Swimming With Orcas in La Ventana
And Everything You Should Know About It
The thrill of swimming with orcas in La Ventana, Baja California Sur, right in the heart of the Sea of Cortez. Before booking, get the full truth: the growing crowds, the strain on the orcas, and the pressure on the operators.
La Ventana, a wind-swept gem on Baja’s East Cape, has emerged as Mexico’s premier spot for orca encounters. Viral videos, social media buzz, and premium tours promise an unforgettable adventure.
However, popularity brings challenges. This summer, SEMARNAT released the “Plan de Manejo” for orcas in La Ventana, introducing structured guidelines. In this blog, we’ll explore the orca phenomenon, the actual population numbers, the new regulations, the impacts on animals and operators, and why we choose not to chase the hype.
The Rise of Orca Tourism in La Ventana
La Ventana’s orcas gained massive attention in recent years. What began as occasional wildlife sightings has evolved into a full-fledged tourism draw. Operators now offer tours priced up to 30,000 MXN for a chance to swim alongside these animals. Social media plays a huge role —TikToks of orcas hunting mobula rays attract millions of views.
Demand is high, and local operators report constant bookings. The villages of La Ventana and El Sargento are preparing for even more visitors. This boom has filled the waters with boats, with reports of dozens chasing one pod and swimmers jumping in without order.
The Reality of Orca Populations in the Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez is vast, covering over 150,000 square kilometers, but its orca population is small. Fewer than 10 families (under 200 individuals) roam these waters. They often travel great distances in search of prey, such as mobula rays, dolphins, or turtles.
Compare this to Norway, where more than 1,500+ orcas concentrate in compact fjords rich with herring. There, the density supports regulated tourism without overwhelming the animals. In the Sea of Cortez, orcas are few and far apart. Bother one pod, and it hurts them all.
The 2025 Plan de Manejo: New Guidelines in Place
In July 2025, SEMARNAT published the Plan de Manejo for orcas in the La Ventana area, effective August 1, 2025. The plan limits tours to 24 boats per day in set time slots and only allows small pangas under 10 meters. The approach starts at 100 meters, drops to 60 meters if orcas stay calm, and reaches 20 meters only in perfect conditions.
Only five people can swim per encounter, for up to 30 minutes. No swimming during hunting or resting. The plan also requires GPS tracking and annual reporting.
Impacts of Popularity on Orcas and Captains
The surge in interest creates stress for the orcas. Constant pursuit can interrupt feeding, alter natural behaviors, and increase the risk of boat strikes. With so few animals spread across such a wide area, repeated disturbances add up.
Captains face their own pressures. Clients often arrive with high expectations fueled by online videos, demanding “guaranteed” sightings. When orcas don’t appear, disappointment leads to negative reviews or refund requests, pushing some operators to chase pods. The frenzy contributes to operator fatigue and unsafe conditions on the water.
Community Response and Preparation
The La Ventana community is actively involved. Captains have held discussions with SEMARNAT and the BCS governor to shape regulations and address concerns. The operators are securing permits, undergoing training on the new protocols, and upgrading infrastructure to handle increased tourism.
Why the Sea of Cortez Stands Apart
The Sea of Cortez, often called the “World’s Aquarium,” hosts nearly every major marine megafauna species—humpback whales, blue whales, whale sharks, massive fevers of mobula rays, dolphins, sea lions, and more. This biodiversity, protected as a UNESCO site, makes every trip unpredictable in the best way. One day might bring orcas; the next, a whale shark gliding through a bait ball.
That uncertainty is part of the magic and our favorite aspect of guiding tours. We never know what the sea will reveal, and that keeps experiences authentic.
Agua Salada’s Approach: Ethical Over Expressive
At Agua Salada, our captains hold the necessary permits and are prepared to follow the Plan de Manejo. If conditions are perfect—calm seas, relaxed animals—we will enter the water respectfully. However, we will not promote or market “swim with orcas” as a primary activity.
Our reason is simple: these animals already face enough pressure. Adding promotional hype would only increase strain on a vulnerable population. Instead, we offer full-day adventures centered on whatever wildlife the sea presents.
A Call to Conscious Visitors
When booking a tour, choose operators who adhere to regulations and focus on animal welfare. Embrace the wild nature of the experience—there are no guarantees, and that’s what makes it real. Help preserve La Ventana as a genuine ocean sanctuary, not a themed attraction.
Expect wild: No Sea World
Book Your Sea of Cortez Adventure Now – Let's Keep La Ventana Wild!
Updated October 2025. Follow us for real-time updates and ethical ocean insights.
