Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026

 

Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026

Join Bluewater Travel for one of the most thrilling big-animal experiences in the Pacific, encountering striped marlin hunting bait balls during the sardine run in Magdalena Bay.

 

Why Join This Trip?

• Get the unique opportunity to witness striped marlin hunting sardine bait balls in shallow, clear waters
• Get the chance to encounter sea lions, dolphins, mobula rays, and seabirds during peak sardine run season
• Receive expert in-water guidance from our partners at Latitude Encounters
• Snorkeler to Guide ratio is 6:1
• 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
• Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

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Trip Overview

Magdalena Bay, on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, transforms each fall into one of the world’s most exciting marine arenas. During the sardine run, massive bait balls attract striped marlin, sea lions, dolphins, and mobula rays, all hunting in a synchronized frenzy. The bay’s remote location, shallow depth, and typically clear water create ideal conditions for surface encounters and stunning wildlife photography.

Snorkeling here is fast-paced and thrilling. Guests launch from small pangas and enter the water quickly to observe marlin streaking through the bait balls, their fins glowing with vibrant colors. With no tanks or deep dives required, the action unfolds just below the surface—offering rare, intimate access to one of nature’s great migrations.

Click the Whale Tourism logo to learn more!

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Snorkel Conditions

November is the end of the warm season, featuring calm seas and warm water temperatures. With an average air temperature high of 86°F (30°C) and low of 62°F (16°C), sea breezes help to keep things cool, and there is a slight chance of an occasional shower.

• Water Temperatures: 77 – 79°F (25 – 27°C)
• Visibility: 50 – 115 feet (15 – 35m)

 

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Trip Type

This is a GUIDED GROUP TRIP. Led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader or accredited local guide who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected.

What to Expect from Our Guided Group Trips

• Meet like-minded travelers – Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
• Problems solved – Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

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Inclusions

• 7 nights accommodation at Hotel Alcatraz, double occupancy
• Daily breakfast
• Lunch, snacks, water, and soft drinks on the boat
• Additional snacks
• Round-trip airport transfers from SJD or LAP (group transfers only, see ‘How to Get There’)
• Transport between accommodation and jetty each day
• 6 days on the water looking for the sardine run
• Experienced local guide

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Exclusions

• Evening meals are not included. However, a group meal will be arranged each day for the group to enjoy a range of local cuisines
• Airfare
• Gratuity
• Personal expenses
• Insurance – ask us about our preferred partner plan

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Accommodation

About The Hotel Alcatraz

Located right in the charming fishing village of Puerto San Carlos on Magdalena Bay, Hotel Alcatraz offers a relaxed, beachfront setting ideal for nature and marine-focused travelers. Guests appreciate its laid-back atmosphere, proximity to local restaurants and the boat ramp, and easy access to the bay—perfect for morning departures and evening returns after snorkeling or fishing.

The hotel features simple but clean, comfortable rooms—complete with air conditioning, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi—with a reputation for friendly, attentive staff and an included American-style breakfast. It is also praised for its value and excellent location right by the sea.

 

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Trip Leader

Tim Yeo

Tim grew up in tiny Singapore, where driving for more than an hour meant you would need a passport. Traveling was always his passion, but Tim became addicted to dive travel soon after he got scuba certified in Malaysia. As his diving addiction grew, Tim eventually became a Staff Instructor with PADI and an Instructor Trainer with SDI. After getting his instructor certification, Tim spent time teaching scuba in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Tim serves as General Manager and COO at Bluewater Travel and is the company’s most seasoned trip leader. With a portfolio of leading over 30 group trips, his extensive expertise encompasses a variety of popular dive destinations such as the Galapagos, Raja Ampat, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Red Sea, Palau, Maldives, among others. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and allowed him to dive in all five oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.

Read more about Tim Yeo.

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How To Get There

Flight Information

Guests will be transported together in a group transfer to San Carlos, departing from SJD Airport and then picking up at La Paz Airport on the way.

The group transfer will depart from SJD at midday on the first day of the trip, so please ensure you book a flight that arrives in time for the transfer. Guests arriving earlier in the day can wait for the transfer within the airport bar/restaurant area. Pick-up at La Paz Airport will be at approximately 3:00 pm.

The group transfer back to SJD will depart at 8:00 am on the last day of the trip. We recommend booking a flight out of La Paz after 1:00 pm and out of SJD after 4:00 pm.

 

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.

If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Contact Us for more information.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $800 to book your spot
• Payment 1: $1,000 due January 1, 2026
• Balance: Due June 1, 2026

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