Trip Date: April 9th, 2025
Location: La Ventana, Baja California Sur
Adventure Type: Snorkeling
Organized by: TripOutside
LNT and regenerative tips, thank you!
- Bring a reusable water bottle along
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen
- Please don’t stand up or step on reefs or underwater formations
- Observe sealife from a distance. If you’re close enough to change their behavior, we’re too close
- Choose and support a local outfitter and guide
Most people picture bachelor parties with bar crawls and late nights. But our crew of six wanted something a little different—something wild, memorable, and grounded in nature. So we kicked off the day in La Ventana at 6:30am with strong coffee and flaky pastries instead of shots, and geared up for a day of snorkeling the Sea of Cortez.
The Adventure
By 7am we were getting zipped into our wetsuits (3mm was perfect for the conditions) and packing up the gear. Our guide arrived and we loaded up, stoked for a day on the water.
Stop 1: Mobula Madness
Our first stop blew our minds. We swam with a fever of mobula rays—dozens of them, gliding and flipping just below the surface. These incredible creatures are in seasonal migration through the Sea of Cortez right now, and it’s one of the only places on Earth where you can see them like this. We spent nearly 20 minutes snorkeling respectfully around them—giving them space, observing their natural behavior, and practicing Leave No Trace principles in the water.
Stop 2: Abandoned Hotel Reef
Next up, we visited the snorkeling site near the abandoned hotel, a local favorite that’s also accessible from shore. The water was crystal clear and the reef was alive with color—vibrant corals, tons of reef fish, and dramatic rock formations. We could have stayed there all day.
Stop 3: Ceralvo Island + Sea Lions
Then we cruised out to the southern tip of Ceralvo Island to find a colony of sea lions. While we didn’t capture footage here, the experience of swimming alongside these playful, curious animals was unforgettable. We also spotted a big pod of dolphins nearby, adding to the magic.
Stop 4: Beach Burrito Bliss
To wrap things up, we landed on a remote, empty beach on Ceralvo. It was one of those perfect desert-meets-sea spots, and we just stretched out in the sand like lizards, warming up and devouring some massive veggie burritos. No rush, no crowds—just full bellies, salty skin, and good vibes all around.
Wildlife Spotted
- Mobula Rays (in a large group)
- Reef fish and colorful tropical species
- Sea lions (Ceralvo Island)
- Dolphins (multiple sightings)
- Other groups nearby also saw pilot whales and dwarf sperm whales the same morning
Water Temp
The water was warm enough for a 3mm wetsuit—comfortable for a few hours of in-and-out snorkeling.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reminder of how epic nature can be when you slow down and send it in a different direction. We’re all leaving this trip with salty smiles, a deeper connection to the ocean, and memories we’ll be talking about for years.
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