Sardine Bait Balls, Blue Striped Marlins, Sea Lions, Mahi-Mahi, Whales & More!
Blue Striped Marlin Ocean Safari & All-Inclusive Expeditions in Mag Bay
The Marlin Run also known as the Mexican Sardine Run is one of those underwater spectacles that leave any nature lover completely astonished. It’s a naturally occurring, authentic, and exclusive event in the open Pacific Ocean off Magdalena Bay that has gained worldwide popularity amongst the most intrepid adventurers.
It has it all. Guided by an expert marine biologist, you will swim and marvel at giant sardine bait balls as they are harassed by striped marlins, sea lions, mahi-mahi, dolphins, and seabirds hungrily gathering to feed on the feast often complemented by humpback whales and giant mobula ray schools. Whether you join us for an action-packed full-day ocean safari departing from Puerto San Carlos or immerse yourself in our all-inclusive 4-day expedition with lodging and round-trip transfers from La Paz, this adventure will be engraved in your memory forever.
1-day tour 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 forever.
The itinerary
This expedition begins very early in the morning at the Port of San Carlos, Mag Bay (3 hours far from La Paz). 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 ray 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.
1-Day Tour Logistics
A high-octane 6 to 8-hour offshore safari in the open Pacific.
Puerto San Carlos
Our official departure point in Magdalena Bay. We start early (5:00 - 6:00 AM) to maximize our time navigating into the deep ocean.
Marlin Run Sighting Zone
The approximate offshore area in the Pacific Ocean where currents concentrate massive sardine bait balls, attracting striped marlins, sea lions, dolphins, and whales.
Included
Soft drinks and lunch.
Snorkel equipment and wetsuit.
All fees.
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
You must bring
Environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Cap and sunglasses.
Bathing suit, towel, and waterproof wind jacket.
VIP Expedition description
We will spend 3 days looking for sardine 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, everything is possible! Please consider that this adventure is fit for the most adventurous guests, since it includes 3 full days on a panga boat (around 8 hours), navigating in the ocean, and jumping into and out of the water as we encounter marine life. What we can say is that it is definitely worth it!
The itinerary
On the first day we will pick you up in the morning in La Paz to start the trip to the Port of San Carlos in Mag Bay. We will arrive at the hotel at sunset, with plenty of time to relax, unpack, receive the activity briefing, and have dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
The next 3 days we will sail into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to swim with marlins, sardine bait balls, schools of mobula rays, whales, killer whales and many more species, and stay at a confortable lodging. Return to La Paz is planned after the end of the third day of safari.
Minimum number of participants: 3 people.
Double occupancy rooms.
VIP Expedition Logistics
An immersive 4-day all-inclusive pelagic adventure.
Included Transportation
Round-trip ground transportation from your hotel or airport in La Paz is fully included in the expedition.
Puerto San Carlos Basecamp
Your basecamp for the expedition. You will stay here for 4 days in double-occupancy rooms, enjoying all meals and daily departures to the ocean.
Extended Pelagic Safari Zone
3 full days navigating this offshore polygon in the Pacific Ocean, tracking striped marlins, whales, mobula rays, and sardine bait balls.
Included
All necessary equipment for the activity.
All meals.
Marine biologist guide.
Round trip transportation hotel/airport.
4 days lodging.
Not Included
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
You must bring
Windbreaker, swimsuit, sandals.
Biodegradable sunscreen and sun protection.
The lodging
We partner with the best local 3-star hotels in Magdalena Bay—simple, welcoming, and comfortable after a long day at sea. All rooms are double occupancy and feature air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and WiFi access, available with either two twin beds or an extra-large king bed to ensure a restful 4-night stay.
