Mobula & Megafauna Expedition

Mobula & Megafauna Expedition

Duration: 5 days

Location: La Ventana, BCS

Departure: La Ventana

Tall black boots with buckles and thick sole.

Minimum age: 16

Difficulty: Intermediate

Season: May-Jun

Sardine Run experience in Magdalena Bay, where you'll witness one of nature's most incredible spectacles. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure brings you face-to-face with massive bait balls of sardines, attracting a breathtaking array of marine predators like sea lions, sharks, and even the majestic humpback whales. Our skilled guides will ensure you are right in the action while providing safe and sustainable practices to protect the delicate balance of this marine wonder. With top-notch gear and our comfortable boats, you're guaranteed an unforgettable journey into the heart of ocean wildlife.

Aerial view of dolphins swimming in the ocean, sunlight reflecting off the water.
A marine iguana underwater on a rocky ocean floor with fish swimming in the background.
A killer whale swimming in calm ocean waters with distant land in the background.
A sea lion swimming underwater in the blue ocean.
A large school of stingrays swimming together underwater.
Underwater scene showing a large school of stingrays swimming underwater.
A snorkeler swimming near a large whale shark underwater in the ocean.

The mission? To witness the epic mobula ray migration in La Ventana—thousands of rays leaping from the sea in synchronized flight. Dive in and find yourself surrounded by these winged wonders, alongside dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, and even whale sharks in one of Baja’s richest marine corridors.

After a day of ocean thrills, retreat to your beachside hotel to unwind under a canvas of stars. Each evening, we share stories of the day’s wild encounters over a delicious dinner.

Beyond the waves, explore vibrant mangroves, kayak crystal shallows, and hike the rugged coast. La Ventana is a gateway to Baja’s untamed beauty and marine magic.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

  • 12:30 PM: Pick-up at La Paz Airport.

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Scenic drive to La Ventana.

  • 4:30 PM: Hotel check-in and rest.

  • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Welcome presentation and dinner.

Days 2 - 4: Mobula Expedition

  • 5:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Full-day Mobula expedition, encountering sea lions, sharks, orcas, and more.

  • 4:00 PM: Return to the house to relax.

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner and daily recap.

Day 5: Departure

  • 6:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Return to La Paz Airport or downtown.

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transport from La Paz Airport to La Ventana

  • 4 nights accommodation with bay views

  • Daily breakfasts and dinners

  • 3 full-day Mobulas and Mega Fauna expeditions

  • Snorkeling and safety gear

  • Expert guides and crew

  • Marine life and conservation presentations

  • Exploration of mangroves and dunes

  • Welcome briefing

  • Nightly recaps

Exclusions

  • Airfare to and from La Paz

  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Gratuities for guides and crew

Recommendations

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing

  • Swimsuits

  • A cover-up or long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun

  • A light jacket or sweater

  • Non-slip shoes or boat-friendly footwear

Sun Protection:

  • Sunscreen  (REEF SAFE)

  • Hats, caps, or visors

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Lip balm

Gear

  • Feel free to bring your own gear

  • Remember we provide everything you need in all our expeditions

Extras

  • Towel for drying off or lounging on the boat

  • Extra set of dry clothes

  • Binoculars

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When is the best time to see mobula rays in Baja California? +
The mobula ray migration in La Ventana peaks from early May through late June, when tens of thousands of Munk's devil rays gather in the Sea of Cortez. Our 5-day expeditions run during this window. Sightings can start in late April and extend into July, but May and June deliver the largest aggregations and the highest chance of seeing mobulas leaping from the water in the iconic acrobatic displays featured in BBC's Blue Planet and National Geographic.
What is the difference between mobula rays and manta rays? +
Mobula rays and manta rays are close relatives, both in the Mobulidae family, but mobulas are smaller, more acrobatic, and travel in massive schools. The species we encounter in La Ventana is the Munk's devil ray (Mobula munkiana), which reaches around one meter wing-to-wing and aggregates in groups of thousands. Manta rays are larger, solitary or in small groups, and don't form the dense schools that make the mobula migration one of the largest marine spectacles on Earth.
Can you swim with mobula rays in La Ventana? +
Yes. Snorkeling and freediving with mobula rays is the core of this expedition. Mobulas are filter feeders, completely harmless to humans, and often curious. We follow the Manta Trust Code of Conduct for ethical interactions: respectful distance, no chasing, no touching. Our biologist guides brief every guest before entering the water to ensure the encounter doesn't alter the rays' natural behavior.
How do I get to La Ventana from Los Cabos or La Paz? +
La Ventana is roughly 45 minutes by car from La Paz International Airport (LAP) and about 2.5 hours from San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD). Most guests fly into La Paz for the shortest transfer. We can coordinate transfer logistics for private bookings. Once you arrive, we handle everything: accommodation, meals, daily expeditions, and equipment.
What other wildlife will I see besides mobulas? +
The Sea of Cortez was called "the world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, and La Ventana sits at its richest stretch. Beyond the mobula schools, expect orcas hunting mobulas in one of the rarest predator-prey events on the planet, dolphins (common, bottlenose, spinner), sea lions at Cerralvo Island, and sea turtles. Whale sharks, sperm whales, and humpbacks are seasonal possibilities depending on the week of your expedition.
How many guests are on each expedition? +
Maximum 6 guests per multi-day expedition. This is non-negotiable. Larger groups disrupt wildlife behavior, slow down water entries, and dilute the experience. With 6 guests, every person gets unobstructed sightings, individual guide attention, and the boat moves the way the ocean asks it to. We also offer fully private bookings for families and small groups who want exclusive use of the expedition.
Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler or freediver? +
No experience required for snorkeling. If you're comfortable in open water and can use a mask and fins, you can do this expedition. Freediving is optional and rewarded with deeper, longer encounters, but the rays come close to the surface and the surface action is spectacular on its own. Our guides are trained freedivers and can help guests progress during the trip if they want to go deeper.
What's included in the 5-day Mobula Expedition? +
The expedition includes 4 nights of accommodation in La Ventana, all meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast, daily boat expeditions with biologist-guided briefings, snorkel and wetsuit equipment, marine park fees, and underwater photography from our team. Not included: flights, ground transfers (we coordinate but they're separate), gratuities, and personal travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions