Magdalena Bay Expedition
Follow the Mexican sardine run and see marine life like nowhere else on the planet
From $3,400 USD per person
Nov & Dec 2026
Bait Ball Expeditions in Baja California Sur
Magdalena Bay and the Pacific Ocean surrounding is home to an incredible abundance of marine life. During the months of October, November and December, this biodiversity is further increased due to a surge in bait fish populations that attract their many predators to the area.
Your 7-night Magdalena Bay Expedition With Pixel Expeditions
Join Pixel Expeditions for seven unforgettable nights in Magdalena Bay, where the Pacific explodes with life in one of the ocean’s most spectacular shows. Schools of sardines and mackerel, driven upward by marlin, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales. Above, pelicans and frigates dive from the sky, while below, you slip into the water to witness the chaos with your own eyes. It’s not just a trip, it’s a front-row seat to on of nature’s most beautiful feeding frenzies.
Guided by captains whose sharp eyes can spot action miles away, you can expect long but rewarding days on the water, as we track bait balls, follow migrating humpbacks, swim alongside sea turtles, or watch dolphins race the bow. Even if the seas don’t deliver, Magdalena Bay itself offers stunning protected waters and countless hidden gems to explore. As the sun sets, we return to shore, tired but exhilarated, ready to share stories and a well-earned dinner.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, this is the open ocean, but that’s exactly what makes this so magical. Every day brings the possibility of something extraordinary, an immersion into one of the ocean’s most vibrant ecosystems.
What a Magdalena Day Looks Like
No day is the same on a Magdalena Bay Expedition, plans are generally flexible, but they all follow the same form:
Early wake up all → 5.30 - 6.00am
Breakfast → transfer to port
Make a plan → everything depends entirely on conditions and current activity, and may change through the day. Flexibility is key
Sunset → return to port → transfer to the hotel
Dinner & downtime (and maybe a few photo tips over dinner!)
There are plenty of snacks, fresh fruit, drinking water, soft drinks and lunch (burritos or sandwiches) available on board.
About Your Accommodation in Magdalena Bay
During your stay, you’ll be based in Puerto San Carlos, a small fishing village that sits at the edge of Magdalena Bay. Life here is simple and authentic. This isn’t a polished resort town, but rather a working community where the pace is slower, the seafood is fresh, and the bay is always the star of the show. It’s rustic, yes, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find small local restaurants, a few shops, and the occasional power outage or patchy Wi-Fi—just reminders that you’re far from the hustle of city life.
Your home for the trip is Hotel Alcatraz, run by Maru and her incredible team. Rooms are clean and comfortable, arranged around a sunny courtyard that doubles as a gathering space, restaurant, and bar. With friendly hosts, delicious home-cooked meals, and even a few happy rescue dogs, you’ll feel right at home.
Pixel Expeditions
does more than explore Magdalena Bay
We deliver a true adventure to the heart of Mexico’s bait balls.
Adventure is calling. Will you answer?
What’s Included in Your Magdalena Bay Expedition?
From $3,400 USD per person
Full board accommodation (based on double occupancy)
Transportation from Cabo
Breakfast, snacks & lunch
5 boat days
Multi lingual guides
Final night dinner
Not Included
Equipment rental
Alcoholic drinks
Dinners
Crew and guide gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
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Magdalena Bay hosts one of the most spectacular marine events on the planet: the sardine run. From October to December, vast schools of baitfish attract marlin, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and seabirds, creating a feeding frenzy both above and below the water. This expedition offers an unparalleled front-row seat to one of nature’s most dynamic oceanic displays.
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The optimal time for a Magdalena Bay expedition is between October and December, when baitfish populations peak and predator activity is at its highest. During these months, the bay offers the best chance to witness large schools of sardines, feeding sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales, and spectacular seabird displays.
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A typical package includes full-board accommodation at Hotel Alcatraz, meals, snacks, soft drinks, guided wildlife excursions, and transfers between the hotel and port. Divers or snorkelers receive tanks, weights, SMBs, and expert guidance during on-water activities. Additional costs may include Nitrox, equipment rental, alcoholic drinks, onboard merchandise, and gratuities.
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Yes, the expedition is snorkel-based. Participants explore the bay and its incredible marine life from the surface, getting up close to sardine bait balls, sea lions, dolphins, and other predators in their natural environment. No scuba diving experience is necessary, making it accessible for all confident snorkelers.