Baja Mobula Rays & Orcas Expedition
Baja California Sur, Mexico
May 2026
Expedition Overview
There’s really nowhere else on Earth like La Ventana in Baja California Sur in late spring, when mobula rays gather in groups of thousands and marine megafauna abound. The mobula rays come to these nutrient-rich waters to rest, feed, find mates, and give birth. Swimming with them is an indescribable experience.
Each morning we head out on the water, scanning the horizon for jumping rays, black fins from orca pods, or anything else that hints at life below the surface. While mobula rays are the heartbeat of this trip, we are always on the lookout for more. Orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and sharks all move through these waters. Baja is raw, wild, and completely unpredictable in the best way. These are the kinds of encounters that stay with you long after you leave.
This is a snorkeling-based expedition, which allows us to stay mobile throughout the day. We explore the waters off La Ventana by private boat with local captains who have spent their lives reading these waters. No two days are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes this place so special. As tourism continues to grow in La Ventana, we are intentional about how we operate, always putting wildlife welfare and respect for the ocean first.
We are running three back-to-back expeditions:
May 1 to 6
May 6 to 11
May 11 to 16
Between ocean days, we’ll return to our private villa overlooking the sea to slow down and recharge. We’ll share fresh, delicious meals prepared by our chef, spend time relaxing by the pool, and give our bodies a break so we’re ready to head back out on the water the next day. Work with expedition leader Matthew David Kaplan, who will coach you on filming, editing, and storytelling.
Each expedition will be five nights with a small group of six team members. We’re also offering an optional scuba extension from April 22 to May 1 in La Paz and Cabo Pulmo, where we’ll dive with massive schools of yellow snapper, thousands of jacks, bull sharks, groupers, golden cownose rays, playful sea lions, coral reefs, and shipwrecks, truly the best of Baja.
Expedition Highlights
Five nights in La Ventana with four days on the water, exploring the vibrant and wild marine life of the Sea of Cortez
Snorkeling with thousands of mobula rays and chances to see orcas, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and so much more
Stay in our private ocean-view villa, reserved exclusively for our team
All meals included, prepared by our private chef Rubén with fresh local ingredients
Filmmaking & underwater storytelling coaching with ocean filmmaker Matthew David Kaplan
Private boat with experienced local captains who know the best spots for safe, respectful wildlife encounters
Small, exclusive group of six, creating a close, team-focused atmosphere
A tailor-made itinerary designed for meaningful adventure.
No prior experience or dive certification required
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2,485 EUR per person in shared accommodation for 6 days / 5 nights.
Deposit of 600 EUR required to secure your spot (fully refundable until 90 days prior to expedition).
Upgrades to single accommodation possible.
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Prices are per person, sharing a twin or double room
Solo travelers are welcome and will share the room with a fellow team member
5 nights accommodation in our private villa + 4 days on the water
Round-trip transfers from Cabo San Lucas and/or Los Cabos Airport (SJD) at specified times
All meals included, prepared by our private chef
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Flights
Rental snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuits, weightbelts)
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Comprehensive travel insurance
18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
No prior experience necessary
Trip Program
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Baja California Sur! After meeting at one of the two pickup points (Marina in Cabo San Lucas at 2:00 pm or Cabo San Lucas Airport at 3:00 pm), we’ll head north toward La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez. Once we arrive at our villa at approximately 5:30 pm and everyone settles into their rooms, we’ll gather for a snack and an expedition briefing with Matthew. We’ll get to know each other, watch for mobula rays and whales from the shore, explore the beach, or simply relax after the journey. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy our first dinner together, prepared by our chef, Rubén. A calm, welcoming start to our week as a team.
Days 2 - 5: Ocean Safari
These are our four ocean safari days. We’ll head out on our private boat to explore the vibrant waters of La Ventana, where massive schools of mobula rays move like birds, and orcas, dolphins, sharks, bait balls, sea lions, rays, and turtles keep the ocean alive in every direction. Every day is different and truly anything is possible in La Ventana.
We’ll focus on snorkeling with mobula rays and searching for orcas, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and more. Mexico has recently introduced specific rules around swimming with orcas, which we fully support. These guidelines are there to protect the animals and encourage responsible tourism. In certain locations and if conditions allow, swimming with orcas is still possible, but we always put the wildlife first.