MARLIN RUN & BAIT BALL SAFARI IN MAGDALENA BAY GALLERY
Off the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, the open ocean becomes the stage for one of the most thrilling marine spectacles on the planet: the Mexican Sardine Run. These deep pelagic waters offer a unique experience to swim alongside ocean predators in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable moments and the opportunity to witness high-speed hunting action up close. At the heart of this phenomenon, Magdalena Bay stands out, a nutrient-rich marine corridor that attracts massive sardine bait balls between October and December, drawing striped marlins, sea lions, whales, and dolphins in an epic feeding frenzy.
It is miles offshore from Puerto San Carlos and the barrier islands of this bay where you can experience underwater encounters with the striped marlin in a way you could have never dreamed of. However, if you're looking for an extended pelagic expedition, private boat charters, or a multi-day adventure combining other parts of Bahía Magdalena, please contact us, and we will organize a customized itinerary for you.
our team
Andrea Adame
Dive instructor
Matéo Pérez
Naturalist Guide
Fersan
Marine Biologist
Luís Felipe
Biologist
Lorenza Espinoza
Marine Biologist
Daleth Carlos
Marine Biologist
José Pfeiffer
Captain
María Trujillo
Marine Biologist
Christian González
Captain
Álvaro Rivas
Chef
Román Rivas
Chef
Karen Adame
Sales Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marlin Run or Mexican Sardine Run?
The Marlin Run is a unique underwater spectacle in the open Pacific Ocean that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world. It is characterized by the presence of massive sardine bait balls pursued by blue striped marlins, sea lions, mahi-mahi, various seabirds, humpback whales, and schools of mobula rays.
What is the difference between the 1-Day Tour and the Multi-Day Marlin Run Expedition?
The 1-Day Tour is a single full-day ocean safari (7 to 10 hours on the water) departing early in the morning directly from Puerto San Carlos in Magdalena Bay. The VIP Multi-Day Expedition is a 4-day / 3-night all-inclusive package that features 3 full days of offshore ocean safaris (around 8 hours per day), 4 days of lodging in double-occupancy rooms, all meals, and round-trip ground transportation from La Paz.
What can I expect to see on the Blue Striped Marlin tour?
On this ocean safari, you can observe and snorkel alongside blue striped marlins, California sea lions, large sardine bait balls, mahi-mahi (dorado), sailfish, humpback whales, mobula rays, dolphins, sharks, and a wide variety of pelagic marine life.
Where and when does the experience start?
For the 1-Day Tour: The adventure begins directly at Puerto San Carlos in Magdalena Bay (a 3-hour drive from La Paz) between 5:00 am and 6:00 am, returning to land around sunset.
For the Multi-Day Expedition: On the first day, we pick you up in the morning at your hotel or airport in La Paz and drive to Puerto San Carlos, arriving around sunset for check-in, a briefing, and dinner. The following 3 days are dedicated to full-day offshore safaris, returning to La Paz after the third day on the water.
What is included in each package?
1-Day Tour Includes: Full-day panga boat safari, lunch, soft drinks and snacks on board, high-quality snorkeling gear and wetsuit, a marine biologist guide, an experienced local captain, and all park fees.
Multi-Day VIP Expedition Includes: Everything in the day tour across 3 full ocean safari days, plus round-trip transportation from La Paz, 4 days of lodging (double-occupancy rooms), and all meals during your stay.
Is the Striped Marlin tour suitable for everyone and how physically demanding is it?
This experience has an intermediate difficulty level and is designed for adventurous guests who are comfortable in the open ocean and familiar with snorkeling. It can be physically demanding, as it involves spending 7 to 10 hours navigating offshore in a panga boat and repeatedly jumping into and climbing out of the water quickly as we encounter fast-moving marine life.
What is the booking and cancellation policy?
For Day Tours: A 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 7 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 7 days notice, full payment is required.
For Multi-Day Expeditions: A 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 60 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 60 days notice, full payment is required.
If we cancel the activity due to "unforeseen circumstances" such as weather, mechanical difficulties, or insufficient participants, you will receive a 100% refund. For all cancellations requested by clients, any amounts paid in advance are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.