Magdalena Bay - Mexico 2026

Feel the pulse of the ocean during one of the world’s largest sardine migrations—where adventure meets the power of nature’s wildest spectacle!

What’s Included

✔ 6 days/5 nights
✔ 1 Whale Shark Expedition (La Paz)
✔ 3 Ocean Expeditions (Magdalena Bay) - 8/10 h
✔ Transportation
✔ Airport or Hotel pick-up on arrival day
✔ Airport or Hotel Drop-off on departure day
✔ Meals
✔ Accommodation
✔ Boat, Captain & Professional Freediver on board
✔ Videos of the experience

✗ Freediving equipment (rental available)
✗ Tips
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Flights

Available dates

When?

November 18th-23th: 7 spots left

November 25th-30th: 7 spots left

December 3rd-8th: 7 spots left

December 10th-15th: 7 spots left

Price

$3800 USD ($1000 deposit)

About the trip

  • Max. 7 ppl (minimum 4). Small groups ensure a more intimate experience and respectful marine encounters.

    • 18 years old

    • Freediving experience

    • Insurance (mandatory, to get yours, visit dan.org or World Nomads)

    • Each participant will be required to provide Passport copy and sign a liability waiver before the expedition, the waiver can be found here.

  • All accommodation is included, both in La Paz on our arrival day and in Puerto San Carlos (Bahía Magdalena).

    Rooms are based on double occupancy, meaning you will share the room with another guest.

  • Boat lunch box will be provided on expedition days (burritos, ceviche, etc). Vegetarian and vegan options are available and must be communicated to me before the trip.

    Dinner will be served at the hotel around 6:00 pm.

    We leave too early for the hotel to be open for breakfast, so if you want some early snacks the are local stores at Puerto San Carlos where you can buy fruit or any other goodies. I will provide granola protein bars and fruits as well.

    ✅ Breakfast included at hotel on our departure day.

    • Freediving equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, 5mm wetsuit, weightbelt and weights (equipment available for rent)

    • Proof of dive insurance

    • Spending money for personal expenses (I recommend bringing cash Mexican pesos for tips and local stores in San Carlos)

    • Hat, buff, polarized sunglasses, warm sweater, dry bag, beach towel, dry clothes for after diving, waterproof jacket, sandals or shoes that can get wet

    • Personal water bottle (although there will be water and drinks available on the boat)

    • Any special foods or medications (seasickness tablets, waterproof bandaids for fin sores, electrolytes)

  • Although there is very high possibility we encounter all of these animals, we can't guarantee it 100%. Same with conditions. We will see what the ocean provides, yet this is a very good time of the year.

    Good water skills, comfort in the open ocean, and the ability to get in and out of the boat quickly are essential. Expect long days in the boat! And the best adventures :)

  • You can fly directly into La Paz International Airport (LAP) from Tijuana (TIJ), Ciudad de México (MEX) o Guadalajara (GDL). There are also direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX).

    Another option is to fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which offers many direct flights from the United States and Europe. Please note that if you choose this option you will have to arrange a taxi to La Paz (around 100 USD).

 

Itinerary

  • Pick-up at La Paz airport (if you are arriving from Los Cabos, transportation is not included).

    In the evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together and then rest at the hotel in preparation for the adventure ahead.

  • Breakfast and a morning day tour to meet the whale sharks in La Paz Bay. We’ll swim alongside these gentle giants and learn all about them from a marine biologist specialized in the species.

    After lunch, we’ll set off on a 3.5-hour drive to Magdalena Bay. Dinner will be waiting for us upon arrival at our hotel in Puerto San Carlos.

    That evening, we’ll do all the necessary introductions and hold a briefing to prepare for the exciting Sardine Run days ahead.

  • Three days of pure ACTION! Our captain will pick us up at 6:00 am so we can make the most of each day, getting an early start on the search for bait balls and pelagic hunters.

    We return around 4:00 pm to rest and freshen up before gathering for a group dinner at 6:00 pm.

  • Goodbye Breakfast (8:00am) + Drive back to la Paz (10:00 am). I will personally drop you off at your hotel or at the airport.

Did you know…?

Marlins are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 68 miles per hour! Their streamlined bodies and long, pointed bills make them incredible swimmers.

  • Blue marlins are known for their dramatic leaps out of the water, a behavior called breaching. It’s thought to help them escape predators or dislodge parasites.

  • Marlins are apex predators, feeding on squid, smaller fish, and even flying fish. Their sharp bills are used to slash through schools of fish, making it easier to catch their prey.

  • Female marlins are larger than males and can weigh up to 1,800 pounds, while males rarely exceed 300 pounds.

  • Marlins are migratory and travel vast distances across oceans in search of food and suitable spawning grounds, often covering thousands of miles.

 FAQs

  • Striped marlins, fin and Bryde's whales, humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins (bottlenose and common), orcas, gray whales, and a variety of bird species—these are just some of the incredible animals you might encounter.

    While there’s a very high chance of seeing these creatures, encounters aren’t 100% guaranteed as we operate in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, where nature is always unpredictable. Sometimes, even small changes in water temperature can attract unexpected species—just like in 2023, when dorados made a surprise appearance. Who knows what surprises 2025 has in store? Let’s find out together!

  • Swimming with marlins and other predators is an extraordinary and thrilling experience, but it’s important to approach it with respect and caution. We will provide you with clear instructions to ensure both your safety and the animals' well-being. It’s crucial to follow their directions at all times.

    When observing baitballs, where marlins and other predators are actively hunting, maintaining a safe distance is essential. These are dynamic environments, and sudden movements from predators—or even appearances by whales feeding on sardines—can occur. By respecting the safety guidelines and staying calm, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience fully and responsibly.

    Remember, while there’s inherent risk in any wildlife encounter, adhering to the guides’ instructions allows us to minimize it and create unforgettable memories in this unique natural setting.

  • Mag Bay days are full of adventure on the water. We’ll set out early, around 6:00 am, and won’t return until 3:00 or 4:00 pm. Get ready to fully embrace the present moment! Our goal is to make the most of each day and provide you with an unforgettable experience. And don’t worry—when you’re immersed in the magic of Magdalena Bay, time feels like it stands still. You’ll hardly notice the day has flown by until we start heading back. 😊

  • A freediving certification is not required, but participants must be able to swim at least 250 meters unaided, feel comfortable in the open ocean, and be capable of jumping in and out of the boat (a ladder is available for ease). This expedition requires a certain level of comfort and experience at sea. However, if you prefer to stay dry or limit how often you jump in, you can still enjoy incredible wildlife encounters from the boat. There’s plenty of action to witness from above the water too!

  • The water temperature in Magdalena Bay, Mexico, during November and December typically ranges between 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). The temperature can vary slightly depending on weather patterns and ocean currents, but it’s generally warm and comfortable for activities like snorkeling, freediving, and marine expeditions.

    We recommend bringing a 5mm wetsuit, gloves and socks for more comfort in the water.

    • 5mm wetsuit (or 3mm if you are not a cold person)

    • gloves and socks (optional)

    • Fins, snorkel, mask, weight-belt, weights

    We understand that traveling with weights is not ideal. There is an option to rent weights for the trip, as well as all of the equipment above. Once you have reserved your spot, you can let us know if you need equipment rental.