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 & pack lunches offshore
- Ground transfers — scheduled days
- Photography etiquette coaching with Andrew
- Daily debrief expectations by weather
- Wi-Fi variable by property / region
On the water
- Open panga-style chase boats — low gunwales for easy water entries
- Small groups per boat with a dedicated spotter
- Shade canopy, fresh water & dry storage aboard
- Padded camera stowage & rinse bucket on deck
Exact property and vessel are confirmed in your pre-departure guide.
Dates & Availability
Departures
Before you go
Questions, answered
How experienced do I need to be in the water?
Requirements vary by expedition — most trips ask for strong, confident open-ocean snorkeling rather than a dive certification. The quick facts at the top of this page list this trip's honest prerequisites; if you're unsure where you stand, ask before you reserve.
Do I book this trip here or with a partner?
Follow the reserve button in the dates section above — it always reflects how this expedition is sold. Some trips take a deposit directly on this site; others book through a partner operator like Serpentine or One Ocean, and the button links out when they do.
How do deposits and balances work?
For trips sold via this store, a deposit reserves capacity on published trip dates; balance terms follow your confirmation and trip packet. Partner-booked trips follow that operator's policy.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Medical, evacuation, and trip cancellation coverage is required before departure on expeditions Andrew leads or co-promotes. You'll be asked to certify coverage.
What if weather or wildlife don't cooperate?
Wild animals and ocean conditions owe us nothing. Briefings prioritize safety and ethics first — itineraries flex. Some days stay quiet; others rewrite your archive.