Wildlife Expedition : la ventana & cerralvo island & la paz & espiritu santo island
Welcome to the most exciting wildlife expedition in the Mar de Cortés.
Forget conventional tourist routes. Our Ocean Safari in La Ventana, La Paz, and Espíritu Santo Island is a true open-ocean expedition, designed to discover the extraordinary marine diversity of the Mar de Cortés and observe its wildlife in the wild, in its natural habitat.
We navigate the vast, untamed pelagic corridor connecting La Paz, La Ventana, La Reina (Isla Cerralvo), and San Juan de la Costa.
An experience designed to discover the ocean in its purest form. We follow the remarkable migration of thousands of Mobula rays, cruise alongside pods of dolphins, watch the majestic movement of whales through the water, and, when conditions allow, search for one of the most exceptional encounters in the Mexican Pacific: wild orcas in open water.
Seasonal Wildlife Matrix (Realistic Expectations)
Nature doesn’t run on a clock, but it follows an impeccable rhythm. As ethical operators and marine biologists, we believe in complete transparency: we work with wild animals in open water, so sightings can never be guaranteed. However, our experience allows us to identify clear seasonal patterns in the presence and behavior of different species.
(See our seasonal sightings table below.)
From May to July, the waters of Mar de Cortés around La Paz and La Ventana come alive with the arrival of thousands of Mobula rays, significantly increasing the chances of encountering one of their major predators: orcas.
| Month | Mobulas | Orcas | Whales | Dolphins | Sea Lions |
| January | Unlikely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| February | Unlikely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| March | Unlikely | Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| April | Likely | Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| May | Very Likely | Very Likely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| June | Very Likely | Likely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| July | Very Likely | Likely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| August | Unlikely | Unlikely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| September | Unlikely | Unlikely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| October | Likely | Likely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| November | Likely | Likely | Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
| December | Unlikely | Unlikely | Very Likely | Very Likely | Very Likely |
safari´s plan
The adventure begins in La Paz, La Ventana, or Bahía de Muertos.
The meeting point is confirmed one day in advance, allowing us to choose the best departure location based on recent sightings and sea conditions, maximizing your chances of encountering marine life.
The safari lasts approximately 5 hours and takes place aboard a panga-style boat. We´ll navigate in search of whatever marine life the ocean brings our way. With a little luck, you may have the chance to swim among impressive schools of Mobula rays, snorkel with dolphins and even orcas, and marvel at the sight of whales in the wild.
This activity is suitable for anyone who wishes to enjoy watching marine wildlife from the boat. For those who would like to swim with the animals, a good level of physical fitness is required, along with the agility to get in and out of the water from the panga and the ability to move independently in the sea without direct assistance from the guide. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in the water.
It is essential to understand that we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings. We also never harass wild animals and conduct all our activities with the utmost respect for them.
Departure Itinerary and Logistics
Expert planning guided by the ocean: To give your expedition the best possible chance of success, we move at nature’s pace.
The dynamic route (5 hours): We depart at 9:00 AM from Muelle Fiscal in La Paz and return at 2:00 PM.
We never navigate blindly: every morning, we determine the exact route based on weather conditions, currents, and real-time reports from our network of captains.
Exclusive departure from La Ventana: If you prefer to start right at the heart of the action, we also offer departures from La Ventana (Playa Central, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM). This option is available exclusively when booking a private tour.
Gallery
Duration: 5 hours.
Requirements: Good physical fitness and previous snorkeling experience.
Difficulty: No advanced technical skills are required, but the activity is physically demanding. It is not recommended for children or for people who do not exercise regularly.
Minimum number of participants: 3 people.
The Pelagic Corridor: Ocean Safari Zone
No fixed routes. We navigate this vast open-water area, tracking marine wildlife in real time.
Cerralvo Island & La Reina
A prime open-ocean location famous for massive schools of Mobula rays, dolphins, and seasonal Orca sightings.
