Join the live action in this breathtaking ocean event
Striped Marlin Snorkel Ocean Safari
Embark on a thrilling adventure and witness the live spectacle of millions of silver sardines attempting to elude their predators in the sea and sky.
The most exciting moments unfold close to the surface, creating an ideal adventure for non-divers, free divers, and snorkelers to witness.
Every year during the Baja Sardine Run, predators big and small are actively seeking their next meal in a swift and intense underwater spectacle.
Bait balls encircled by hunting striped marlin and sea lions, and dolphin super pods joining the race. Witness the synchronized actions of striped marlin, sea lions, and occasional whales as they collaborate to corral and push bait balls to the water's surface. This carefully coordinated spectacle provides an opening for frigates, pelicans and seagulls to soar down like missiles from the sky, engaging in a captivating demonstration of the natural food chain.
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Between October and December, enormous gatherings of bait form several miles off the coast of Bahia Magdalena, creating one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in the Pacific Ocean. A spectacular event brings together powerful and agile striped marlins and sea lions, to take advantage of the sardine run to gorge themselves on bait balls.
Availability:
October - December
Snorkeling
Exclusive
Yacht & Pangas
Striped Marlin
Sea Lions
Dolphins
Birds
Whales
Wildlife Highlights
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The spotlight belongs to the striped marlins, the true stars of the show.
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California sea lions join the pursuit, engaging in friendly competition with the marlins.
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Frigate birds, equipped with keen eyesight, keep a watchful eye on the sardines, guiding us to the heart of the action.
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Bonitos and Bryde’s whales make occasional appearances, though not as frequently as the marlins and sea lions.
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Every now and then, luck is on our side, and a pod of transient orcas makes a special appearance, adding an extra layer of thrill to the experience.
Let's track down bait balls encircled by hunting striped marlin and sea lions
Nobody does a better job at finding bait balls than our skilled and knowledgeable captains. Bait balls encircled by hunting striped marlin and sea lions, and dolphin super pods joining the race. Where frigate birds begin to swoop low over the waves, head in that direction. A low pass means that baitfish are right on the surface, pushed up by the super fast marlin, shooting into them as they hunt. Witness the synchronized actions of striped marlin, sea lions, and occasional whales as they collaborate to corral and push bait balls to the water's surface. This carefully coordinated spectacle provides an opening for frigates, pelicans, and seagulls to soar down like missiles from the sky, engaging in a captivating demonstration of the natural food chain.
In moments of escape, when the schools of sardines use divers' bodies as a final shield against marlin and other predators, they come right up to us. It's essential to remain alert and ready for the imminent spectacle when these resilient sardines, in their last attempt to avoid being devoured, break free from the protective shield provided by divers. It's the last scene of the sardine's daring survival story—get ready to catch it in real life!
Fun Fact: The stripes of a striped marlin undergo a change based on the animal's mood. Typically dark blue, these stripes lighten significantly when the fish is agitated, transitioning to pale purple or vibrant blue. This color shift is often observed during the marlin's pursuit of a mate or prey.