Ocean Safari

Ocean Expedition to La Ventana, Cerralvo Island, or Espiritu Santo Island

Mobulas, Dolphins, Orcas, Whales and more!

The Sea of Cortez is world-renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity and offers a chance to witness some of the planet’s most spectacular natural events. La Paz and La Ventana are two strategic departure points from which, with a bit of luck, you may encounter sea lions, dolphins, whales, mobula rays, and even orcas.

Between May and June, the ocean comes alive with the mobula ray migration, a unique phenomenon in which thousands of mobula rays swim in perfectly synchronized schools. This natural marvel can be observed around Espiritu Santo Island and Cerralvo Island. 

Thanks to this privileged location, our Ocean Safari offers exceptional wildlife encounters from either starting point. Everything depends on sea conditions, the season, and our experienced wildlife tracking.

Description

The adventure begins in La Paz or La Ventana (a coastal town just 40 minutes from La Paz) and lasts approximately 5 hours. You'll board a traditional panga boat and actively navigate the waters in search of all the marine life the ocean has to offer. Get ready to swim with massive schools of mobulas, snorkel with dolphins, and if you're lucky, witness whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Please note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. We do not chase or harass wild animals and carry out all our activities with utmost respect for marine life.

This tour is suitable for anyone interested in wildlife watching from the boat. Those who wish to swim with the animals must be physically fit, agile enough to enter and exit the water from the boat, and able to swim independently in the ocean. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you must feel comfortable in the water.

Aventura - Ocean Safari
Aventura - Ocean Safari

Itinerary

We’ll meet in La Paz or La Ventana at 8:00 AM, and expect to return around 1:00 PM.

We'll navigate around Espiritu Santo Island, the channel between La Ventana and Cerralvo Island, and the surrounding area, always on the lookout for marine life. Throughout the journey, your guide will provide you with information about local species and everything you need to know to enjoy the experience safely and responsibly.

Duration: 5 hours

Requirements: Good physical condition and experience in snorkeling.

Difficulty: It does not require much technical knowledge but it is physically demanding. Not recommended for children, or people who do not exercise regularly.

Minimum number of participants: 3 people.

Included

  • Captain and guide
  • All fees
  • Soft Drinks and Lunch
  • Snorkel Equipment

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Ground transportation. It can be hired.

You must bring

  • Ecofriendly sunscreen
  • Swimsuit, beach clothes, and a water and windproof jacket (specially for winter and spring)
  • Water bottle
  • Hat, sunglasses, and towel
  • Long sleeved shirt (for the sun, and the jellyfish)

Price

Price per person: MXN 3000

Book

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Reviews

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Michele D'antino

A unique experience!

A unique and unforgettable experience. The task of finding marine life is very challenging, and the crew is expert at it. They made my dreams come true!

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Elia Medina Villalba

Sperm Whale, dolphins and Whales

The location and activity were both spectacular. We saw a plethora of dolphins, and I had the opportunity to swim with them. We also saw sperm whales, which were impressive. Later, we ate on the boat at one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen (Playa Arena). Words fall short to describe what I experienced on this trip.

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ximena corominas

La Ventana, 100% recommended

An incredible experience, we saw many dolphins, mobulas, a sea lion, and the best part was seeing a humpback whale with its calf. Mateo, our guide, was super nice and always attentive to us for anything, and our captain Carlos had the best sight, as he immediately recognized where the mobulas were. Thank you for everything and for such a beautiful day.

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Julio César Enriquez

Cerralvo island paradise

My favorite part of the experience was swimming among hundreds of mobulas and feeling like I was part of a documentary, wow!

We also had the fortune of swimming among dolphins and observing a whale from the boat.

The guide María and the MTA team made all of this a great experience!!

What species can I find in La Ventana, Cerralvo Island and Espiritu Santo Island?

La Ventana, La Paz, Cerralvo Island and Espiritu Santo Island are part of the world's largest natural aquarium, the Sea of Cortez, offering an unparalleled rich marine biodiversity, making them ideal destinations for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. There is a plethora of animals residing in this area, and the ones listed below are just some of the most common.

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Mobula Rays


Mobula rays, also known as Munk's devil rays, belong to the Myliobatidae family. They are renowned for their spectacular leaps out of the water and their considerable size. These rays can be observed throughout the year, but it is during the months of May and June when they gather in massive schools of thousands, creating a breathtaking spectacle for onlookers.

Orcas


Orcas, also known as killer whales, present a stunning spectacle in the waters of Baja California Sur. These majestic marine mammals, distinguished by their iconic black and white coloring, are the largest predators in the ocean, sitting at the top of the marine food chain. Contrary to their name, orcas are actually the largest species within the dolphin family. They are renowned for their social behavior and remarkable intelligence, often seen in groups of several individuals. Particularly during the months of May and June, orcas are observed in greater numbers as they gather to feed on the abundant Mobula rays present during this time.

Dolphins


Dolphins are one of the most common sightings on most of our safaris in La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo. In these waters, we can find various species of dolphins, among which the bottlenose dolphin and the common dolphin stand out. Our safaris offer visitors and local residents unique opportunities to observe these intelligent and playful marine mammals in the wild.

Sea Lions


California sea lions are one of the main tourist attractions in Baja California Sur. Their playful and social nature with visitors who venture into their territory has made them one of the region's top tourist draws. During our oceanic safaris in La Ventana, we can visit one of the many sea lion colonies in the area and delight in the company of these wonderful animals

Whales


Whale watching from the boat is one of the main attractions of La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo. The channel formed between these two points serves as a passage for a large number of whale species. Humpback whales, fin whales, blue whales, and sperm whales are just a few of the species that frequent these waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Time to Visit La Ventana, La Paz, Cerralvo and Espiritu Santo Island?

Any time is a good time to embark on a safari in La Ventana or La Paz. For observing mobula rays and orcas, the best period is from May to June, while the winter months are ideal for spotting large whales. From July to December, the conditions are perfect for enjoying the clear and warm waters.