San Juan de la Costa (Bay of La Paz)
During the winter months, we often navigate towards this area inside the bay, looking for majestic whales seeking refuge in calmer waters.
La Paz: Muelle Fiscal (Standard Departure)
Our regular safari departs from here at 9:00 AM on boats equipped with powerful Suzuki outboards and Starlink satellite connection for 7-hour trips.
La Ventana: Playa Central (Private Tours)
Exclusive departure point for Private Safari bookings. We launch directly from the beach at 8:00 AM towards the Cerralvo channel.
Included
Captain and guide.
Soft Drinks and Lunch.
All fees.
Snorkel Equipment.
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
Ground transportation. It can be hired.
You must bring
Ecofriendly sunscreen.
Water bottle.
Long sleeved shirt (for the sun, and the jellyfish).
Swimsuit, beach clothes, and a water and windproof jacket (specially for winter and spring).
Hat, sunglasses, and towel.
On Our Ocean Safari in La Ventana, Safety in Open Water Is Our Top Priority
Navigating the deep blue demands elite equipment. Open water calls for speed, stability, and uncompromising safety. Our fleet consists of fully optimized panga-style boats, from the agile 24-foot Kalal to our 30-foot flagships, Black Fin and Bacari. Powered by powerful Suzuki engines ranging from 175 to 280 hp, allowing us to cover long distances quickly as soon as a wildlife sighting is reported.
All of this without compromising your comfort. Every boat features full shade (T-top) structures and comfortable seating, while our 30-foot boats also include onboard restrooms.
What sets us apart: On our extended ocean expeditions (7 hours), we carry a Starlink antenna on board. Together with VHF radios and professional first-aid kits, this ensures uninterrupted satellite connectivity with the mainland. We provide uncompromising safety offshore.
Book
A unique safari in Mar de Cortés requires professional guidance with expertise in marine biology, eagle-eyed captains with extensive navigation experience, and solid logistics to ensure a safe adventure in Baja California Sur.
Answer the call of the wild blue.!
Book with Mexico Travel Adventure today
Price per person: MXN 3000
- 7 Hours Open Water Navigation
- Authentic Wildlife Safari Experience
Reviews
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.
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.
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!!
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!
What species can be found in La Ventana, Cerralvo Island and Espiritu Santo Island?
La Paz, La Ventana, Mar de Cortes and Cerralvo Island are part of the world’s largest natural aquarium, offering an unparalleled diversity of marine life that makes them ideal destinations for observing marine life in the wild
A remarkable variety of animals inhabits this region, and the species listed below are just some of the most commonly seen.
FAQ´s
If you have any questions hopefully we can answer them below, if not please feel free to contact us.
When is the best time to visit La Paz, La Ventana, and Isla Cerralvo?
Any time of year is a good time to enjoy a safari in the Mar de Cortés. May and June are ideal for spotting Mobula rays and orcas, while winter brings the chance to see large whales.
From July to December, conditions are ideal for enjoying warm, clear waters.
What is the Ocean Safari adventure in La Ventana and La Paz like?
The adventure begins in La Paz, La Ventana, or Bahía de Muertos at 8:00 AM, lasts approximately 5 hours, and takes place aboard a panga-style boat.
The goal is to encounter and enjoy whatever marine life the Mar de Cortés brings our way.
Are marine wildlife sightings guaranteed during the safari?
Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and all activities are carried out with full respect for wildlife and its natural environment.
However, it is common to snorkel with dolphins, spot whales, or swim with huge schools of Mobula rays and even orcas.
Can I swim with the Orcas or Whales?
Yes, swimming with orcas in Mexico is legal, but it must always be done with respect for the animals and without harassing them.
What is the booking and cancellation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 7 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 7 days in advance, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 60 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 60 days in advance, full payment is required.
If the company cancels the activity due to "unforeseen circumstances" such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or an insufficient number of participants, you will receive a 100% refund. For all cancellations requested by clients, any amount paid in advance is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.