Ocean Safari La Ventana
Explore the waters around Cerralvo Island in search of mobula rays, dolphins, whales and other inhabitants of the Gulf of California, alongside a marine biologist guide and captains who know these waters by heart. Every trip is different. Every encounter is real.
La Ventana · ~6 hours · Groups of up to 8
We're not here to tick off stops. We're here to read the sea.
The morning begins in La Ventana, with Cerralvo Island drawing itself in front of us and the team getting the boat ready. We introduce ourselves, check the day's conditions, fit your snorkel gear and talk about the animals we might find. Then we head out toward the channel between the peninsula and Cerralvo Island.
From there, the sea is in charge.
We don't follow a tourist route with mandatory stops. We watch birds, currents, splashes, fins, blows and any movement that might reveal activity. We listen to reports from local captains and choose the route with the best chances for that day.
We might start by following a pod of dolphins, change direction for an aggregation of mobula rays, and end up watching a whale on the horizon. There are also quieter days, when it's about navigating, searching and enjoying the landscape with patience.
That's a real safari: not knowing exactly what will appear, but being in the right place to discover it.
The sea decides what it shows us. We bring the patience to discover it.
Before you book, there's something important you should know
We work with wild animals in freedom. We don't visit a place where the mobulas, dolphins or whales are waiting: we navigate an open ecosystem, and every encounter depends on the season, the weather, the currents and the animals' natural behavior.
That's why we never promise a specific species or guarantee getting in the water with one. What we do promise is an active search, a team committed to making the most of the conditions, decisions made with safety first, and respectful observation that doesn't interfere with the wildlife.
The sea decides what it shows us. We bring the experience to know how to look for it, and the patience to enjoy it.
From the coast to the deep blue
Times are approximate. The order of the experience may change depending on the weather, the sea conditions and the wildlife we find.
We meet in La Ventana
The adventure begins at our meeting point in La Ventana. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to get to know each other, settle your belongings, try on your gear and start the briefing without rushing.
We'll hand you a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. We'll check sizes and explain how to move inside the boat, what signals we'll use and how we'll act if we get in the water. We'll also talk about the animals most present during the season of your visit.
We leave the coast behind
We board the boat and start heading toward the Cerralvo channel. In the first few minutes you'll begin to understand that looking for wildlife isn't just waiting for something to appear.
We pay attention to feeding birds, changes on the surface, distant blows, shadows under the water and any movement that might signal activity. And yes: often it all starts with someone pointing at the horizon and shouting, "something jumped over there!"
The search begins
This is where the fixed route ends. We can cruise the channel, approach different zones around Cerralvo Island, or completely change direction following reports and the signs of the sea.
When we find animals, we first assess their behavior. Some encounters are best enjoyed from the boat; in others, when the species, conditions and safety allow, we get ready to enter the water. Every encounter works differently. That's where the magic is.
When the encounter allows getting in the water
Not every sighting turns into snorkeling, and that's intentional. Before getting in we assess the species, the animal's behavior, the current and swell, the group's experience, the presence of other boats and the chance of a safe, respectful approach.
You don't need to be a freediver or an athlete, but you do need to feel comfortable floating and following instructions in the sea. Sometimes the best encounter happens in the water; other times it happens sitting in the boat, watching a whale breathe a few meters away. We never force an interaction just to get a photo.
A pause with a taste of Baja
After several hours of navigation we look for a good spot to rest. When conditions allow, we approach a pristine beach or a quiet area to share ceviche, seasonal fruit, snacks and drinks.
It's not a stop at a beach club: no vendors, no rows of loungers. Just the group, the mountains, the island and a meal that tastes much better after a morning of looking for animals.
The way back counts too
The return to La Ventana is planned for around 2:00 p.m., though the time may vary with conditions. We keep watching the sea the whole way: many encounters appear right when someone had already put the camera away.
Back on shore, we collect the gear and say goodbye with salt in our hair, new stories and, with luck, a memory card that's a good deal fuller than it was in the morning.
Learning to observe is part of the adventure
Dolphins
They may approach the boat, ride alongside the bow or keep their distance. Some pods pass quickly; others seem to have the whole morning free and stay around us for several minutes.
