Orca and Mobula Expedition in La Ventana
Mobula rays, dolphins, orcas, and whales in La Ventana, BCS
La Ventana, located in Baja California Sur, is a destination that has gained popularity in recent years, not only for its natural beauty and reputation as one of the best places in the world to practice kitesurfing, but also for its rich marine life. From March to June, the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez are visited by large schools of mobula rays, which in turn attract orcas that come to hunt and feed on them.
Every year, the presence of orcas in La Ventana is becoming more frequent and is an impressive spectacle for visitors. Seeing these animals swim in the crystal-clear waters and hunt in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
But the magic of this place doesn’t end there, as these waters are also a transit point for incredible species such as whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and countless marine species. That’s why this amazing place is becoming an increasingly recognized destination for nature lovers and adventurous travelers who seek to experience unique and close encounters with nature.
Description
The expeditions focus on finding orcas and mobula rays, however, we cannot guarantee their appearance as they are wild animals that do not have a fixed location and are constantly on the move, so it is not always possible to see them. Nevertheless, encounters with them are becoming more common in this area. In addition to orcas and schools of mobula rays, we are likely to see large pods of dolphins, whales, and even whale sharks.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the activity is performed with respect for all wildlife, and we avoid any kind of harassment towards any species.
Itinerary
We take care of the entire experience, including accommodation and all transfers from your airport pickup to your departure, so you can simply focus on enjoying it.
During the activity days, we will meet each morning at the dock in front of the “Playa Central” building, from where we will head out for six to eight hours aboard our pangas, exploring the Sea of Cortez and actively pursuing wild and unpredictable encounters with its marine life, from massive mobula ray schools to dolphins, whales, and the ultimate highlight: orcas in the wild.
Gallery
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons.
Double occupancy rooms.
Included
All the necessary equipment for the activity.
Marine Biologist Guide.
Specified meals.
Round Transportation.
6 nights lodging.
Not Included
Travel Insurance.
You must bring
Windbreaker, swimsuit, sandals.
Biodegradable sunscreen and sun protection.
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 I find in La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo?
La Ventana and Isla Cerralvo 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.
Oceanographic Data and Seasonality (MTA Logs)
Pelagic expeditions in the Sea of Cortez are driven by fascinating marine dynamics. Our captains keep meticulous records of open-ocean conditions to maximize exploration opportunities. These are the real operational data during the peak aggregation season (May – June):
| Metric / Condition | Operational Record (MTA) |
| Peak Mobula Ray Aggregation Season | May and June (High school concentrations) |
| Mobula Ray Behavior | Formation of large surface aggregations |
| Average Surface Water Temperature | 24°C – 28°C |
| Ecosystem Dynamics | Warm water currents trigger pelagic life presence |
Associated Pelagic Fauna
Seasonal currents in the Sea of Cortez attract spectacular biodiversity. During this expedition, we record encounters with: orcas, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, pilot whales, humpback whales (and calves), blue whales, sea turtles, sea lions, mahi-mahi, marlin, and various shark species (hammerhead, silky, blue, and mako).
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.
What is the Ocean Safari Adventure Like in La Ventana or La Paz?
The adventure begins in La Ventana or La Paz at 8 in the morning, lasts approximately 5 hours, and is carried out on a panga-type boat. The goal of the ocean safari is to find and enjoy all the marine life the Sea of Cortez has to offer.
What guarantees are there for marine life sightings during the safari?
Specific sightings cannot be guaranteed, and all activities are conducted with respect for wildlife and their natural environment. However, it is common to snorkel with dolphins, spot whales, or swim with large schools of mobula rays or even orcas
Is it legal to swim with orcas in Mexico?
Yes, it is legal to swim with orcas in Mexico as long as it is done with respect towards the animals and without harassing them.
What is the booking and cancelation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 7 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 7 days notice, full payment is required. For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 60 days in advance.
If the reservation is made with less than 60 days notice, full payment is required. If we cancel the activity due to “unforeseen circumstances” such as weather, mechanical difficulties, or insufficient participants, you will receive a 100% refund.
For all cancellations requested by clients, any amounts paid in advance are non-refundable and non-transferable. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.