Baja California
Ocean safari destination for orcas, blue whales, whale sharks, mobulas, dolphins and sea lions.
Baja California is framed as a high-energy megafauna destination with orcas, blue whales, whale sharks, mobula rays, sea lions and dolphins all possible in season.
The mouth of the Sea of Cortez has one of the highest diversity of whales and dolphins in the world.
In April to June the worlds largest ray migration brings hundreds of thousands of mobula rays to the area which is a good starting point to look for Orcas. This time of the year is the highest chance to meet one or more of the 20 pods of Orcas that are thought to frequent the peninsula. It is also almost guaranteed to see big whales as well as pregnant 15m long Whalesharks. Dolphins, Humpbacks, Sperm Whales and False Killer Whales can also be found here. On an ocean safari in these waters you will never be disappointed.
ETHICAL ENCOUNTERS
We at Insider Divers follow a strict animal‑led approach. We avoid forced or intrusive interactions, focusing instead on encounters that are tolerated or even welcomed by the animals. This ensures a positive experience for guests while protecting the animals’ natural behaviours.
Orcas Swims - our operator has all the permits for in‑water encounters, but we only attempt swims when the orcas permit our presence, and only in quieter conditions with few other boats nearby.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
baja hotel
This beautiful boutique hotel in La Ventana will be our base for the trip. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature private baths, showers, and flat-screen televisions. From the property, we’ll enjoy breathtaking sunsets over our own stretch of beach. The pools are perfect for freedive training, while the spacious lounge offers the ideal setting for our whale and conservation talks in the afternoons and evenings. Resort amenities include a welcoming bar and restaurant, two swimming pools, a hot tub, a fire pit, an expansive outdoor palapa lounge, and convenient beachfront gear storage.
baja hotel
Twin share room
All rooms have natural light, individual AC and private bathroom with separate shower. Almost all have ocean view and private balcony.
Single Room
All rooms have natural light, individual AC and private bathroom with separate shower. Almost all have ocean view and private balcony.
Activities
Ocean Safari
Ocean Safari
Every day we will be spending 8h at sea on the most diverse stretch of ocean. We call it an ocean safari as every day and every hour brings different kinds of experiences.
This can be a physically demanding trip. If the action is good, you will be doing numerous "jumps" per day, getting in and out of the boat. Boat rides can get very bumpy as we race across the water. If you suffer from serious back problems or have concerns, please do let us know.
Whale watching
Whale watching
You will be out on the water all day - getting close to a huge variety of whales - Blue whales, Sperm, Bryde's, Pilot, Beaker whales to name a few. Mostly of these interactions will be whale watching from the boat.
Orca Swims
Orca Swims
The king prize is an swim with the apex predator of the sea. While we have all the permits allowing the swims, we are following a strict animal-led approach and will only swim with orcas if they animals permit our presence.
Wild life Talks
Wild life Talks
Presentations about whale swimming, whale biology, sperm whales as well as photo sharing presentations
Sea Lion Swims
Sea Lion Swims
Several sea lion colonies invite for a playful and mutually entertaining ocean encounter with Californian Sea Lions
Trip leader
Ines Goovaerts
Ines Goovaerts is a freelance, award-winning nature photographer and tour leader with a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Her work reflects a particular fascination with cetaceans and other marine megafauna.With broad experience in marine tourism, she has guided many travelers through meaningful underwater and wildlife encounters, helping people connect more deeply with the natural world.Combining a strong visual eye with a desire to tell the ocean’s story through imagery, Ines creates photographs that aim to inspire and educate. As part of the Insider Divers team, she leads trips to remarkable ocean destinations around the world.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings and presentations
- Freediving and snorkeling coaching
- Underwater photography
- Coordinating group activities & dinners
- Sharing photos and videos with guests
Itinerary
Inclusions
- All snorkeling
- Breakfasts and lunch on the boat
- 5 days on water,
- Presentations
- Freedive training
- Group transfers from La Paz or Cabo
- Dinners (group dinners will be organized)
- Flights
- Rental equipment
- Tips
- Individual transport
- Permit costs (currently there are none)
Reviews
A huge thank you for a super trip Insider Divers! Simon was very responsive and provided guidance in the run up to the trip, this high standard continued during the holiday together with a great local Team. Simon’s German efficiency combined with expert marine knowledge made for a truly incredible experience.
I would call it a “once in a lifetime experience” but I cannot see me stopping at one trip with Insider Divers…! Tausend Dank!
Awesome time in Baja with Insider Divers. This was my second trip with this company- very well organized, action packed week of whale sharks, mobulas, sharks, sea lions and even a blue whale paid us a visit. Plenty of in-water encounters
Highly recommended. Thanks for this amazing experience.
Bucket list trip to Tonga trip with Insider Divers. The travel was long and difficult but the trip was fabulous. We experienced many different kinds of encounters: two mature females, solo males (singers), and the highlight - mother and calf. If I could cry happy tears while soaking wet, I would have! Just a phenomenal experience. Included in the trip were Simon’s excellent presentations about whales, which were informative and interesting. Simon sees to all the trip details, including giving us all amazing shots of us in the water with the whales. Simon leads great trips and I will definitely be booking other trips with Insider Divers!!!
videos
Articles
FAQ
What equipment do I need?
You should bring your own mask and snorkel as well as exposure protection (rash guard, jacket or wetsuit). We recommend simple freediving fins as well as a rubber belt for weights.
What experience level do I need?
Requirements are that you can swim and snorkel. This is open sea swimming, so if you are not comfortable swimming you should get some training. Please talk to us for recommendations on how to get ready for this expedition.
We recommend that you have familiarized yourself with your equipment.
We do not support swimming with buoyancy aids like vests or boards.
What is the best time to come to Baja California.
In April to June the worlds largest ray migration brings hundreds of thousands of mobula rays to the area which is a good starting point to look for Orcas. It is also almost guaranteed to see big whales as they are migrating out of the Sea of Cortez at this time.
It is peak time for 15m long Whalesharks.
The dry and windless conditions in this time are ideal for Dolphins, Humpbacks, Sperm Whales and False Killer Whales.
When is the best time to visit Baja California for megafauna?
Baja's wildlife calendar is seasonal and species-specific. Orca and blue whale season runs roughly from January through April. Gray whale calving happens in the lagoons of the Pacific side from January through March. Whale shark and mobula ray aggregations in the Sea of Cortez are strongest from late spring through autumn, while sea lion and dolphin encounters are possible most of the year.
How do I get to the departure point?
Most guests fly into La Paz (LAP) or San José del Cabo (SJD), depending on the specific itinerary. We will organize transportation in groups to La Ventana
What should I pack?
As part of our process you will receive a log in to our Insider Divers portal which will have downloads, such as an extensive packing list after signing up.
We do recommend bringing your own gear but you can also rent everything on site.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.