The Western Flyer’s Return to the Gulf of California
On April 13, 2025, the Western Flyer made her grand return to the Gulf of California—85 years after John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts first set sail aboard the same storied vessel. After a beautiful send-off in Ensenada (thank you, Caracol Science Museum and friends!), we were welcomed to La Paz with open arms, full hearts, and plenty of sun.
And wow—what a welcome it was.
La Paz rolled out the red carpet—scientists, students, community leaders, conservationists, musicians, and more came together for a full day of celebration. We had booths, music, dancing, science talks, and some of the best ceviche we’ve ever tasted (thanks to Omega Azul and their delicious Kampachi). It was a day full of connection, curiosity, and pride in this shared sea we call home.
Muchísimas Gracias
As our incredible local coordinator Aracely Rojas Sierra put it, “The Western Flyer returns to a fertile community—committed to the care of our natural heritage and our people.”
We couldn’t have said it better.
This event was made possible by the generosity, vision, and effort of so many: local government leaders, educators, students, volunteers, nonprofits, scientists, artists, and community members who made the day unforgettable.
By the Numbers:
- 2,000 attendees throughout the day
- 500+ people stepped aboard the Western Flyer, thanks to our amazing youth docents from EPI’s Eco-club Californios Verdes
- 25+ local organizations hosted interactive booths and activities
- Kampachi ceviche (yes, it deserves its own bullet point)
The Collaborators Who Made It Happen
We were proud to stand alongside these incredible partners:
Academic & Research Institutions:
- UABCS (State University):
- CICESE La Paz
- CICIMAR:
- Cetacean Marine Lab
- CIBNOR
- Science Outreach to Education Program (PACE)
Government Institutions:
Nonprofit Organizations:
- Ándale La Paz
- CICSUD
- Como Vamos La Paz
- Costa Salvaje
- Guardianas del Conchalito
- Efecto Arena
- Ecology Project International (EPI)
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias
- La Duna, Centro Ecológico
- La Ruta de la Conexión
- Las Mujeres del Golfo de Loreto
- Museo de La Ballena
- Pelágios Kakunjá
- Ponguinguiola
- Producciones La Caponera/Conserva Loreto
- Pronatura Noroeste
- Red de Ciudades del Aprendizaje
Western Flyer Foundation Collaborators:
- EcoAlianza de Loreto
- Museo de Ciencias Caracol de Ensenada
- Niparajá
- ITESME y Hagamos Mas
- Baja Coastal Institute
Photo Exhibits:
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. The Flyer is now en route to Santa Rosalía, with more ports, more programs, and more unforgettable moments to come. From Loreto to Cabo Pulmo to San José del Cabo, we’ll be co-hosting educational events, public celebrations, and hands-on science experiences all along the way.
Next Stop: Santa Rosalía!
Let’s keep sailing—together.
