la-reina-lighthouse-reef-sea-cortez-picture-32373-1549.jpg

Snorkeling in La Ventana with lunch at Jacques Cousteau Island

There are many hidden treasures nestled in the Sea of Cortez and La Ventana is one of our favorites. Join us on a day trip to the secluded area of La Ventana. La Ventana is a small rustic fishing village located on the eastern side of Baja California Sur just south of La Paz about 2-2.5 hours’ drive from Cabo San Lucas. This charming village with its aquamarine waters and abundance of marine life makes it a great place to discover alongside our local guides. Part of what makes this area so charming is the rustic feel, we partner with local captains and boat owners and use a 28 foot panga boat with shade when departing from La Ventana. Just a short ride away is Isla Jacque Cousteau or Isla Cerralvo (the original historical name) as preferred still by the locals. In 2009 the Mexican government changed the name from Isla Cerralvo to Isla Jacque Cousteau to honor the French Oceanographer who led many expeditions in this area and is credited with many unique discoveries in the Sea of Cortez. The island is the ninth largest in Mexico and features 53 sq miles

(136 sq km) of uninhabited beauty! With its turquoise waters, abundance of marine life and secluded beaches it makes the perfect spot for a swim and a picnic.

Book Now

There are two different trips you can take part in at La Ventana. Our Mobula Ray Safari and La Renia Pelagic Safari. The months of May-July is peak of the Mobula Ray season in the area, swimming/snorkeling alongside thousands of rays is a a breathtaking experience.

Our mission is to get in the water safely and respectfully with all marine life and respect the surroundings.

Keep in mind that these are full day trips. Starting around 6:00 am and returning around

5:00 pm but totally worth it. See for yourself and explore the same areas that these famous ocean explorers spent so much of their life in.

Mobula Ray Safari

When: April-June
Duration: 5 Hours
Adult: $330
Child: $275 (5-11)

The Mobula Rays or Mobula Munkiana (scientific name) is the smaller relative of the Giant Manta Ray and they uniquely migrate to the areas of the Sea of Cortez it is said for reproductive purposes. On the Mobula Ray Safari our primary target will be to have emersions with the Mobula Rays, but we commonly see other species such as dolphins that we can have opportunities to swim with as well. After the open ocean snorkeling, we will head to Jacque Cousteau Island to a secluded beach and enjoy a relaxing lunch. There are many nice reefs along the island where you can adorn your snorkel gear and explore from the beach.

Book Now

La Reina Pelagic Safari

When: April - September
Duration: 5 Hours
Adult: $350
Child: $285 (5-11)

A few miles from Jacque Cousteau Island you will find the pinnacle La Renia (Picture posted on header above). On our La Renia Pelagic Safari we have the possibility to encounter Dolphins, Blue Whales, Orcas, Sperm Whales, Whale Sharks and other Pelagic Life. La Renia the pinnacle itself is known for its Sealion Colony and possibilities to see Giant Pacific Manta Rays. Its crystal blue waters are home to a beautiful reef system with a lot of aquatic life and bright tropical fish. Swimming with the Sealions is a highlight in this area, sometimes having 30 in the water at a time, they are very curious and playful animals, like cuddly underwater Sea Puppies. The trip to La Renia is about 1 – 1.5 hours by boat but well worth the trip. After our snorkeling experience we will travel to a secluded beach on Jacque Cousteau Island where you will enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading back.

Book Now