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Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur

La Ventana: a mobula ray retreat in the Sea of Cortez

Six quiet days by the Sea of Cortez, in the month the devil rays gather.

La Ventana is a small, quiet beach town in Baja California Sur, on the Sea of Cortez. In May, Munk’s devil rays often gather in these waters, and scientists have recorded most of their courtship here in this month. We spend four days on a private boat looking for them, snorkelling gently when the moment is right. Wind and the rays decide each day. We keep a small group, a slow pace and a lot of respect.

7 days, 6 nightsSix guests at most, with Rocío as your hostCHF 2,450 pp
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A freediver in the middle of a huge school of Munk’s devil rays in the Sea of Cortez
  • 5.00 from 33 public reviews on BookRetreats · Read guest stories
  • Small group, six guests at most
  • A licensed local boat team
  • Travel insurance required (water-activity cover from your own policy or the dive centre’s insurance)
  • Pause or skip any activity, any time
Guests laughing together in a kitchen after a morning on the waterA group of guests in life jackets on the boatGuests and a guide together on the beach after snorkellingGuests together at a waterfallGuests wearing matching green sarongs togetherRocío with guests around a table at the end of the dayReal guests on past trips

“Highly recommended! Rocio is an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about the best locations.”

Kimmy L., public review on BookRetreats, March 2026

“Joining Ocean Calling Retreats was honestly one of the most special travel experiences I’ve had. It’s so much more than just a trip — it’s a beautiful mix of adventure, connection, and time to truly reset.”

Wev C., public review on BookRetreats, March 2026

Quotes are copied as written from public reviews on BookRetreats. See all guest photos · Read all reviews

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At a glance

When15 to 21 May or 22 to 28 May 2027
Length7 days, 6 nights
GroupSix guests at most, with Rocío as your host
StayOcean-view casitas at a small resort in La Ventana, looking over the Sea of Cortez and Isla Cerralvo, with a pool
MealsFull board
CertificationNo diving certificate needed
Water levelYou should be a confident swimmer in open water and comfortable snorkelling from a boat, even with some chop
EffortFour long boat days with repeated swims, sun and wind
LevelModerate

CHF 2,450 per person (15 to 21 May or 22 to 28 May 2027). Maximum 6 guests. Write to Rocío to book your place. She confirms your spot and how to pay, and answers every message personally.

Book your placeEmail Rocío

Real guest reviews: Google · BookRetreats

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

Why Moderate? The water is not deep, but these are open-sea boat days. There can be wind and chop, many entries and exits from the boat, swimming in moving water and long searches for the rays.

Who it is for. Calm ocean lovers, women and mixed groups, who are happy in open water and happy to wait for wild animals. Freediving skills can help, but they are not needed. Not a party trip.

Where you stay

The rooms, the pool and the kitchen of the place we suggest for this trip, plus a glimpse of the days on the water.

The pool above the Sea of Cortez at your stay in La Ventana
1 / 4

The pool above the Sea of Cortez at your stay in La Ventana

New or a little nervous?

Your first day, step by step

  1. Day 1: Arrive at Los Cabos airport and transfer to La Ventana. Settle in, sunset and a first dinner together.
  2. Your guide explains the plan and the signals before anything starts in the water.
  3. You choose your pace. You can pause, rest or skip any activity, at any moment, with no pressure to continue.
  4. Nobody chases, touches or baits an animal. The animals decide whether they come close.

Questions beginners ask

What if I feel nervous in the water?
That is very normal, and you are welcome here. Activities are adapted to your level and comfort. Tell your guide or Rocío, and you can pause, rest or skip an activity at any moment.
What if I cannot clear my ears?
Equalising is taught in small steps by your instructor, and nobody is asked to push through. If your ears will not clear, you rest, come up or skip that dive or descent.
Will I hold the group back?
Groups are small (six guests at most, and some trips are four), so the pace follows the group and nobody is rushed. Tell Rocío your level before you book, and she will tell you honestly if a trip fits.
Do I need to be fit or experienced?
Each trip page shows its level and what it asks of you. If you are not sure, take our short Is it for me? questions or message Rocío.