Mobula rays
We may find them swimming below the surface, gathered in groups or leaping out of the water. The big aggregations are seasonal and their presence can vary even within the best season.
Whales
In many cases the first sign is a blow on the horizon. We approach calmly, respect their space and observe their direction, breathing rhythm and behavior.
Sea lions
They may appear during navigation or near the coast. Although they tend to be curious, every encounter depends on the place, the season and the day's conditions.
Exceptional encounters
Orcas, sperm whales, pilot whales, false killer whales, beaked whales, giant mantas and whale sharks may cross these waters. They're occasional and unpredictable; never a promise, but knowing they roam the Cerralvo channel is part of what makes exploring it so special.
Sperm whales
The giants of the deep sometimes cross the Cerralvo channel. Watching them breathe at the surface before a long dive is one of those moments no one forgets.
See it before you live it
Choose your best time
Marine life changes throughout the year. These references help you choose a season, but no encounter can be guaranteed. For much of the year you may find dolphins, sea lions and seabirds that help us locate activity.
Spring
One of the most special seasons to look for large aggregations of mobula rays. Dolphins, sea lions, blue whale and — extraordinarily — orcas or other large predators may also appear.
Summer
The mobula season continues and the chance of pelagic activity increases. Dolphins, sea lions, Bryde's whales and, occasionally, sperm whales, orcas and pilot whales may appear.
Autumn
A lesser-known season, but with interesting chances of finding dolphins, sea lions, birds, giant mantas and sperm whales.
Winter
The arrival of different whale species transforms the region: humpbacks, blues and fins, plus dolphins and smaller mobula aggregations.
We don't just point at animals. We interpret them.
Every trip is led by a marine biologist who reads the wildlife's behavior and the sea's signs in real time. It's not just a boat ride: it's a reading of the ecosystem by someone who understands and respects it.
You'll ask questions, learn and observe with new eyes. And when you understand what you're seeing, the encounter becomes even more yours.
So you book with clear expectations
This safari is for you if…
- Nature excites you even without a guaranteed outcome.
- You prefer small groups and want to learn while you observe.
- You enjoy navigating, photography and open landscapes.
- It's your first snorkeling experience and you're willing to follow instructions.
- You travel solo, as a couple, with friends or family.
- You're looking for a day trip near La Paz that feels truly different.
It may not be ideal if…
- You need a guaranteed swim with a specific species.
- You don't want to spend several hours on a boat.
- You expect a completely rigid route.
- You're not comfortable with changes caused by the wind or the sea.
- You're looking to touch, feed or chase animals.
What we've already thought of for you
~6-hour marine safari
Boat with a local captain and specialized guide to navigate, search for wildlife and interpret the encounters.
Marine biologist guide
We don't just point at animals: we explain what we're seeing, how they behave and why this channel gathers so much life.
Full snorkel gear
Mask, snorkel and fins. We help you choose the size and fit the gear before setting out.
Wetsuit
Included according to the season and the water temperature.
Baja-style picnic
Ceviche, seasonal fruit, snacks and drinks to rest and recharge.
Photos and video
We document the best moments so you don't have to choose between living the encounter and spending the safari behind a screen. Delivered 1 to 3 days later.
Come comfortable. We've thought of the rest.
Essential
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sandals or shoes that can get wet
- Light, comfortable clothing
- A change of dry clothes
Sun protection
- Cap or hat
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- A light long-sleeve layer
Cooler months
- A sweatshirt
- A windbreaker
- Extra dry clothing
For your belongings
- Waterproof phone case
- Small dry bag
- Waterproof camera, if you have one
Highly recommended
- Eat something light beforehand
- Arrive well hydrated
- Seasickness medication if you're prone to it
- Let us know about allergies or medical conditions
- Plenty of adventurous spirit
Practical information
- Meeting point
- Keabelmet Expeditions, La Ventana. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early.
- Restroom
- The boat has no restroom; please use the facilities before the safari begins.
- Transport from La Paz
- We can arrange round-trip transport for an extra $1,000 MXN (up to 4 people), subject to availability.
