Marlin Run

Sardine Bait Balls, Blue Striped Marlins, Sea lions, Mahi-Mahi, Whales...!

Blue Striped Marlin Ocean Safari

The Marlin Run is one of those underwater spectacles that leave any nature lover completely astonished. It’s a natural occurring, authentic, and exclusive event that has gained popularity amongst the most intrepid adventurers.

It has it all. We will swim and marvel at giant bait balls as they are harrased by striped marlins, sea lions, mahi-mahi, dolphins and seabirds as they hungrily gather to feed on the feast. This show is sometimes complemented by humpback whales and giant mobula schools, making this adventure and unforgettable one.

Description

We will spend all day looking for bait balls, striped marlins, humpback whales, dolphins, mobula rays, sharks, and other marine life that seasonally shows up to this underwater spectacle. In this adventure, anything is possible! Please consider that this adventure is fit for the most adventurous guests, since it includes a full day of being on a panga boat (7-10 hours), navigating in the ocean, and jumping into and out of the water as we encounter marine life. Doing this snorkeling activity with marlins, sea lions, and bait balls is an adventure that will be engraved in your memory for ever.

Aventura - Marlin Run
Aventura - Marlin Run

Itinerary

This expedition begins very early in the morning at a town located 3 hours from La Paz, in Puerto San Carlos. We will start between 5:00 and 6:00 am.

We will sail to the depths of the Pacific Ocean to swim with striped marlins and bait balls. If the group wishes to, we will also look for mobula rays schools and whales to snorkel with. On the boat, you will have access to lunch, drinks, and snacks, high quality snorkel gear, a marine biologist that will explain everything, and a local guide with site experience.

Finally, we return to land usually with the sunset.


Requirements: Respect the rules.

Difficulty: Intermediate. It does not require high technical knowledge but it does require to be familiar with the snorkeling activity.

Minimum number of participants: 3 people.

Included

  • Soft drinks and lunch
  • All fees
  • Snorkel equipment and wetsuit

Not Included

  • Alcoholic beverages

You must bring

  • Environmentally friendly sunscreen.
  • Bathing suit, towel, and waterproof wind jacket.
  • Cap and sunglasses.

Price

Price per person: MXN 9250

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Reviews

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Male Avatar

Marius Carbonell del Hoyo

Unforgettable experience

An unforgettable experience at the Marlin Run: witnessing humpback whales and the thrill of swimming alongside striped marlins exceeded all my expectations. Highly recommended!

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Elia Medina Villalba

Once in a lifetime experience

The snorkeling tour in Baja California Sur was extraordinary. Seeing sea lions and sardine balls up close was a magical experience I'll never forget. The equipment and guides were incredible!!!

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Africa Almagro

Unique Adventure

Unique sea adventure! The skill and knowledge of the guides enhanced our experience, making us feel safe while swimming among dolphins and mobulas. I never imagined this tour could be so immersive

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Tomas Alonso

More than expected

The sardine baitballs were incredible, I could never have imagined anything like it. It's literally spectacular and surpassed all the expectations I had in mind. Without a doubt, 100% recommendable.

What animals can I see on the Striped Marlin tour?

What animals can I see on the Blue Striped Marlin tour?

The goal of this tour is to found the large sardine baitballs that attract striped blue Marlins. However, during these expeditions, it's common to see many other animals drawn to these massive bait balls to feed as well. Being an activity that takes place in the open Pacific Ocean, the possibilities for sightings are countless, but the most frequently encountered animals are as follows

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Blue Striped Marlin


The striped blue marlin is a fish species belonging to the Istiophoridae family. It is known for its impressive speed and agility in the water and has traditionally been a popular target for sport fishing. During the months of October to December, they begin to appear along the west coast of Baja California Sur, following the large bait balls that serve as food for these incredible predators.

Sea Lions


California sea lions are a fascinating species known for their playful behavior and ability to interact with humans under certain circumstances. On this side of the Pacific, migrating sardine bait balls in these waters are one of their main food sources. These animals, excellent hunters and agile swimmers, dive in groups to feed on these dense clusters of sardines, taking advantage of the abundance of food these migrations offer, creating an undoubtedly impressive natural spectacle.

Mahi-Mahi


The mahi-mahi, also known as Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi or Pacific dorado, is a colorful and fast fish that inhabits the warm waters of the ocean, including those of the Gulf of California. These fish are especially known for their bright coloration, which can vary among shades of blue, green, and yellow. One of the most notable characteristics of the dorado is its diet, which includes the sardine balls found in this region. Dorados are agile and opportunistic hunters, taking advantage of the concentration of sardines for their feeding frenzies

Sailfish


The sailfish, known for being one of the fastest fish in the ocean, is a prominent inhabitant of the waters of the Gulf of California. This species is famous for its impressive dorsal fin, which resembles the sail of a boat, and its ability to reach astonishing speeds. Sailfish use their long, sharp bills to attack and disorient sardines, allowing them to capture their prey more effectively.

Dolphins


Dolphins, particularly the species of bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Pacific dolphins, are a common and delightful sight on the Pacific side of the Gulf of California. They use coordinated and efficient hunting strategies to take advantage of the dense sardine groupings. Often working in groups, they surround the sardine balls to compress them, making it easier to capture their prey.

Whales


The humpback whale is a species commonly sighted in the Gulf of California, especially on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, due to its annual migratory pattern. These whales embark on an impressive journey from the cold northern seas, where they spend most of their time feeding, to the warmer southern seas, their breeding and birthing areas. The presence of these majestic creatures on their migratory journey offers a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Although the humpback whale is the most common species sighted on this tour, we may encounter many other types of whales that inhabit these waters (fin whale, Bryde's whale, blue whale, etc.).

Orcas


Orcas, also known as killer whales, are an impressive sight in the waters of Baja California Sur. These majestic marine mammals, characterized by their distinctive black and white coloring, are the ocean's largest predators, sitting at the top of the marine food chain. Despite their name, orcas are actually the largest species within the dolphin family and are known for their social behavior and impressive intelligence. They are often seen in groups of several individuals, especially during the months of May and June, as they come to feed on the large number of Mobula rays present during this period.

Mobula Rays


Mobula rays, also known as Munk's devil rays, belong to the genus Mobula within the family Myliobatidae. They are known for their impressive leaps out of the water and their considerable size. They can be seen throughout the year, and while their peak season is between May and June, it's common to see them in large schools during the months of October to December as well in this Pacific area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marlin Run or Mexican Sardine Run?

The Marlin Run is a unique underwater spectacle that attracts nature enthusiasts. It is characterized by the presence of large sardine balls pursued by striped marlins, sea lions, various birds, humpback whales, and schools of mobulas.