We booked a private tour to the Chara Pinta Reserve, which was a splurge for us, but worth every penny! Having an opportunity to enjoy the Sierra Madre Occidental pine-oak habitat, see numerous endemic birds, and be invited for lunch in a local home was a truly special experience. Ciro from ONCA spoke excellent English (and was subjected to my sketchy Spanish), and was very knowledgeable about numerous naturalist topics. I am glad to know that the cost of this trip helps fund ONCA's mission as well as the El Palmito community. I hope that both ONCA and the community of El Palmito are successful in gaining a national protection designation for this special area. Touring the area is the best way to support it: if eco-tourism creates a greater financial gain than extractive land uses, these threatened species can be protected even as the ejido community is supported. Tip: I found WhatsApp vs. email to be the best way to reach out with any questions before booking. If I find myself in Mazatlan again, I will absolutely book another ONCA experience.

We absolutely loved our marine safari! Ciro was a wonderful guide and we were able to swim with turtles and saw several dolphins, a manta ray, and marlins. It was a great experience and we would definitely do it again!

We had a wonderful experience with the crew and other visitors! My sister was here in Mazatlan and wanted Whale watching trip and we were all thrilled by all the whales, dolphins, and turtles we saw! Highly recommend it! Thank you for an enlightening day!