aggregation/predation : may to june
MEXICO: MOBULAS AND CETACEANS
Thousands of devil rays, turtles and dolphins gather attracting hungry orcas in Baja’s greatest wildlife event of the year.
IN BRIEF
Between mid May and early July, a brief ecological convergence unfolds in the nutrient-rich waters of the southern Gulf of California. As mobula rays form large seasonal aggregations near the surface, the region simultaneously enters peak sea turtle breeding season, drawing a dense web of marine life into a relatively small area.
We search for signs across the water column: feeding and breeding rays, dolphins pods, cruising Bryde’s whales, and manta rays and whale sharks passing through. Sea lions and pods of orcas, often present and actively hunting during this period, add to the intensity of the system. Each day is shaped by shifting conditions and interlinked species, offering a rare opportunity to witness a full pelagic ecosystem in motion rather than a single, isolated encounter.
DAILY
MORNINGS: After breakfast and a quick briefing at the Expedition House, we head down to the beach to hop on our panga for the day. We’ll spend the next 6-8 hours out at sea looking for mobula ray aggregations, super pods of dolphins, orca family units, sea lions and other cetacean species. Given how many animals live and migrate through the Gulf of California, every day feels like a mixed bag of potential encounters.
MIDDAY: We continue on water, having a basic boat snack lunch while exploring. We normally head back to shore between 3 and 4 pm, depending on how far out we’ve gone. If we start later in the mornings, sometimes we don’t get back until sunset. Every day runs with the rhythms of the sea, ocean reports from fishermen and more. Our team is very connected and well plugged in, especially when special species may be around like orcas and whales.
EVENINGS: By late afternoon we return to shore, go for a swim in the pool, shower off and get ready for team dinner. Part of this expedition is culinary— we want to show off the flavours of Baja. Some nights we bring in a private chef to cater, while others we book special tasting menus at creative local restaurants in the area dedicated to bringing Baja flavours to life. We also host wildlife presentations and photography workshops some evenings at the house.
ON WATER
Each morning we board our panga headed by Captain Lorenzo out of La Ventana to head out of the bay and search for wildlife. Lore, a former shark fisherman, is now full-time employed in expedition tourism and is an absolute legend at finding stuff (not to mention knowing all the fishermen out there who share reports of major sightings).
Our captain and guide have government orca certifications to ensure we are able to enter the water should we come across them. We are generally looking for large aggregations of mobula rays, mega pods of dolphins, sea lions, orca, bait balls, whale sharks, and mantas. We occasionally come across large cetaceans like humpback whales, sperm whales, bryde’s whales, and blue whales, but only top side observation is permitted with these species.
ACCOMMODATION
We base the trip at a private, gated beachfront home in La Ventana that we refer to as the Expedition House. The six-bedroom, three-level property is fully secure and designed for small expedition groups. Rooms are twin-share by default, with the option for couples to convert beds into a single large bed.
The house features hot and cool outdoor pools, a chef’s kitchen, and a large shared living space. Private steps lead directly down to the beach, where we’re picked up by boat each morning.
JUN 2026 DATES
Click on the session you want to join to sign up, each session is limited to 6 guests. Both sessions stay at the same house and follow the same schedule, but are on separate boats.
COSTS
CORE PROGRAM: $3990 USD
INCLUDED
6 nights accommodation in La Ventana (shared rooms).
5 full on-water expedition days.
Boat snacks and drinks.
All in-water guiding, photography, and safety support.
All gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
EXCLUDED
Flights and airport transport to/from La Paz or Los Cabos.
Gear (must bring your own— you need a mask, snorkel, fins, rash guard, swim suit and weight belt).
Travel/cancellation insurance.
Personal spending and gratuities (optional).
FAQ
-
Five full days on the water (~6–7 hours per day)
Licensed Orca guide, experienced boat captain, and one of our team leaders (who is the orca guide).
Accommodation in twin rooms at the Expedition hHouse (air-conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, daily cleaning, private pools, etc)
Breakfasts, lunches and gourmet dinners.
Local group activities and presentations outside of boat hours.
-
International flights to La Paz (1 hr away) or Los Cabos (2.5 hrs away)
Gear.
Personal travel/medical insurance (required)
Alcohol and personal snacks
Tips/gratuities for crew and guides
Airport transfers
-
Baja’s sea temperatures average 25–28°C (77–82°F) in June. A swim suit and rash guard are sufficient for some, but we recommend a 2-3mm wetsuit for maximum comfort (or a full 3mm if you get cold easily). We also recommend using a light boat hoodie (and plenty of reef safe sunscreen) to protect from UV, as the Baja summer sun is very strong.
-
Guests are housed in our luxury Expedition House in La Ventana. Rooms are all twin shared. If we happen to be undersold, single supplements will be available at a first come first serve basis for an extra fee.
-
Typically 6–8 hours per day on the water, depending on wildlife activity, conditions and how far off shore we end up (we have gone 50kms off shore before based on wildlife reports). The boat has a covered section to help you get out of the sun.
-
All in-water activity is conducted under Mexico’s new government permit for orcas, which our guides and captain have. Special permits for in-water encounters with ray, shark and dolphin species are not required. In-water encounters with large cetaceans and cachalots (i.e. whales and sperm whales) is not permitted by law in Mexico.
-
Yes, with a caveat. Our in-water guides carry cameras and document encounters when possible. We do not guarantee coverage, as their priority is safety and leading the group. However, when photos or video are captured, they are shared with all guests at no extra cost. These are for personal use and sharing only—not for commercial publishing or resale.
-
Swimming with mobulas, orcas, dolphins, sea lions etc is a relatively safe activity as long as you follow distance rules and remember that the biggest danger is actually other boats. The boat is run by an experienced captain and crew, with a licensed guide on board. In-water groups are small, encounters are respectful, and guidelines are strictly followed.
-
No, we can never guarantee wildlife encounters, especially with orcas, although large mobula ray aggregations are very common this time of year.
Baja has a year-round resident orca population of about 100-200 individuals, but they cover a massive area. We typically see them about once every 10-12 days or so, sometimes more, sometimes less, and normally when we do find them, they stick around the area for a few days.
Mobulas are common this season, with around 80-90% odds of seeing them on a daily basis, same goes for various dolphin species and sea lions.
Whale sharks are relatively rare, but we do see large adults passing through and have found them by drone before, allowing us to hone in on their location and make an in-water approach. Chances of seeing them are around 10-20%.
Other species we encounter with varying degrees of frequency include humpback whales, blue whales, Bryde’s whales, beaked whales, pseudo orcas, pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, sperm whales, oceanic mantas, and more.
-
This is a snorkeling/freediving trip—no scuba. You need to be comfortable swimming at least 100 metres unaided in open water and able to pull yourself back onto the boat (flat platform on the back). Freediving experience is welcome but not required. The focus is slow, quiet encounters at the surface.
-
Yes all meals are included. Dinners are made to be exceptional on purpose, to really showcase the culinary highlights of southern Baja.