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Faces & Whales: face reading and humpback whales in Bahía de Banderas, February 4–7, 2027.SEE MORE

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Ballena jorobada y su cría bajo la superficie del océano
Upcoming Experience · February 2027

Faces & Whales

Learn face reading alongside humpback whales in the Mexican Pacific

February 4 — 7, 2027

4 days & 3 nights

Bahía de Banderas · Nayarit · Mexico

Los Picos Hotel & Suites · Bucerías

Four days in Banderas Bay to sharpen your clinical eye, immerse in nature, and connect with fellow healthcare practitioners.

+52 55 2191 8026 · text only

Total investment

USD $2,199

per person, double occupancy

+8.7% processing fee

Single room upgrade: +USD per person.

Learning outside the classroom changes how you observe

We combine hands-on face reading practice with Dr. Ana Cecilia Nieves and four boat outings to observe humpback whales in the wild. An unhurried space to sharpen diagnostic intuition and bond in an intimate group setting.

We navigate with marine biologists who have studied Banderas Bay for over 30 years. Every February, humpback whales gather in these warm waters to mate and nurse their calves. Sunrise and sunset departures offer the calmest waters to spot whales, dolphins, rays, and turtles.

12 h
on the water across 4 boat excursions
6 h
of hands-on face reading practice
38
years of marine biology field expertise
The ocean

Humpback whales in their breeding season

Every winter humpbacks arrive in Mexican waters to mate and give birth. These photographs are reference material for the ocean and the season: they are not the hotel, nor the boat used in the package.

Sunrise and sunset outings, when the water is at its calmest.
Sunrise and sunset outings, when the water is at its calmest.
Mother and calf near the surface, in breeding waters.
Mother and calf near the surface, in breeding waters.
The Nayarit coastline, departure point for the outings.
The Nayarit coastline, departure point for the outings.
Outings aboard authorised boats, with a briefing and set boat groups.
Outings aboard authorised boats, with a briefing and set boat groups.

Your package includes

  • Round-trip ground transportation between the airport and hotel.
  • Three nights of accommodation in a double room.
  • 12 hours of excursions aboard authorised boats.
  • 6 hours of Face Reading instruction, with guided exercises and partner practice.
  • Light refreshments.
  • Equipment and guidance from expedition advisors.

Your expedition leaders

Marine expedition

Marine biologists with over 30 years researching and sailing the bay.

Face reading

Dr. Ana Cecilia Nieves · Integrative Medicine.

Itinerary

Explore. Observe. Connect. Four days at the ocean and two days of face reading.

Thursday, Feb 4

01

Arrival

  • AfternoonAt leisure.
  • 5:00 p.m.Hotel check-in, subject to confirmation.
  • 7:00 p.m.Welcome gathering and program overview.
  • EveningDinner at leisure.

Friday, Feb 5

02

Foundations & sunset

  • 8:00 a.m.Breakfast.
  • 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.Face Reading · Day 1.
  • 1:00 — 3:00 p.m.Lunch and relaxation.
  • 3:30 p.m.Expedition briefing and boat groups.
  • 4:30 — 7:30 p.m.First Sunset Whales excursion.
  • 7:30 p.m.Return to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle dock.

Saturday, Feb 6

03

Sunrise to sunset

  • 6:30 a.m.Light refreshments.
  • 7:00 — 10:00 a.m.Early Morning Whales excursion.
  • 10:00 — 11:00 a.m.Return, breakfast, and time to refresh.
  • 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.Face Reading · Day 2.
  • 2:00 — 3:00 p.m.Lunch break.
  • 3:00 — 4:00 p.m.Interactive marine mammal talk.
  • 4:30 — 7:30 p.m.Second Sunset Whales excursion.
  • 7:30 p.m.Return to the dock. Dinner at leisure.

Sunday, Feb 7

04

A final morning at sea

  • 6:30 a.m.Light refreshments.
  • 7:00 — 10:00 a.m.Early Morning Whales II excursion.
  • 10:00 a.m.Return to the dock; expedition ends.
  • AfterFarewell breakfast, closing reflections, individual departures.
6 hours of instruction · 3 hours per day

Practical Face Reading

A two-day exploration of Shen, Qi & Jing

Day 1 · Foundations & the Three Treasures

Friday · 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

  • The art of observing the face

    Chinese medicine, the Five Elements, facial regions, and mindful observation.

  • Shen · spirit & presence

    The eyes, expression, and presence through the traditional lens of Shen.

  • Qi · vitality & expression

    Facial movement, expression, and complexion within the traditional framework of Qi.

  • Guided practice

    Mirror exercises and paired observation to distinguish observation from interpretation.

Day 2 · Constitution & integration

Saturday · 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

  • Jing · essence & constitution

    Facial structure, proportions, and constitutional tendencies through Jing.

  • The Five Elements in the face

    Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water: traditional associations with facial shapes and expression.

  • Bringing Shen, Qi & Jing together

    Integrate structure, vitality, and presence into a thoughtful face-reading practice.

  • Hands-on practice

    Partner practice, case discussions, and applications for self-awareness and communication.

The expedition

“You will never forget the day you saw your first whale.”

Practical details

Dates
February 4 — 7, 2027
Length
4 days & 3 nights
Location
Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit · Mexico
Hotel
Los Picos Hotel & Suites · Bucerías
Package
USD $2,199 per person · double occupancy
Fee
+8.7% payment processing · airfare not included
Single room
+USD $300 per person
Airport
Puerto Vallarta (PVR) · arrive before 4:00 p.m. on February 4
Transfer
30–45 min from the airport to the hotel, included

Secure your spot

Capacity is strictly limited to maintain small groups both in workshop sessions and on the boats. Reserve online or reach out if you prefer a single room.

or WhatsApp us at +52 55 2191 8026