Ocean Science Monitoring
A wild, respectful, and unforgettable marine adventure
Where science meets adventure
Step aboard for an unique expedition where exploration fuels research. Our monitoring trips aren’t just about observing marine wildlife—they’re about actively contributing to ocean science while experiencing the beauty of La Ventana’s sea. In small groups, we search for life — from the tiniest creatures to the ocean’s giants — collecting meaningful data along the way.
What kind of data do we collect ?
GPS tracking of sightings
Water surface temperature & visibility
Photo identification of whales & dolphins
Acoustic recordings to listen to their underwater world
Drone-based morphometrics (size, behavior, population)
📹Underwater observations of mobula ray behavior
What will you experience?
You’ll learn how to identify species, interpret behavior, contribute to data collection, and grasp the stakes of ocean conservation in the region — all while enjoying the rare chance to observe these animals up close and marvel at the ocean’s wonders. A hands-on adventure for curious minds and ocean lovers alike!
Monitoring information
Location
La Ventana
Duration
~6-7 hours
Experience
No needed
Season
All year long
Collective boat
Min 3 - Max 7
Price
2500 pesos
What's included
- Experienced local captain
- Experienced ocean guide
- Fresh local lunch, snacks, fruits and water
- Collective scientific equipment : hydrophone, dron, camera, gopro etc.
- Pictures and videos of the day
- Snorkeling equipement (mask, fins and snorkel) – only for mobulas
What's not included
- Wetsuits (extra 200pesos – recommended from october to april)
- Transfer to La Ventana
What to bring
- Hat, sunglasses, long-sleeves (for the sun & jellyfish), windproof jacket
- Dry clothes to change and not damage the scientific equipment
- Coral friendly sunscreen
- Your own gear if you have : camera, dron, gopro, and snorkel
- Cash for tips (appreciated by the crew, if you liked the service)
Who can participate
No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn! We provide a brief training session at the beginning of each trip so that everyone, from curious travelers to passionate ocean lovers, can contribute meaningfully. Our small group size ensures a hands-on experience where everyone feels involved.
Wildlife we’ll focus on
Our main research will focus on cetaceans and Munk’s devil rays (Mobula munkiana)—when in season. But that doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy everything else the sea offers. From the smallest jelly to the largest whale, every encounter is a gift.
The Gulf of California is full of surprises, and every season brings something unique. Around La Ventana, we can spot several whale and dolphin species, sea lions, turtles, and more. Some visitors are seasonal, others occasional—you never know what the ocean has in store. Let the sea surprise you !
Seasonal species
- Whales : Gray (January-March); Humpback (November-May), Blue (Feb-June), Bryde’s (May-August), Fin (May-June)
*Swimming with whales is prohibited in Mexico - Mobula ray : April-early July (main season), Nov-March (pre-season)
Year-round common visitors
Bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, sea lions and turtles
Year-round Occasional visitors
They can popped up all year long, but you never know when ! Orcas, False orcas, Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Risso’s dolphins, Dwarf sperm whales, Beaked whales, Blue dragons
CONTRIBUTING TO MARINE RESEARCH
Our monitoring trips are more than unforgettable experiences—they actively contribute to marine science and conservation. By joining us, you help researchers gather essential field data to better understand and protect marine life.
For cetaceans, we collaborate with Dr. Hiram Rosales Nanduca and Dr. Esther María Jiménez from MMAPE (Megafauna Marina y Pesquerías) in La Paz, who have studied whales and dolphins in Mexico for over 20 years. The data we collect supports their ongoing research on cetacean behavior, ecology, and population dynamics—tracking movements, feeding, social structures, and reproduction.
Our monitoring also focuses on the Munk’s devil ray (Mobula munkiana) —a species known in this region for forming massive aggregations, sometimes up to thousands, for feeding and reproduction. We aim to assess how tourism activity may impact these critical behaviors.
This information is key to developing effective conservation strategies and understanding how climate change and human activity affect marine ecosystems.
What to expect
This is not a safari tour — our main goal is not to snorkel with wildlife, but to collect valuable data. For cetaceans, all observations are made from the surface.
- Go at your own pace — whether you’re here to observe, take notes, or simply enjoy the moment, that’s perfectly fine. Participation in data collection is encouraged but never mandatory.
No two outings are the same — routes depend on weather, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the group’s energy.
We explore, not chase — our approach is slow, respectful, and immersive. Beautiful moments matter more than insta videos.
Led by locals, guided by passion — our captains are experienced fishermen with deep knowledge of the area.
Learn by doing — every trip is an opportunity to share knowledge, observe the unexpected, and let the sea teach us something new.
Seasonal Ocean Conditions
While marine life thrives year-round, the ocean’s conditions shift with the seasons
Weather & Seasons
Baja has a really dry climate, it bairly rains all year long, except during late August to September, where we can have occasional hurricanes.
We have a windy season from mid-November to March, where we will focus our trips on the calm days or mornings, to be more enjoyable for everyone !
- Mid-November – March: winter season, ~25°C during the day, cool at night.
- April- May : 25°-30°C during the day
- June – August : up to +35°C during the day
- September – October : 25°-30°C
Water Surface Temperature
- December – March : 18°-23°C
- April – May : 24°-27°C
- June – September : 27°-32°C
- October- November : 22°-26°C
Water Visibility
- December – March : 5-10 meters
- April & November : 10-15 meters
- May – October : 15-30 meters
Extend your adventure
We’ve been based in La Ventana for over three years now — and this place still keeps surprising us. There’s just so much to explore. From the wide-open sea to the endless desert, the landscapes here invite you to slow down and stay a while.
Looking for more adventure? Ask about our multi-day expeditions or create your own custom trip !
Some ocean memories
