The Western Flyer’s Historic Return to the Gulf of California
100 Days in the Gulf of California: A Voyage Reimagined
March 16 – June 24, 2025
In spring 2025, on the 85th anniversary of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts’ original journey, the Western Flyer undertook a remarkable 100-day expedition to the Gulf of California—retracing their legendary 1940 voyage and bringing their story into a new century.
This wasn’t just a scientific mission. It was a layered, cross-border journey powered by curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. From tidepool surveys and deep-sea research to dockside festivals and hands-on student fieldwork, the expedition united students, scientists, artists, and community partners across two countries.
Explore the Crew’s Log, personal reflections, stories, and press coverage below.
What the Western Flyer Means to Me
September 25, 2025Cultural guide and historian Trudi Angell adds her voice to our storytelling series with a reflection on the Western Flyer, Steinbeck’s writings, and the living connections she’s built in Baja California.
View Full ArticleBack to El Mogote: Rediscovering a Site Once Visited by Steinbeck and Ricketts
August 04, 2025Eighty-five years after Steinbeck and Ricketts visited El Mogote, the Western Flyer returned—this time with students. In May 2025, high schoolers from La Paz explored the tidal flats of El Mogote as young scientists, uncovering both ecological change and a renewed sense of connection to their local coastline.
View Full ArticleThe Depths of the Gulf: A Conversation with Adrian Munguia Vega
August 04, 2025Adrian Munguia Vega spent ten days aboard the Western Flyer exploring the unseen depths of the Gulf of California—where glowing fish, deep-sea squid, and environmental DNA are rewriting what we know about marine life.
View Full ArticleTrack the Western Flyer’s position in real time:
We PACKED A LOT IN 100 DAYS
From festivals to fieldwork, each stop brought something new. Scroll down for an overview of our itinerary.
Saturday, March 15 – Monterey, CA – 6 pm – 8:30 pm: “Tales from the Western Flyer: Stories, Legends & the Voyage Ahead!” Evening Celebration at the Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey.
Sunday, March 16 – Monterey, CA – 11 am – 3 pm: Public Send-Off Celebration at Old Fisherman’s Wharf featuring live music, a 1940s costume contest, boat tours, science and art activities, and a fireboat escort for the Flyer‘s 3 pm departure.
Wednesday, March 19 – Santa Barbara – 11 am – 3 pm: Free public tours of the Western Flyer at the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Thursday, March 20 – Santa Barbara – 7 pm: Dr. Tom Keffer, Chair of WFF Board, will be the featured speaker for the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Distinguished Speaker Series at SBMM, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190. Learn More.
Saturday, March 22 – Long Beach – 9:30 am to 11:30 am: Public Tours at Rainbow Harbor. 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm: Public Tours at Alamitos Bay. Learn More.
Sunday, March 23 – Newport Harbor – Presentation at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club
March 24 – 26 – San Diego – Educational tours, open house, and presentation at the San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn More.
Sunday, March 30 – Ensenada – Ensenada Educational Tours and Community event with Museo Caracol.
April 13 – La Paz – Inaugural Event with welcoming ceremony, science and art activities, partner booths, music, and more!
Cabins are still available for this exclusive fundraising voyage. Learn More!
Tuesday, April 15 – Depart La Paz
Wednesday, April 16 – San Marcial
Thursday, April 17 – Isla San Marcos and San Lucas Cove
Friday, April 18 – Punta Trinidad
Saturday, April 19 – Punta Gringa and Isla Coronados
Sunday, April 20 – Puerto Refugio and Isla Angel de la Guardia
Monday, April 21 – Isla San Estaban and Isla San Pedro Martir
Tuesday, April 22 – Santa Rosalia Community Celebration.
Wednesday, April 23 – Agua Verde
Thursday, April 24 – Los islotes and Amortajada
Friday, April 25 – La Paz
Saturday, April 26 – Depart La Paz
Sunday and Monday, April 27 – 28 – Agua Verde – Research, education, and community event in partnership with Niparajá
April 29 – May 7 – Santa Rosalia – Research and education in partnership with ITESME and Hagamos Más
Friday to Monday, May 9 – 12 – Puerto Escondido and Loreto – Research, education, and community events in partnership with Eco-Alianza. May 12 Community Levent in Loreto.
Tuesday to Friday, May 13 – 16 – Isla San Jose/San Evaristo – Research and education in partnership with Niparajá
Saturday to Wednesday, May 17 – 21 – La Paz – Research, education, and community events in partnership with Baja Coastal Institute
Thursday to Saturday, May 22 – 24 – Los Frailes/Cabo Pulmo – Research, education, and community events in partnership with Baja Coastal Institute
Sunday to Wednesday, May 25 – 30 – San Jose del Cabo – Education and community events in partnership with Baja Coastal Institute
May 31 – June 12 – Transit back to California
June 13 – 14 – Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
June 15 – 17 – Return to Monterey Bay!
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