Inside the Mobula Aggregation

INSIDE THE MOBULA AGGREGATION

Mobula Rays Exploration
&
Freediving Training Expedition

Each spring, the Sea of Cortez becomes the site of the world’s largest known mobula aggregation. Thousands of rays gather here to feed and mate, moving in large groups whose behavior continues to draw the attention of scientists and ocean explorers alike.

While this gathering is the seasonal anchor of the expedition, it is far from the only activity in the water. This time of year brings constant movement — predators hunting, migratory species passing through, and interactions that can change from one hour to the next. No two days are the same, and part of the experience is staying open to whatever the ocean brings.

This expedition is designed for people who want more than a brief encounter. It’s an opportunity to understand mobula behavior, experience meaningful time in the water, and combine wildlife exploration with guided freediving training in open-ocean conditions. The focus is on learning, awareness, and presence — supported by expert guidance, safety, and a calm, intentional pace.

Whether you are an experienced freediver, new to freediving, or simply very comfortable in the water, this expedition is built to meet you where you are. Couples and mixed-experience groups are welcome — introductions to freediving are naturally integrated alongside deeper training for those who want it.

Mobula rays forming a dense aggregation in the Sea of Cortez near La Ventana

Mobula Rays of the Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez hosts the most significant seasonal mobula aggregation on the planet, with the primary species being:

Munk’s devil ray (Mobula munkiana) — the most abundant species here, forming large feeding groups and vortex formations.

Other mobula species may also be encountered in smaller numbers:

Spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular)
Bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni)

These rays gather in this region primarily to feed, often working together in circular formations that concentrate plankton and krill. Their group dynamics, feeding strategies, and surface activity make them one of the most fascinating pelagic species to observe and study.

Throughout the expedition, we explore not only what we see, but why it happens — with dedicated presentations and discussions on mobula ecology, movement patterns, and respectful interaction.

Other Wildlife Encounters

Although the mobula aggregation is the primary focus, this period is one of the most active times of year in the Sea of Cortez. Animal movement is constant, and encounters often unfold unexpectedly as predators, migratory species, and pelagic life move through the region.

Possible encounters may include:

Dolphins, including bottlenose, common, spinner, and Pacific white-sided dolphins
California sea lions
Orcas, present in the region during this season
Humpback whales, often finishing their migration
Blue whales, occasionally passing through offshore waters
Sperm whales and false killer whales, possible in deeper offshore zones
Silky sharks, occasionally appearing when conditions align

As with all open-ocean expeditions, wildlife encounters beyond mobulas are never guaranteed. The diversity of species reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the Sea of Cortez.

Your Guides

Together, they offer an approach centered on learning: freediving guidance when suitable, wildlife behavior interpretation, respectful positioning around animals, and hands-on camera advice for guests who want to improve their photography.

Petra Oberucova

Master freediving instructor, wildlife-interaction specialist, professional underwater photographer, and safety diver. Petra has guided filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers worldwide, offering insight into animal behavior, respectful interaction, positioning in the water, and camera technique for capturing movement without disturbance.

Carlos Coste

12-x freediving world champion, instructor trainer, and pioneer in the sport. Carlos brings decades of experience in freediving and open-water training, with a coaching style centered on efficiency, relaxation, and awareness. His presence on the line offers rare, hands-on guidance in technique, depth progression, and confident movement in open ocean conditions.

How the Days Flow

Our days begin early, heading out with an experienced local captain to search for mobula activity and other marine life across the Sea of Cortez. Mornings are dedicated to exploration — reading surface conditions, following movement, and spending meaningful time in the water as encounters unfold.

After several hours, we pause for a short reset before transitioning into open-water line work. This is a key part of the expedition and is adapted to the group rather than following a rigid training schedule. Time on the line is shaped by individual goals and energy levels and may include:

depth progression
equalization work
technique and efficiency
relaxation and mental preparation
building comfort and confidence in open water

Carlos and Petra provide hands-on guidance throughout, offering feedback that supports steady progress without pressure or expectation. Once everyone feels complete with the session, we break for lunch on the boat. On the way back toward shore, the day often continues to unfold — staying alert to new activity, following changing conditions, and remaining open to additional wildlife encounters as we travel back.

Back at the glamping site, afternoons slow down. Time is shared between reviewing footage, stretching or yoga to support freediving, breathwork and equalization clinics, and informal discussions about animal behavior, ocean conditions, and the day’s experiences. Evenings are relaxed and social — a natural close to full, rewarding days on the water.

Freediving session during the mobula rays expedition in the Sea of Cortez

Accommodation & Atmosphere

We stay at a beautiful hillside glamping overlooking the Sea of Cortez, offering comfort, space, and a relaxed environment to recover between days on the water.

The site features:

Spacious canvas tents with queen-size beds
Comfortable bedding
Hot showers
Open communal spaces with sofas and hammocks
A shared kitchen and dining area
Dedicated areas for yoga, breathwork, stretching, and relaxation

Tents are double occupancy by default.
Private tents are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

The setting supports both rest and connection. Refreshments and hydration are available throughout the day, and evening beverages — including alcoholic drinks — are offered at the glamping site, as well as during the welcome dinner and farewell dinner.

Learning, Safety & Media

This expedition places strong emphasis on learning — in the water and beyond it. Topics include:

freediving technique and safety in open ocean
interacting respectfully with wildlife
positioning and movement around animals
reading behavior and anticipating motion
camera setup and shooting technique for both action cameras and professional systems
line work fundamentals and open-water awareness

Professional 4K video and high-quality underwater photography are captured throughout the expedition and shared with participants as part of the experience.

Aerial view of La Ventana and Cerralvo Island with the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur

What’s Included

Round-trip transportation from La Paz
4 nights accommodation at the glamping site
Daily healthy breakfasts
Lunches on water days
Welcome dinner and farewell dinner with the team
Snacks, fruit, hydration, and refreshments
Evening beverages at the glamping site
Boat with an experienced local captain
Guided mobula ray exploration
Professional freediving coaching with Carlos Coste
Wildlife behavior and interaction guidance from Petra Oberucova
Stretching, breathwork, and equalization sessions tailored to the group
Professional photos and video from the expedition

Sample Itinerary

(Flexible and adapted to weather and wildlife behavior)

Day 1
Arrival and pick-up in La Paz · Transfer to glamping · Orientation and expedition briefing · Stretching and breathwork · Welcome dinner

Days 2–4
Breakfast · Morning mobula search and water time · Open-water freediving training on the line · Lunch on the boat · Continued wildlife exploration · Afternoon stretching, breathwork, equalization clinic, and discussions · Evening relaxation

Day 5
Breakfast · Transfer back to La Paz · Airport or hotel drop-off