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Sign up nowApril 7 – 17, 2026
Featuring Dr. Keila Dhondt, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Microbiology &
Immunology and Dept. of Biomedical Sciences
Aboard the 50-cabin National Geographic Venture
Produced by CAU in partnership with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
To Register: Phone: 833-985-1261 | Email: groups@expeditions.com
(Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the CAU/Cornell group!)
Delve into the wonders of Baja California on an epic voyage from the peninsula’s rugged Pacific coastline across the pristine Gulf of California—called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. Experience the thrill of exploration determined by nature as you track marine life from aboard the National Geographic Venture.
Because cruise pricing can be complex and varies by cabin type, we encourage you to download the brochure and refer to page 7 for a detailed overview of available options and rates.
More details including rates and ship information is available when you download the brochure.
Onboard the National Geographic Venture, delight in state-of-the-art facilities and a fitness center, meals featuring sustainable and local choices, and observation decks and sundecks that highlight the best of Baja California's stunning scenery, including at the sunset hour.
Keila Dhondt is a Senior Lecturer at Cornell University, a veterinarian, enthusiastic educator, and Faculty Fellow with the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. She holds appointments in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Sciences, where she teaches core veterinary and undergraduate courses—including histology, biomedical terminology, physiology, and microbiology labs—while mentoring students with a strong commitment to inclusion and scientific curiosity.
Her teaching also extends into the field of wildlife conservation, where she helps students explore the vital connections between animal health and environmental change. Keila is passionate about bridging classroom learning with real-world science and fostering an inspiring environment for future veterinarians and health professionals.
As a researcher, Keila focuses on infectious diseases in wild birds. Her current projects examine avian blood parasites in Arctic Gyrfalcons and the role of climate change in shaping disease dynamics. She also conducts research on avian influenza, studying its transmission in wild populations to better understand ecological and public health threats.
Keila wowed CAU Summer students with her amazing course "Wild Birds and Humans" and is excited to lead participants on this Study Tour.
CAU Study Tours bring you the chance to learn on location in some of the most remote parts of the world. This is a shared departure with peer institutions. Alumni, families, and friends are welcome! Lectures are open to all on board.
You'll have the chance to visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites and snorkel in the crystalline waters of protected marine reserves, such as those off of Isla Espíritu Santo. Take in the volcanic rock formations and scenic beaches, and behold beautiful coral reefs.
The National Geographic Venture is a state-of-the-art expedition ship ideal for discovering remote locations. With design innovations informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise, this ship features dual boarding platforms, allowing guests to maximize exploring time. With modern, clean-lined details and large expanses of glass, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do, and experience the best of her geographies.
From a visit to the first mission of Baja California to a stroll through the copper mining town of Santa Rosalía, you'll discover the history of this remarkable desert landscape. Through marine safaris and adventures by paddleboard, explore the diverse wildlife, from dolphins to Heermann's gulls. Pay homage to this extraordinary corner of the world by learning about active research and conservation efforts.
In addition to your study tour leader, accompanying each expedition is a team of experts—from naturalists to regional specialists—who will share their knowledge and insights into the wildlife, landscape and local culture.
If you want to see even more of this remarkable region, join National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on a three-day, two-night culture and cuisine extension exploring La Paz, Todos Santos, and San José del Cabo.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offsets 100% of their carbon emissions and are guided by their commitment to exploring responsibly. Their ship fleet is free of guest-facing single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Only the most sustainable seafood options are served. With each ship harnessing the power of citizen science as explorers study our planet, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages are sustainability and conservation education experiences.
Arrive in San José del Cabo by early afternoon. Transfer to La Paz and embark the National Geographic Venture in the evening and begin your journey.
(Meals included: Dinner)
The journey begins in the southern Gulf of California. These islands and waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Below is a sampling of places you may visit.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily)
The islands of the Midriff region in the northern Gulf of California are favorites among the naturalists for their remoteness and exceptional wildlife. A sampling of possible anchorages is listed below.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily)
Get active this morning with options to hike, kayak, swim, snorkel, or beachcomb within the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve. Board Zodiacs to seek out this protected reserve’s diverse marine population, including endangered species such as fin whales, California sea lions, and five species of sea turtles. Whale sharks have also historically been known to populate these waters. Later, enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of the strangest plants on earth, the Boojum tree. Sacred to indigenous people, and believed to have supernatural powers, this evolutionary oddity takes its name from a Lewis Carroll poem. Capture the experience with help from your Certified Photography Instructor.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Disembark in Santa Rosalía, established as a French copper mining town in 1884. The French influence remains in the architecture—including a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel and the mining facilities are intact, with old locomotives and machinery still visible. Tour the city, stopping at a world-famous French bakery for a treat.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Bahía Concepción is one of the largest bays of the Baja California peninsula, with over 50 miles of beaches. Board Zodiacs in search of whale sharks and other marine life, kayak through lush mangrove systems and snorkel in turquoise waters. On land, join an invigorating hike among towering cacti or stroll the pristine beaches and learn about the ecology from our naturalists.
(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home. In the airport, as you begin to sort through the amazing photos you took, explore our upcoming trips to find your next departure.
(Meals included: Breakfast)
To reserve your space, contact CAU partner Lindblad Expeditions
Phone: 833-985-1261 | Email: groups@expeditions.com
(Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the CAU/Cornell group!)
Download the brochure
June 11 - 18, 2026
CAU Study Tour featuring David Todd, Photographic Artist and eCornell Course Facilitator
In partnership with Criterion Travel
Registration is open!
CAU is your first choice for in-depth, lifelong learning with Cornell faculty in the classroom and around the globe.
We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting this link.