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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.

Book this Trip
Book this Trip

Pelagic Encounters

Group Trip

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

  • Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

  • 25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

  1. Guided group trips-
  2. Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026
Magdalena Bay Striped Marlin Sardine Run 2026 - image
Large Animals
Nov 8, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026

Great for Non-divers

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. 

Snorkel Conditions

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

  • Water Temperatures: 77 - 79F (25 - 27C) 
  • Visibility: 50 - 115 feet (15 - 35m)
Latitude Encounters boatLatitude Encounters boat

Trip 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

Trip 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

Book this Trip

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 .

Exterior of the Hotel San Carlos  

Trip Price

Trip starts from $3,500 per person.

Payment Schedule

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

Extend your trip

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Magdalena Bay. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation:

Book this trip alongside our:

Socorro Warm Water Pelagic Trip 2026

Read More

Trip Leader

Hotel Alcatraz Room - image

$250 OFF

Hotel Alcatraz Room

Air Conditioning (AC)

Toilet

Shower

Fan

Double-occupancy

$3,750

$3,500

per person

Single-occupancy

$4,150

$3,900

Tim YeoTim Yeo
Read more about Tim Yeo

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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Twin bed accommodations
Ensuite bathroom
Hotel Alcatraz Room - image

$250 OFF

Hotel Alcatraz Room

Air Conditioning (AC)

Toilet

Shower

Fan

Double-occupancy

$3,750

$3,500

per person

Single-occupancy

$4,150

$3,900