The Navopatia Field Station is open from December through the mid March.  We are currently unable to remain open all year. Reservations are required.

Navopatia Field Station is a remote off-grid field camp on the Agiabampo Estuary/Sea of Cortez approximately 14 kilometers North of the Sonora/Sinaloa border.(CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS)  We offer rustic and comfortable accommodations to students, researchers, and eco-tourists interested in natural history.  We live and work closely with the local community and are a great outlet for personal cultural exchange.  The rustic lodging gives visitors the unique opportunity to engage the natural surroundings and live in rugged conditions with great food and an unmatched atmosphere.   
Our accommodations include rooms in naturally built buildings and spacious wall tents as well as camping space.  Three excellent meals are provided each day.  Toilet facilities are open-air pit toilets and composting toilets.  There is a propane heated shower.  The station is off the grid, far from power lines and water service.  All freshwater is trucked in and carefully conserved.  We have a small fleet of kayaks and canoes to explore the estuary and access study sites.  We also have an extensive reading library which includes scientific materials, field guides, novels, and general reading material.       
A multitude of recreational opportunities are available in the area surrounding NFS, Including: swimming, hiking, bird watching, dolphin watching, and many others.  Guided bird tours can be arranged with experienced guides in motorized watercraft, kayaks, on foot, or auto.  Many visitors stay for weeks or months, while others come just for a day of birding or kayaking.   
The land surrounding the field station is a beautiful Organ Pipe Cactus (Pitaya) forest found nowhere else on earth.  It offers excellent opportunities for exploring and discovery.

 

 

Rates:
Per person: (all full stay rates include use of kayaks, 3 prepared meals, water, full sleeping accommodations and use of all other amenities. Members deduct $5 from all full stay prices. Student/Research rates available upon request.)
1 night: full accommodations -$35 US donation
1 night: camping-$25 US donation
1 week: full accommodations -$245 US donation
1 week: camping-$175 US donation
*Memberships can be obtained onsite or by emailing navopatia@gmail.com* (CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS)

Activity Rates:
Day use of Kayaks: $10 per day per person
Single meals: $10 per person per meal
Guided Boat/Bird Tours: $120 per boat (8 people max)
If you would like a tour please contact us two weeks prior to the date you wish to tour.
We will open on December 1, and will remain open until the end of March.
Space is extremely limited, so we do ask that you make reservations prior to your visit. For reservations please contact:
647 104 2460(Mexico)
navopatia@gmail.com (preferred)

 

What do I need to bring with me?


The field station is in a very remote area and you will need to bring a few extra things with you if you are planning on staying for more than a couple of days. Three delicious meals and water are included with your stay, though cocktails, beer and similar sundries are not included in the nightly rate.

Clothing:
Be prepared for cloudy, foggy weather, as well as warm, sunny, (dare I say hot?) weather. Nights are cool, so a jacket is a nice thing to have with you. It is advisable to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and close-toed shoes while walking in the cactus dominated thornforest.
-Sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-Warm hat
-Sunhat

Other stuff:
-Books: we have a great collection of books and always love to add to the library. Bring your favorites, you can leave them if you like, or take them home. Reading is a favorite past-time of visitors.
-Camera
-Cards
-Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, cheap wood saws, etc. These all make great gifts to local folks, and sometimes we need them too!)
-Binoculars
-Headlamp/Flashlight w/ batteries
-Sleeping Bag (if you are camping, or if you know you are a cold sleeper)
-Tent and ground pad (if you are camping)
-Musical instruments (we have a few but if you like to play)
-Water Bottle
-Toys (for gifts e.g. balls, etc for local kids inexpensive, dollar store stuff is fine)
-School supplies for local kids (pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, etc. It can be quite expensive here and we donate school supplies to local students and schools.