will be given to the participant by the airline personnel during your flight to Mexico.
Panterra does not take responsibility if the participant does not or is unable to obtain the proper documentation for travel or for the loss of any documentation, to include airline ticket(s). We further recommend that travel documents be organized at least 120 days prior to departure.
Appropriate Clothing
Because we are visiting and interacting with people of a culture different than our own, some of the clothing that is normally worn at home and school may not be appropriate for the trip. Spaghetti strap/low cut shirts, short shorts, miniskirts, string bikinis, etc. are not acceptable clothing for the places we will be visiting. We recommend crew neck, short sleeve t-shirts and board, hiking style, or other types of baggy, longer shorts. They are the most comfortable and appropriate for the activities that the students will be participating in and the people we will be meeting along the way. Should you forget appropriate clothing we will have t-shirts and shorts available for sale at our on board Gift Shop.
In Closing…
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that all participants and their parents/legal guardians carefully read through ALL OF the written information pertaining to the program located on the www.panterra.com website to INCLUDE the following: Young Naturalist Expeditions, Journey to the Sea of Cortez – program outline, ship information, Daily Journals and the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you want an unique vacation experience that is fun and rewarding, our all inclusive adventure travel expeditions are exactly what you are looking for.
Our Sea of Cortez expeditions leave from La Paz, Baja California Sur Mexico. La Paz is a few hours north of the famous Cabo San Lucas and south of scenic Loreto.
