Baja Mobula Ray Expedition Pre-Departure Guide
- 6 Days, 5 Nights
- Start/ End Point: La Ventana, Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur
Ahoy, friend!
We’re SO excited that you’ve decided to join us on our Baja Mobula Ray Expedition.
Each spring and early summer, something extraordinary happens in the Sea of Cortez. The warm, plankton‑rich waters off Baja become the stage for one of the ocean’s most spectacular wildlife gatherings: the mobula ray migration.
Tens of thousands of these winged ocean nomads assemble in massive schools known as fevers. From above, they move like shifting shadows across the sea. Beneath the surface, it’s even more mesmerising; formations of rays gliding in synchrony.
To witness it from the water is unforgettable.
But this expedition is about more than a single wildlife encounter. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the Sea of Cortez – a place Jacques Cousteau famously called “the world’s aquarium.”
Days begin with sunrise over desert mountains and fresh coffee on the beach before we head out with experienced local captains in search of the fevers. Evenings slow down: returning to our comfortable accomodation salty-skinned and sun‑tired for delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by our beloved chef Norma.
Bonfires beneath Baja’s vast desert sky. Stories shared among new friends. A private pool to relax in. The sound of the ocean just beyond the darkness.
This is not just a tour. It’s an expedition into one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth – and we’re so glad you’re joining us.
Your guide,
Audy 🙂
Getting ready to experience Baja
Over the next few months, we will be sending you a few forms and documents to return in order to collect necessary information from you. Please do your best to fill in and return these as soon as you can.
Visa Arrangements - General Info
Many countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days. To see if you require a visa, you can visit the Mexico Immigration website.
Mexico has also recently replaced its old paper Tourist Card (FMM) with a fully digital system called the FMMd for air arrivals. This means travelers no longer fill out any form on the plane or at the airport; instead, an immigration officer simply stamps your passport and records your authorized stay digitally.
Important: The FMM/ Visa regulations are different if you arrive by land; you will need to fill out the FMM before arriving and pay a fee. Please let us know if you are arriving by land border
Flights to Baja
Arrival Airport:
- You can fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP), A 45 minute drive from La Ventana. We offer one free of charge transfer from here to La Ventana at 3pm on Day 1.
- You can also fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), a 2 hours drive from La Ventana. We can help to arrange your transfer at additional cost.
Departure Airport:
- La Paz International Airport (LAP), with an included transfer.
- Or, Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), and we can help to arrange your transfer.
Please start looking into flights now; this will allow you to get an overview of prices, routes, and possible connections. Keep an eye out for promo fares, particularly with low-cost carriers. We recommend using sites like Skyscanner to help with your search.
Arriving in Baja - When do you need to be there?
You’ll need to be in Laz Paz by 3 pm on Day 1 if you want to take our arranged shuttle transportation. If you arrive before or after this, we can help you arrange a private taxi from the airport at an additional cost.
If that timing doesn’t work for you, or you’re flying into SJD, we’re happy to help arrange a private taxi at an additional cost.
accommodation in Baja
We have a wonderful shared house which we rent out which has a full kitchen, large living room and a BIG garden complete with pool and communal areas. All bedrooms have their own bathrooms. There are a total of six bedrooms with a few different room configurations, couples can share a double bed, solo travellers will be put in twin bed rooms and if you would like your own private room it is possible to upgrade for an additional fee (only two single rooms available, once they’re gone; they’re gone) so reach out if interested.
Food in Baja
A huge part of what makes this expedition so special is the food and the family dynamic that surrounds it. We are a family business, Audy and Will, Co-founders and life partners, lead the expedition assisted by Andy, our tireless driver and skilful mechanic, Aud’s father and Norma, our Mexican momma and professional, artisanal chef. Norma’s cooking alone is worth the trip. She does not just cook meals. She creates experiences. Every dish is handmade, soulful, and rooted in authentic Mexican tradition.
