MONTEREY BAY RESEARCH AT SEA

As one of the top universities for marine science, we are excited to partner with the Western Flyer Foundation, a Monterey Bay based research and education non-profit, to provide a chance for incoming students to participate in hands-on marine science during this WO trip. After visiting the UCSD campus and meeting our group, we’ll travel to one of the UC system’s Natural Reserves to camp and explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The highlight of this trip will be two days aboard the Western Flyer—a 1930’s sardine boat-turned-research vessel filled with history and inspiration from the works of seminal marine scientist Ed Ricketts and Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck. Students will participate in a mini marine research expedition along-side local Monterey Bay scientists. 

The Trip

Prepare yourself for an immersive educational journey to Monterey Bay. Our group will camp in tents at Fort Ord Natural Reserve and explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. After a day on campus, we’ll spend three nights at the reserve, which is characterized by its rare maritime chaparral habitat, endemic to that region and home to a few endangered species. Just a twenty minute drive away, the Western Flyer awaits for two day trips filled with hands-on activities and data collection out at sea. Being on a boat can be tough physical work, but your group will be rewarded with the natural wonders of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of 18 underwater parks in the US. If you decided to come to UCSD because of our reputation for marine science, look no further than this awesome trip that will not only introduce you to flora, fauna, and marine life, but also help you get to know your new friends and find out what life is like on campus.

Course Area - Fort Ord Natural Reserve & Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

At the intersection of land and sea, we’ll get the opportunity to explore two very unique environments during this trip. On land: Nestled in between dunes and more stable inland habitats, Fort Ord is home to three distinct habitats within its 600+ acreage: oak woodland, annual grassland, and coastal scrub. The plants in this area thrive on the fog coming off the ocean, and are home to many pollinators, including the endangered Smith’s blue butterfly. 

At sea: The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary spans 276 miles of shoreline, 6,094 square miles of ocean, and is at least 12,743 feet deep in places. With extensive kelp forests and deep ocean canyons, this sanctuary is home to a large variety of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, and much more. 

Sample Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet at Outback Adventures Office / Rental Shop by 10am. Check out your gear and then experience the Outback Challenge Course. Camp at Outback Adventures on the first night.

Day 2 - Depart for Monterey Bay early in the morning. Arrive at Fort Ord and set up camp. Meet the reserve director for an orientation hike. 

Day 3-4 - After a morning introductory program at the dock, spend a half day at sea followed by a whole day at sea using state-of-the-art oceanographic and meteorological sensor to collect and analyze environmental data and biological samples within the Bay, facilitated by the Western Flyer Foundation staff and local marine scientists.

Day 5 - Drive back to campus for trip clean up and a celebration dinner. Camp at Outback Adventures for the final night.

Day 6 - Breakfast, Closing Ceremonies, Depart 10am. Plan flights no earlier than 12pm (noon).

Physical demands

Much like our other Wilderness Orientation trips, this trip will take place outdoors 24/7. We’ll be camping along the coast and hiking to explore the area. Aboard the Western Flyer, you may be surprised at the physical demands of being at sea. For those who tend to get sea sick, we will provide advice and guidance to help ease that transition. And everyone should be prepared to use muscles you didn’t know you have.

*We are more than willing to work with participants who may require adaptive solutions. Please call the Director for more information at a minimum of 30 days in advance of the trip start.

Registration Fee Info

Registration fees cover transportation from UCSD to the trip destination, instruction, most food and all group gear (tents, cooking equipment, first aid supplies etc.). Participants provide personal equipment on the trip packing list, most of which can be purchased or rented at Outback Adventures. We also offer financial assistance awards ranging from $200 to full coverage for first generation college students, students from low income families, international students, and out of state students. If you believe you qualify and would benefit from this financial assistance, please apply early.

If the cost of this trip is prohibitive to you, please reach out to us. We do not want financial barriers to stop anyone from participating in our programs.

Cancellation Policy - please review the trip cancellation policy before registering for Wilderness Orientation.