Swim alongside tens of thousands of mobula rays and, if we are lucky, witness orcas on the hunt.
Note: Our 2026 expeditions are fully booked. Please find our 2027 & 2028 departure dates below
To secure your spot, we require a deposit of $750 for our Mobula Ray Expedition. The deposit is non-refundable once paid. However, if cancelling 120 or more days before departure, the deposit may be transferred as credit to another trip within 24 months of the original departure date.
The remaining balance is then paid in two instalments: 50% of the remaining balance is due 150 days before departure, the final balance is due 90 days before departure.
You can find our full terms and conditions here.
Elsewheria co-founder Audy Scala grew up deeply rooted in Mexico. Audy is a scuba instructor, a freediving master, and lifelong ocean obsessive. Her father Andy, has lived in Baja for decades and knows these dusty roads and shifting currents like few others. And Norma, Audy’s Mexican stepmother and professional chef, has been feeding our guests like family since day one. In the background, Will is on hand to ensure logistics run smoothly and coffee is always ready!
Most Baja wildlife tours are exactly that: wildlife tours. A boat, a briefing, a quick snorkel, back to the hotel. Incredible, yes. But there’s another way to do this.
We look for fevers of tens of thousands of mobula rays gliding in synchrony beneath the surface – vast, hypnotic formations that few people ever witness up close. If fortune favours us, we may also spot whales (Humpback, Blue, Fin, Sperm or Bryde’s), orcas, pilot whales, whale sharks and many other surprises the sea chooses to share. And on the days the ocean really performs, the sea erupts around you, mobulas launching skyward in silver arcs, the whole surface alive with energy. It is one of the most surreal things a human being can witness.
Back on shore, Norma works her magic: slow-simmered moles, handmade enchiladas, fresh ceviche, warm tortillas straight off the pan. Food connects us. It slows us down. It opens a conversation. Evenings close around a bonfire under Baja’s vast desert sky, salt-skinned and sun-tired, with people who started the week as strangers and won’t feel like it by the end.
No two days on the water are ever the same. The ocean doesn’t follow a schedule, and that’s exactly the point. Come ready to surrender to it.
We stay in a spectacular oceanfront villa that we rent exclusively for our group, with direct beach access, panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez, a gorgeous garden, large pool, hammocks, a barbecue area, and more space than you’ll know what to do with. All 6 bedrooms have their own private bathrooms. Couples share a king or double room, solo travellers are paired in twin rooms (two beds) with a fellow adventurer, and if you’d prefer your own private room, a solo upgrade is available for an additional fee. Only two single rooms are available, though, and they go quickly – reach out early if that’s important to you.
Our trip begins in La Ventana, a 45 minute drive from La Paz (LAP) airport or two hour drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).
Perched on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, our very special accommodation is just a short walk from the beach and is perfectly positioned to take advantage of where the mobula rays gather each year.
After settling into our rooms, we gather for a welcome feast prepared by Norma, our artisanal chef whose inspired Mexican cuisine makes everyone feel at home. Around our first shared meal, we’ll meet the team, get to know one another, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The day begins early with fresh coffee and breakfast prepared by Norma as the rising sun paints the Sea of Cortez in shades of gold and pink.
Then we head out onto the water...
Our mission is simple: find the mobulas! These restless schools gather in enormous fevers, moving constantly through the water as they follow currents rich in plankton. When we locate them, we approach carefully and slip quietly into the water to snorkel alongside the swirling formations, spending a few hours immersed in the spectacle. Floating in the open sea as thousands of rays glide beneath you is a moment few people ever experience and is truly unlike any other on earth...
Occasionally, if luck is on our side, orcas arrive to hunt the mobulas, turning the calm sea into a dramatic chase as the rays scatter and leap in every direction.
Once we have had our fill of the mobulas, we set out on a wider ocean expedition across the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. No two days are ever the same... currents shift, wildlife moves, and the ocean reveals its surprises in its own time. Along the way we most commonly encounter more mobula rays (Munkiana, Bent Fin, Spinetail, Sickle Fin and Oceanic Manta), along with dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles.
If fortune favours us, we may also spot whales (Humpback, Blue, Fin, Sperm or Bryde's), orcas, pilot whales, whale sharks and many other surprises the sea chooses to share.
Our guides ensure all encounters are respectful and ethical, keeping wildlife interactions calm and regulated while allowing the magic of the ocean to unfold naturally.
