Stars to Sea
Community Science in Action
Adventure with purpose.
Discover the ocean. Contribute to science.
Join Vermilion Sea Institute for Stars to Sea, a six-day community science expedition to Bahía de los Ángeles, Mexico, where adventure meets meaningful marine conservation.
Swim alongside incredible marine wildlife, explore the breathtaking Gulf of California, and contribute to real whale shark research through hands-on fieldwork. From photo-identification surveys to unforgettable encounters with the natural world, this experience offers a rare opportunity to become part of the science helping us better understand and protect our oceans.
Why this trip?
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Explore the breathtaking Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve in the Gulf of California.
Participate in real whale shark research through underwater observation and photo-identification.
Snorkel among extraordinary marine wildlife in one of the world's most biologically rich marine ecosystems.
Learn hands-on research techniques alongside marine science educators and conservation professionals.
Discover the beauty of Baja California through kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and coastal exploration.
Experience spectacular desert landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and stargazing beneath some of the clearest night skies.
Support local conservation efforts and youth environmental education through VSI's Aventureros program.
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The Gulf of California is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including the world's largest fish, the whale shark.
Depending on seasonal wildlife activity and environmental conditions, participants may encounter:
Whale sharks
Sea lions
Rays
Dolphins
Reef fish
Other fascinating marine species native to the Gulf of California
Unlike traditional wildlife tourism, this expedition offers opportunities to contribute to scientific research. Participants help photograph individual whale sharks, using their unique spot patterns to support identification and long-term conservation research.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but every day offers an opportunity to discover something extraordinary.
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Your Home at the Field Station
Spend five nights at the Vermilion Sea Field Station, a rustic marine research facility nestled along the shores of Bahía de los Ángeles.
Enjoy:
Five nights of field station accommodations
Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Four days of guided boat excursions and marine research activities
Access to wetsuits, fins, paddleboards, and kayaks
Opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing, and stargazing
An authentic field research environment shared with fellow ocean enthusiasts
Transportation between San Diego and Bahía de los Ángeles
Trade the distractions of everyday life for early mornings on the water, meaningful scientific discovery, and evenings beneath the Baja California stars.
Disconnect from the ordinary. Reconnect with the ocean.
AT A GLANCE
Trip Details
Dates: August 3-8, 2027
Departure: San Diego, California
Destination: Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California, Mexico
Cost: Starting at $1,800 (see registration options)
Experience Level: No previous research experience or SCUBA certification required.
Spend four days exploring the waters of Bahía de los Ángeles, observing marine wildlife, photographing whale sharks for individual identification, and contributing valuable data to collaborative research efforts.
Between field excursions, enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, stargazing, and life at the Vermilion Sea Field Station.
Travel With Purpose
Proceeds from this experience directly support Vermilion Sea Institute's work with young ocean leaders in Bahía de los Ángeles.
By joining this expedition, you're not only experiencing one of the world's most incredible marine ecosystems, you're helping inspire and educate the next generation of marine conservationists.
Limited to 20 participants. Registration is first-come, first-served.