Mexico: Mobula Aggregations
In late spring, plankton blooms in the Sea of Cortez bring massive aggregations of mobula ray, mantas, whale sharks, bait fish, dolphin superpods, orcas and even blue whales. Dive into an incredible mixed bag of pelagic fun.
2025 EXPEDITION DATES
May SESSIONS
May 24-31, 2025 (8 spots total)
Mobula Season
Each spring, the Sea of Cortez in Mexico becomes a vibrant hub for one of nature's most spectacular events: the aggregation of mobula rays. Thousands of these graceful creatures gather in the warm, nutrient-rich waters, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as they glide and leap through the sea.
This phenomenon occurs due to the seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient-dense water that fosters an abundance of plankton, the primary food source for the mobula rays. As they feed, these rays engage in acrobatic displays, often breaching the surface and somersaulting in a synchronized ballet.
The mobula ray aggregation is not just a marvel in its own right but also attracts a diverse array of marine life, making the Sea of Cortez a bustling underwater metropolis. Alongside the mobula rays, species such as dolphins, whale sharks, and various pelagic fish such as tuna and dorado join the feast, drawn by the rich availability of food. The aggregating rays and dolphins themselves attract hungry orca pods, while the bait fish bring in the blue, fin and Bryde’s whales. This congregation of species in such dense numbers is what makes the event unique and special.
Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez the “aquarium of the world.” With an abundance of species and breathtaking scenery topside and underwater, it’s not difficult to see why. The area offers a unique vantage point for divers and marine enthusiasts to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The interplay of species and the sheer scale of the mobula aggregations highlight the ecological richness and biodiversity of this marine paradise, underscoring its importance as a vital habitat in the world's oceans.
Other animal sightings over the past few years during this season include dolphin superpods, California sea lions, massive adult whale sharks, fin whales, blue whales, oceanic manta rays, spiny-tailed mobula rays, sperm whales, cow nose rays, and, of course, Baja orcas.
BASICS
Guests: Maximum 8 participants per session, plus staff.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights.
Location: La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Activities: 6 days of snorkeling with mobula rays and other pelagic and cetacean species in the Sea of Cortez.
Experience Level: Perfect for all experience levels— snorkelers looking to get their feet wet, free divers, and photographers. No scuba qualification is required. All participants should feel comfortable swimming at least 200 meters unaided in open water.
Admission: By invitation or application only. Apply to join here.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in La Ventana; private transfers from La Paz Airport (LAP) are included for flights arriving today. Briefing, introductions, and gear check in Portsmouth.
Day 2~7: Head out at 8am aboard our boat to look for mobula aggregations, dolphin pods, orcas, whales and other wildlife. We return to shore between 2-4pm depending on how the day goes and how far we end up offshore.
Day 8: Departures from La Paz; private transfers to La Paz Airport (LAP) are included for flights departing today.
Tuition: $4,500 (USD)
Due at the time of booking: $1,500 deposit.
Balances are due 4 months before departure.
Single supplement and accommodation upgrades are available for an additional fee. See Terms and Conditions for more info.
INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation (twin shared in a group house).
Catered breakfasts and lunches on board.
Amazing dinners, both catered by local chefs and in some local restaurants (private).
Professional whale guide and trip leader.
6 days on the water, 6-7 hrs per day.
Full boat crew.
Small shore excursions for the afternoons and evenings.
Airport transport from LAP on the trip start/end date.
EXCLUDED
Flights.
Gear.
Personal spending.
Gratuities for the local team (optional).
Travel and medical insurance.
Accommodation upgrades / single supplement.