An Ocean Safari in the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, Mexico, should be on every Ocean lover’s bucket list. The best place to base yourself for this adventure is a small, relatively unknown beach town called La Ventana.
In the last couple of years, we have often chosen our travel destinations about the dive sites and Marine life encounters, and we have been to some of the best dive destinations in the world. Egypt, Maldives, Bahamas, and French Polynesia, to name only a few. But still, Baja made it to the top of our favorite dive destinations in the world. The biodiversity and amount of Marine Wildlife you can encounter in the Sea of Cortez is unmatched. In this blog post, we share all you need to know to plan your Ocean Safari in Mexico.
Best time to go on Ocean Safari
The Sea of Cortez is a highly biodiverse part of the world, which means there is Marine Wildlife year-round to observe. So, the best time to go on an ocean safari may depend on the animals you want to encounter.
Weather-wise, Baja is an arid part of Mexico and doesn’t get much rain. The hottest months are July and August, with the warmest ocean temperatures, followed by hurricanes in September and October, which are the wettest months.
Whale Season
December to April is the best time to watch whales. Some of the largest animals on the planet visit the Baja Peninsula yearly. Humpbacks, Grey Whales, Blue Whales, and more.
Mobula Migration
One of nature’s spectacles that can be observed in the Sea of Cortez is the world’s largest Mobula Migration. Thousands of Mobula Rays gather during the months of May and June every year.
Mexican Sardine Run
Baja’s other raw nature spectacle is the Mexican Sardine Run between October and December. Witness huge fish bait balls being feasted upon by a number of species, including Marlin, Sea Lions, Dolphins, Whales, Tuna, Skipjack, Mahi-Mahi, and more!
Best Company to go on Ocean Safari
For our Ocean Safari, we booked with Uncharted Expeditions, and we highly recommend them. Dan is a freediver and underwater photographer who is passionate about Marine Wildlife and the Ocean.
Their mission is to educate, connect, and excite people about the incredible marine life that inhabits the depths of the endless blue. By educating people about the ocean, they will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of its importance for our planet.
It was very important to us to choose a company that is committed to preserving the ocean and all its inhabitants. They took every precaution to minimize our impact on the environment and support conservation efforts to protect marine life. Their efforts included everything from reusable water bottles to respecting wildlife and keeping the necessary distance to not stress any animal.
What to expect from an Ocean Safari
The goal of an Ocean Safari is to find and observe Marine Wildlife. This may include hours of driving with the boat to find the animals. Once wildlife is spotted, you get ready to jump into the water and observe them below the surface, which is the highlight of the experience.
Wildlife encounters can vary a lot depending on whether the animal wants to interact with us humans or not. Sometimes, you may jump in, and they disappear, and that’s when we let them go because it’s respecting their choice. But often, Marine animals like Dolphins, Whales, or Sealions are curious and playful. They may stay, and we get the chance to observe them for a while longer. That’s when the magic happens.
You jump back on the boat between encounters, dry and warm up, enjoy snacks, and drink enough water.
How many days should I go on Ocean Safari
It’s essential to know that, like every other Safari, it means you are out in nature, and you never know what will happen. It can be a day full of wildlife encounters or a relatively chill day with fewer animals to spot. We experienced both during our days on Ocean Safari. That’s why we would highly recommend booking more than just one day. We think two days is excellent; more would be even better.
But also note that those days at sea are exhausting. The sun, the weather in general, the diving, in and out of the boat, so if you spend more days at Ocean Safari, you might want to consider taking a break in between. Especially if you are not used to being at sea all day.
What should I bring for an Ocean Safari
Here is a list of things you should bring for your Ocean Safari adventure in Mexico:
- Sun protection: such as reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, long sleeve shirt or rash guard, sunglasses
- Rainjacket: as the weather may change and also to keep you warm on the boat between dives
- Snorkeling gear: If you have your own dive masks or fins, otherwise, the company you go with will have equipment for you.
- Go-pro or other underwater camera to capture your experience
- Swimwear: Depending on the season, you can dive with swimwear only; other times of the year, you may need a wetsuit. Ask your tour company about it.
Cost of an Ocean Safari
The cost of an Ocean Safari with Uncharted Expeditions is 3’500 MXN (around 200 USD) per person for daily excursions.
This price includes a six-hour Ocean expedition, a captain, a knowledgeable guide, snacks, water, snorkeling gear, photos and videos, and, of course, unforgettable memories.
Alternatively, Uncharted Expeditions offers different types of Extended Expeditions (multi-day Ocean Safari). You can check their offers here.
How to get to La Ventana
The nearest international airport is Los Cabos (SJD), about a two-hour drive south of La Ventana. A closer airport is La Paz, about 45 minutes drive, but it only serves domestic flights.
Rental Car
A rental car is the most convenient way to get to La Ventana, especially if you want to explore further. There are many amazing things to do around Baja California Sur. We had a rental car during our visit and booked it through Discover Cars for the best price.
Book a transfer
Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, you can book a transfer from the airport to La Ventana.
Travel tips
Internet Access
For the best Internet connection in Mexico, we recommend getting a local SIM card. The most convenient option for travelers is the eSim Card (digital SIM card) from Airalo. You can download and install a digital data pack and get connected anywhere in the world as soon as you land, so there is no need to waste time looking for a local plastic SIM card.
Where to eat in La Ventana
La Ventana is a small town, but it has a couple of places we like for food that you shouldn’t miss while visiting:
- Nomada Organics – Best Restaurant for a nice dinner night. All organic food, great vegan/vegetarian options.
- Silvestre Coffee – The best coffee shop with a lovely garden that also offers delicious pastries and sandwiches.
- La Ventana Smoothie & Coffee Bar – This lovely spot is hidden in the neighborhood, tucked away from the main road, and offers excellent, healthy smoothies and more.
- La Panaderia Mextli’s Gluten Lab – A bakery that sells delicious, homemade Sourdough bread and more.
Where to stay in La Ventana
These are the most amazing places to stay in La Ventana:
Hotel Todo Bien Modern Boutique Hotel with pool and amazing views, right by the sea.
La Ventana Apartment A more budget-friendly option is this lovely apartment where we stayed in La Ventana.
Ventusbay A glamping-style acommodation right on the beach.
Conclusion
We absolutely loved the contrast between the dry landscapes and the deep blue ocean of Baja California Sur. But we are most fascinated by the biodiversity and magic of the Sea of Cortez. As passionate divers and underwater photographers, we are clear that we will return to Baja many times in the future.
