Striped Marlin And The Mexican Sardine Run Magdelena Bay
November 3 to 10, 2024
The ACTION
From October to January, a magical event happens in the nutrient rich swirling blue waters off Magdalena Bay where striped marlin gather to hunt on the second largest sardine run in the world. This thrilling underwater action is spectacular.
Board the Nautilus Gallant Lady and set sail up the beautiful coast of Baja California. Our destination, the sheltered waters and outer Islands of Magdalena Bay sardine run. 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 sardines 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, dolphins, wahoo, and the ocean’s fastest fish, the striped marlin. Marlin can swim as fast as 50 mph (80 kmh) and it’s the thrill of a lifetime to be in the water next to a bait ball with marlin whizzing past you, dorsal fins full erect. There is an excellent chance of also seeing pelicans, different species of gulls, boobie birds, frigate birds, shearwaters and even the awe-inspiring albatross.
Board the Nautilus Gallant Lady and set sail up the beautiful coast of Baja California. Our destination, the sheltered waters and outer Islands of Magdalena Bay sardine run. 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 sardines 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, dolphins, wahoo, and the ocean’s fastest fish, the striped marlin. Marlin can swim as fast as 50 mph (80 kmh) and it’s the thrill of a lifetime to be in the water next to a bait ball with marlin whizzing past you, dorsal fins full erect. There is an excellent chance of also seeing pelicans, different species of gulls, boobie birds, frigate birds, shearwaters and even the awe-inspiring albatross.
the highlights
- Witness one of the largest sardine hunts in the world in Magdalena Bay
- Snorkel with striped marlin as they gather in anticipation of a feast
- Chance of seeing California sea lions, dolphins, wahoo, and more
- Spot humpbacks and, if you’re really lucky, even orcas or blue whales!
- Scuba dive the SS Independence and a WW1 submarine wreck
- See pelicans, gulls, booby birds, frigates, shearwaters and albatross
Pricing
5 Superior Suites at $3670 USD per person including tax - 9 spots left
1 Premium Suite at $4195 USD per person including tax - 2 spots
$35 USD port fee paid on board
Inclusions: Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels and onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge… and lots of fun!
Exclusions: Airport transfer, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities, internet access, $35 port fee.
1 Premium Suite at $4195 USD per person including tax - 2 spots
$35 USD port fee paid on board
Inclusions: Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels and onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge… and lots of fun!
Exclusions: Airport transfer, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities, internet access, $35 port fee.
The Escort
Photography coaching
Provided by Indigo Safaris' founder and underwater photographer Christopher Bartlett. Christopher’s work has been published round the world, and over the last decade he has had more than 100 articles published on a range of diving and marine conservation subjects, and to date has a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. Latest images here. Using simple terms and clear examples, he will cover the basics to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography, from setting up your gear to processing images in Lightroom. Christopher has been leading Cetacean trips since 2015, and has spent many hours in the water with Sperm whales, humpbacks, various shark species, sea lions, dolphins, and bait balls.
Provided by Indigo Safaris' founder and underwater photographer Christopher Bartlett. Christopher’s work has been published round the world, and over the last decade he has had more than 100 articles published on a range of diving and marine conservation subjects, and to date has a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. Latest images here. Using simple terms and clear examples, he will cover the basics to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography, from setting up your gear to processing images in Lightroom. Christopher has been leading Cetacean trips since 2015, and has spent many hours in the water with Sperm whales, humpbacks, various shark species, sea lions, dolphins, and bait balls.
The Trip
Embarking on our luxurious 116 ft, six-cabin expedition yacht, the Nautilus Gallant Lady, we’ll follow this epic migration across the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for snorkellers, swimmers and divers of all experience levels and fitness, we’ll put you in the water for virtually unlimited time with schools of mobulas. If the rays are on the move, some encounters might only last minutes, but other encounters might last for an hour or longer, and sometimes the mobulas will even allow you into the middle of their squadron. The icing on the cake? Experience special night encounters with schooling rays as they swarm around our dive lights in shallow protected bays.
Who is this trip for?
The trip is suitable for divers and snorkellers alike. There are a couple of dive days, but non-divers can snorkel. Most of the bait ball action is best enjoyed snorkelling.
Who is this trip for?
The trip is suitable for divers and snorkellers alike. There are a couple of dive days, but non-divers can snorkel. Most of the bait ball action is best enjoyed snorkelling.
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.
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.
The boat
Accommodation 12 passengers in six large suites. The cabins are located on the lower and main deck, and there is a choice of five Superior Suites and one larger Premium Suite. Each room features individually controlled AC, a California King or two double beds, ample storage space and private en-suite bathrooms.
Superior Suites - Inde, Dofleini, Rosario, Nautilus & Swell
2 superior suites are located on the main deck and 3 are located on the lower deck. 4 of the suites can be configured with either a California king bed or two doubles, and each suite has a private ensuite bathroom with a shower. All suites have individually controlled A/C.
Premium Suite - Emerald
This spacious premium suite is on the lower deck and can be configured with either a California king bed or 2 doubles. It has its own private ensuite bathroom with a full-size bathtub.
The Gallant Lady has been thoughtfully designed with plenty of comfortable social areas to unwind. The sky-lounge with hot-tub on the top deck is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and the sundeck is a great place to relax in-between dives. The main salon and dining room features a fully stocked bar and wrap-around views. A fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine is freshly prepared by the onboard chef, and all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Superior Suites - Inde, Dofleini, Rosario, Nautilus & Swell
2 superior suites are located on the main deck and 3 are located on the lower deck. 4 of the suites can be configured with either a California king bed or two doubles, and each suite has a private ensuite bathroom with a shower. All suites have individually controlled A/C.
Premium Suite - Emerald
This spacious premium suite is on the lower deck and can be configured with either a California king bed or 2 doubles. It has its own private ensuite bathroom with a full-size bathtub.
The Gallant Lady has been thoughtfully designed with plenty of comfortable social areas to unwind. The sky-lounge with hot-tub on the top deck is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and the sundeck is a great place to relax in-between dives. The main salon and dining room features a fully stocked bar and wrap-around views. A fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine is freshly prepared by the onboard chef, and all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
