Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay
Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay
One of the ocean's most dramatic sardine runs — up close
Every year between mid-October and January, something remarkable unfolds in the nutrient-rich waters off the Pacific coast of Baja California. The Magdalena Bay sardine run. The second largest in the world, it draws an A-list cast of predators: striped marlin cutting through at speed, Bryde’s and humpback whales lunging and gulping, sea lions, sharks, mahi mahi, and seabirds all converging to feast.
It’s hard not to feel a little sorry for the sardines. But this is nature doing what it does best — and witnessing it from the water, not the deck, is something else entirely. A thrilling wildlife spectacle.
This expedition is built around snorkeling and freediving with the marine life. Days are spent out on the water aboard fast boats and pangas. When you need a change of pace, there’s the option to scuba dive or head ashore to explore the sweeping dunes of Margarita Island. Back on board, hot showers, fresh food, and cold drinks are waiting.
Beyond the sardine run, Magdalena Bay has plenty more in store — turtles, mola mola, mobula rays, and a special area where mother and newborn humpbacks appear to gather.
A multi-species feeding frenzy
So, why do sardines form bait balls? Sardines are small, vulnerable fish. Alone, easy prey. But together — thousands moving in perfect unison — they form a swirling, shimmering mass that confuses predators and makes it nearly impossible to single out one target.
It's a survival strategy, evolved over millennia — and it works, right up until it doesn't. Because the bait ball, for all its defensive brilliance, also attracts everything that wants to eat it.
Striped marlin are the undisputed stars — among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds of up to 50 mph — slicing through the schools with their bills extended and dorsal fins blazing with color. Bryde's and humpback whales lunge and gulp enormous mouthfuls at a time. Silky sharks work the edges with quiet patience before moving in with swift, coordinated strikes. Sea lions bring chaos and theatrics in equal measure. Dolphins herd the sardines into tighter and tighter formations. Seabirds dive-bomb the surface.
The whole thing is simultaneous, relentless, extraordinary. And you are right in the middle of it.
Beyond the bait balls, Magdalena Bay has plenty more in store. Turtles, mahi mahi, and mola mola — the bizarre and wonderful giant ocean sunfish — are all regularly spotted in the area. From mid-November onward, mobula rays begin to arrive as part of their winter passage, most active at the surface in the early morning when they leap and cartwheel out of the water. And nearby, a sheltered area appears to draw mother and newborn humpbacks — quieter, more intimate encounters that offer a very different kind of magic.
We never know exactly what each day will bring — and that's exactly the point.
Respectful marine life encounters:
Expert naturalist guides lead all wildlife experiences and operate in full compliance with Mexican marine wildlife regulations — ensuring every encounter is safe, respectful, and deeply memorable.
Science and conservation airplane
From January to November, our marine biologists conduct observation flights over the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay to support science and conservation efforts, and to better understand and appreciate this remarkable region we work in. We operate multiple flights every week, each including several low passes over all of our boats and camps in the area.
Possible wildlife sightings
- Huge schools of sardine fish
- Silky sharks
- Striped marlin
- Mahi Mahi
- Bryde's & humpback whales
- Mobula rays (from mid-November onward)
- Sea lions
- Seabirds & more
- Dolphins
Into the bait ball: snorkeling & freediving in Magdalena Bay
This expedition is built around snorkeling and freediving with bait balls, putting you right in the middle of the action. Our research and observation plane is in the area every week, and our captains and dive guides — who know these waters better than anyone — have almost always had great luck positioning you where the sardine hotspots are. We work closely with the local communities of Puerto Chale and San Carlos, using their experienced captains and pangas to make this the best experience possible.
There may be an opportunity for up to two scuba dives during the trip (please note scuba diving isn't permitted with the bait balls).
Highlights include:
- Snorkeling & freediving with bait balls
- Dune exploration, Margarita Island
- Whale watching
- Birding
- Beach & nature walks
- Scuba diving (on request, subject to availability)
Your home at sea
Life on board
These expeditions are based on large ocean-going liveaboard vessels operated by Nautilus Adventures — your home at sea for the week. The daily action happens from smaller, fast support boats designed to get you quickly to the wildlife hotspots, while the mothership handles everything else: comfort, food, and a good night's rest.
While you sleep, your ship repositions — so every morning you wake up somewhere new, ready for whatever lies ahead. Life on board quickly finds its own rhythm: activities, fresh meals, time to relax, more activities, and then the kind of sleep that only comes after a full day on the water.
