2027

LA VENTANA

THE OCEAN SAFARI

La Ventana Ocean Safari is a small-group wildlife expedition in Baja California Sur, timed around the seasonal aggregation of Munk’s devil rays (Mobula munkiana) in the Sea of Cortez.

From late April to early June, we head out each day with an experienced local captain and guide, using wildlife activity, ocean conditions and local knowledge to decide where to explore around La Ventana and Cerralvo Island.

There is no fixed route. While mobula rays are the main natural event during this season, these waters are part of a much larger pelagic ecosystem, where dolphins, whales, sea lions, turtles, sharks and occasionally orcas can also appear.

Wildlife is never guaranteed — and that unpredictability is exactly what makes an ocean safari different.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE MOBULA RAYS IN LA VENTANA?

The best time to see large aggregations of mobula rays in La Ventana is generally between late April and June, with May being an especially important period for Mobula munkiana.

Scientific research conducted in the southern Gulf of California found that most recorded reproductive events occurred around La Ventana and Ensenada de Muertos, with activity peaking strongly in May.

This is why Mind the Seas schedules its La Ventana expeditions between late April and early June rather than operating the same itinerary year-round.

Read our complete guide to the Mobula Ray Migration in Baja California Sur

  • Common dolphins swimming underwater in the Sea of Cortez near La Ventana
  • Local captain at the helm of an ocean safari boat in La Ventana
  • Victoria briefing guests indoors before a Mind the Seas ocean safari in La Ventana
  • School of mobula rays swimming through blue water near La Ventana
  • Snorkeler floating underwater in the Sea of Cortez
  • Bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside a boat near La Ventana
  • Mind the Seas expedition leader seated aboard a boat in La Ventana
  • School of Munk’s pygmy devil rays seen from above underwater near La Ventana
  • Oceanic manta ray swimming just beneath the surface near La Ventana
  • Ocean safari boat on calm water in the Sea of Cortez near La Ventana
  • Mobula ray leaping above the sea near La Ventana
  • Group of mobula rays swimming together beneath the surface in the Sea of Cortez
  • Orca swimming underwater in the Sea of Cortez
  • Orca surfacing beside an ocean safari boat near La Ventana
  • Guest snorkeling with long fins in clear blue water near La Ventana
  • Mind the Seas welcome kit arranged on a table overlooking the sea in La Ventana
  • Smiling guest wearing a hat and sunglasses aboard a panga boat in La Ventana
  • Mind the Seas expedition welcome materials arranged on a wooden table in La Ventana
  • Bedroom viewed through an arched doorway at the expedition accommodation in La Ventana
  • School of mobula rays beneath the sunlit surface near La Ventana
  • Snorkeler encountering a California sea lion underwater near La Ventana
  • Smiling guest watching dolphins alongside a panga boat near La Ventana
  • Munk’s pygmy devil ray airborne above the Sea of Cortez
  • Reusable water bottle included in the Mind the Seas expedition kit
  • Guests watching marine wildlife from a shaded boat near La Ventana

  • 29 APR – 4 MAY 2027

    COMING SOON

  • 4 MAY – 9 MAY 2027

    COMING SOON

  • 9 MAY – 14 MAY 2027

    COMING SOON

  • 14 MAY – 19 MAY 2027

    COMING SOON

  • 28 MAY – 2 JUN 2027

    COMING SOON

  • 2 JUN – 7 JUN 2027

    COMING SOON

PRICE : 3.200€

WHY MIND THE SEAS?

Mind the Seas returns to Baja California Sur several times each year, following the region’s different marine migrations rather than offering the same itinerary year-round.

Our La Ventana expeditions are intentionally kept small and are created with experienced local captains and ocean guides who work these waters throughout the season.

We spend multiple days at sea because wild encounters cannot be scheduled. More time on the water allows us to follow changing conditions rather than forcing wildlife into a fixed itinerary.

Professional photography is part of the experience, and our approach prioritizes respectful encounters with marine wildlife.

FAQs

What is an Ocean Safari in La Ventana?

An open-ocean wildlife expedition in which we explore the Sea of Cortez looking for naturally occurring marine activity rather than following a fixed wildlife itinerary.

When is the best time to see mobula rays in La Ventana?

Late April through June is one of the most important seasonal windows, with May showing particularly high activity.

What species of mobula can be seen in La Ventana?

The region is particularly known for aggregations of Munk’s devil ray, Mobula munkiana.

Can you swim with mobula rays in La Ventana?

Yes. When conditions and animal behaviour allow, encounters take place by snorkeling or freediving rather than scuba diving.

Can you see orcas in La Ventana?

Yes, orcas occur in the region and can occasionally be encountered during ocean safaris. However, they are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.

Is the expedition scuba diving or snorkeling?

The La Ventana Ocean Safari is a snorkeling-based expedition. No scuba certification is required.

Do I need to be an experienced freediver?

No. You should be comfortable swimming in open water, but you do not need to be a certified freediver.

How many people are in each group?

Mind the Seas keeps groups intentionally small, generally around six to seven guests.

Are wildlife encounters guaranteed?

No. The expedition follows wild marine animals in their natural environment, so encounters depend on ocean conditions and animal movement.

Where is La Ventana?

La Ventana is on the southeastern coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, facing the Sea of Cortez near Cerralvo Island.