Highlights

  • May in La Ventana, the month when scientists recorded most mobula ray courtship in this part of the Sea of Cortez
  • Four private boat days searching for Munk’s devil rays, which can gather in large schools and leap from the sea
  • Snorkelling beside the rays, never chasing them, never swimming into the school
  • Possible encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish and seabirds
  • A quiet Baja beach town with ocean-view casitas, a pool and all meals included
  • A slower land day to rest, walk the beach and take in the desert coast

The rhythm of your days

  1. Day 1: Arrive at Los Cabos airport and transfer to La Ventana. Settle in, sunset and a first dinner together.
  2. Days 2 to 5: Four private boat days on the Sea of Cortez, around Isla Cerralvo. We leave in the morning when the sea is usually calmer, search for the rays and snorkel with them when conditions and the rays allow.
  3. Day 6: A lighter day on land, to rest and enjoy La Ventana.
  4. Day 7: Transfer back to Los Cabos airport.
  5. Wind can change or cancel a boat day. We adjust the plan together, calmly.

Trip details

Departures
15 to 21 May or 22 to 28 May 2027
Investment
CHF 2,450 per person for either departure. Maximum 6 guests.
Deposit
Non-refundable. Rocío confirms the amount when you book.
Final balance
The balance is due 60 days before departure. Where possible, it can be paid in monthly instalments, with the last one paid by that date. Rocío confirms your schedule when you book. Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable.

Included

  • 6 nights in an ocean-view casita
  • Full board: all meals
  • Return airport transfers from Los Cabos (SJD)
  • 4 private boat days with a licensed local boat team
  • Rocío as your host for the whole retreat
  • A group of six guests at most

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tips for the resort and boat crew
  • Travel insurance with cover for snorkelling and water activities
  • Personal expenses and extras not listed as included

Deposits are non-refundable. Read the cancellation policy.

Photo gallery

Some of the animals you may meet. Photos show the species, not always this exact place.

Munk's devil ray leaping high from the sea
Photo: Sue Carnahan, iNaturalist, CC BY
Munk's devil ray breaching near Baja California mountains
Photo: Reizo Knapp, iNaturalist, CC BY
California sea lions diving together over a rocky reef
Common bottlenose dolphin swimming over a seagrass bed
Photo: NOAA on Unsplash
Pod of common dolphins surfacing in calm blue sea
Photo: Richard Heinen on Unsplash
Two spinner dolphins swimming over sand in clear water
Photo: Claus Giering on Unsplash
Green turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detail
Photo: James Thornton on Unsplash
Ocean Atlas

Animals you may meet

Never guaranteed, never chased. Tap an animal to see how it lives, where it travels and a fun fact.

Munk's devil ray swimming above others in blue waterMunk’s devil rayMobula munkianaSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasVulnerableMale magnificent frigatebird perched on a mangrove branchMagnificent frigatebirdFregata magnificensSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCalifornia sea lions diving together over a rocky reefCalifornia sea lionZalophus californianusSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPod of common dolphins surfacing in calm blue seaCommon dolphinDelphinus delphisSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCommon bottlenose dolphin swimming over a seagrass bedCommon bottlenose dolphinTursiops truncatusSeen in 39 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGreen turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detailGreen turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOlive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Ostional, Costa RicaOlive ridley turtleLepidochelys olivaceaSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHawksbill turtle swimming, pointed beak in profileHawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredTwo spinner dolphins swimming over sand in clear waterSpinner dolphinStenella longirostrisSeen in 28 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBryde’s whale surfacing and exhaling in deep blue open oceanBryde’s whaleBalaenoptera edeniSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOrcas surfacing close together in calm Arctic Norwegian watersRareOrca (killer whale)Orcinus orcaSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasData DeficientHumpback whale swimming close with long pectoral finRareHumpback whaleMegaptera novaeangliaeSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGiant oceanic manta with T-shaped white shoulder patches and remorasRareOceanic manta ray (giant manta)Mobula birostrisSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasEndangeredFin whale surfacing, showing its white right lower jawRareFin whaleBalaenoptera physalusSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBlue whale blowing a tall spout off San DiegoRareBlue whaleBalaenoptera musculusSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSperm whale mother raising her fluke beside her calf off DominicaRareSperm whalePhyseter macrocephalusSeen in 27 countries in the AtlasVulnerable

Animals marked Rare are recorded here, but seen only now and then.