Nautilus Adventures is the only liveaboard operator in the world with a certified ISM safety management system — audited annually to the same standards as the world's largest cruise ships. In short, safety is taken seriously. A full briefing and practice drill on day two means you'll always know exactly what to do — and can spend the rest of the trip focused on the water.
Coming Soon
Stay tuned for a new glamping camp experience for the Mexico Sardine Run, launching in 2027!
The Nautilus Belle Amie is a modern and super spacious custom-built 147-foot vessel. She accommodates up to 32 guests across 17 en-suite staterooms and suites, ranging from standard twin cabins to spacious premium suites with ocean-facing windows, sitting areas, and flat-screen TVs. All cabins are air-conditioned, and the heavy steel construction with built-in stabilization makes for a comfortable ride even in open ocean conditions — it genuinely feels like staying in a hotel at sea.
The main deck hosts a generous air-conditioned lounge, bar, and dining area — the natural gathering place at the end of a long day on the water. Up on the expansive sun deck, there's room for everyone to stretch out, soak up the sun, or ease into the freshwater hot tub with a drink in hand.
Explore the Nautilus Belle Amie →
- 6 nights' accommodation on a liveaboard
- Scheduled group transfers
- All core activities
- All meals and snacks
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Naturalist guides and expert crew
- Snorkeling and scuba gear rental
- Alcoholic beverages and bar
- Gift shop items
- Internet access ($85 per device, per trip)
- Crew gratuities
- Mandatory personal medical insurance including evacuation coverage
- Port fee (US$ 35 pp payable in cash onboard)
Snorkeling the Mexico sardine run in Magdalena Bay
Meet at SeeCreatures Cabo for 4:30 PM. Board and set sail up the beautiful coast of Baja California. Our destination, the sheltered waters and outer Islands of Magdalena Bay sardine run.
Late morning arrival in Magdalena Bay. Today is our warmup and tuneup day at the south end of Margarita Island. This adventure is primarily about snorkelling and freediving with the schooling sardine and bait balls, you will have the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions.
Let's find some bait balls! Striped marlin and Bryde's whales are the stars of the sardine run, but there's plenty more to see — turtles, sea lions, sharks, and seabirds, and sometimes even humpback whales and orcas, often in dramatic fashion. We never know quite what Mother Ocean has in store, but on the vast majority of our trips, we enjoy calm seas, low swell, and no shortage of critters. This is a cooperative eco-tourism program working alongside local pangas and captains who've pivoted from fishing to tourism — nobody knows these waters, or where to find the action, better than they do. In the afternoons, choose between scuba diving or going ashore to explore the magnificent sand dunes.
Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking in Cabo at 8:00 AM. Complimentary transfers can be arranged to San José del Cabo Airport (SJD), La Paz, or SeeCreatures Cabo to continue your adventure. Transfers to SJD arrive around 9:30 AM, so please book departing flights no earlier than 11:30 AM.
If you have more time in Baja, continue the adventure. Extend your stay with SeeCreatures Cabo — choose from scuba courses, local 2-tank dives in Cabo San Lucas, or day trips to the legendary reefs of Cabo Pulmo or the deep pinnacles of Gordo Banks.
Departure dates
Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay
All prices are in US dollars
Getting Here
What airport do I fly into?
Your airport options:
Los Cabos International Airport (San José del Cabo Airport – SJD) is well connected, with nonstop flights from more than 30 US cities, most of Mexico, and international routes from several Canadian cities, plus nonstop service from Frankfurt and Panama City. Connecting flights bring in many more US and international cities beyond the nonstop list. It's just a 45-minute drive from SeeCreatures Cabo, our sister company in downtown Cabo San Lucas, where your trip starts.
La Paz International Airport (LAP) has direct flights from Los Angeles, plus a handful of domestic hubs. La Paz is a popular gateway in its own right, especially for guests connecting from eastern Mexico or from European gateways via Mexico City. It's approximately 2.5 hours drive from Cabo.
Wherever you land, we're happy to help arrange local hotels at some of our favorite properties, at preferred contract rates.
When should I fly in?
We recommend flying in at least one day early, as a buffer against flight delays or lost luggage. We have pre-trip adventures that include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching (in season). That said, it's totally feasible to fly in on the start date of your trip if you prefer.
How do I get from the airport to town?
Our concierge team can arrange transfers or recommend reliable local companies. Note that Uber is not permitted to pick up at Cabo Airport (SJD).
Where do we meet?
