SEA SAFARI · EXPEDITION
La Ventana
Mobula Migration & Orcas
- Next departure
- May 2027
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Experience level
- Strong snorkeler or freediver; comfortable in open ocean
- Group size
- Small group (typically 6–10 guests)
- Nearest airport
- SJD (Los Cabos International)
The Experience — La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Expedition
Each spring the Sea of Cortez becomes a runway for one of the Pacific’s most dramatic gatherings: giant mobula rays in swirling schools, with a real chance of orcas, dolphins, and the raw energy of a working ocean. This sea safari is timed for the migration pulse around La Ventana. Days start early on fast support boats, reading surface activity and working respectfully with local crews who know these animals’ rhythms. Andrew leads with a safety diver’s mindset — clear briefings, conservative entries, and photography coaching for guests who want stronger frames without crowding the wildlife. Evenings are for debriefs, tide talk, and the slow exhale after blue water. Expect long hours on the water, seasonal variability, and encounters that can shift from quiet glides to explosive baitfish action without warning.
What's Included
Included
- 7 nights boutique or lodge-style lodging in the La Ventana area (twin share; upgrade on request)
- Daily guided boat charters with experienced local captains
- Andrew as expedition leader / in-water safety orientation
- Daily breakfasts; select meals or pack lunches while offshore (details finalized in trip packet)
- In-water photography and wildlife etiquette coaching
- Ground transfers on scheduled arrival/departure days
- Marine park or permit fees commonly billed for these routes (confirm in final invoice)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel and evacuation insurance (required)
- Alcohol and personal snacks
- Wetsuit or personal gear rental if you prefer not to travel with kit
- Staff gratuities
- Optional single-occupancy lodging upgrade
Wildlife targets
What you might meet
Primary target
Giant mobula rays
Seasonal aggregations and elegant formation flying along the coast.
Possible encounter
Orcas
Transient pods occasionally choreograph hunts near bait or rays; never guaranteed.
Primary target
Dolphins
Bottlenose and common dolphins travel these waters year-round.
Possible encounter
California sea lions
Inquisitive hunters on nearshore structure.
Possible encounter
Baitfish & blue water
Fast baitballs can pull in marlin, birds, and diving sea lions.
Day by day
Field rhythm
Day 1 — Arrival & orientation
Land at SJD and transfer to La Ventana. Evening welcome, safety and snorkeling/freediving refresh, expectations for weather and wildlife windows.
Day 2 — First ocean day — mobula search
Full day on the water scouting aggregation sites and offshore action. In-water time as conditions allow with guide-led entries.
Day 3 — Cetacean focus
Target corridors for orca and dolphin activity while remaining alert to mobula schools. Flex routing with captain and local spotters.
Day 4 — Mid-expedition push
Longer offshore leg to maximize pelagic encounters — marlin, turtles, or surprise baitballs can appear this time of year.
Day 5 — Inshore & sea lion corridors
Mix of coastal features and sea lion habitats to diversify encounters if offshore conditions shift.
Day 6 — Photography & technique
Dedicated coaching blocks for split shots, fast subjects, and respectful positioning near rays or mammals.
Day 7 — Final full day
Last sprint on the water; adapt to the best forecast. Celebration meal and image share.
Day 8 — Departure
Morning transfer to SJD for outbound flights.
The order flexes with weather and wildlife — every day is built around the best available window.
Gallery
From past departures
Logistics
Stay & vessel
Where you stay
- Twin-share rooms (upgrade on request)
- Early breakfasts; packed lunches in the field
- Ground transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days
- Photography etiquette coaching with Andrew
- Daily debrief; the plan flexes with conditions
- Wi-Fi variable by property / region
On the water
- Small, fast craft chosen for the site
- Small groups, with a spotter on wildlife days
- Shade, drinking water, and dry storage
- Padded camera stowage and a rinse point
Exact property and vessel are confirmed in your pre-departure guide.
Dates & Availability
Departures
Before you go
Questions, answered
Do I need to be a freediver?
No certification is marketed as mandatory, but you should be very comfortable snorkeling deep water, managing mild current, and following guide signals. Freediving experience helps you hold framing longer.
How close will we get to orcas or rays?
Proximity is always the animal’s choice. This expedition follows a no-touch, low-impact protocol. Some days deliver quiet passes; others offer longer looks. Patience beats chasing.
What should I pack?
Mask, snorkel, fins, 3–5mm wetsuit depending on your cold tolerance, reef-safe sun protection, motion remedies, and your housing or camera kit. A detailed pack list ships after booking.
What about seasickness?
Blue-water days can be rolly. Bring medication that works for you, hydrate, and communicate with guides if you need a slower pace.
Is insurance really required?
Yes — medical, evacuation, and trip cancellation coverage are mandatory proofs before departure.