Lunch is enjoyed out on the water before returning to shore for rest and relaxation.
Back at the house, Norma works her culinary magic. Perhaps fresh ceviche from the day's catch, handmade enchiladas, slow-simmered mole, warm tortillas and vibrant salsas. Her cooking is deeply rooted in tradition and every meal feels like being welcomed into a Mexican family home.
Enjoy some downtime swimming in our private pool, stretching in the garden or relaxing with a good book in the hammocks. Our accommodation is spacious and right next to the beach, so a walk or run is never far away!
Dinner is served with sunset and evenings close with bonfires, laughter and the immense Baja night sky glittering overhead.
On our final morning together we share one last breakfast as the sun rises over the Sea of Cortez.
We will drop off guests at La Paz airport for midday, plenty of time before the afternoon flights. If you are flying out of Los Cabos, we can arrange a shuttle with a reliable driver for an extra charge.
We part ways with new friendships, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the memory of thousands of rays moving through the ocean like living currents.
Each year between May and early July, tens of thousands of mobula rays converge on the waters around La Ventana, forming one of the ocean’s most extraordinary gatherings.
It’s worth remembering that nature keeps its own calendar, and the timing of each species’ arrival shifts from year to year with water temperatures, climate change, and upwelling currents.
April: The first fevers begin forming as mobulas arrive to feed on the plankton-rich currents around La Ventana. The large schools
May & June: The migration hits its stride. This is the true peak of the season; fevers grow into the tens of thousands, and the leaping behavior mobulas are famous for is at its most frequent, with silver bodies launching skyward all around the boat.
July: The large aggregations have typically moved on by this point. Some mobulas remain, but the massive fevers of June are usually gone.
Peak season: May and June, when mobula numbers are highest, and the chances of a jumping display are at their best.
Please note: it is not possible to scuba with the mobulas or orcas. This is due to local regulations and to avoid disturbing the rays. This is a snorkelling-only expedition.
The expedition is led by our experienced guides and Baja family team, who, between them, bring decades of knowledge of the Sea of Cortez, deep roots in the local community, and a professional Mexican chef whose cooking turns every meal into an event. On the water, we work with experienced local captains who know these currents intimately. On shore, the food, the fires, and the good vibes are very much taken care of.
Audy Scala: Co-Founder and Ocean-Goddess
This expedition exists because of Audy. Her love of the ocean, her roots in Mexico, and her obsession with marine wildlife all collide here in the Sea of Cortez.
Audy grew up deeply rooted in Mexico and has spent her life building it around the ocean. A scuba instructor, master freediver and lifelong marine wildlife obsessive, she has dived with manta rays in Indonesia, worked in ocean conservation in Bali, and sung with whales in French Polynesia. She feels a deep, almost spiritual connection with the sea; for Audy, it is a healer, a teacher, and a constant source of wonder.
The Sea of Cortez is personal to her, and she leads this Baja expedition with the kind of infectious enthusiasm that only comes from doing exactly what you were born to do.
Will Hatton: Co-Founder & Chief Adventure Planner
The man behind the machine. Will has been building adventures in wild places for over a decade, and on this trip, his job is simple: make sure everything runs so smoothly you never have to think about it!
Will has been on the road since nineteen, visited over a hundred countries, and has been leading small group expeditions since 2011. A passionate planner and self-confessed map nerd, he believes travel is the ultimate tool for personal growth and that time away from devices – beneath the waves or around a fire – is essential for personal development and mental clarity.
On a Baja expedition, he is the one holding the whole thing together behind the scenes so that all you have to do is show up, get in the water, and let the Sea of Cortez do the rest.
Norma: Professional Mexican Chef and Creator of Magic
Ask any of our past guests what they remember most about this trip, and Norma’s cooking comes up every time. Every single time.
Norma is the heart of this expedition. A professional chef rooted in authentic Mexican culinary tradition, she sources every ingredient with care and cooks every single meal from scratch. Think rich slow-simmered moles, handmade enchiladas, bright ceviche made with the catch of the day, warm tortillas straight off the pan. Every day is different, every meal is extraordinary, and every dinner feels like being welcomed into a Mexican family home.
There is also an optional cooking class with Norma for those who want to take a little piece of Baja home with them.
