Mexico Sardine Run
Magdalena Bay

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SEASONS

October – January
8 Days, 7 Nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Luxury liveaboard

PRICING (pp. dbl occ.)

From US$3,395

Destination Overview

Mexico Sardine Run
Magdalena Bay

During October to January, a magical event happens in the nutrient rich swirling blue waters off Magdalena Bay where All sorts of predators gather to hunt on the second largest sardine run in the world. This thrilling underwater action is spectacular.

See what our guest had to say about Magdalena Bay! →

Magdalena Bay

It’s hard not to feel sorry for the sardine but this is mother ocean at work. Yes, we are seeing striped marlin whizzing around and through the schools of fish at 50 kmh. But we are also seeing bryde and humpback whales gulping their way through the schools, we have discovered an area in which which momma and newborn humpbacks seem to gather, we are seeing some sharks, lots of sea lions, mahi mahi, seabirds and much more. In the nearby areas we are even seeing lots of turtles and mola mola (giant sun fish). It’s basically an intense riot of marine activity.

7 nights full liveaboard boarding in Cabo with a 15 hour sail up the coast of Baja for Magdalena Bay.

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary – Luxury Liveaboard – 8 Days, 7 Nights

Via sea voyage.

Day 1

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.

Day 2

Begin with 3 dives south end of Margarita Island, including sea lions and the remains of a steamship that sunk in the early 1900’s.

Days 3 – 6

Let’s find some bait balls and get in the water with striped marlin! This is a cooperative eco-tourism program with local pangas and highly knowledgeable captains. Nobody does a better job at finding bait balls than Captain G and his family and friends.
Spend as much or as little time as you want on the water each day. The more time, the more striped marlin encounters. Scuba diving is definitely on the agenda on this trip.
Magdalena Bay is loaded with life this time of year, and aside from the marlin, you might also spot whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and sea lions. Don’t forget to check out the mangroves and gorgeous sand dunes. We will have kayaks and SUPs ready for you.

Day 7

Last day at Magdalena Bay. End with 3 more dives including the wreck of a WW1 submarine and more sea lions!

Day 8

8:30am, enjoy one more breakfast before disembarking at SeeCreatures Cabo.

Destination Marlin & Bait Balls Mexico Sardine Run

See What Guests Have Said

What Guests Have to Say About Magdalena Bay

Muchas gracias to the captain and crew of the Nautilus Gallant Lady. We were well taken care of and everyone made some new friends. I am really thankful for this experience of a lifetime. Just to repeat to anyone thinking about this trip – be patient, and listen to the dive guides! It will pay off for you. Read full review
Andrew Gottscho, Oakland, California, aboard the Gallant Lady

THE BOAT
The Mango Wind was perfectly anchored in a protected corner of Magdalena Bay. Boat has 3 staterooms that are cozy but adequate for the needs of a Diver/snorkeler/adventurer. She is a beautiful catamaran.
THE CREW
The crew of 3 is amazing. They do the work of what you would expect a crew of six to do. Juan is not only the Captain of the boat, but he is a great host and tells great stories of past events and trips. Enrique is a master in the kitchen, and caters to everyone´s dietary needs. David is excellent dive guide and Photography expert. We spent 10+ hours out on the water, maximizing our chances of seeing amazing things in the Pacific.
THE LOCATION
Magdalena Bay is a 4-5 hour drive from Cabo. You are taken in a spacious shuttle van with frequent stops for whatever you need. The bay much larger than you think, and is amazing. Our trips went out onto the Pacific Ocean, and had amazing experiences, from humpback whales, to bait balls consisting of either sardines or mackrel, two different types of dolphins, striped marlin, sea lions, turtles, and mobula rays.
This is the type of trip where my favorite phrase, “where less is more than enough” applies. The location is a great getaway from the sounds and lights of Cabo. If you want a more quiet, relaxing, but adventurous trip, this is the one to do!

Operated For Safety

Operated For Safety

Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

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