A striped marlin moving through the blue waters of Magdalena Bay

Baja California Sur, Mexico · November–December 2026

The ocean.
At its wildest.

Magdalena Bay Sardine Run

Six days at the edge of Baja. A front-row seat to one of the ocean’s extraordinary gatherings.

Find your expedition
THE MEXICAN SARDINE RUN 01 / INTO THE BLUE
6 days Away from the ordinary
5 nights On Magdalena Island
4 ocean days Planned wildlife exploration
10 guests max. A shared adventure

01 / The experience

There’s wild.
Then there’s
Mag Bay.

The water shifts. The bait ball tightens. A striped marlin appears out of the blue.

Each fall, sardines and Pacific mackerel gather off Baja’s Pacific coast, drawing an extraordinary cast of ocean life. We head out early, follow the wildlife, and let each day unfold on the ocean’s terms.

Snorkel or freedive alongside our team, then come home to an island dinner and a sky full of stars. This is an expedition built around being there, together.

In partnership with Explora Baja 20+ years working with the local community
A freediver sharing the blue water with orcas

Every day is a different story

Follow the
unexpected.

Striped marlin. Sea lions. Dolphins. And sometimes, something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Marlin & sailfish Sea lions Dolphin superpods Whales & orcas Mobula rays Pelagic sharks

Wildlife is free-ranging. Species, sightings, and opportunities to enter the water are never guaranteed.

A little closer to the wild

Ocean days.
Island nights.

Five nights at our island house mean you wake up close to the action. Our chef takes care of meals, our local captains bring their knowledge of these waters, and our guides take care of you.

Back on land: fresh food, good company, and time to recharge for whatever tomorrow brings.

Be in the moment. We’ll capture it.

Two professional guides/photographers join every expedition. Photos and videos of your experience are included.

The colorful island house with a shaded porch and hammocks
Your home base · Magdalena Island

02 / Your journey

Six days.
A different rhythm.

From the road through Baja to long days on the Pacific. We handle the arrangements so you can settle into the adventure.

Before we begin

Arrive in Los Cabos

Fly into San José del Cabo one day before your expedition. This extra night gives you time to rest before we set off. Your hotel and meals that day are not included.

Day 01

The road to Magdalena Bay

Meet the team at the confirmed meeting point for the journey via La Paz and Puerto San Carlos. Transfers to Magdalena Island are included. Dinner, introductions, and a trip briefing set the scene.

Days 02–05

Wake up. Head out. Be amazed.

Four planned days searching for bait balls and wildlife with our captains and guides. We stay flexible, following conditions and the action.

6:30 AM Chef’s breakfast
7:15 AM Out on the ocean
~5:00 PM Back to the island
6:30 PM Dinner together
Day 06

Back to Los Cabos

Depart the island around 7 AM, with a planned return to San José del Cabo around 3 PM. Flying that day? Speak with us before booking so we can coordinate your transfer.

Times are approximate. Weather, wildlife, and safety decisions may change the itinerary or prevent a day on the water. Your booking confirmation will include meeting and transfer details.

03 / Taken care of

Less planning.
More presence.

A thoughtfully arranged expedition, from your scheduled Cabo transfers to the photographs you take home.

+ Included in your expedition

  • Round-trip scheduled Cabo–Puerto San Carlos transportation
  • Boat transfers between Puerto San Carlos and Magdalena Island
  • Five nights at the island house
  • Four planned days on the water, with captains and guides
  • Chef-prepared meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners
  • Snacks on boat trips and van rides
  • Water and non-alcoholic beverages with meals
  • One complimentary beer per person with each dinner
  • Professional photos and videos of your experience

To arrange separately

  • Flights to and from San José del Cabo
  • Your hotel and meals before the expedition begins
  • Travel insurance and dive accident insurance
  • Gratuities for captains and crew

Have dietary needs or questions about participating? Tell us when you inquire so we can plan with you.

04 / Make it your next adventure

The ocean
is calling.

$3,500 USD / guest

6 days · 5 nights · Up to 10 guests

Choose your dates and send us an inquiry. We’ll personally confirm availability and help you take it from there.

Ask us about your trip ↗
2026 DEPARTURES 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
NOVEMBER 05 — 10
Join the waitlist
NOVEMBER 13 — 18
Join the waitlist
NOVEMBER 25 — 30
Join the waitlist
DECEMBER 03 — 08
Request a spot

Availability is confirmed personally. An inquiry does not hold a space; your reservation is confirmed after payment and written confirmation.

Good to know

A few details
before you go.

Do I need diving experience?

This is a snorkeling and freediving expedition, with all experience levels welcome. Open-ocean conditions can be physically demanding. Tell us about your swimming experience and any concerns before booking so we can discuss whether the trip is a good fit.

How do deposits and payments work?

More than six months before departure, a $500 USD holding deposit counts toward your trip price. Total payments reach 50% ($1,750) six months before departure, and the remaining $1,750 is due three months before departure.

Bookings within six months require 50% at booking; within three months, full payment is due. Your written confirmation states the exact amounts and deadlines.

What if weather changes our plans?

We plan four days on the water, but conditions may change the schedule, shorten a day, or prevent us from heading out. Captains and crew make the final safety decisions. Four planned days do not guarantee four completed days. Please review the full expedition terms before booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Guest cancellations and unused services are non-refundable, subject to applicable law. Different provisions apply if our team cancels the entire expedition. We strongly recommend suitable travel and activity insurance. Review the full terms for details, including replacement guests and date changes.

Read expedition terms ↗
Where do we meet, and when should I fly?

Fly into San José del Cabo and arrive the day before the expedition. We’ll confirm the Cabo meeting point and transfer arrangements with your booking. Return is planned for around 3 PM on the final day; discuss same-day flights with us before booking.

Tanner Underwater · Magdalena Bay

Come for the ocean.
Leave with a story.

Let’s get you out there Magdalena Bay expedition terms