Think rich, slow simmered mole. Fresh handmade enchiladas. Bright ceviche made with the catch of the day. Warm tortillas. Seasonal salsas. Local ingredients. Every day is different, and we strive to make every meal feel like being welcomed into a Mexican family home.
Food connects us. It slows us down. It opens conversation. It is one of the most powerful ways to experience culture and we share most of our meals together on this trip in a communal atmosphere.
There is also an optional cooking class with Norma, where guests can step into the kitchen, learn her techniques, and understand the stories behind the recipes. It is often one of the most loved moments of the trip.
Dietary requirements
We take food seriously and inclusively. With the exception of lunch on day one and day six, all meals on the trip are included and 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.
This adventure tour requires a lot of energy output each day, and a big part of our job is keeping everybody nourished, happy, and energised.
Staying safe on this trip
You may have guessed, but this adventure tour carries a certain amount of risk since we are heading out on the sea. This is not your average holiday! You need to be a confident swimmer. The Elsewheria team will be looking out for you, and life jackets are available, but confidence in the water is a must.
Guest Safety is Elsewheria’s #1 priority, and our experienced ground team does everything within their power to set our group up for a safe adventure. The name of the game is security and safety first, and injury prevention. We take it very seriously and will give a briefing when you arrive.
Travel insurance for Baja
You cannot come on this trip unless you buy travel insurance. You will need to prove you have insurance by providing a photocopy of your policy. You also need to sign a waiver (mentioned previously), releasing the guides, Elsewheria, and our partners in Baja of any liability.
Medical Considerations Before Travelling to Mexico
Before heading to any overseas country, you should always check out your government’s health advice. Below, you can find links to various government websites that outline this for travel to Mexico:
Most importantly, consult with a quality health care professional or travel doctors before departure to be sure you’ve got all the correct vaccinations, etc.
Money in Baja
The currency in Baja is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While you can use USD in most places, it’s best to use MXN to get the best bang for your buck.
We highly recommend using Wise to minimise costs in ATM fees and currency conversion while travelling.
Tipping Staff and Guides
The Elsewheria team goes above and beyond for guests before, during, and after the trip to make sure that everyone has the best possible experience imaginable.
We tip our boat captains and accommodation partners on your behalf so you don’t need to worry about that although if any of the local staff goes above and beyond and you really want to tip them, feel free to do so!
For guests who are happy with our service and wish to show some love, we recommend guests tip between $25 and $50 per day. All tips go to directly to Norma and Andy.
SIM Cards and Internet Access in Baja
There are a couple of options for staying connected in Baja. The cheapest option is often to get a local SIM once you’re on the ground. The most popular companies in Baja are Telnor, IZZI, Satellite, Microwave, and G3.
We would highly recommend an eSIM card for Baja (and travel in general!) They might set you back a little more, but they are so convenient. You can be connected as soon as you set foot in the country, without having to scout out the nearest phone shop.
The hotels that we stay at will also offer free Wi-Fi, and it’s normally a pretty good connection.
Weather Conditions in Baja in July
July in Baja is hot, dry, and reliably sunny. Conditions vary along the peninsula, but the overall pattern is consistent: strong heat inland, warm and comfortable along the coast, and ideal water temperatures for long days in the Sea of Cortez.
Coastal daytime temperatures typically sit around 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F). The Sea of Cortez averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, which makes in‑water sessions comfortable without a thick wetsuit.
Rain is minimal at this time of year, with only the occasional light shower. Most days are clear, with a few hazy or overcast periods. The air is dry, the sun is strong, and hydration and sun protection are essential!
What to pack
Don’t worry, team, we’ve got you covered with a FULL packing list for Baja. From underwear to suncream, we’ve covered it all.
Note on Laundry: Although you might get the opportunity to do laundry, it is not guaranteed. Please pack assuming you will not have laundry available (unless you call washing your underwear in the sink, laundry – then yes, you can do this!)
Terms and Conditions
Any questions?
Please check out our FAQs on the tour itinerary page, or email us at hello@elsewheria.com. Again, we are very excited to get to meet you in person in Baja soon!