Throughout the expedition, Matthew will offer filmmaking, storytelling, and editing coaching. We’ll practice in the water, review footage together at the villa, and learn tools to make filming feel natural and fun.
Day 6: Departure
After one last sunrise and breakfast at the villa, we’ll pack up and head out for Cabo San Lucas at 9:00 am. You’ll have two drop-off options: Los Cabos Airport at 11:30 am or Cabo San Lucas Marina at 12:30 pm. Along the way, we’ll have time to reflect on the week, share favorite memories, and chat about our next adventure together.
Expedition Leader
Matthew David Kaplan
Matthew David Kaplan is an ocean filmmaker and dive expedition leader, dedicated to sharing the magical underwater world with a global audience. His mission is to conserve, restore, and protect our oceans and planet through storytelling, education, and action.
As a contributor for Discovery, Scubapro Global Dive Team member, SurfEars Ambassador, Matthew’s ocean adventures take him around the world.
Our Private Villa and Chef
Perched on a stunning bluff in El Sargento, our villa looks out over the Sea of Cortez and gives our team the perfect home base for our expedition. With comfortable bedrooms, Starlink WiFi, full A/C, and a spacious living area that opens to a pool and wide outdoor deck, the house is set up for us to relax and reset. The living room, with its big sectional couch and TV, is also perfect for movies, presentations, and workshops.
We can hang out under the palapa by the BBQ, float in the pool, or walk down the arroyo for quick beach access. Throughout our stay, our chef will cook amazing meals for the team, from colorful Baja flavors with fresh local ingredients to nourishing breakfasts and fun dinners that bring all of us together around the table.
FAQs
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Yes, comprehensive travel and activity insurance is required for this expedition. Your policy should cover the full dates of your trip and include protection for situations such as airline delays, weather disruptions, or unexpected medical needs.
Although we do not scuba dive on this expedition, your insurance should include coverage for snorkeling and water-based activities, ensuring you’re fully protected throughout the experience.
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No special experience is required: this expedition is open to all levels. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, a filmmaker, or have any previous wildlife experience. As long as you’re comfortable in the water with a snorkel and excited to explore, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Matthew and our local captains will guide you every step of the way, and all activities are adapted to the group’s comfort level. Whether you’re a seasoned ocean lover or it’s your first marine adventure, you’ll feel supported, safe, and completely welcome.
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Most team members will fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), the main airport serving Cabo San Lucas.
We provide a comfortable group transfer to La Ventana from Cabo San Lucas Marina at 2:00 pm or the airport at 3:00 pm on the day of the start of the expedition.
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Our group transfer departs at 3:00 pm from Cabo San Lucas Airport (SJD) on the first day of the expedition (also 2:00 pm from the Marina in Cabo San Lucas), so we recommend booking a flight that lands earlier to give you enough time to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and meet the group without rushing.
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We recommend bringing your own snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Having equipment that fits you perfectly makes a huge difference in comfort and overall experience for the long days out on the water.
If necessary, rental equipment is available for an additional charge. Before the trip, we’ll gather your details and sizes so everything can be prepared for you on arrival.
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Yes, our villa in La Ventana has reliable Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to stay connected when needed. Keep in mind that we spend full days out on the water, where phone signal can be limited or nonexistent.
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We leave the villa at 9:00 AM on departure day and we expect to arrive at the airport (SJD) at approximately 11:30 am.
To keep things smooth, we recommend booking a flight no earlier than 2:00 pm.
This gives you plenty of time to travel comfortably without rushing.
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All your meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day.
Our private chef, Rubén, prepares fresh, nourishing dishes inspired by local Baja flavors, always with plenty of variety and options for different preferences. We do not serve seafood.
You can expect delicious home-cooked meals, and cozy dinners.
Dietary needs or allergies? No problem! Just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.
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In May, sea-surface temperatures in La Ventana typically range from approximately 23 °C (73 °F) up to around 28 °C (82 °F), with the average temperature near 24–25 °C (76–78 °F).
We recommend a full length 5mm; however, it is also perfectly fine to wear a 3mm or even just a rashguard and shorts if you are comfortable with chilly water. We will be in and out of the water throughout the day and are able to dry off on the boat.