Andy: Baja Local, Driver, Mechanic, and Resident Guitarist
Every great expedition needs someone who quietly holds everything together. For us, that’s Andy.
A long-term resident of Baja, Andy knows these dusty roads and shifting currents like the back of his oil-streaked hands. He keeps the expedition moving, fixes whatever needs fixing with a kind of quiet genius, and remains completely unflappable, whatever the day throws at him.
He is also, it turns out, an excellent guitarist – and if you’re lucky, he’ll pull it out around the fire on a star-filled Baja night and round off the perfect day in the most perfect way possible.
Baja California is one of the most remote and ecologically rich regions in North America. Stretching over 760 miles from the U.S. border to the tip of the peninsula, it’s a wild blend of desert, mountains, and two dramatically different coastlines: the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. On land, you’ll find vast salt flats, towering cacti, and rugged volcanic ranges where few people have ever roamed. Some areas have a population density of less than one person per square mile; it’s truly like visiting another planet!
In the sea, it’s a whole other world: the Sea of Cortez, called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, is home to over 900 species of fish, five species of sea turtles, and a third of the world’s marine mammal species. The region remains largely untouched by mass tourism, and many of the places we visit are only accessible via bumpy backroads, boat rides, and a hearty dose of insider knowledge. It’s this mix of inaccessibility and wild beauty that makes Baja so special. It’s not just a destination, it’s one of the last places on Earth where nature still feels raw, untamed, and full of magic.
That being said, Baja is logistically challenging and is not the easiest place to navigate alone. Cell service fades, roads turn to sand, and the real magic lies in places that don’t show up on TripAdvisor. That’s where we at Elsewheria step in.
Elsewheria’s mission is to bridge the gap between untouched wilderness and curious travelers. When you choose to join one of our adventures, you’re not just signing up for a trip, you’re unlocking experiences few people ever get to have, all while being supported by a team who knows the land, loves the ocean, and lives for this kind of magic.
Traveling with Elsewheria means fully immersing in this natural wonderland with zero logistics to worry about. Our off-grid eco-lodges, private chef, and expert guides ensure an intimate, safe, and deeply moving experience where you’ll come us as strangers but leave as family
This off-the-beaten path adventure in Baja is ideal for:
FAR-FLUNG TRIPS
Venture off the beaten path into wild beauty, real connection, and unforgettable adventures.
LOCAL GUIDES
Where relevant, we work with local guides to help get an immersive experience unlike any other.
Built by travelers
We’ve designed our trips for the kind of people who crave real adventure, not cookie-cutter tours.
SMALL GROUPS
Join a small group of like-minded legends ready to connect, laugh and explore a far flung corner of the world.
EXPERIENCED LEADERS
Our tour leaders know their country like the back of their hand giving you full confidence you’re in safe hands.
push your comfort zone
You don’t grow in your comfort zone and we believe travel is the ultimate tool for personal growth.
No scuba, just snorkeling. These rays move fast and are easily startled, so the bubbles and noise from scuba gear tend to scare them off. Snorkeling lets you glide alongside them quietly.
This expedition is designed for ocean lovers, solo travelers, curious adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and nature seekers craving connection, with both community and the wild. Our trips are designed for those who want a group experience, where you can unplug from daily life and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Baja.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE A CONFIDENT SWIMMER.
We recommend flying into La Paz, and we offer included transfers from La Paz to La Ventana. You can also fly into San Cabos, and we can help arrange your transfer.
If you fly into La Paz, we pick you up from La Paz airport at 3pm (or from your hotel if you spend the night before in the town) and then head to our expedition base in the laid back town of La Ventana.
If you are flying into Cabo (SJD) then we can arrange a shuttle with a reliable driver for an additional charge.
On day 6, we will drop you off at midday at La Paz airport. Again, if you need to head to Cabo instead, we'll arrange a shuttle at an additional charge.
Absolutely. In fact, the majority of our guests join solo; and leave with new friends, shared memories, and sometimes even future travel buddies! This trip is designed to create meaningful connection, whether you’re traveling alone or with someone else. We can arrange a single room for an additional charge.
Your trip includes just about everything from Day 1 of the trip: accommodation, three meals a day, guided excursions, private transport, and more.
The only additional costs are:
Alcohol
Any optional activities or souvenirs
Flights to/from Mexico
Travel insurance (required)
Any snacks you specifically want for dietary needs.
Tips for your guides.
