There is nothing like a CEDO field adventure to engage your students in science. CEDO offers a variety of field activities and slide presentations about  the Northern Gulf of California and surrounding desert.  Intercultural exchanges are a great way to interact with the local culture and we offer opportunities to be involved in research, too. Click below for documents describing our Field Station Programs and our Reservation Form. If you are interested in reserving a spot for your school and students click on the Reservation Form. The form can be filled out electronically and emailed back to CEDO at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or filled out and mailed to PO Box 44208 Tucson, AZ 85733.

- Field Station Programs (pdf)
- Reservation Form (Microsoft Word Document)

Schedule your school visit now! Contact us ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for dates, times and reservations.

Field Trips

Estero Morúa Excursion: This three-hour trip to Estero Morúa provides students with the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of a typical estuary in the upper Gulf of California ecosystem as well as understand the dynamic nature of the geological processes involved in its formation. This trip teaches students to appreciate the ecological role and diversity of organisms that use estuary habitats as well as understand some of the human uses and impacts. This field excursion provides a good contrast to the surrounding desert ecosystem. Dependent on relatively low tide.

Tidepool Exploration: This two-hour excursion to the rocky intertidal zone teaches students about the formation of this rocky coquina reef, as well as patterns of intertidal zonation, adaptations to microhabitats as seen in the great diversity of species in the tidepools. Dependent on low tide.

Cholla Bay: This half-day trip to the extensive mud flats of Cholla Bay provides students with the opportunity to discover the diversity of life in this highly productive bay. This experience provides good contrast to both the surrounding desert and estuarine ecosystems and illustrates the threats of coastal development in the region. Dependent on low tide.

Dune Discovery: This five-hour trip involves two hours of walking to and from the dunes. Students will have the opportunity to visit North America's only true sand sea, learn about dune geography and the unique adaptations of its inhabitants.  This dramatic landscape enables students to imagine the formation of the basin and range geologic province.

Pinacate Volcanic Region: This full-day excursion to El Pinacate and Gran Desierto Biosphere Reserve takes visitors into the heart of a volcanic field to learn about the geologic processes that formed maar craters, and lava flows and the variety of life that surrounds them.

Isla San Jorge Sojourn: This half-day trip to Isla San Jorge (Bird Island) gives students an up-close look at the abundant wildlife found on this rocky island, including pelicans and sea lions. Students learn about the formation, biodiversity and conservation of the gulf islands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bring a snorkel and wet suit or bathing suit to brave the cool waters and swim with the sea lions.

Slide Show Lectures

CEDO’s wealth of regional information and spectacular images are showcased in our slideshow presentations.  Our presentations are available to any group of 5 or more people: visiting schools, organizations and the general public.  All presentations begin with an introduction to CEDO and the region, and can be focused on one or more of the following themes.

Introduction to the Northern Gulf Natural History: CEDO is located where the harshest part of the Sonoran Desert, the Gran Desierto de Altar, meets one of the richest seas in the world. This slideshow presentation provides an overview not only of the biologic richness of this amazing ecosystem but also of the human history and impact in the region.

Estuary Life: The shores of the Northern Gulf of California are punctuated by "negative" estuaries, which lack fresh water input. Nevertheless, these wetlands play a vital role in the health and productivity of the entire Northern Gulf. Learn about these biologically diverse habitats and how oyster growers use them for low impact, sustainable activities.

Intertidal Life: At Puerto Peñasco the tidal range, at 24 ft vertical height (8 meters) is among the greatest in the world. When the tide recedes, up to five kilometers in some locations, it uncovers tidepools teeming with life. This slide presentation is a perfect prelude to an intertidal exploration.

Pinacate Volcanic Region: An introduction to the geology, history, and plant and animal life of this region of wind-swept dunes, lava flows and giant craters. Humans have occupied these rugged lands for ten thousand years. Today it is one of Mexico’s prized national parks, categorized as a Biosphere Reserve. 

Marine Mammals: The Gulf of California is home to dozens of species of cetaceans and other marine mammals. CEDO has been studying these animals and working for their protection for over 25 years. This presentation not only reviews this history of research and conservation but also can help prepare students and volunteers for participation in ongoing marine mammal research projects at CEDO.

Biosphere Reserves and Conservation in the Northern Gulf of California: With a focus on CEDO’s current conservation priorities, this presentation introduces strategies for successful natural resource protection. We’ll share what has worked and what hasn’t throughout our 25-year history in the region.

Reservations & Fees

Click above for more information on reservations and fees at CEDO.

** Click below for more field adventures for students.