Magdalena bay sardine run and Striped Marlin Migration
Bahia Magdalena
Expedition details
Experience a world spectacle off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico during the short window of the Magdalena Bay sardine run and striped marlin migration. Witness the secret Mexican sardine run where thousands of striped marlin showcase their speed, agility, and swordsmanship as they stun and devour huge bait balls congregating in the Pacific Ocean near Bahia Magdalena. But that's not all, this feast attracts an abundance of marine life including Bryde’s whales, humpbacks, orcas, sailfish, makos, blue sharks, tuna, dolphins, sea lions, and thousands of sea birds. Avoid the tourist resorts and board a local fisherman's panga to scale across the ocean where you can witness this spectacle up close. Jump into the water to see over 30 striped marlin attacking a bait ball of sardines, and experience a real-life nature documentary with your own eyes! With full days of excitement and new surprises, don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure.
Expedition information…
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Main target species:
Striped Marlin
Dolphins (Bottlenose, Common, White Sided, Pantropical spotted, Spinners and more!)
Sea Lions
Also chance of seeing:
Orcas - If you are joining this trip just to see orcas, then this is not the trip for you.
Whales - Humpback, Blue, Fin, Brydes
Pilot Whales, False Orcas.
Sea Birds
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Full day open ocean guided boat days
Double Occupancy canvas glamping tent with 2 double beds over looking Bahia Magdalena.
All meals at camp
Transportation from/to La Paz/La Ventana and Bahia Magdalena.
Photos and Videos
Afternoon activities including Hike, Kayak, SUP
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Flights/transfers to La Ventana/La Paz
Snorkel equipment and wetsuits
Food & drinks on travel days
Tips/gratuity - we are not fans of the forced tipping culture. So, if you feel inclined to leave a tip because you had an amazing time and you feel we did an exceptional job, the team would be delighted and grateful for your generosity :)
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Full snorkel gear - Snorkel, Mask, Fins, Weight Belt, Wetsuit (Recommended 5mm long)
Warm clothing - it can get cold in the early morning and with the wind.
Waterproof clothing
Reef safe sunscreen/protection
Sea sickness/nausea pills
A good attitude, this is nature, there are no guarantees with what we can see.
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5 Day w/ 4 boat days = $3000 USD
7 Day w/ 6 boat days = $4000 USD
per person
*Capacity: Min 4, Max 6
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Magdalena bay sardine run and striped marlin Itineraries
*Please note that the itinerary may change slightly due to weather, current marine life sighting reports, and other factors out of our control.
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Day 1:
Arrive, meet and greet in La Ventana / La Paz
Take shuttle to Puerto San Carlos where we will spend our first night only.
Day 2:
Full boat day
Afternoon activity
Day 3:
Full boat day
Afternoon activity
Day 4:
Full boat day
Goodbye dinner
Day 5
Boat day
Transport back to La Paz/La Ventana
Swap contact details, say goodbye, book onto next trip and plan to meet each other again!! :D
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Day 1:
Arrive, meet and greet in La Ventana / La Paz
Take shuttle to Puerto San Carlos where we will stay our first and only night.
Welcome meal.
Day 2:
Full boat day
Arrive on the island, check in to glamping tent.
Afternoon activity
Day 3:
Full boat day
Afternoon activity
Day 4:
Full boat day
Afternoon activity
Day 5:
Full boat day
Afternoon activity
Day 6:
Full boat day
Goodbye dinnerDay 7
Transport back to La Paz/La VentanaSwap contact details, say goodbye, book onto next trip and plan to meet each other again!! :D
Dates available 2023
5-day expeditions 2024:
3 Nov
10 Nov
17 Nov
24 Nov
1 Dec
8 Dec
7-day expeditions:
Same dates as 5-day expeditions but at special request or extensions of the 5-day expeditions. Subject to availability.
Contact us to arrange custom dates not shown above.
*We need a minimum of 4 people for the expedition to work, if the expedition you have joined doesn’t have enough people we will try to move you to another date that does.
What makes us different?
We stay on the island by the Pacific Ocean, so no long 45-minute travel time from Puerto San Carlos before starting the adventure like most other tours.
Your view from your canvas glamping tent will overlook Bahia Magdalena, where you can indulge in the local fishing village culture, hike, kayak or stand-up paddleboard during your free time.
All meals, refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks during stay included!
Embrace the Serenity of being Off-the-Grid.
While we embrace the natural surroundings of our location, we understand the need to stay connected in today's world. Here's what you can expect at our Glamping experience:
• Immerse yourself in nature: Since our island location is remote, our tents are not equipped with electricity. This allows you to truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature again.
• Stay charged: Don't worry about running out of battery on your camera or phone! We offer a designated, secure charging area available 24/7 with staff supervision. Simply leave your devices to charge and enjoy exploring the island worry-free.
Please note: Due to our remote location, internet access may be limited. This is your chance to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle! Pack a book and get ready to enjoy!
WiFi: Enjoy complementary WiFi, though please be aware that due to our remote location, the signal may occasionally be limited, encouraging a true escape from the digital world.
Culinary Delights: Enjoy a diverse menu featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Indulge in appetizers, fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine, and refreshing beverages.
Fresh Fare: Relish homemade tortillas, guacamole, salads, and a variety of salsas.
Personal Comfort: Each tent offers two queen-size beds for a restful sleep under the stars.
Beverage Selection: Choose from regional wines, tequilas, and beers (additional charges apply).
UNPARALLELED AMENITIES:
Area Information
Weather:
Baja has a sunny, dry climate and only sees about 25cm/10 inches of rain in an entire year. Most of this rain falls from late August through September. The rest of the year we barely see rain.
Temperature:
*Averages
Oct Day 32°C/90°F - Night 21°C/70°F
Nov Day 28°C/82°F - Night 18°C/64°F
Dec Day 26°C/79°F - Night 16°C/61°F
Water conditions:
Water temperatures: 19-23°C/66-73°F
We explore the open ocean, it is likely to be choppy, wavey and windy
Anything Else?
Logistics: The nearest airports are LAP La Paz, SJD San Jose del Cabo, LTO Loreto.
Please note the Magdalena Bay Sardine Run and Striped Marlin tour is a swimming/snorkel adventure, but if you prefer to watch from the safety of the boat that is also fine! Please bring appropriate clothing and dive equipment
Please feel free to bring your camera, although we do our best to take the perfect photos and videos for you, it’s always fun to take your own perspective!