Onca Explorations is an agency specialized in wildlife observation expeditions and other ecotourism activities in southern Sinaloa. Onca headquarters is located in the city of Mazatlan, port of entrance to one of five marine ecosystems in the world with highest productivity and biodiversity, the Gulf of California.

Some of our expeditions serve as platform for wildlife research and conservation programs for several species, both marine and terrestrial, inhabiting the region. These are fundamental to generate a betterr knowledge on their biology and ecology, and also allow the systematic monitoring of the ecosystems´ health.

Onca Explorations is an agency committed with the planet. Our intent is to develop low impact recreational activities for the general public in which interaction and awareness help promote wildlife conservation. Our explorations allow the traveler the possibility of living a unique experience in nature participating in wildlife research along with a team of biologists, oceanographers and naturalists which will share their knowledge on visited ecosystems, observed species and techniques used in their study.

Background

Onca Explorations was born after more than eight years of interdisciplinary academic formation of its founders. Backgrounds such as oceanography and marine ecology, marine resources and business administration, as well as a lifelong commitment with the ocean has give its founders the necessary tools to materialize this project which they are now pleased to share with you.

The WhaleQuest program by Onca Explorations

Is the pioneer in developing whale and dolphin watching activities in Sinaloa. The program´s first season concluded successfully with the participation of over 200 tourists in its first year.

During these expeditions carried on between December 2006 and March 2007, our team was able to document over 60 humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sightings in which over 3000 photographs of the whales´s tails were taken for our photo-identification studies. These pictures will be analyzed for the individual identification of humpback whales in order to complete the first photo-identification catalog for this species in the region.

Since its beginning (January 2006), the WhaleQuest program has also allowed our team to record the presence of other common cetacean species in the area like the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) for which we now have over 30 sightings, as well as opportunistic sightings of other less common species like the Bryde´s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), the orca (Orcinus orca) and the second largest whale in the world, the Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).

Some of Onca´s on-going explorations include:

WhaleQuest Humpback Whale Research Expedition

Join us for an exciting adventure into the realm of the giants!

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the tropical waters of the Mexican Pacific to breed and give birth to their calves. Let our crew of marine scientists guide your journey through the waters off Mazatlan searching for and observing humpback whales in their natural habitat.

During the journey, our crew will be collecting information on the behavioral ecology of the whales giving you a hands-on experience in whale research techniques. Learn as you have fun on this marine adventure!

By joining the WhaleQuest program you will be contributing to the efforts Onca Explorations is doing to promote the conservation of humpback whales in the region!

Season: December through March
Frecuency: Daily departures at 9 am and 1 pm
Operational Minimum: 3 adults (full price)
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Duración: 3.5 hours

Prices:

$85 US dlls per adult
$65 US dlls per children (6-12 inclusive)

Included: Transportation hotel-marina-hotel, light breakfast (granola bars, juice and fruit), briefing on humpback whale biology and ecology, specialized bilingual guides, light lunch (sandwich and snack), bottled water and soft drinks.

Not included: Gratuities for captain and crew.

Island Xplorer

Island Snorkeling Expedition

Join our crew of marine scientists and explore the islands surrounding Mazatlan! During this journey you will practice snorkel in different locations while enjoying the tropical beauty of the islands from different views. You will learn about island geology and their important role on the ecology of the Gulf of California. You will discover a great diversity of marine fauna, from multicolor tropical fishes, to sea birds and graceful sea lions. Basic snorkeling lesson and gear provided (mask, fins and snorkel).

Some of the islands we´ll visit are: Los Cardones, Dos Hermanos, Roca Tortuga, Isla Lobos, Isla Pajaros e Isla Venados.

Season: Year-round
Frecuency: Tuedays, and Thursdays at 10:00 am. Reservations required.
Operational Minimum: 4 persons (full price)
Duration: 4 hours
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Prices:

$ 65 US dlls per person

Included: Transportation hotel-marina-hotel, light breakfast (granola bars, juice and fruit), briefing on island ecology and conservation, specialized bilingual guides, lunch (sandwich, granola bars and fruit), bottled water and soft drinks.

Not included: Gratuities for captain and crew.

Ethnic Xperience
Las Labradas: Archeological site

Join us in this adventure back in time, and re-live thousands of years of ethnic traditions! Explore one of the most captivating archeological sites in southern Sinaloa: Las Labradas. This particular set of carved rocks (petroglyphs) are found on the beach near the town of La Chilacayota (approx. 45 min south of Mazatlan).

These petroglyphs are the only set of petroglyphs on a beach side location throughout the Americas and are widely considered as the most ancient native expressions of northern Mexico. We will also visit the fisherman village of Barras de Piaxtla, where we will have chance to take a nice walk and enjoy a delicious Sarandeado Fish meal at an ocean-view restaurant

Season: Year-round

Frecuency: Saturdays at 9:00 am
Operational Minimum: 4 persons (full price)
Duration: 5 hours
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Prices:

$ 55 Us dlls per person

Included: Transportation hotel-marina-hotel, light breakfast (granola bars, juice and fruit), briefing on Las Labradas archeological site (on-site), specialized bilingual guides, lunch (Traditional Sarandeado Fish), bottled water and soft drinks.

Not included: Gratuities for drivers and guides, alcoholic beverages.

DolphinQuest
Bottlenose Dolphin Research Expedition

Explore with us the wonderful world of dolphins! Let our crew of marine scientists guide you in this tropical adventure through the waters off Mazatlan searching for and observing graceful bottlenose dolphins in the wild. The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most cosmopolitan species of cetaceans in the world. In the Gulf of California is the second most abundant dolphin species and possibly the best known.

During the journey, our crew will be collecting information on the behavioral ecology of the dolphins like their distribution, abundance, habitat use and behavior, giving you a hands-on experience in cetacean research techniques. Join us on this marine adventure!

By joining the DolphinQuest program you will be contributing to the efforts Onca Explorations is doing to promote bottlenose dolphin conservation in the region!

Season: April-November
Frecuency: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 am, Thursdays at 10:00 am (suitable for cruiseship passengers). Reservations required.
Operational Minimum: 4 adults (full price)
Duration: 4 hours
Reservations: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Prices:

$75 US dlls per adult
$55 US dlls per children
(6-12 inclusive)

Included: Transportation hotel-marina-hotel, light breakfast (granola bars, juice and fruit), briefing on dolphin biology and ecology, specialized bilingual guides, lunch (sandwich, granola bars and fruit), bottled water and soft drinks.

Not included: Gratuities for captain and crew.