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 a 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 whaleshark research. 

Do I need to know how to kayak and snorkel?

No. The kayaks are simply 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 special techniques like rolling. 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 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 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, divers, or who 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 MV Narval is a 117' vessel with a considerable amount of 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, in the event you suffer with motion sickness we recommend "sea bands" which are an elastic material band that sits on the pressure points of the wrist. Your second alternative is to use non drowsy 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 are single berths based on double or quad occupancy with both upper and lower bunks. Each stateroom features washrooms equipped with toilet, sink, mirror, and a shower. There are drawers that you may use for your clothes and personal items. 




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 23º - 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 (2)          - swimsuit                        - sunglasses (UV)- sunblock/lip balm
- short sleeve T-shirts         - beach towel                  - camera/film
- baggy shorts                    - light hiking shoes          - water bottle
- sweat pants/shirt              - warm jacket                  - daypack for shore excursions
- baggy T-shirts (2) for snorkeling - crew neck/short sleeve (not muscle or spaghetti strap)
- water socks (open toe Tivas, sandals, Crocs, flip flops, etc. are not acceptable footwear for shore excursions)

Please follow the suggested clothing list closely and if you have any questions about your gear feel free to call us.

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 or 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 onboard Gift Shop.



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 20 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 low tide explorations. You will observe some of the most beautiful and bizarre sea creatures imaginable. 

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 onboard to download pictures. 




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 before 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 to include 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 About Flights? 

Panterra reserves seats on Alaska Airlines or Westjet Airlines and cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes in scheduling (to include overnight stays) caused by the airlines. The groups normally travel to Mexico via the United States. The group will be notified of proposed air arrangements upon booking. The group may be flown into La Paz where applicable, or into Cabo San Lucas, and then bussed to La Paz. Panterra reserves the right to use charter flights as an alternative. 




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.




What Means of Emergency Communication Are There on the Vessel? 

In the event of an emergency the vessel 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.

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. 

THERE IS NO SMOKING PERMITTED ONBOARD THE SHIP OR DURING ANY PORTION OF THE PANTERRA TRIP!!!

In Closing...

   No warranties, representations, terms or conditions apply to any program unless expressly stated in the Program Outline, Participant Information Form, Consent to Travel 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: Young Naturalist Expeditions, Journey to the Sea of Cortez - program outline, MV Narval, Daily Journals and the Frequently Asked Questions.