Marlin & Sardine Run

It's the migration of huge sardine schools along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur. As they compress into bait balls, they draw striped marlin, sea lions, dolphins and diving seabirds that hunt them together. In Magdalena Bay it runs from mid-October to mid-December; the 2026 season is October 15 to December 16.

Striped marlin hunting — the fastest fish in the ocean — plus sea lions, common and bottlenose dolphins, seabirds dive-bombing from above and, where the seasons overlap, humpback whales. All around the same bait ball, which is why you see the whole event rather than pieces of it.

You get in with snorkel, mask and fins straight off the boat — no tanks, no certification required. What you do need is to be comfortable in open water, out of your depth and with some swell. If you swim confidently, you're set.

Moderate. You'll spend two days of six-plus hours on a small boat, getting in and out of the water several times. No demanding hikes and no deep freediving, but plenty of sun, motion and repeated entries into open ocean.

No, and anyone who guarantees it isn't being straight with you — this is wildlife. What we do control is the odds: two Ocean Safaris of six-plus hours, at the peak of the season, with a marine biologist and local boat captains who have spent years reading the water and the birds to find the bait ball.

Swimsuit, rash guard or a light wetsuit, quick-dry clothing, a warm layer for the morning boat runs — the wind bites even when the sun burns — mineral sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses and a dry bag. Snorkeling gear is on us. You get the full packing list after booking.

No. Flights are on you, and you fly into La Paz, Baja California Sur. Book your arrival before the day-1 meeting time and your return after the trip ends on day 4 — if your flight leaves early, plan an extra night in La Paz.

Four days, three nights. It includes round-trip transport from La Paz, nine full meals plus snacks, two Ocean Safaris of six-plus hours, a luxury tent with a queen-size bed, and certified local staff. The only things not included are your flight and anything you choose to buy on your own.

We meet on day 1 at 10:00 AM at Paradiso Bakery in downtown La Paz and drive to camp together. On day 4 we have breakfast, check out and head back to La Paz. You'll get a briefing seven days before with the exact return time, and your guide calls to confirm.

Luxury tents with a queen-size bed set among the dunes, with proper bedding. There are five full bathrooms with toilets and hot-water showers. Cell signal is nearly nonexistent across the bay — that's part of the deal.

Yes. Booking more than 60 days out, you can split it into two payments: a first one that holds your spot and the balance before departure. Inside 60 days, the full amount is due at booking.

Yes. After booking you fill out a form with allergies and restrictions, and the camp kitchen builds your menu around them. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free: handled on site, not with a backup granola bar.

Yes, and they do. The minimum age depends on the trip: what matters isn't the number but how much time in the water and on a small boat a kid can enjoy. Tell us their ages and we'll be straight with you about whether this is the right trip.