Yes! We take food seriously and inclusively. Most meals on the trip are prepared by our private Mexican chef (aka the founder’s stepmom!), and we can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and preferences. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or have allergies, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure every meal is both safe and satisfying. We do however recommend you bring snacks - protein bars / nuts / jerky - if you have specific dietary requirements as our snacks on travel-days are usually store-bought and we can't always get good vegetarian or vegan snacks in Baja.
All shared rooms on our trips have 2 people per room, each with their own bed. Rooms are a good size, and all rooms have their own bathrooms. We will partner you with an adventure buddy of the same gender - a great way to make new friends! If you're booking as a pair, just let us know, and we'll make sure you’re roomed together. If you have any questions about sleeping arrangements, feel free to get in touch. If you'd prefer your own room, our Solo Supplement option is available at checkout and gives you a private room for the entire journey. Please note that private rooms are very limited, so be quick or you might miss out.
We have a fantastic shared house with large communal spaces, a big garden, firepit and private pool just seconds from the beach. This offers us a great communal vibe and makes cooking up our shared meals easy! 🙂
We will send out out an extensive packing list before the trip begins, but here are a few key items:
We highly recommend bringing your own fins, mask and snorkel - best to guarantee comfort - you don't want to miss an incredible encounter because your borrowed mask doesn't fit quite right!
Dry bag to keep electronics safe on the boat
Quick drying microfibre towel
Electrolyte packets, we recommend LMNT
A large water bottle
A sun hat
Rash guard (water will be 27-29 degrees celcius so you probably won't want a wetsuit but a rashguard is handy to keep stingies away).
Sunscreen
Travel insurance
A warm layer for the boat
Wind jacket or waterproof for the boat
We recommend bringing your own fins and mask if you have them, as you'll know for sure they fit well. If you don't have your own, we carry a range of fins and masks and can provide everything you need. Just give us a heads-up before arrival so we can make sure we have your size sorted.
We recommend bringing your own 3mm full-length wetsuit if you have one. It's the sweet spot for Baja's water temperatures and, just as importantly, it protects you from the sun during long days at the surface. Water temps sit around 20 to 30°C across the season, so a 3mm is ideal. If you tend to run cold, a 5mm is the safer bet.
It's also well worth packing a long-sleeved, UV-resistant rashguard for days when you'd rather swim without the wetsuit.
That said, if you're unable to bring your own wetsuit, don't worry - we have a range on hand and will kit you out. Just let us know your size before you arrive!
Yes, we carry life jackets on board. They are available for anyone who wants one in the water, though they are optional rather than mandatory.
Yes, the regions we explore in Baja California are considered safe for tourism. We intentionally avoid any high-risk areas and work exclusively with trusted local guides, drivers, and accommodations.
Mobula rays, sometimes called devil rays or flying rays, are relatives of manta rays belonging to the Mobulidae family. They are elegant pelagic rays with wing-like pectoral fins that allow them to glide effortlessly through the ocean.
The species most commonly encountered in Baja is Mobula munkiana, also known as the Munk’s pygmy devil ray. Despite the name “pygmy,” they can reach over 1 meter (3–4 ft) across and are incredibly fast swimmers.
Each year, the Sea of Cortez hosts one of the largest ray migrations on Earth, when tens of thousands of mobula rays gather along the Baja coast.
When large groups gather, they create one of the ocean’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles: vast schools moving together like living clouds beneath the surface.
These gatherings are so dramatic that they have been featured in BBC Blue Planet and National Geographic documentaries.
Mobulas are famous for their spectacular aerial displays, sometimes launching themselves several feet into the air.
Scientists believe this behavior may help them:
• communicate with other rays
• remove parasites
• attract mates
• coordinate large groups
The exact reason is still not fully understood, which makes witnessing it even more fascinating.
Mobula rays are filter feeders. They swim with their mouths open and filter tiny organisms such as:
• zooplankton
• krill
• small fish larvae
These food sources are abundant in the nutrient-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, which is why the region attracts such huge congregations of rays.
Most mobula rays encountered in Baja measure:
• 3–4 feet (1–1.2 m) wingspan
• around 25 kg (55 lbs) at maximum size.
Despite being the smallest mobula species, they move with incredible speed and agility.
Schools can contain thousands or even tens of thousands of rays, forming one of the largest marine animal aggregations in the world.
