Whales and Dolphins Under the California Sun

Leslie Smith | 8/1/2016

“Energized by EarthWatch”

What a great way to help the planet and have a vacation! Loved every minute of my EarthWatch adventure!

Kathy Hornreich | 7/27/2016

“Whales and Dolphins under the California Sun”

This expedition was a wonderful experience. Scientist, Lei Lani Steele, was an incredible teacher, leader and guide - so knowledgeable about these mammals. We took data while on the water noting location, time and species and upon returning to our home base, recorded the data into spreadsheets. The weather was perfect and the home base was very accommodating. Our team showed the best type of teamwork and everyone got along. Just a great experience learning about the different species, the dangers they face in the ocean from both ocean life and human life. Would recommend to everyone interested in saving sea life.

Pam Curtis | Sunday, July 12, 2015

“Lei Lani is a rock star!”

Best travel experience hands down! The research team was so welcoming and I learned so much about marine mammals during the trip. The data entry was interesting and really helped me feel like I was helping in a significant way. I appreciated Lei Lani's patience and teaching style. She never made us feel like we weren't capable or worry that we would make a mistake. Her students were equally as patient and so intelligent and warm. Her organization kept everything running so smoothly.

I enjoyed the evenings just talking with the other members of the team who were all such interesting people. I never felt that I was bored or wanted to do something else because we were so busy during the day and saw and did so much that taking time in the evening after dinner to talk and read and enjoy the ocean breeze was a treat.

I took a chance on this trip having never heard of EarthWatch Institute and they exceeded my expectations. It was a perfect trip for me. I highly recommend to people of all ages and abilities. Thanks to Lei Lani and Shane for creating such a great experience and doing such meaningful work for our planet!

Fatima Ali | Thursday, July 17, 2014

“The title of this expedition says it all - Whales, Dolphins & Californian Sun”

This was my very first Earthwatch expedition. For anyone wanting to take this trip, beware of having a great time!

The house is comfortable and charming. Professor Leilani and the whole team was wonderful! I had never been to Southern California and if you have not either, then this trip is very worthwhile. Not only is the place gorgeous but Professor Leilani's research is very intriguing as well. Professor Leilani and Shane were awesome to be around, very knowledgable and caring about their family and the research team. Really enjoyed being at home and on the boat. Their daughter, Zoey always lit up the room with energy and excitement!

Keep in mind you do spend a lot of time on the boat during the day so its best if you keep yourself covered and apply sunscreen religiously. We had to pack our lunches (sandwiches and snacks) everyday for the boat trips, remember to take a bottle of water and trust me, you do need snacks when you're out on the water. Tasks such as cooking dinner or washing the dishes were assigned at home. Bring a good lens if you have one for your camera! On my very first day we spotted a BLUE WHALE! Very exciting! The rest of the week however we did not have any more whale sightings but the team after me did! But I had the rest of the week just always surrounded by dolphins everyday so it really depends. Nonetheless, I am very grateful to have met the people I did on this trip. They really made this expedition amazing beyond belief.

Regardless of spotting marine mammals or not, this trip is highly recommended for those who want to be involved with marine research and who want to enjoy a week or two with Professor Leilani and her team!!

Karen Rodriguez | Wednesday, June 04, 2014

“Blue Whale Adventure”

My 16-year old grandson and I were thrilled to spend a week helping Dr. Lei Lani Stella with marine mammal research. We were rewarded with numerous sightings of blue whales and dolphins, including a baby blue who "played" under and around our whale watching boat for a good half hour. My grandson got a taste of scientific research. I just had fun on all the boat trips where we sighted whales every time. Sharing household duties and fun evenings with Lei Lani and her family was relaxing and informative. Great trip. We'll do it again one day!

Emily Close | Friday, May 09, 2014

“Whales Under the California Sun”

I participated in this expedition with Lei Lani two summers ago with my family and it was an amazing experience. Not only did we get to study the different ways in which dolphins and whales interact with each other but we were able to travel to different areas around Huntington Beach and see many different species of animals, not limited to whales and dolphins. I thought that the trip was organized very well and the activities that we participated in were fun and not overwhelming. I would encourage anyone to go on this trip, it was a great educational opportunity and Lei Lani was very knowledgeable about all aspects of studying these animals. It is also very fun and you get to meet a lot of new people that travel from all over the country to come on these trips. I met a woman from Wisconsin, and people from many other different states. I was 18 when I went on this trip, but she was much older. The activities are not overwhelming so I would encourage people of any age range to participate!

Laura Istead | Friday, May 09, 2014

“Magical! ”

I was fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Lei Lani Stelle and her research team in the summer of 2012 as a part of Earthwatch. It was an incredible experience. Lei Lani and her team go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience, you feel like family from the moment you arrive. Having spent the majority of my life in landlocked parts of Canada, I knew very little about the ocean and its magnificent marine mammals. I learned so much from Lei Lani about marine mammal behaviour and had many opportunities during the trip to view blue whales, sea lions, dolphins and seals in their element. It was really valuable to see these animals up close and to be a part of a research team that is working to help protect them. I felt like my work was very valued by the team, which I think is an important part of the volunteer experience!

One magical memory that will always stay with me is when we were on a small boat, collecting data around Catalina Island and we found ourselves in the middle of a superpod of Common Dolphins. They were everywhere! It was pure magic to watch these beautiful creatures bow-ride on our small boat, almost close enough to touch. Everywhere you looked there were dolphins happily swimming and racing around us. It's something you definitely need to try and experience!

There are many Earthwatch Expeditions to choose from but I would highly recommend you spend some time with Dr. Stelle out on the California Coast. You won't regret it!