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Adventure Highlights

• Sea Kayak among otters and seals in coastal kelp beds teeming with life
• Discover sharks, sea lions, and other marine creatures at the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Go whale watching, and get close-up views of Humpback whales and pacific dolphins
• Stand at the thundering base of Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls in world famous Yosemite Valley
• Touch a Giant Sequoia, the world's largest living thing
• Gaze 3200 feet down into Yosemite Valley from incredible Glacier Point
• Cruise San Francisco Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and past Alcatraz
• Visit the world's best hands-on science center, the Exploratorium
• Walk the crookedest street in the world, and check-out the view from atop the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit San Francisco's Pier 39, meet its sea lion colony, and celebrate your adventure at the Hard Rock Cafe

Trip Details:
Day 1  On this arrival day, groups are picked up at San Francisco and enjoy lunch enroute to Monterey. This afternoon we settle in for dinner and fun orientation games at the University of California.

Day 2  We set off to the coast to explore sandy and rocky beaches and their ecosystems. Paddling in kelp beds just off Cannery Row, we observe sea otters and seals close-by, and discover the amazing kelp forest. At Monterey Bay Aquarium, we explore Pacific Ocean habitats.

Day 3  From our whale watch ship we observe gray, humpback, and the threatened blue whale, the largest animal on earth. We discuss whale ecology, and their amazing migrations. Evening farewell beach barbeque.

Day 4  Early departure for Yosemite.  Settling in at Yosemite Valley, we get our first look at amazing waterfalls and granite cliffs unique to the park. Evening orientation by Yosemite Institute naturalists.

Day 5  We hike to the top of Sentinel Dome, for tremendous views of the entire park, including Half Dome and El Capitan.  We discuss glaciers, the unique geology of Yosemite, and ecosystems.  In the valley we explore Yosemite Falls.

Day 6  A highlight today is our visit to a Sequoia grove, to stand amidst the largest, and among the oldest living things on earth.   We learn about their unique life story from expert naturalists.  At Tuolumne Meadows, we hike among alpine wildflowers. Afternoon departure for San Francisco.

Day 7  After breakfast at Fisherman's Wharf, we explore the City by the Bay.  We hop aboard a Bay Cruise, visit the Exploratorium for lunch, walk the Golden Gate, and have a farewell dinner at Pier 39's Hard Rock Cafe.

Day 8  Time permitting, we visit historic and colorful Chinatown. Afternoon departure for home.

*Airfare additional.  Schedule and order of activities may vary from those described due to local scheduling and availability.