La Ventana, Baja California Sur: wind, Sea of Cortez, and the spectacle of mobulas
La Ventana, Baja California Sur.
Where is La Ventana and why is it special?
La Ventana is a small coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of La Paz, in Baja California Sur. In front of it lies the Sea of Cortez, known by Jacques Cousteau as "the world's aquarium" due to its extraordinary biodiversity.
At first glance, La Ventana seems like a simple place: dirt roads, low-rise houses, open horizons, and a life that revolves around the sea. But beneath that tranquil appearance lies one of the most dynamic marine areas in the Gulf of California.
Three unique elements are combined here:
Constant wind during the season
Nutrient-rich waters
Proximity to deep areas of the Sea of Cortez
This combination makes La Ventana a strategic location for both wind sports and world-class marine events.
The Sea of Cortez: one of the richest ecosystems on the planet
The Sea of Cortez is home to more than 900 species of fish and dozens of marine mammals. Its geography—with seabeds that drop abruptly to great depths—creates ideal conditions for the concentration of life.
In La Ventana, the contrast is striking: arid mountains behind and an intensely blue sea in front. That transition between desert and ocean is part of what makes Baja so unique.
Depending on the season, the following species can be found in these waters:
Dolphins
Sharks
Sea turtles
Whales in transit
Large schools of pelagic fish
But there is one phenomenon that stands out above all others: aggregations of mobulas.
The mobulas at La Ventana: an extraordinary natural spectacle
Every spring and early summer, the waters off La Ventana fill with thousands of mobula rays.
Known as "devil rays" because of the shape of their cephalic fins, mobulas form giant schools that swim in coordination and sometimes leap out of the water in unison. Seeing hundreds of them rise at the same time is one of the most impressive sights in the ocean.
Mobula jumping off Cerralvo Island. Photo by Gerardo Adame
When is the season for mobulas?
Generally from May to July, although they can be seen from April depending on sea conditions and water temperature.
During this season, it is possible to:
Navigating between large banks
Snorkeling surrounded by hundreds of stingrays
Practice apnea for closer and quieter encounters
Watch synchronized surface jumps
Swimming with mobulas is not an aggressive or chaotic experience. It is elegant, fluid, and deeply aesthetic. Underwater, the movement of the school looks like a perfectly rehearsed choreography.
Beyond mobulas: the energy of La Ventana
La Ventana is also internationally recognized as one of the world's best destinations for:
Kitesurfing
Windsurfing
Wingfoil
During the winter, thermal winds attract athletes and travelers from around the world. This has created a diverse international community, but the town retains its relaxed and authentic essence.
Life here is simple:
Sunrises over the sea
Long afternoons by the water
Clear skies and starry nights
Small restaurants serving fresh fish
It is a destination where luxury is not found in the infrastructure, but in the direct connection with the environment.
Sea lion with pup. Forum by Gerardo Adame
Conservation and responsible tourism in La Ventana
Mobulas are sensitive animals. They are particularly vulnerable to:
Disorderly interactions in water
Vessels blocking your movement
Excessive diving bubbles
Mass tourism without regulation
That is why the way in which this experience is lived is key.
A responsible approach involves:
Small groups
Maintain adequate distance
Do not chase animals
Respect their natural trajectories
Use biodegradable sunscreen
Prioritize snorkeling or freediving over scuba diving
When tourism is managed ethically, it becomes a tool for protecting what makes a place special.
How to plan your trip to La Ventana
Some practical recommendations:
Fly to La Paz and consider arriving at least one day before the start of your experience.
Choose the season based on what you are looking for:
Winter → wind sports
Late spring and early summer → mobulas
Wear a light wetsuit (the water can be cool in the morning).
Get ready for long days at sea and sun exposure.
La Ventana is not a traditional luxury destination. It is a place for those who value authenticity and nature in its purest form.
Landscape of Baja California Sur. By Eduardo Sámano.
Our experience with mobulas in La Ventana
At Akampa, we designed our La Ventana experience with a clear goal in mind: to experience the mobula phenomenon with depth, respect, and genuine connection.
Our expedition is designed for:
Strategic exits in search of big banks
Small groups to minimize impact
Snorkeling and free diving as the primary means of interaction
Expert reading of the sea and animal behavior
Clear focus on conservation and education
It's not just about "seeing stripes." It's about understanding the moment, the ecosystem, and the responsibility of being there.
La Ventana is one of the few places in the world where you can swim surrounded by hundreds of free-roaming mobulas. When the school envelops you and the movement becomes collective, you realize that you are witnessing something exceptional.
👉 Discover our experience of mobulas in La Ventana and experience one of the most impressive marine encounters on the planet with an authentic and responsible approach.