Discover the wild beauty of Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island), one of the top marine safari destinations in Baja California Sur. Just off the coast of La Ventana, this pristine island is home to some of the most exciting ocean encounters on Earth. From orcas and humpback whales to giant manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, and massive schools of mobula rays, every season brings a new adventure.
Seasonal Wildlife Calendar
- Winter (Dec – Mar): Whale season: humpbacks, grey whales, blue whales, dolphins.
- Spring (Apr – Jun): Orca and mobula ray migrations, spectacular snorkeling encounters.
- Summer (Jul – Sep): Giant mantas at La Reina, sea lions, colorful reef life.
- Fall (Oct – Nov): Blue safari mix: dolphins, reef life, late mobulas, and occasional orcas.
Snorkeling & Ocean Adventures
Each expedition combines wildlife encounters with snorkeling stops at coral reefs, La Reina cleaning stations (famous for manta rays), and playful sea lion colonies. With warm turquoise waters and stunning marine biodiversity, Isla Cerralvo is a must-see for ocean lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert naturalist guides who know the migration patterns.
- Year-round experiences designed around the best Baja seasons for wildlife.
- Possible encounters with orcas, sea lions, whales, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more
- Small groups of 7 for a more intimate and safe experience
- Multilingual crew (English & Spanish)
- A respectful and responsible approach to wildlife encounters
12 Hours
Min 8 years old
Active
Sea Lovers
Adventurers
Families
Contact us:
USA/Canada: 1-800-916-8734
Mexico: +52 (624) 173-9528
Scenic locally powered boat ride from La Ventana to Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island), with the chance to admire dolphins, sea lions, orcas, mobulas, and more along the way
Fascinating insights and safety guidance from our professional bilingual marine experts.
All snorkeling equipment provided: mask, fins, snorkel, and life jacket.
Water onboard to keep you hydrated and snacks.
Authentic Baja-style fish taco lunch at a local restaurant after your ocean safari.
Comfortable round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vans from Cabo San Lucas to La Ventana (2.5 hours each way).
- The minimum age is 8 years.
- The maximum weight per person is 265 lb (120 kg).
- Participants are encouraged to have previous snorkeling experience and possess fairly vigorous swimming skills.
- Guests with respiratory problems, limited mobility, neck or back problems, and expectant mothers may not participate in the activity.
- We assess weather and sea conditions every morning, and we reserve the right to cancel a tour without prior notice for safety reasons.
- Round-trip transportation is included for guests staying at select hotels who book their tours at least 24 hours in advance.
A Unique Expedition to Encounter Whales, Dolphin, Sea Lions & Manta Rays
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime Ocean Safari in La Ventana, where the waters of the Sea of Cortez, once called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, offer the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most majestic species.
Your adventure begins early in the morning as we depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina at 7:00 am in a comfortable vehicle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the laid-back fishing town of La Ventana in La Paz. From here, you’ll embark directly from the beach onto a traditional panga boat designed for small groups of only 7 guests, ensuring a more personal and respectful experience with nature.
Over the course of this 6-hour ocean expedition, we’ll navigate toward Cerralvo Island (Jacques Cousteau Island), an iconic destination renowned for its rich biodiversity. Guided by our marine specialists , we’ll actively search for marine wildlife such as enormous schools of mobula rays, playful dolphins, giant mantas, sea lions, orcas, and whales. Depending on the season, you may also encounter blue whales, humpbacks, sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, sea turtles, and even marlins.
Snorkeling Highlights
This tour offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience at some of the most pristine and secluded sites in the Cabo region, far from the crowds:
- La Reina Reef – renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes and frequent encounters with majestic giant manta rays, making it a highlight for marine life enthusiasts.
- Additional Pristine Snorkeling Site – carefully selected by your expert guide based on the day’s marine conditions, ensuring the best visibility and most vibrant aquatic life.
All snorkeling gear is provided, including mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket, so you don’t need to bring anything except your sense of adventure. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned pro, no certifications are required, just a love for the ocean and curiosity for its wonders.
Prepare to swim alongside colorful tropical fish, explore dramatic coral formations, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
A Perfect Ending
After your time on the water, we’ll head back to shore to enjoy a delicious and authentic Baja fish taco meal at a local restaurant before returning to Cabo San Lucas.
Responsible Tourism
At Cabo Adventures, we are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism. While sightings of whales, dolphins, orcas, and other marine animals are often possible, we cannot guarantee encounters, as these are wild animals moving freely in their natural environment.
All of our tours are conducted with the utmost respect for marine life. Our experienced guides follow strict guidelines to ensure that animals are never chased, harassed, or disturbed. Boats maintain safe distances, and all interactions are designed to observe and appreciate wildlife responsibly, promoting conservation and protecting their natural habitats.
Scenic locally powered boat ride from La Ventana to Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island), with the chance to admire dolphins, sea lions, orcas, mobulas, and more along the way
Fascinating insights and safety guidance from our professional bilingual marine experts.
All snorkeling equipment provided: mask, fins, snorkel, and life jacket.
Water onboard to keep you hydrated and snacks.
Authentic Baja-style fish taco lunch at a local restaurant after your ocean safari.
Comfortable round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vans from Cabo San Lucas to La Ventana (2.5 hours each way).
- The minimum age is 8 years.
- The maximum weight per person is 265 lb (120 kg).
- Participants are encouraged to have previous snorkeling experience and possess fairly vigorous swimming skills.
- Guests with respiratory problems, limited mobility, neck or back problems, and expectant mothers may not participate in the activity.
- We assess weather and sea conditions every morning, and we reserve the right to cancel a tour without prior notice for safety reasons.
- Round-trip transportation is included for guests staying at select hotels who book their tours at least 24 hours in advance.
- Swimwear
- Towels
- Non-slip shoes
- A change of clothes
- A light jacket or sweater
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Money for gratuities, photos and souvenirs
Each expedition is a true adventure, no two days are alike. Depending on the season, you may encounter massive schools of mobula rays, playful dolphins, sea lions, giant manta rays, and different whale species such as humpback, blue, sperm, fin, and Bryde’s. Orcas are also seen in this region, especially in spring. While sightings are never guaranteed, the thrill of actively searching for wildlife makes every safari unique.
This is an active, adventure-focused tour, designed for confident swimmers who are comfortable in open water. While you don’t need diving or snorkeling certifications, strong swimming skills are very important to fully enjoy the experience. Our guides will provide assistance and all necessary equipment, but participants should be physically prepared for time in the ocean.
The day begins at 7:00 am from Cabo San Lucas Marina with a scenic 2.5-hour transfer to La Ventana. From there, you’ll board a panga boat for a 6-hour ocean safari exploring Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island), including snorkeling stops at prime sites like La Reina Reef. After the expedition, you’ll enjoy a Baja-style fish taco lunch before returning to Cabo San Lucas in the evening.
Yes, but only under new regulations approved in August 2025. Swimming with orcas is permitted only in La Ventana, and exclusively with licensed SEMARNAT-approved operators. Groups are limited to 4 swimmers plus 1 guide, and in-water interaction is allowed only when orcas are calm or feeding on small prey. Strict rules apply: no physical contact, limited time in the water, and mandatory safety distances, all designed to prioritize orca conservation and guest safety.
Bring your swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Since this is an adventure tour for strong swimmers, we also recommend you bring plenty of energy and confidence in the water. Snorkel gear, life jackets, water, refreshments, and a local lunch are included. A waterproof camera case is great for capturing your encounters.