FAQ

Yes — all encounters follow strict safety protocols and respectful wildlife-observation practices. Our guides keep a safe distance from every species, and swimming with whales is prohibited under Mexican federal law, so we observe them from the boat. To book a guided expedition, message us on WhatsApp at +52 612 348 3865.

Pack light: a swimsuit, reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide based, no oxybenzone), a hat, polarized sunglasses, a quick-dry towel, and a light windbreaker for the return trip. We provide snorkeling kit, fins, and life jackets in all sizes. Please bring your own wetsuit. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want personal photos. Trip photos and video may be shared after the tour when conditions allow.

Basic swimming ability is the only physical requirement — you should be able to tread water for 2-3 minutes and feel comfortable putting your face in the ocean. No diving certification, prior snorkeling experience, or specific fitness level is needed. Our guides match the pace to the slowest swimmer in the group, and we run small-group tours capped at 8 guests so nobody gets left behind. Children of all ages and adults are welcome.

A 60% deposit is required to confirm your reservation, with the remaining balance due 2 weeks before departure. Deposits are non-refundable but fully transferable to another date, another guest, or a different tour within 12 months. We also reschedule at no cost if weather conditions make the ocean unsafe — the final go/no-go call is made the morning of the tour. Read our full Terms of Service at /terms before booking.

La Ventana is a 45-minute drive south of La Paz (LAP) airport, and approximately 2.5 hours from Los Cabos (SJD) airport. The most reliable options are: rent a car at the airport (recommended for flexibility), book a private shuttle (~$80 USD one-way from La Paz), or take a taxi (~$60 USD). Multi-day packages including Blue Expedition and Master Seafari include round-trip airport transfers from either La Paz or Los Cabos at no extra cost.

Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed — these are wild animals in their natural habitat, and that's exactly why the experience is meaningful. That said, the Sea of Cortez contains 39% of the world's marine mammal species (UNESCO World Heritage Centre), and our local crew knows the seasonal patterns of these waters. Sighting rates exceed 90% during peak seasons (January-March for whales and orcas, May-July for mobula rays). If we have a tour with no wildlife sightings, we offer a free reschedule.

Children of all ages are welcome on Ocean Safari day trips. Multi-day expeditions are recommended for ages 12+. We provide child-sized fins and life jackets, and our guides have run dozens of family tours from La Ventana. Please bring your own wetsuits. For private family bookings, we can fully customize the route, pace, and snorkeling stops. Contact us to discuss your family.

Blue Expedition and Master Seafari guests stay at La Ventana Hostel — our boutique basecamp 5 minutes from the boat ramp. Each booking includes a private room with an en-suite bathroom, 24/7 hot water, high-speed fiber internet, daily housekeeping, and a smoothie bar serving organic breakfast. The terrace has panoramic Sea of Cortez views and is the best sunrise spot in town. Single-occupancy and double-occupancy rates are both available.