SeeCreatures Cabo, located directly across from the town square, two blocks from the marina and in the heart of the downtown restaurant and bar district. We want our place to be your home away from home! Please drop by when you get into town and we will get you kitted up with whatever you need. We offer a variety of pre-trip packages including two or three tank boat dives and side trips.
Overland Express guests can also be picked up in La Paz during the drive north to Puerto Chale.
Trip Basics
What is the minimum age for this trip?
12 years old. That said, the liveaboard environment suits some kids and teens better than others, and you know your family best. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out — we'd love to chat and help you decide if it's the right fit. Please note that all kids and teens under 18 need a parent or guardian aboard.
Is this a snorkeling or scuba diving trip?
Primarily snorkeling and freediving. There may be an opportunity for up to two scuba dives during the trip (please note scuba diving isn't permitted with the bait balls).
Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
No certification is required for free diving or snorkeling. This trip is for everybody. Certification is only needed for the optional dives.
Life Onboard
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, with advance notice — vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, and quasi-kosher/quasi-halal can be accommodated. More unusual requests may not be possible.
Can I charge my phone, laptop, and other devices?
Yes — there's 24-hour power onboard, so feel free to bring your phone, laptop, e-reader, camera, and CPAP machine. Our vessels use standard North American outlets (110V AC), so if you're coming from outside the US, bring a travel adapter. For everyone's safety, unattended charging of lithium-ion batteries is only allowed in designated areas onboard.
Is there internet onboard?
Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee for the whole trip. It runs on a satellite connection, so it's great for staying in touch — emails and apps like WhatsApp work well — but not for streaming sites like Netflix or YouTube. Best to pre-download any movies or shows before you travel.
Are the boats camera-friendly?
Yes, very — all our boats have dedicated camera areas and charging stations.
What to Bring
What should I pack?
Sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable wear well suited for a relaxing time at sea — plus a sweater or fleece for the evenings. Reef-safe sunscreen, linen, towels, soap, and shampoo are all included with your trip. The sun can be strong out on the water, with reflection off the surface adding to it, so good sun protection is well worth packing.
What wetsuit do I need?
A 5 mm or 7 mm wetsuit plus a hooded vest, since water temps run in the low-to-mid 70s°F.
What gear do I need for snorkeling and freediving?
A mask, snorkel, hood, and fins — freediving fins are ideal, but regular fins work fine. If you're doing the optional dives, you'll also need the usual scuba kit (regulator, BCD, dive computer, mask, wetsuit, booties, and fins), which you can bring yourself or rent from SeeCreatures.
What kind of safety gear do you provide divers?
Nautilus LifeLines, DiveAlerts, and SMB safety sausages are loaned free to all guests.
Insurance & Documents
Do I need a passport or visa?
All guests must have a passport valid six months from entry. Visas are required from certain countries, please check your specific requirements online. All non-Mexican guests will require an FMM tourist visa.
Is insurance required?
Yes. We require all guests to have medical and evacuation insurance. Divers are required to have divers' insurance. We highly recommend DiveAssure for all your needs, diving or nondiving.
In addition, we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance interruption insurance from DiveAssure (some other providers have provided insufficient coverage to previous clients). This gives you peace of mind and financial security in case of named weather events, cancelled flights, medical issues whether your own or other guests, lost bags and much more. If you decline coverage, please note that we do not issue credits or refunds for anything that is beyond our immediate control.
Health & Safety
Will I get seasick?
The ship anchors in a calm, sheltered bay, but the pangas and fast boats head into open ocean to find bait balls. Seas are generally calm this season, but a scopolamine patch is strongly recommended.
Where's the nearest decompression chamber?
La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
What if there's an emergency?
All crew are first-aid trained, and most captains, mates, and some dive guides and naturalists are trained first responders. Every boat carries an AED and a medical kit. In the event of a medevac, transfer to shore is arranged by boat.
Our pre trip information package covers everything from boarding instructions to what to pack and general trip details. Please review it carefully for the most up to date information about your upcoming adventure.
Mexico sardine run ; Magdalena Bay
Just once again thank you to everyone. What a week! See you all again soon hopefully!
Mexico sardine run ; Magdalena Bay
I look forward to another trip with Nautilus someday!
Mexico sardine run ; Magdalena Bay
It was an amazing trip. Way above expectations especially the orcas and Carolina staying out with me all day when the others got tired
Mexico sardine run ; Magdalena Bay
Crew was very friendly, cheerful and professional.
