CITIZEN SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS
Aboard Quino el Guardian
Quino El Guardian offers a truly unique experience with our Citizen Science Program. These trips include a marine biologist specializing in subjects such as manta rays, sharks, humpback whales, marine mammals, marine ecology, pelagics, reef ecology, invertebrate ecology, diving science and medicine and more. Activities include animal identification, tagging, fish/animal counts, census monitoring, human and climate impact studies, etc.
Much of the information that is collected is included in papers and presentations to governments and NGO's to help with the conservation of these areas and animals. In addition, this information is provided to websites to educate lay persons helping to further conservation awareness.
Divers can be involved as much or as little as they like including hands-on research and will enjoy interactive evening presentations by the scientists.
Join us on one of these amazing expeditions and you will never look at the ocean the same again.
We host the scientist on these trips. $200 is added to the price and given to the scientist to help them pay for supplies and expenses.
CITIZEN SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS ABOARD QUINO EL GUARDIAN
WHALE SHARK & MANTA RAY CITIZEN SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS
SOCORRO / REVILLAGIGEDO
November 30 - December 9, 2024
November 22 - December 1, 2025
ABOUT THE TRIP
Embark on a bewitching adventure with Beto Garcia, the passionate Executive Director of Whale Shark Mexico, as we set sail to unravel the mysteries of the elusive whale shark and the oceanic manta ray. Immerse yourself in the world of citizen science as we employ the technique of photo identification to capture the essence of these majestic creatures without disturbing their peace. The secrets of the deep will be unveiled as we use cutting-edge software to identify individuals and the complex population structures of both species. Enjoy daily presentations and participate with Beto as he collects data on these incredible animals. We will unlock even deeper secrets by attaching satellite tags to these creatures and tracing their movements if possible. Join us on this enchanting voyage into the unknown depths, where the realm of the shark reigns supreme.
Presentations:
1. Biology and ecology of whale sharks
2. Conservation Biology of the whale shark
3. Conservation biology of manta rays
4. I3S software for whale shark and giant manta ray photo identification
ABOUT ALBERTO (BETO) GARCIA
Originally from a landlocked area such as Madrid (Spain), Beto developed his interest and passion for marine life, particularly for sharks, as he watched documentaries on TV. He discovered scuba diving at the age of 12 and immediately fell in love with the ocean. Since he graduated in Biology in 2014, Beto has worked on several marine conservation projects in Costa Rica and Malaysia. His conservation journey started in a remote location in the jungle of Costa Rica, where he worked on sea turtle nesting beaches to protect Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley sea turtles. In 2017, Beto started working on a sea turtle conservation project on Tioman Island (Malaysia), where he implemented a sea turtle photo-identification program and boosted the creation of a coral reef monitoring and conservation program. After spending quite some time back home due to the past Covid-19 pandemic, Beto moved to La Paz in 2021 to study a master’s degree in marine resources management. Because of his motivation, he also started collaborating with Whale Shark Mexico, which became an open door for him to return to the front line of marine conservation. At last, he is now fulfilling his childhood dreams of protecting and working for sharks. Additionally, Beto is an experienced SCUBA diver and divemaster who has been diving in some of the world's most beautiful and diverse dive sites. Beto is now Whale Shark Mexico's Director, and he is in charge of the fieldwork, research projects, and the volunteer program. For more information about Whale Shark Mexico, visit www.whalesharkmexico.com
RATES
2024 / $3700 per person, quad occupancy
2025 / $3800 per person, quad occupancy
The above price includes all taxes, port fees, meals, beverages, tanks, weights, and complimentary beer and wine. The only things not included are:
National Park Fee - 1811 pesos per day of diving (10866 pesos)*
Nitrox Fee - $140
Transfers to and from the boat
Crew gratuity (typically 10%-15% of the fare)
*Park fee is subject to change without notice
SOCORRO PARK FEES
Effective January 3, 2024
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
The Socorro Park fee is 1811 pesos per day of diving. A typical Socorro trip with six days of diving is 10866 pesos. Divers can pay this in advance or at the end of the trip. We will use the peso/dollar exchange rate on the departure date.
PARK FEE EXCEPTIONS
OVER 60 AND RETIRED: The park fee will be waived for people over 60 who can provide documentation that they are retired or pensioned. According to CONANP, any official document with the words "RETIRED" or "PENSIONED" will be accepted along with a current passport photo. Any other documentation will NOT be accepted.
In our experience, US citizens who are receiving retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration can download a Benefit Verification Letter from the www.SSA.gov website.
ACTIVE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS: A 50% discount is available for active students and teachers. A photocopy of an identification card with a photo and the current date is required.
Park fee exception documentation must be sent to Guest Services at Documents@MexicoLiveaboards two weeks before boarding. CONANP reviews this information once the boat leaves the dock and has the final word if a document is accepted. The applicant must pay the park fee if CONANP does not approve the exception.
