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6 Day Mexico Sardine Run & Striped Marlin

Magdalena Bay

Every fall, the waters outside of Magdalena Bay are home to a deep ocean upwelling which combine with warm waters to create perfect conditions for massive schools of sardine in the cobalt blue shallow ocean water. The surrounding waters teem with life with bait balls and predators from seabirds to blue and mako sharks, sea lions, whales, dolphin and the oceans fastest fish, the striped marlin (Kajikia audax). Marlin can swim as fast as 50 mph (80 kmh) and it’s the thrill of lifetime to be in the water next to a bait ball with marlin whizzing past you, dorsal fins full erect. Extra bonus is the hundred or more turtles often seen on the surface.

Trip Features:

• Peak season for Mexico sardine run
• Mother ocean always calls the shots but hope to see;
  • Bait balls
  • Striped marlins
  • California sea lions
  • Whales
  • Mako and blue sharks
  • Sea birds
  • Turtles

Gorgeous Landscapes

Mag Bay is a gorgeous place to visit just for the pristine beauty, mangroves and giant sand dunes of the outer islands. We work closely with a group of local panga drivers who know these waters like the back of their hands. Captain G for example, starting driving a fishing panga 42 years ago when he was 12 years old. He became captain at age 14. And by 18 he had saved up enough money to buy his own panga and stopped fishing to concentrate on eco-tourism. First with whale watching and then with crazy divers (like us!) who wanted to see sharks instead of fishing for them, and then in 2016, for the first time, putting divers in the water around the bait balls. We are very lucky and glad to be working side by side with Captain G and his family and friends in the local community.

This is a deeply personal experience with maximum five to six guests per panga guided by a divemaster and a local captain. Divers and non-divers are equally welcome. Limited scuba diving is available by prior request on sites like the wreck of a WW1 submarine.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer to Magdalena Bay

Gateway Cabo San José or La Paz SeeCreatures (SJD). AM luxury coach departure to Mag Bay. 5 1/2 hour scenic drive. Panga pick for transfer to either Mango Wind (2021) or Glamping Camp (2022).

Day 2 - 5: Chase the Bait Balls of Magdalena Bay

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 available with prior arrangements.

Magdalena Bay are loaded with life this time of year, and aside from marlin, you might also spot whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and sea lions. Don’t forget to check out the mangroves and gorgeous sand dunes.

Day 6: Wave Goodbye

In afternoon we’ll head back to shore and transfer you to Cabo San Lucas.

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
(415) 444-5100
or
Request Info