Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026

Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026

Guided Group Trip

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
• Receive expert in-water guidance from our partners at Latitude Encounters
• 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
• Get the chance to encounter sea lions, dolphins, mobula rays, and seabirds during peak sardine run season
• 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.

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Snorkeling Conditions In November

Water temperature will be around 25-27C (77-79F).

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Inclusions

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

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
• Gratuity
• Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
• Airfare
• Personal expenses

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Trip Type

This trip is a GUIDED GROUP TRIP. It will be led by an experienced Bluewater Trip Leader who will provide  logistical assistance and support throughout the trip. While you are welcome to bring your underwater photography equipment, the Trip Leader is not necessarily a photo expert and is unable to offer much in the way of photography advice. Our Guided Group Trips provide an excellent opportunity for guests who enjoy meeting and traveling with other like-minded individuals or for those who benefit from the additional reassurances of group travel.

Learn more about what's included in this trip type.

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Accommodation Overview

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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Flight Information

Getting to San Carlos is fairly straightforward, with the nearest major airports being Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) or La Paz Airport (LAP). From SJD to San Carlos the drive is approximately 5 hours, from La Paz it is around 3 hours.

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.

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

There is a short 5 minute drive from the hotel to the boat ramp each morning/afternoon.

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. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.

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About The Trip Leader

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 here.

Contact Tim at tim@bluewaterdivetravel.com for more info about his trips.  

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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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Photo Gallery 

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