Mobula Rays & Megafauna
Baja, Mexico
Trip Details
When
May 21- May 27, 2024
Length
7 Days & 6 Nights
5 days on the water
Price
$4175
Where
La Ventana, Baja, Mexico
Group Size
5 people + 1 trip host
SOLD OUT
Experience
Confident Swimmer with Basic Snorkeling
Expedition Led by Kelsey Williamson
in participation with Latitude Encounters
*No Scuba Diving experience is necessary for wildlife interaction
Every year thousands of Mobula Munkiana, or Monk’s Rays, congregate and travel along the coast of the Sea of Cortez. In the Sea of Cortez, we have the opportunity to witness one of the largest and most magnificent spectacles the ocean has to offer. There are three species of Mobula rays to encounter in the sea of Cortez; Mobula Mobular, Mobula Thurstoni, and the most famous Mobula Munkiana. The Mobula are seen to fly both in and out of the water. Beneath the surface, the Mobulas glide effortlessly and in unison. They will also jump out of the water, achieving up to 2 meters of air. The summer months are also their mating period and we may be lucky to observe some courting behavior.
On this expedition, we are out in the open ocean where anything can happen. During the months of May, we have the opportunity to witness the massive schools of aggregating mobula rays, orcas, blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, sea lions, whale sharks, massive pods of dolphins, manta rays, and more! Nothing is ever guaranteed but we will be hiring a spotter plane for two days of the trip to have the opportunity to have an eye from the sky to hopefully find us some other species farther out. Orcas are spotted approximately 15-20 times per month during May & June, although not consecutively. Offering great sightings from the boat !
As you embark on this journey, we invite you to approach it with an open mind, free from any predetermined notions. The ocean has a way of unveiling its wonders in the most unexpected moments. By positioning yourself in the opportune spot at precisely the right moment, you heighten the likelihood of encountering the awe-inspiring scenes mentioned earlier.
Day 1: Meeting & Drive to location. Evening meeting for trip info and welcome dinner
Day 2: MOBULA & MEGAFAUNA SAFARI
Day 3: MOBULA & MEGAFAUNA SAFARI
Day 4: MOBULA & MEGAFAUNA SAFARI
Day 5: MOBULA & MEGAFAUNA SAFARI
Day 6: MOBULA & MEGAFAUNA SAFARI
Day 7: Goodbye breakfast & transfer back to Cabo
Surface temperature: Warm during the day, cool at night Water temperature: Average 74-82°F/ 23-28°C
Visibility: 15 - 80 ft/ 5 - 20 mts
Itineray
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5 full days on the boat (typically 6-8 hours)
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2 days with a spotter plane
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Skilled crew
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Transportation - (1) Shared Vehicle
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Breakfast/ Lunch
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Snacks, water, Soft drinks
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Accommodation (Double)
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Photo Package (Wildlife Interactions)
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Optional Photo Workshop with Kelsey Williamson (Casual - Evening Post Processing and Underwater Editing Guidance)
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Equipment- if needed
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Gift
INCLUDED
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Airfare (Airport Code - SJD)
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Dinner
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Dive Insurance
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Personal expenses such as alcohol
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Travel Insurance (required)
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Gratuity (for Captains and Guides)
NOT INCLUDED
*Must have a Valid Passport in order to enter Cabo San Lucas
*Non-Refundable Deposit of $1000 to reserve spot
*The remainder of the payment is due 90 days prior to Expedition
Basic Itinerary
Arrival Day
You will fly into Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD). It is best to get there the day before or the morning of the expedition. On the day of the expedition, you will be picked up at either the airport or your hotel and we will make the +/- 2h drive from Cabo San Lucas to the town of La Ventana. Once we get to our hotel you will have time to settle in before we have a briefing about the week and what you need to bring on the boat. After the briefing, we will all go to dinner together.
We will provide transportation in Cabo.
Note: This will be the first date of your selected trip
Boat Days 2-6
There will be a set time for breakfast every morning before we head out for the boat. We will be spending most of the day at sea. Mobulas are more likely to be active during sunrise and sunset so every morning at sunrise we will board our boat and our search for the Mobula Munkiana begins. Once spotted, we will take some time to watch them on the surface and observe the behaviour before entering the water. Swimming with mobulas is an unforgettablefreediving experience. Depending on the behavior of the group we may have to move around to find different groups, or we can get luckyand be able to stay with one large group for the duration of the session. During the day we can look around for other marine life out in the open ocean. We will have a spotter plane two of the days to help us find marine life further out. We have an experienced local captain and guide to assist in navigating and looking for other pelagic marine life. They will also be the ones to decide how the activity is to be carried out.
Lunch will be provided on the boat along with plenty of drinks and snacks.
Once we get back to the hotel from we will have time to clean up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: If weather limits our time on the boat we will prepare activities to do back on the island.
Departure Day 7
There will be a set time for breakfast every before we head out and make the +/- 2h drive back to Cabo San Lucas. You will be dropped off at the airport, or if you're staying at your next accommodation.
For this expedition, we will be
donating a percentage to the
Mobula Conservation Project
The Mobula Conservation Project does research to investigate immediate threats to Mobula rays, their research focuses on habitat use, spatial ecology, oceanographic preferences, and population genetic structure of manta and devil rays. They work to reduce the impact of fisheries on Mobulas by working with fishermen, skippers, and observers to support the design and implementation of bycatch reduction techniques in small- and large-scale fisheries. They also empower local communities to protect mobula rays, by developing diver Codes of Conduct and implement citizen science programs during sustainable ecotourism activities.
To find out more about some of their research projects you can check out their website here...