May to June 2027
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Dates
Multiple departures, May to June 2027
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Dives
4 days on the water, 8 hours per day
Type
Freedive / Snorkel
Scuba on Best of Baja
Base
Private villa
Required Level
No experience necessary
The Place
La Ventana sits on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, where cold, nutrient-rich upwelling from the deep draws one of the ocean's great seasonal gatherings. Every spring, mobula rays arrive in their thousands to rest, feed, find mates, and give birth in the warm shallow waters along this coastline. Swimming alongside them is difficult to put into words. This is also one of the most reliably productive stretches of ocean in the Pacific. Orcas, whale sharks, dolphin superpods, sea lions, and sharks all move through these waters during the season. We are always on the lookout. Baja is raw, wild, and completely unpredictable in the best way.
Water temperatures in La Ventana in May and June average 75 to 77°F (24 to 25°C), ranging from 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). For the snorkeling and freediving days, a skin suit or 3mm is recommended, as much for sun protection and comfort over a long day on the boat as for warmth. For the diving on the Best of Baja itinerary, we recommend a 5mm wetsuit. No prior snorkel or ocean experience is required. Matthew, Audrey, and our local guide and captain guide every session and adapt to the group's comfort level throughout the day. On the water we partner with local operators and their certified guides, who know these waters and the animals that move through them better than anyone.
Highlights
- •Snorkeling with mobula ray aggregations numbering in the thousands
- •Real chances at orcas, whale sharks, and dolphin superpods
- •Sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, bait balls, and rays throughout the week
- •Four full days on the water aboard our private boat
- •Private ocean-view villa with pool, full A/C, and WiFi
- •All meals included, prepared by private chef Rubén with fresh Baja ingredients
- •Filmmaking and underwater storytelling coaching with Matthew and Audrey throughout
- •A presentation from a local marine biologist on the region's marine life and conservation
- •A maximum of 6 travelers, no prior experience or certification required
Pricing & Logistics
Wildlife you may encounter
Departures
- May 6 to 11Standard departure
- May 11 to 16Standard departure
- May 16 to 26Best of Baja (La Ventana, La Paz, Cabo Pulmo)
- June 4 to 9Women-only departure
- June 9 to 14Standard departure
Trip Program
Meet at Los Cabos Airport (SJD) at 3:00pm for the group transfer north to La Ventana, arriving at the villa at approximately 5:30pm. Welcome briefing with Matthew, then dinner prepared by Rubén.
Four full days on the water exploring the Sea of Cortez. Mobula ray aggregations, dolphin superpods, sea lions, sharks, and more. Every day is different. Filmmaking and storytelling coaching with Matthew runs throughout, in the water, on the boat, and reviewing footage together at the villa in the evenings.
Leave the villa at 9:00am. Drop-off at Los Cabos Airport (SJD) at approximately 11:30am. Book your departure flight no earlier than 2:00pm.
Best of Baja
La Ventana, La Paz, and Cabo Pulmo. May 16 to 26, 2027
10 nights / 11 days
- •May 16–19: La Ventana, transfer to La Paz
- •May 20–21: dive La Paz
- •May 22: transfer to Cabo Pulmo plus 2 dives
- •May 23–25: 2 dives per day
- •May 26: transfer to SJD (San José del Cabo airport)
The full Baja California Sur experience in one trip. Start with four nights at the La Ventana villa for the mobula migration, then transfer to La Paz for two nights of diving the Sea of Cortez reefs, followed by four nights at Cabo Pulmo, one of the healthiest coral reefs in the eastern Pacific. Full program and pricing details coming soon.
Accommodation
We stay in a private villa in La Ventana, a short walk from the water and minutes from where our boat launches. The whole place is ours for the week: comfortable bedrooms, a pool, full A/C, WiFi, and a spacious outdoor deck. The living room doubles as our evening space for film screenings, workshops, and group dinners. Chef Rubén prepares all meals from local Baja ingredients throughout the stay.
Expedition Leaders
Matthew David Kaplan
Founder & Expedition Leader
Matthew David Kaplan is an ocean filmmaker, dive expedition leader, and conservationist dedicated to sharing the underwater world with a global audience. A contributor for Discovery, Scubapro Global Dive Team member, and SurfEars Ambassador, based between New York and Indonesia.
Instagram: @matthewunderwater
Audrey Cox
Partner & Expedition Leader
Audrey Cox is a conservation photographer, PADI dive instructor, and environmental economist documenting the ocean's beauty and fragility through her lens. Former NOAA researcher, Nature Conservancy photo contest finalist, and founder of a California marine-conservation dive club, based in California.
Instagram: @earth2audge
Frequently Asked Questions
If this trip is calling you, reach out.
We review every inquiry personally and travel in small groups. Spots are limited.
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