INTO THE HEART OF BAJA’S WILD PACIFIC
Magdalena Bay Sardine Run Expedition
Each autumn, the Pacific off Baja becomes the stage for one of the region’s most dynamic wildlife gatherings: the Magdalena Bay Sardine Run. Dense shoals of sardines, mackerel, and juvenile tunas bring striped marlins, sea lions, Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and pelagic birds into fast, coordinated hunts — a natural event captured by BBC Blue Planet, National Geographic, and other world-class wildlife productions.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a guided learning experience — an opportunity to understand the Pacific through expert eyes, move with intention around wildlife, and deepen your skills both in the water and behind the camera.
A Seasonal Pacific Event
As bait fish gather offshore, predators and pelagic megafauna converge from all directions. What we may encounter:
Predators Around the Bait Balls
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Striped Marlins (Kajikia audax) – agile, precise hunters circling bait balls in coordinated turns.
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California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) – highly social, often weaving through hunts alongside marlins.
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Dolphins – primarily common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, pushing bait toward the surface in tight formations.
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At times, other pelagic hunters such as tunas, mahi-mahi, or oceanic sharks may pass through depending on conditions.
Bryde’s Whales – Baleen Giants at the Edge of the Action
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Bryde’s Whales (Balaenoptera brydei) occasionally rise beneath bait balls with slow, deliberate lunges.
They move differently than marlins or sea lions, offering another perspective on the flow of life around the bait.
Migratory Whales & Rare Visitors
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Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) – often migrating through the broader region; not typical bait-ball participants but present in the area during the season.
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Occasional Visitors – fin whales, sei whales, and very rarely orcas have been recorded offshore. These are not expected encounters but possible oceanic surprises.
Forage Species & Supporting Wildlife
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Sardines (Sardinops sagax)
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Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)
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Juvenile bonito / tunas (“jurelitos”)
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Pelagic Birds – frigates, shearwaters, storm petrels, terns, and gulls guiding us to the activity below.
The ocean can shift quickly during this season. Some days are quiet before erupting into movement; others unfold steadily from morning to afternoon. Our approach is patient, adaptive, and rooted in respect.
Your Guides
Together, they offer an approach centered on learning: freediving guidance when suitable, wildlife behavior interpretation, respectful positioning around animals, and hands-on camera advice for guests who want to improve their photography.
How the Days Flow
We start early, usually with coffee in hand, heading out as the Pacific begins to wake up. From there, the day unfolds according to what’s happening on the water — bird movement, surface activity, shifting bait balls, changing light. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly the point.
Boat days usually run 7–8 hours, giving us the flexibility to slow down when things are quiet and move quickly when the ocean comes alive. Some moments are fast and intense; others are calm, observational, and surprisingly still.
Learning happens naturally throughout the day — between encounters, during surface intervals, and in those in-between moments when questions start flowing. Expect a mix of insight and easy conversation, including:
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why animals behave the way they do
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how to position yourself respectfully around wildlife
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freediving tips when conditions allow (freediving is optional)
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practical camera advice for capturing fast, unpredictable movement
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safety and open-ocean awareness, without overloading the day
As the afternoon winds down, we slow the pace again. We might walk the dunes, watch birds settle for the evening, review footage, or simply sit, decompress, and let the day sink in before dinner. Those quieter moments often become just as memorable as the action offshore.
It’s a full day on the Pacific — focused, dynamic, and yes, fun — balanced with space to breathe, laugh, and enjoy being exactly where you are.
Where You’ll Stay
We stay in a clean, comfortable guesthouse in a quiet area south of the Magdalena Bay lagoon system. Rooms are double occupancy with hot showers, good bedding, and a peaceful atmosphere — simple, well maintained, and ideal for recovery after long days at sea.
By staying here, we support the local community directly and responsibly.
Evenings include freshly prepared meals, time to review images and video, ask questions, and continue learning about Baja’s Pacific ecosystem.
Wine, beer, and cocktails are included with dinner and available at the house.
Professional Media Coverage
Your expedition includes professional photography and 4K underwater video, captured with both action cameras and high-end underwater cinema equipment.
You will receive:
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High-resolution underwater photographs
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4K video of your wildlife encounters
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Guidance on camera settings, shutter speed, and anticipating movement in fast pelagic scenes
What’s Included
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Round-trip transportation from La Paz
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4 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
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3 full boat days with a licensed local captain
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All meals: breakfast, lunch on the boat, dinner
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Snacks, fruit, nuts, granola bars
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Hydration: water, electrolytes, coconut water
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Beer, wine, and cocktails at the house
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Use of high-quality freediving equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, weights) if needed
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Guidance from Carlos Coste and Petra Oberucova
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Professional photography + 4K video package
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Evening discussions and presentations on Pacific wildlife and ecology
Important Notes
Pacific conditions can change quickly. Days are long and sometimes rough, requiring comfort in open water and the ability to get in and out of the boat efficiently. While wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed, the Sardine Run remains one of Baja’s most active seasonal events, and our small-group format allows for a focused and respectful approach.
Expedition Dates & Price
October 21–25, 2026
Price: $3,000 USD
5 Days / 4 Nights / 3 Boat Days
