Sardine Run

Sardine Run

Duration: 5 days

Location: San Carlos & Magdalena bay, BCS

Departure: San Carlos

Tall black boots with buckles and thick sole.

Minimum age: 16

Difficulty: Intermediate

Season: Nov-Jan

Sardine Run experience in Magdalena Bay, where you'll witness one of nature's most incredible spectacles. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure brings you face-to-face with massive bait balls of sardines, attracting a breathtaking array of marine predators like sea lions, sharks, and even the majestic humpback whales. Our skilled guides will ensure you are right in the action while providing safe and sustainable practices to protect the delicate balance of this marine wonder. With top-notch gear and our comfortable boats, you're guaranteed an unforgettable journey into the heart of ocean wildlife.

Hotel for the Sardine Run
Marlin in the sardine run
Bait ball in the sardine run
Humpback whale in the Sardine Run
San Carlos beach
Manglar

The mission? To track down Baitballs—massive schools of sardines that attract some of the ocean's most captivating predators. Picture this: marlins darting through the water, dolphins performing acrobatic leaps, sea lions, sharks, mahi-mahi, and even majestic whales all converging on these swirling masses of fish! Once we locate these incredible baitballs, it’s time to dive in and witness this natural spectacle firsthand—an experience straight out of a wildlife documentary.

After adrenaline-packed days on the water, retreat to your hotel overlooking the stunning bay. Here, you'll unwind and recharge for the adventures ahead, all while enjoying epic sunsets. Each night, we’ll gather over dinner to relive the day's highlights, sharing stories of close encounters with ocean giants.

Beyond the baitballs, there’s more to explore! Discover the lush mangroves teeming with wildlife and stroll across the sandy dunes that frame the bay, immersing yourself in Baja's raw beauty.

Descarga la presentation entera aquí!

Download full presentation here!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

  • 12:30 PM: Pick-up at La Paz Airport.

  • 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Scenic drive to Puerto San Carlos.

  • 4:30 PM: Hotel check-in and rest.

  • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Welcome presentation and dinner.

Days 2 - 4: Sardine Run Expedition

  • 5:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Full-day Sardine Run expedition, encountering sea lions, sharks, whales, and more.

  • 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel to relax.

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner and daily recap.

Day 5: Departure

  • 6:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Return to La Paz Airport or downtown.

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transport from La Paz Airport to Puerto San Carlos

  • 4 nights accommodation with bay views

  • Daily breakfasts and dinners

  • 3 full-day Sardine Run expeditions

  • Snorkeling and safety gear

  • Expert guides and crew

  • Marine life and conservation presentations

  • Exploration of mangroves and dunes

  • Welcome briefing

  • Nightly recaps

Exclusions

  • Airfare to and from La Paz

  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Gratuities for guides and crew

Recommendations

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing

  • Swimsuits

  • A cover-up or long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun

  • A light jacket or sweater

  • Non-slip shoes or boat-friendly footwear

Sun Protection:

  • Sunscreen  (REEF SAFE)

  • Hats, caps, or visors

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Lip balm

Gear

  • Feel free to bring your own gear

  • Remember we provide everything you need in all our expeditions

Extras

  • Towel for drying off or lounging on the boat

  • Extra set of dry clothes

  • Binoculars

Book your discovery call
Inspirational text reading "Sustain the epic, embrace adventure" in white font on a black background.

Frequently asked questions

When is the sardine run in Magdalena Bay? +
The sardine run on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur runs from early November through late December, with peak activity in mid-November to mid-December. Our 5-day expeditions are scheduled during this window. The sardines aggregate in massive baitballs as they migrate along the Magdalena Bay coastline, drawing striped marlin, sea lions, dolphins, frigate birds, and occasionally humpback whales into one of the most concentrated predator-prey events in the ocean.
What is the sardine run and why does it happen in Magdalena Bay? +
The sardine run is a seasonal migration of Pacific sardines along the Baja California Sur coast. As the sardines travel, predators corral them into tight spherical baitballs at the surface, creating an explosive feeding frenzy. Magdalena Bay is one of the few places on Earth where this event is reliably accessible to snorkelers and freedivers because the action happens in shallow, clear water close to shore.
Can you swim with striped marlin during the sardine run? +
Yes. The Magdalena Bay sardine run is one of the only places on the planet where you can freedive alongside striped marlin in full hunting mode. Marlin reach speeds over 60 mph and use their bills to slash through baitballs. Our guides position you safely on the edge of the action so you witness the hunt without interfering with it. Encounters typically last several minutes per baitball, with multiple sessions per day.
How do I get to Magdalena Bay from Los Cabos? +
Magdalena Bay is roughly 4 hours by car from San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD), or you can fly into Loreto International Airport (LTO) and drive 3 hours south. Most guests fly into Cabo and we coordinate the overland transfer. The expedition is based in the small fishing town of Puerto San Carlos or Puerto Adolfo López Mateos, depending on baitball activity.
What other wildlife will I see during the expedition? +
Beyond the marlin and sardines, expect daily encounters with sea lions feeding on the baitballs, common and bottlenose dolphins, mahi-mahi, and frigate birds diving from above. Humpback whales and gray whales begin arriving in Baja waters during November and December, so occasional whale sightings happen during the boat transit. Orcas have been recorded in the area but sightings are rare.
How many guests are on each Sardine Run Expedition? +
Maximum 6 guests per expedition. Baitball encounters require fast water entries, calm coordination, and minimal noise. Larger groups disrupt the hunt and reduce sighting time per guest. With 6 guests, everyone gets multiple in-water sessions per day and direct guide support. Fully private bookings are available for families, photography teams, and small groups.
Do I need to be a freediver to do the Sardine Run? +
Snorkeling on the surface delivers most of the action because baitballs form near the top of the water column. Freediving extends the experience and lets you swim through and below the baitball, but it isn't required. We recommend strong swimming ability and comfort in open ocean. The Pacific side of Baja has more swell than the Sea of Cortez, so this expedition rewards confident water people.
What's included in the 5-day Sardine Run Expedition? +
The expedition includes 4 nights of accommodation in Magdalena Bay, all meals from arrival dinner to departure breakfast, daily boat expeditions with biologist-guided briefings, snorkel and wetsuit equipment, marine park and access fees, and photography from our team. Not included: flights, overland transfers from Cabo or Loreto (coordinated separately), gratuities, and travel insurance.