We just wrapped Baja Odyssey, and I’m still buzzing

I just got back from Baja Odyssey… and I’m still buzzing. Four activity days. Countless species. Moments that feel impossible to explain — but I’ll try. Here’s a recap of what we lived out there. Here’s what makes this expedition so special.

Day 1 – La Ventana

Within the first hour, we found mobula rays! They were super chill, so we slid in and ended up swimming with them for until we got tired. Then two humpback whales popped up. A pod of bottlenose dolphins right after. It honestly felt like the ocean was stacking encounters back-to-back. We fit in a freediving session too — a couple of students hit personal bests. And we wrapped the day having lunch on a quiet beach. Sun, sand, good food, good people. Solid start.

Day 2 – Espiritu Santo

We headed out to the island looking for the friendliest sea lions… and wow, we found them. One little puppy completely stole the show — super curious, hugging everyone, rubbing on fins like it was his personal spa day. No one told him about “keeping distance,” apparently. After a long play session, we moved to the whale shark area and got lucky with a juvenile cruising by. Not on the itinerary, but we made it happen. Another solid day.

Day 3 – Magbay

Day 3 was classic MagBay… with extra sauce. On the way out we ran into Pacific white-sided dolphins. Then we found both dynamic and static baitballs — full action — marlin and sea lions hammering the sardines. We even spotted a sailfish in the mix. More bottlenose dolphins showed up, and on our way back we had the moment of the day: a humpback whale that came out of nowhere, super close to the boat and chill, twice! Not something you see every day, which made it extra special for everyone onboard.

Day 4 – Magbay

On the last day everyone thought, “There’s no way it can get any better…” We started with a hike through the sand dunes and mangroves — calm, quiet, totally different vibes. Then on our way toward the marlin area we saw a ton of birds, so we went to check it out. Huge bait ball: sea lions and skipjack tuna feasting, pelicans and shearwaters diving nonstop. And out of nowhere… two humpback whales came in. One of those lifelong-memory moments. We wrapped the day with common dolphins bow riding and a delicious goodbye dinner. Perfect ending.

It’s hard to believe everything we saw in less than one week… but that’s Baja. Full of surprises. Long days on the water, early mornings, salty hair — and worth every minute.

But honestly, what made this week stand out wasn’t just the wildlife. It was the people. Trevor, Ran, Jeff, Rubens, Tristan and Gilad — each of you brought your own energy, humor, curiosity, and heart into this trip. You made the Odyssey what it was. Thank you.

Here are a couple of beautifully written testimonials from our guests — and honestly, they made me tear up. I’m incredibly grateful to share my love for the ocean, freediving, and wildlife with people, and to see how these encounters can shift something inside them.

My mission has always been to help humans connect with wild animals in a deeper way — beyond a selfie or a bucket-list check. To teach their biology, their behavior, their stories… but more importantly, to show that they’re individuals with personalities and emotions. They deserve respect and admiration above anything else.

We’re just visitors with the privilege of slipping into their world for a few minutes or hours. And that alone is something to be grateful for.

Hope you enjoyed the read. With love,

Valentina