+++ Mobula Mania+++Best of Baja California

May & June Itinerary: Mobulas, Fin whales & Silky Sharks

The summer waters in Baja bring plenty of nutritious water which in its self brings plenty of life. We start the trip in the east cape to witness the annual Mobula migration out of the Sea of Cortez. This is like nothing else you have ever witnessed in the ocean. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of rays glide effortlessly through the water in unison, while some break the unison and breach the surface sometimes 2 meters out of the water. The summer is also their mating season and various types of mating behavior can be observed. We will continue north to the bay of La Paz to search for the feeding fin-whales. The huge but elusive creatures stay in the bay all day enjoying the abundance of food and sun. We will end the day in the most southern part of the Baja peninsula.

During the summer the silky sharks aggregate for their mating season and we often see more than 20 sharks together. This
expedition will explore three different species searching for unique encounters. This is also the season for best chances to see orcas, which are hard to encounter but are crossing these waters year in year out.

Schedule

Day 1 Meeting in Cabo San Lucas

Welcome briefing and drive to Barriles.

Day 2 – 5 Mobula Safari

7 am departure to search for Mobulas. 2 Options for activities, full day ocean, or split the day into two options, early morning 4 hrs and late afternoon 4hrs

Day 6 La Paz

7 am departure for half day searching for mobulas. Lunch in town and drive to La Paz. Check in at hotel.

Day 7 – 8 Ocean Safari searching for Fin whales.

8am departure for 8hr whale safari.

Day 9 Drive to Los Cabos

Breakfast and drive to Los Cabos stopping at a beach to explore and relax on the way. Check in to hotel.

Day 10 – 12 Shark Safari searching for Silky Shark aggregations.

Full day 8hr on the ocean chumming for sharks.

Day 13 Departure After breakfast end of services.

We choose local accommodation, authentic, simple & clean. Accommodation can vary if changes are necessary. Room upgrades are also possible on request. If you want to share a room with another participant we can figure out if it fits.

Planned are Hotel Playa del Sol in Los Barriles, Hotel Catedral in La Paz as well as Tesoro hotel in Los Cabon. Single supplement is 60 € per night (12 nights)

Baja California & Sea of Cortez

“In the ocean, anything can happen” is a phrase that is used often to describe the unpredictability and riches of the ocean. There is however no place in the world where this phrase is more accurate than Baja Californian where – depending the time of the year – you can probably see as good as everything you ever expected to see in the blue. Pods of orcas are travelling up and down the coats, pods of sperm whales dive deep into the great canyons of the Sea of Cortez and pelagic sharks are shooting through the coastal waters of the peninsula. At least 33 different species of cetaceans travel in and out the sea of Cortez through the year, making it the highest concentration in the world. Not to mention pelagic billfish like marlins and sailfish, mobulas, turtles, whale sharks and large colonies of sea lions. Baja California sur is the ocean wildlife dream! Down here in Mexico, Behind the Mask partners up with Latitude Encounters. Latitude is all about exploring, appreciating, and protecting this amazing planet. The world is for everyone to explore and experience, all we have to do in return is look after it and its inhabitants. Fernanda, who runs Latitude encounters, is an enthusiastic scuba & freediving instructor, cave diver and long-time wildlife guide who has been working in and around the ocean for the last 10 years. She has the unique ability to infect you with the energy and passion for wildlife and adventure this special place has to offer. Fer is great with people and animals alike, and is excitedly looking to share her knowledge and love for the sea and the wildlife.

Respect & Conservation

Respect for wildlife and for each other is what makes interactions with Latitude so special. Animals are never being chased or forced into interactions. Thanks to their years of experience and knowledge of animal behavior, they’ve learned how to approach marine mammals in the most respectful and careful way, and by doing so avoiding any damage or stress. Respect for each other is one of both partners’ core values: everyone is welcome to join on an adventure and we are always happy to cater to your needs. Respect for the planet is always present in our minds and everything we do. Conservation and tourism can go hand in hand. At Latitude, local research and conservation efforts are supported through our citizen science projects as well as participating in local events such as beach and ocean clean ups. People protect what they love, and they are here to make you fall in love with the ocean. During all of our trips, we attempt to educate all participants about the species they are encountering and current related conservation issues and achievements.

Experience

Our trips have been created based on research, experience, local knowledge and time invested in exploring our surroundings so we can maximize the opportunities for life-changing encounters for you. We created a special itinerary for this season you will be there in Mexico. The trip is based on a private base with a small group of 6 people plus a tour leader from Behind the Mask.