Sometimes the schools are so large they appear as dark patches visible from the air.
No. Mobula rays are completely harmless to humans.
They have:
• no stinger
• no teeth capable of biting
• no aggressive behavior
They are curious animals, but generally shy and will simply glide away if they feel uncomfortable.
Mobula rays are wild animals, and their wellbeing always comes first.
Our encounters follow strict wildlife guidelines:
• small groups only
• no chasing the rays
• slow boat approaches
• entering the water calmly and quietly
• allowing the rays to decide upon the interaction
If the rays move away, we simply let them go.
Wildlife encounters should always be animal-led, never human-forced.
No.
We observe and swim alongside them without physical contact.
Sometimes.
Mobula rays can be curious animals and occasionally swim near snorkelers. But most interactions involve quietly observing the rays as they glide past in massive schools.
Mobula rays reproduce slowly.
A female usually gives birth to only one pup every 1–2 years, making populations vulnerable to overfishing and disturbance.
Because of this, ethical tourism plays an important role by:
-supporting marine conservation
-providing income that encourages protection
-educating travelers about the species.
Sadly, yes.
The biggest threats to mobula rays include:
-fishing bycatch
-gill nets
-habitat disturbance
-boat strikes
-climate change affecting plankton availability.
Responsible tourism helps raise awareness and support protection, and many local people benefit from expeditions such as ours meaning the mobula rays are well regarded and protected by local communities.
Mobula rays are very reliable during the migration season, but this is still a wildlife expedition, not an aquarium.
Nature runs on its own schedule, and sightings can vary.
However, during the season, encounters with large schools are common.
While mobula rays are the main highlight of this expedition, the waters of the Sea of Cortez are some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium” because of the incredible variety of marine life found here.
During our time on the water, we may encounter a wide range of ocean wildlife depending on conditions and seasonal migrations.
Some of the species we may see include...
Mobula rays - The stars of the show. During the migration we may encounter massive schools numbering in the thousands, gliding just beneath the surface or leaping spectacularly into the air.
Orcas (killer whales) - Occasionally seen in Baja and known to hunt mobula rays during the migration. Not guaranteed but simply amazing if we do witness them hunting!
Humpback whales - Seasonal visitors to the region who may be seen breaching, tail slapping, or singing beneath the waves.
Fin whales - The second-largest animal on Earth, frequently seen feeding in the Sea of Cortez.
Dolphins - Pods of common and bottlenose dolphins often ride alongside the boat and can number in the hundreds.
Sea lions - Curious and playful marine mammals that are often seen along rocky coastlines and islands.
Sea turtles - Green turtles, olive ridleys, and occasionally other species may be spotted while snorkeling or from the boat.
Seabirds - Frigatebirds, pelicans, boobies, and other seabirds often circle above feeding fish and mobula schools.
Every expedition is unique. Some days we may encounter multiple species in a single outing, while others may focus entirely on the mesmerizing spectacle of the mobula rays.
One of the most fascinating predator-prey relationships in the Sea of Cortez involves orcas (killer whales) and mobula rays.
Pods of orcas often hunt mobula rays during the migration season. When they do, mobulas often leap from the water in huge numbers as they attempt to escape, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife scenes in the ocean.
Sightings are not guaranteed but witnessing this natural behavior will be an absolute highlight if we're lucky enough to see it!
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are powerful apex predators, but they are not considered dangerous to humans in the wild. There has never been a documented fatal attack by a wild orca on a human. In fact, most encounters between humans and wild orcas are characterized by curiosity rather than aggression.
Orcas primarily feed on: fish, squid, marine mammals such as seals or dolphins, and occasionally rays or sharks. Humans are not part of their natural diet, and wild orcas generally show little interest in swimmers or snorkelers. If we encounter orcas during our expedition, we observe them respectfully and follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.
Sometimes, when orcas are nearby, the behavior of mobula rays changes dramatically.
You may witness hundreds of rays leaping from the water, fast-moving schools near the surface, or birds gathering above feeding activity.
This is a natural part of the ecosystem and can be an incredible wildlife spectacle. Our guides always prioritize safe and respectful viewing distances so we can observe these moments without interfering.
To join the journey, simply click here to book your place. From there, we’ll be in touch with all your next steps, including confirmation, pre-trip prep, and travel logistics. Spots are limited, so we recommend booking early.
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