Striped Marlin And The Mexican Sardine Run - Magdelena Bay
OCTOBER 19 to 26, 2025 - on the Nautilus explorer
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
19 to 26 October 2025 on Nautilus Explorer
2 Triple room berths at $3355 USD - 1 spot left
2 Single Suites at $4455 USD - 1 spot left
2 Superior Suites at $3775 USD per person including tax - 4 spots left
2 Standard Staterooms at $3564 USD per person including tax - 2 spots left
$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.
2 Triple room berths at $3355 USD - 1 spot left
2 Single Suites at $4455 USD - 1 spot left
2 Superior Suites at $3775 USD per person including tax - 4 spots left
2 Standard Staterooms at $3564 USD per person including tax - 2 spots left
$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
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.
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 in Cabo San Lucas by 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 at the south end of Margarita Island, including sea lions and the remains of a steamship that sunk in the early 1900’s, or head straight for the Sardines.
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.
Magdalena Bay is loaded with life this time of year, and aside from the marlin, and we often encounter Humpback and Bryde's whales, sea lions, tuna, mahi mahi, dolphins, turtles, and occasionally sharks. Don’t forget to check out the mangroves and gorgeous sand dunes. We will have kayaks and SUPs too.
Day 7
Last day at Magdalena Bay. Either end with more bait ball action, or three dives including the wreck of a WW1 submarine and more sea lions!
Day 8
8:30am, enjoy one more breakfast before disembarking at Cabo San Lucas.
Meet in Cabo San Lucas by 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 at the south end of Margarita Island, including sea lions and the remains of a steamship that sunk in the early 1900’s, or head straight for the Sardines.
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.
Magdalena Bay is loaded with life this time of year, and aside from the marlin, and we often encounter Humpback and Bryde's whales, sea lions, tuna, mahi mahi, dolphins, turtles, and occasionally sharks. Don’t forget to check out the mangroves and gorgeous sand dunes. We will have kayaks and SUPs too.
Day 7
Last day at Magdalena Bay. Either end with more bait ball action, or three dives including the wreck of a WW1 submarine and more sea lions!
Day 8
8:30am, enjoy one more breakfast before disembarking at Cabo San Lucas.
The boat
An ex-research vessel with her claims to fame, including being the support boat for the James Bond Movie "License to Kill" and a Deep Rover mission with Dr. Silvia Earle, as well as many research and photography missions, the former Under Sea Hunter, has now re-located to Mexico. She caters to 19 guests in 9 en-suite, air-conditioned cabins. The Undersea Hunter also offers plenty of room for relaxation, with a comfortable lounge and dining area and a large sun deck with loungers.
Designed for 19 divers, we will run her with only 11 clients, in eight en-suite staterooms and suites. The cabins are located on the lower and main deck. Each room features individually controlled AC, a California King or two double beds, ample storage space and private en-suite bathrooms.
The boat has been thoughtfully designed with plenty of comfortable social areas to unwind. 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.
Designed for 19 divers, we will run her with only 11 clients, in eight en-suite staterooms and suites. The cabins are located on the lower and main deck. Each room features individually controlled AC, a California King or two double beds, ample storage space and private en-suite bathrooms.
The boat has been thoughtfully designed with plenty of comfortable social areas to unwind. 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.