Is this place for you?

Before you choose La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico

An honest look at food, noise, smells, heat and local customs, so you can decide calmly. If something matters to you, tell Rocío. She will check it for you.

EasyPossible with planningAsk Rocío

Vegetarian and vegan

Ask Rocío

Meals are full board. The town has taco stands, smoothie bars and a farmers’ market, but a written vegetarian and vegan menu from the kitchen is not yet confirmed. Tell Rocío your needs early.

Gluten free

Ask Rocío

An allergen plan from the kitchen is not yet confirmed. Please tell Rocío early so she can check with the kitchen.

Noise and crowds

Possible with planning

La Ventana is small, and the busy kite season runs from November to March, so May is calmer. There is some traffic on the main road through town. At sea, several boats may look for the same group of rays.

Smells, smoke and air

Ask Rocío

This is dry desert, with humidity around 40 to 58% in May and almost no rain. We did not find any documented smoke or pollution problem. Ask Rocío if dust or wind is a concern for you.

Heat and humidity

Possible with planning

In late May, days reach about 31 to 34°C (88 to 93°F) and nights drop to about 17 to 19°C (62 to 66°F). The sun is extremely strong. The sea is about 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F), cooler than many people expect.

Predictable days and quiet breaks

Possible with planning

This is a small group of up to 6 with meals included. Boats go out in the morning, when the wind is usually lighter. Strong wind can cancel a boat day, and you can always skip a trip and rest.

Getting around and mobility

Possible with planning

The drive is about 2 to 2.5 hours from Los Cabos airport or 45 to 60 minutes from La Paz. There are no taxis or public transport in town, and walking distances are long. Boat days mean many entries and exits in choppy water and long searches for rays.

Breathing and health

Ask Rocío

It is hot, dry and very sunny, and wind can make the sea choppy, so think about seasickness. Dengue is present in Mexico. There is no decompression chamber in La Paz; the nearest is in Cabo San Lucas, about 2 hours or more by road. Divers with asthma need a dive medical check first.

Local customs

  • La Ventana is a relaxed beach town. Shorts and beach clothes are fine; it is not a conservative village.
  • Mexico is mostly Catholic but many people are not religious. Alcohol is legal; only drink from sealed bottles or trusted places, because UK advice warns about methanol.
  • It is illegal to bring vapes or e-cigarettes into Mexico. They can be taken at the border and you can be fined.
  • Drug laws are strict, with long prison sentences.
  • Never swim with whales here; it is against Mexican rules. Give mobula rays and sea lions space and do not chase them.
Sources for this section

Ethics and safety

  • We watch and swim beside the rays. We never chase them, touch them, block their path or dive down through a courtship group.
  • La Ventana is important breeding habitat for devil rays, and ray tourism here is growing fast. We keep one small group and give the rays space when they change direction.
  • No swimming with whales, ever. In Mexico the law (NOM-131) does not allow it. If a whale appears, we watch from the boat.
  • No orca swims. If orcas pass by, we only watch.
  • Around sea lions we follow the national park rules: we stay off the colony, we do not touch, and we let them come to us.

Practical details

  • Getting there: fly into Los Cabos (SJD). The road to La Ventana takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and the transfer is included. La Paz airport (LAP) is closer, about 45 to 60 minutes away. Tell drivers La Ventana, near Los Planes, not the Las Ventanas resort in Cabo.
  • Water: about 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F) in May. A shorty or a 3 mm wetsuit is a good idea, because the wind can make long swims feel cool.
  • Weather: dry desert. Days around 31 to 34°C (88 to 93°F), nights around 17 to 19°C (62 to 66°F), almost no rain. The sun is very strong.
  • What to bring: a hat, reef-safe sun cream, a rash guard, seasickness tablets if you need them, a refillable bottle and mosquito protection.
  • Entry: many visitors, including from the US, UK and most of the EU, do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Mexico. Please check the rules for your passport before you travel.
Why we choose slower boats

Speed is one of the simplest things a boat captain controls, and it matters a lot to the animals we visit. Research from many oceans shows the same pattern: a slower boat is less likely to hit a whale, turtle or manatee, gives animals time to move away, and makes less noise under the water.