- Food
- Ceviche, fruit, snacks and drinks. Let us know in advance about allergies, diets or if you don't eat fish or shrimp.
- Photos and video
- Included; usually delivered 1 to 3 days after the safari.
- Minors
- On shared trips the minimum age is 14. Children under 14 can join on a private safari, with an adapted pace.
A day that looks like this
Choose your option
Shared safari
Ideal for solo travelers, couples or small groups who want to share the experience with other adventurers.
- ~6-hour safari with captain and marine biologist guide
- Snorkel gear and wetsuit
- Picnic, fruit, snacks and drinks
- Photos and videos
- Minimum 4 participants · Age 14+
Private safari
An exclusive experience for families, groups of friends, couples or anyone who prefers more privacy and personalized attention.
- Exclusive boat, up to 8 people
- Captain and marine biologist guide
- Snorkel gear and wetsuit
- Picnic, fruit, snacks and drinks
- Photos and videos
- The right option for groups with children under 14
Clear and fair
Weather policy
Safety always comes before the itinerary. If the captain or team decide that the wind or sea don't allow the activity to run safely, you can reschedule the safari for another available date or receive a full refund.
We can't control the wind, but we can be fair with you.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you'll receive a refund.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are non-refundable —the boat, gear, food and logistics are already prepared— but the amount can be kept as credit for a future activity, subject to availability.
Everything you usually want to know
Do I need to know how to swim?
To enjoy the snorkel entries it's advisable to know how to swim and feel comfortable in open water. You can also stay on the boat during certain encounters. Let us know before booking if someone in the group can't swim so we can assess whether the experience is suitable.
Is getting in the water mandatory?
No. Much of the safari can be enjoyed from the boat; some sightings are even better from the surface. Getting in the water depends on your comfort, the species, the conditions and the guide's assessment.
Is it guaranteed we'll see orcas?
No. Orcas are wild animals and their presence changes daily. There are seasons with better chances, but no specific sighting can be guaranteed. Any company that tells you otherwise is lying to you.
Can we swim with all the animals?
No. Getting in the water depends on the species, its behavior, the conditions, safety and regulations. Swimming with whales and sperm whales is not allowed in Mexican waters. We never force an interaction.
When is the best season?
It depends on what interests you most. Spring and early summer stand out for mobula aggregations; in the cooler months different whales may appear. Dolphins, sea lions and birds can be found for much of the year.
Can children take part?
On shared trips the minimum age is 14. Children under 14 can join on a private safari, where the guide adapts the pace and gives them more attention.
What if I get seasick?
We recommend eating light, staying hydrated and taking preventive measures if you tend to get seasick. Check in advance which medication is right for you and follow the product's or your doctor's instructions.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
No. We recommend using the facilities before setting out, as the experience lasts about six hours.
Do you offer transport from La Paz?
Yes. We can arrange round-trip transport for an extra $1,000 MXN for up to four people. It must be requested in advance and is subject to availability.
What if I don't eat fish or shrimp?
Let us know before the trip so we can review other options. You can also bring your own snacks. Any allergy must be communicated in advance.
When will I get my photos and videos?
Usually 1 to 3 days after the safari, through the channel agreed with the team.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, at your own risk. We recommend protecting it from the water and securing it well. Space is limited, so let us know if you'll bring large gear; a GoPro, Insta360 or compact camera are no problem.
You can't always choose the moment that will stay with you. But you almost always leave wanting to come back.
We don't just want you to see animals. We want you to understand why they're here.
Keabelmet was born from the curiosity to discover what happens where the desert meets the sea. That's why our trips are led by people who love adventure but also know the biology and behavior of the wildlife we look for.
A dolphin isn't just a fin beside the boat. A mobula isn't just a leap. A whale isn't just a photo. Every behavior tells a story — and when you understand what you're seeing, the encounter becomes even more powerful.
You may set out looking for orcas or mobulas. The sea may have other plans.
That's the exciting part. Tell us when you're visiting Baja California Sur and we'll help you choose the best time to live your Ocean Safari in La Ventana and Cerralvo Island.