Baja California’s Whales & Sea Life

January 10–17, 2026

Pomona College Alumni Association Presents

Baja California’s Whales & Sea Life

Picture this: You start 2026 off with an unforgettable 7-night adventure in Mexico, aboard the 66-guest Safari Voyager! Snorkel with playful sea lion pups, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and explore secluded islands by kayak and paddleboard. This journey through crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines and pristine beaches will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Included in Cruise Fare:

• Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel
• Entry fees to national parks/preserves
• From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
• All meals, wine, beer, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Wellness amenities
• Onboard expedition guides and guest experts

Itinerary Highlights:

• Snorkel with playful sea lion pups and colorful fish
• Meet local rancheros and take a mule ride in Bahia Agua Verde
• Explore the quiet beaches and rich coral reefs surrounding Honeymoon Cove
• Search for wildlife: unique birds, orcas, fin whales, flying mobulas, and more
• Enjoy farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced from local farmers

Cabin Categories and Prices

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy (except Compass — solo cabin). Includes port fees & taxes of $495 per person and group savings).

Terms & Conditions:

• Deposit: 20% of the cruise portion of the booking is due at time of booking
• Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure

Cancellation Terms:

• 90+ days prior to departure: 100% of deposit payment is non-refundable but transferrable
• 61-90 days prior to departure: Forfeit 67% of full gross cruise fare
• 0-60 days prior to departure: Forfeit 100% of full gross cruise fare

For further information, please contact:

Travelstore VIP

Karen Goodrich
18881 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1400
Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: 949.930.9288
Email: Karen.Go@Travelstore.com

Dear Pomona Sagehens and Sagehen Families and Friends,

Baja California is a special place for me. As an undergraduate and a master’s student, my studies were focused on intertidal and subtidal systems. During this time, I traveled extensively throughout Baja California with the objective to see all the tidepools and scuba dive every day. I spent multiple weeks traveling through Baja California each spring break and summer and remember these times as some of my life’s highlights.

I shifted my research to terrestrial systems during my PhD, and my current research program focuses on the preservation of California sage scrub and the many organisms that call this ecosystem home. The California sage scrub ecosystem spans from central California through Claremont and extends into Baja California. The sage scrub in Baja California differs from sage scrub in southern California, faces different threats, and has different fire regimes. For me, it will be interesting to get a chance to travel inland, when my tide-pooling and scuba aspirations allow, to make observations about how best to protect biodiversity in this continuously changing landscape.

At Pomona College, I have taught a variety of courses including: Conservation Biology, Invasion Biology, Ecology of Southern California, and Fire Ecology. Most recently, I co-taught a faculty-led course where we traveled to Hawaii and learned about cultural and biological conservation. I can imagine leading a similar class in Baja California in the near future. I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge of these subjects, learn from all of you, and get to know what excites our alumni.

I am so excited to be going on this trip with all of you. I am easy to spot as I have a large, unfortunately grey beard, and long grey hair. When you are on board, please come find me. I will likely be on the deck looking for whales, dolphins, and birds. When we stop, I will either be in the water tide-pooling or snorkeling or hiking in inland areas. I also imagine you will occasionally be able to find me at a taco stand! I can guarantee that I do not have all the answers, but I am excited to find new surprises and celebrate the beginning of 2026 on an adventure.

Sincerely,

Wallace M. Meyer III “Marty”
Associate Professor of Biology, Pomona College & Director, Robert J. Bernard Field Station