Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
The Baja California Sur peninsula, located in the heart of the Sea of Cortez, is considered one of the best places in the world for ocean safaris and observing marine wildlife in the wild.
In recent years, this destination has become popular due to the biodiversity found around Espíritu Santo Island and Cerralvo Island (also known as Jacques Cousteau Island). Between March and June, vast aggregations of Mobula rays gather in these waters, while whales and dolphins are frequently encountered. These conditions have led to orca sightings, as they are attracted to the area to feed on Mobulas.
From July to December, warm water temperatures and good visibility provide excellent conditions for exploring the marine environment. During winter, migrating whales travel between the coastline and the islands, creating further opportunities for wildlife encounters.
La Paz, Espíritu Santo Island, La Ventana, and Cerralvo Island form one of the best corners of the Sea of Cortez.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
The adventure begins in La Paz and takes approximately 5 hours. We will sail in our panga boat looking for all the marine life that the ocean want to gives us. With a bit of luck, you may have the chance to swim with huge schools of mobulas, snorkel with dolphins or killer whales, and spot whales as well. Every day is different, but the Sea of Cortez always has something special to offer. Orca sightings have become more frequent but are not a daily common sighting. This is an outdoor expedition focused on searching for marine life. Each day is unique and nature is nature, nothing can be guaranteed. Please note we don’t engage in harassment of wildlife. The activity is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy marine wildlife watching from the boat. However, those wishing to swim with the animals must be in good physical condition, able to get in and out of the water from the panga quickly, and comfortable swimming on their own in the ocean without direct assistance from the guide. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you should feel confident in the water.
Options
La Paz Ocean Safari: Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales
Open Ocean Safari in "La Paz": La Paz is internationally recognized for its rich marine biodiversity and proximity to Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While traditionally known for sea lion colonies and whale shark sightings, in recent years this region has also become a prime location for Mobula ray aggregations between March and June. These spectacular gatherings attract predators like dolphins, whales, and occasionally orcas, which feed on the Mobulas. From July to December, the adventure continues with warm water and excellent visibility, perfect for snorkeling and wildlife encounters. During the winter months, migrating whales can often be seen traveling along the coast or in the channel between La Paz and Espiritu Santo Island. In short, La Paz and Espiritu Santo Island offer the perfect starting point for an ocean safari where anything can happen. From massive schools of rays to unexpected orca sightings, every outing is a chance to witness the magic of the Sea of Cortez. Duration: 5 hours Included: Veggie options available
What‘s Included
Lunch
Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
118 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
Y2954RImauricios,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended! Incredible landscapes. We saw dolphins, birds, and even a humpback whale.
A very nice experience, a very good guide, he was a marine biologist. We saw a blue whale.
Lu M,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a very beautiful and complete experience for those who appreciate marine wildlife; it depends a lot on luck regarding the animals you may encounter, but it is definitely worth it.
Okay
miriamromero09,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The experience was good overall, but I feel we spent too much time heading to the place where we were sure to see "something," in this case, sea lions. On the way, we encountered 2 turtles and a school of fish. Upon arriving at the spot, we were able to swim a little with the sea lions, but it was only for 10 minutes, or at least it felt that way. The current was pulling us up and down, but honestly, I didn't see anyone having any problems that would require us to be taken out. I understand that we should not approach the sea lions, but I believe that if we had been allowed to swim in that area for more time, we could have had more interactions. John and Alexis were kind the entire time and tried to stop when we saw something, but they had to follow an itinerary. I found the lunch to be good and sufficient; I think it depends more on dietary restrictions and preferences. Overall, we felt it was very limited. I know the sea is different every day, but I think they could create a better route to spend more time in the water and find more animals.
Boat tour to see dolphins, mobulas, sea lions, and birds.
luisas592,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The attention from the staff was very good at all times. They responded quickly to my questions. The meeting point was in La Paz, at the sculpture of the pearl. From there, we boarded the boat and began the adventure. The first thing we saw in the bay was dolphins and then some mobulas (formed like a train with the female at the front). Some time later, we arrived at a white island, where the blue-footed boobies live, and finally to another island where there are many sea lions. We made a stop to snorkel and have lunch. The trip lasted 7 hours. Both the guide and the captain (Gonzalo) were very attentive and patient with the questions we had. I think it would be advisable to ask about lunch options (in my case, I did not eat the fruit and part of the sandwich due to food restrictions). The only BUT we had was that we expected more interaction with the animals and more snorkeling, and especially that we wanted to see orcas. The guide told us that they leave when the blue and humpback whales leave, around March or April (which was not clarified when I made the reservation).
Omar向导非常棒
Passenger58440628227,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely choose guide Omar if you can! I recommend Omar because he is very knowledgeable and takes care of everyone on the boat. We had a great time. 5 star!!!!! 如果可以的话，一定要选择omar向导！我推荐Omar，因为他知识渊博，会照顾船上的每个人。我们玩得很开心。5星！！！！！
Amazing!
marianaf297,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! We were extremely well served. Captain Francisco and guide Esteban did everything we could to see as many animals as possible. At a certain point, a girl from the group spotted some animals far away, and the captain asked to return so that everyone could observe them better. However, this type of tour depends much more on nature than any other factor, and in that aspect we were not so lucky. Still, we had the opportunity to swim with marine wolves, see some jumping rays, as well as turtles and dolphins swimming freely. The staff was excellent from start to finish: attentive, dedicated and genuinely interested in providing the best possible experience to participants.
Incredible once in a lifetime experience!
Guide68339775950,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guides were incredible! Knowledgeable and friendly. Nature is never guaranteed and they did everything to find what we could see that day. We were so blessed and swam with Mobula Rays, saw 2 pods of dolphins, and swam with sea lions and other beautiful fish near the island. Highly recommend! I think we will even be back again in July :)
Could be better.
794tanj,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Guide was nice, but lacking professionalism. Wildlife sightings were heavily reliant on intel from other boats (communicated via the radio), and felt that were little to no attempt to try finding wildlife. Downside is that these spots tend to be very crowded - there were 10 boats around 1 manta at one point. Instead, guide and the captain felt like they were talking to each other/using their phone like 60% of the time. yes, there is starlink on the boat, but i wonder if it is really necessary for a 6-7 hour rather rocky boat ride. Lunch could be more generous, especially considering the price.
The best way to experience La Paz!
P4315JYrebeccas,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible time with MTA! Lorenza and Alexis were incredible guides. We saw juvenile whale sharks, humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, and mobula rays.
Wonderful experience on the Marine Safari Tour
aupattycp,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular experience, we decided to do the tour of the Mobulas and only saw 4, but in return we found whales jumping, dolphins, sea lions and really was very nice the tour. All very well, the staff super attentive and well trained.
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Operated by Mexico Travel Adventure