Swim With Massive Groups of Mobula Rays, and More, in the Gulf of California Mexico
June 10-17, 2028
June 17-24, 2028
This Ray Migration Snorkeling Trip offers the incredible opportunity to swim with massive groups of Munk’s Pygmy Devil Rays (Mobula munkiana) in the waters of the Gulf of California off La Ventana in Baja Mexico. These rays congregate in groups of hundreds to thousands every year in the world’s largest ray migration. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of joining these creatures as they gather to feed and mate. Their large numbers also protect them from predators, which you will have a chance to see as well.
The main attraction of this trip is the large groups of rays, who are the smallest of the mobula genus, with 10 foot (3 meter) wingspans. They are also the most social and gather in groups of thousands. They are known as flying rays because they jump up to six feet out of the water.
In addition to the rays, you will have a chance to see some exciting big creatures (aka marine megafauna), like dolphins, turtles, Oceanic Manta Rays, sea lions, sharks, and several species of whale, including Orcas. The photo below is a group of Pilot Whales snorkelers were able to swim with.
Your group will be based at a comfortable private villa in La Ventana, Mexico. Each day (up to eight hours per day), for five days, you will go out into the gulf in small panga-style boats in search of marine life to get in the water with. This is a physically demanding tour, so a reasonable level of physical strength and agility are required. There will be quite a bit of getting in and out of the water.
This eight day trip is being run by our partner and friend Ben and his team. Based in the U.K., they are experts at running amazing snorkel excursions, and have a great appreciation for the underwater world. A guide from Ben’s team will be with your 12 person group for the duration of your trip.
Watch This Video to See What You Can Expect
World’s Largest Ray Migration Snorkeling Trip Itinerary and Map
This trip takes place on the Baja California in northwestern Mexico. You will book your international flight into San Jose del Cabo. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a local hotel where you will have a dinner with your tour leader and group and spend the night.
The next morning your group will travel by bus north to La Ventana, about a 2.5 hour trip. You will settle in and enjoy dinner with the group in your villa.
The next morning you will board your day trip boat on the beach near your villa. This will happen everyday for five days. You will explore the area offshore of La Ventana and around Isla Ceralvo looking for groups of rays and other big creatures.
After one more night in La Ventana, you will be transferred back to San Jose del Cabo, to the airport or your hotel if you are extending your stay. The trip ends there.
What Will the Snorkeling Be Like on This Trip?
The La Ventana area of the Gulf of California is known to host the largest ray migration event on the planet. From April to July every year Munk’s Pygmy Devil Rays gather in vast numbers for feeding and mating purposes. They are also known as flying rays because they often leap out of the water, which helps with spotting the groups from the boat.
Imagine floating above a seemingly endless number of mesmerizing rays, socializing, performing mating rituals, or even feeding. The experience has been called hypnotic, transformational, and even healing.
Your five snorkeling days will begin with an early breakfast, then a short walk to the beach to board the panga-style boat. You can expect to be spending the entire day on the boat, up to eight hours. There are no toilets on board. There will be drinks, snacks and lunch served.
From there you will explore the waters of the Gulf of California offshore of La Ventana and Isla Ceralvo. You will be looking for signs of aggregations of rays, but also other large pelagic creatures or marine megafauna, like dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, pods of Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks, other sharks, Oceanic Manta Rays, and a few other whale species, including Orcas. There may be other unique sightings like a gathering of porcupinefish.
There can be times when you won’t see anything for anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours, as these pelagic species can be hard to find at times. They can move relatively quickly, so there may be a lot of getting into and out of the boat via the ladder. This is a physically demanding tour, so a reasonable level of physical strength and agility are required.
The local tour company, Latitude Encounters, is an experienced team of marine biologists, captains, and open ocean experts who specialize in finding pelagic species like the Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray, so your chances of getting in the middle of the action are at their best. When they are spotted, you will get in the water and swim with the rays and potentially other big creatures. These pelagic creatures can move quickly, so plan on getting in and out of the boat repeatedly. The boat has a sturdy ladder that makes getting back in the boat straight-forward.
This is a trip for the adventurer. Experience the unique wildness of the ocean and try your luck at encountering some of the ocean’s most incredible animals. No encounters are guaranteed.
The panga-style boats have a shade, padded seats, and a sturdy ladder for getting back out of the water after your encounters.
What Is the La Ventana Villa Like?
Your group will have a small villa complex all to yourselves. It is not far from the beach. All accommodations have comfortable furnishings with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, hot water, a kitchenette, lounge areas, water refill jugs, and outdoor patios.
There are several one-bedroom, and a couple two-bedroom accommodations. In the two-bedroom option, there is a separate living room which is air-conditioned, and the bedrooms are not. But you can leave the bedroom door open to let the cool air in and use the ceiling fans as well. These two-bedroom options will be used by only two people.
In addition to your personal space, there is a large communal area with sofas and large dining room tables, an espresso machine, bar, fridges, and a full kitchen. This is where breakfast and dinner will be served. It is also where tour briefings will take place.
Trip Details and How to Sign Up
This is a small group trip and we expect it to fill quickly. Your spot is reserved with your deposit. Contact Ben below for deposit instructions.
Trip Dates and Price:
June 10-17, 2028 – Available.
June 17-24, 2028 – Available.
$5950 US per person double occupancy
Single Supplement – $500 US
The initial deposit for this trip is $400 US per person. At 12 months before departure there is a $600 US per person interim deposit, and at six months there is another $1000 US per person interim deposit. The final balance will be due three months before departure. A few payment options are available including debit and credit cards.
Inclusions:
- 1 night in a San Jose del Cabo hotel with dinner and breakfast
- Transfers (San Jose del Cabo – La Ventana – San Jose del Cabo)
- 6 nights in a La Ventana villa with dinners, breakfasts, tea, coffee, drinking water
- 5 days of open ocean snorkeling with lunch, snacks, and drinks on the boat
- Wetsuits and snorkel equipment, if required
- Local snorkel guides
- Guide from Ben’s team
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and sundries
- Health insurance (compulsory)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Trip Organizers
Ben and his U.K. based team are the organizers and leaders of this trip (more about them below). Galen and Nicole from TropicalSnorkeling.com are promoting this trip, but all signups, trip organization and payments are made to and managed by Ben’s team. TropicalSnorkeling.com does receive a referral fee in exchange for promoting the trip, at no extra cost to attendees.
How to Sign Up or Learn More?
Use the contact form below to contact Ben and his team to request more information about them and express your interest in signing up. They will get back to you shortly with full details.
More About Ben and Our Partnership
Ben (pictured with Nicole) is our friend and snorkeling trips partner. He and his team are based in the U.K. and have over 20 years of experience guiding in Asia and beyond. He has been running his own business since 2010 and is primarily offering guided snorkeling trips, but he started with diving. He began offering snorkeling specific trips because he was aware that snorkelers often get the short end of the stick when thrown in with divers. He and his team love the freedom and low stress of snorkeling, and are very aware of the different needs of snorkelers versus divers, in terms of the reef depth, and calm surface conditions needed.
From our experience going on some of his snorkeling trips we found them very well organized, the guides were fantastic and very helpful, and the underwater experiences were exceptional. Snorkeling groups really get the benefit of all of Ben and his guides’ years of experience in the water, and with different resorts and liveaboards.
All of his trips are small groups of 12-18 guests, or with a similar ratio of snorkelers to guides. These are premium trips including nearly everything you will need, accommodation, meals, transportation, and more.
His company is licensed and insured. Barring extreme circumstances they do not cancel trips.
Learn More About the Local Tour Company
TripAdvisor Reviews of Latitude Encounters