Slower ships kill fewer whales

A study of 47 recorded ship strikes on large whales found the chance of a deadly injury was 21 per cent at 8.6 knots but 79 per cent at 15 knots. Below 11.8 knots, a strike is more likely to be survived than not.

Vanderlaan & Taggart, 2007, Vessel collisions with whales: the probability of lethal injury based on vessel speed (Marine Mammal Science)

A 10 knot limit works for right whales

Since 2008, the United States has required vessels 65 feet (about 20 metres) or longer to travel at 10 knots or less in set areas and seasons along the East Coast, to protect North Atlantic right whales. A later study estimated these limits cut the risk of deadly ship strikes by 80 to 90 per cent.

Conn & Silber, 2013, Vessel speed restrictions reduce risk of collision-related mortality for North Atlantic right whales (Ecosphere); NOAA Fisheries, Reducing vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales

Turtles cannot escape fast boats

In Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, researchers watched 1,890 green turtle encounters. 60 per cent of turtles moved away from a boat going 4 km/h, but only 22 per cent at 11 km/h and 4 per cent at 19 km/h.

Hazel, Lawler, Marsh & Robson, 2007, Vessel speed increases collision risk for the green turtle Chelonia mydas (Endangered Species Research)

Slow zones save manatees

In Sykes Creek and the Barge Canal on Merritt Island, Florida, eight manatees were killed by boats in the 42 months before year-round slow speed was enforced. In the 42 months after, only one was killed.

Laist & Shaw, 2006, Preliminary evidence that boat speed restrictions reduce deaths of Florida manatees (Marine Mammal Science)

Faster boats are louder

Recordings of 1,582 ships in Haro Strait, between Washington State and British Columbia, showed that most ships get about 1 decibel louder for every extra knot of speed. This noise reaches the high sounds that killer whales use to find food.

Veirs, Veirs & Wood, 2016, Ship noise extends to frequencies used for echolocation by endangered killer whales (PeerJ)

Going slow gives whales quiet time to feed

When ships in Haro Strait were asked to slow to 11 knots, underwater noise fell by 2.5 decibels, about 44 per cent less sound energy. Scientists estimated this cut the feeding time killer whales lose to noise by 22 per cent.

Joy et al., 2019, Potential benefits of vessel slowdowns on endangered southern resident killer whales (Frontiers in Marine Science)

Questions

Will we definitely see mobula rays?
No one can promise that. May is a very good month, and the rays are often here, but they are wild. The size of the groups changes from day to day and from year to year. Some days we search for a long time.
Can we swim with whales in Mexico?
No. Mexican law does not allow swimming with whales, and we would never offer it. If we see a whale, we watch from the boat.
Do I need to be a diver or freediver?
No. This is a snorkelling retreat. You need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable in open water with some chop. Freediving can help, but we never dive down onto the rays.
What if it is windy?
Wind is part of life on the Sea of Cortez. We usually go out in the morning, when it is calmer. If the wind is too strong, the boat team may change or move a boat day.
How warm is the water in May?
Usually about 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F). Most people are comfortable in a shorty or a 3 mm wetsuit.
How much does it cost?
CHF 2,450 per person for 15 to 21 May or 22 to 28 May 2027, maximum 6 guests. Write to Rocío to book your place.

CHF 2,450 per person (15 to 21 May or 22 to 28 May 2027). Maximum 6 guests. Write to Rocío to book your place. She confirms your spot and how to pay, and answers every message personally.

Book your placeEmail Rocío

Real guest reviews: Google · BookRetreats

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

Sources for this page
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