Marine Wildlife Safari & Cetacean Scientific Expedition

 No prior knowledge is necessary. Anyone who wants to learn and discover scientific work can join the expedition. We’ll provide an initial briefing on how to collect data and identify the animals; and will share everything we can with you so that you feel useful

 If you have, bring your Personal camera, laptop, or binoculars. They would help you participate in the monitoring and analysis of the daily data. USB so we can share pictures with you.

It can be hot during the day, to protect yourself you can bring biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a lightweight long-sleeved top and pants. You will also need cash (few ATM in La Ventana).

Common marine wildlife : common dolphins (delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphins (tursiops truncatus), sea lions, giant migration of mobula rays (mobula munkiana, mobula mobular)

More exceptional but could happen: humpback whales, dwarf sperm whales, Bryde’s whale, orcas, Risso’s dolphins, pantropical spinner dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins  

If we are super lucky : sperm whales, whale sharks, pilot whales, giant manta, false orca   

Keep in mind that the sea is not an aquarium, we can not guarantee you sightings ! But with an experienced guide, local captain and marine biologist on board and… all the eyes of the participants, you can be sure that we will do our best to find the animals if they are around !

On a monitoring day, you’ll immerse yourself in marine biology with Dr. Hiram Rosales Nanduca. We will help him with its ongoing studies and learn a lot from the species we encountered. The focus is on learning field techniques for studying cetaceans (dolphins and whales), including data collection from the surface such as photo identification, morphometrics with drones, acoustics, and if possible, genetics. We can stay a while with the same group of individuals to understand the behaviors and see interesting details. Here, the aim is not to go underwater as all the data collection is from the surface.

A sea safari emphasizes exploring various marine wildlife. While we will still look for cetaceans, the primary goal is to discover and interact with other species like large schools of Mobula rays, sea lions, sharks… We’ll spend the day on the water, seeking opportunities to snorkel and engage with marine life if possible

Dr. Hiram Rosales Nanduca will be our scientific expert for the expedition. With over 20 years of experience studying cetaceans in Mexico, he is a Doctor of Science and the founder of the MMAPE research group (Marine Megafauna and Fisheries). His research focuses on biological knowledge, population ecology, interactions between marine megafauna and human activities, species vulnerability to climate change, and population structure.

 MMAPE, founded in October 2018, is a Marine Megafauna and Fisheries Research Program aimed at generating fundamental and applied knowledge about marine megafauna species and their interactions with fisheries and anthropogenic activities. The program focuses on conservation strategies, regional and national development, and supporting coastal communities dependent on marine resources through research and education.

It’s usually hot during the day, with water surface temperature between 25°-30°C, and visibility between 15-30 meters.

English will be the preferred language for the talks and on the boat, if we have people with different backgrounds. But our captain and biologist are Mexican, and all our guides speak English, Spanish and French if any translation is needed

La paz International airport – Baja california (1h from La Ventana) or Los Cabos International Airport – San jose del cabo (3h30 from La Ventana)

Arrive Before 3pm (La Paz / 1pm (Los Cabos). For those leaving from Los Cabos, keep in mind that there is 3h30 driving from La Ventana.

Normally between 3 to 6 participants, so that everybody feels involved in the scientific monitoring, is comfortable on the boat. Smaller groups for better interaction also in the water !

 Normally between 6 to 8 hours. But sometimes it can last longer or shorter depending on the weather, people’ condition on the water, and on the wildlife we see.

By choosing Te Ma’o, you support local communities through fair revenue sharing and economic development. You’ll enjoy an educational and responsible experience while contributing to local science. Te Ma’o is committed to empowering local communities to become future guardians of their environment through various initiatives beyond our sea activities. Check “our story” to know more about our actions.

To keep things crystal clear and ensure a smooth sailing experience, we’ve laid out these terms and conditions. Dive in for all the details here!