PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Product Research & Development department presents an intriguing new itinerary that will take explorers to Mexico’s Baja California.
The product of three years of development, this new voyage promises to be a rare experience in a timeless place where humans and nature coexist in harmony.
According to Ponant Explorations’ director of research and development for the expedition experience José Sarica: "Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for me. We have a huge responsibility to share this exceptional environment, to pass it on to future generations, and to show that we are worthy of the trust placed in us by the people who live there. What I experienced there compares to no other experience: it's the powerful feeling of being truly alive, connected to nature, and that's what our guests will discover."
Raising environmental awareness through active exploration
Long threatened by intensive fishing in the 1970s and 1980s, the Sea of Cortez has gradually regained balance thanks to the commitment of local communities.
Former fishermen, now stewards of conservation, spearheaded the creation of protected areas, leading to the establishment of several national parks.
A renewed dialogue between humans and nature ensued, one that the PONANT EXPLORATIONS team set out to witness firsthand in the field.
By drawing on local communities and their logistical resources for most of the visits and activities offered to guests, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will take part in a positive momentum toward building effective partnerships between authorities, the private sector, and civil society.
These partnerships must be inclusive, founded on shared principles and values, and place both people and the planet at the heart of their priorities.
To honour the trust placed by local communities, PONANT EXPLORATIONS implements a biosecurity protocol tailored to the region.
For example, before any interaction with whales, hands must be washed with disinfectant soap.
Also, the sunscreen used for diving and swimming is formulated to be environmentally safe.
One with nature
Wildlife watching will be a highlight: encounters at sea with grey whales, bottlenose dolphins and pelicans at sea, swimming alongside Californian sea lions and the enchanting aquatic ballet of mobula rays among others.
Blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas also frequent the area.
Landings with the naturalist team will provide guests access to places untouched by human presence. Visits to small, typically Mexican towns such as Loreto will also offer opportunities to immerse oneself in the local culture.
A wide range of activities will be offered to guests, adaptable to their preferences, whether they seek relaxation or a more active experience.
On the agenda: snorkelling (with wetsuits, as the water temperature in Mexico is cool at that time of year), scuba diving, and hiking through canyons.
