THE EXPEDITION

THE ULTIMATE MEXICO OCEAN SAFARI

MAGDALENA BAY

There are very few places in the world that continue to surprise us every time we visit. Magdalena Bay is one of them.

Each autumn, the nutrient-rich waters off the Pacific coast of Baja California become one of the ocean's greatest hunting grounds. Vast schools of sardines and mackerel gather in incredible numbers, creating the perfect conditions for an extraordinary concentration of marine predators.

No two days are ever the same.

Working with experienced local captains who spend their lives on these waters, we head out each morning in search of whatever the ocean has planned for us. One day it may be enormous bait balls twisting and changing shape as predators attack from every direction. The next, we could find Striped Marlin slicing through the bait at astonishing speeds, California Sea Lions charging into the chaos, or seabirds raining from the sky as the feeding frenzy erupts beneath them.

On lucky days, Bryde's Whales arrive to engulf entire schools of fish in a single lunge, while dolphins or even Orcas can make unforgettable appearances. Every expedition is different, and that unpredictability is exactly what keeps drawing us back.

For underwater photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, Magdalena Bay is one of the most dynamic marine ecosystems on the planet. There are no guarantees about what you'll encounter—but that's the magic. Every day feels like an expedition of discovery, with the possibility of witnessing behaviours that very few people ever get to see.

We've returned to Magdalena Bay year after year because it never becomes predictable. Even after countless expeditions, we're still discovering new behaviours, new opportunities, and new reasons to be amazed.

That's the hallmark of a truly world-class wildlife destination.

It's not a place you visit once and cross off your list.

It's a place that keeps calling you back.

AVAILABLE EXPEDITION DATES

MAGDALENA BAY

Magdalena Bay is a 50 km long bay in Comondú Municipality along the western coast of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. It is protected from the Pacific Ocean by the unpopulated sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita. Here every year around October and November large schools of sardines turn up to be feasted upon by stripped marlin and plenty of other pelagic’s.

Our day starts by leaving the dock early morning as the birds begin to leave looking for the sardines so do we, for an action packed blue water experience. Looking for sardines, schools of birds and any other pelagics that we come across we wait prepared to jump in and snorkel with the feeding frenzy action as marlins and sea lions take turns to deplete the baitballs. Every day offers some unique experience and its not uncommon to encounter whales, schools of mobula rays and even ocras.

For the last few years between October and December Striped marlins have been gathering here to feed on the large amount of mackerel and sardine baitballs that form here. It is quite unbelievable how many stripped marlins are hunting here and its not uncommon to jump in on a baitballs with more than ten individuals hunting.

We will spend four days of this expedition looking for marlins and pelagic’s.

The group size is limited to max 6 participants plus one guide.

IS THIS EXPEDITION RIGHT FOR YOU?

Let's be completely honest—this is the most physically demanding expedition we operate, and we don't say that to discourage you. We say it because we believe in setting realistic expectations.

This isn't a luxury resort holiday with infinity pools, cocktails at sunset, and calm, predictable days on the water.

It's quite the opposite.

This is a true expedition into one of the wildest marine environments in the Pacific, where the wildlife dictates the schedule and every day is driven by the conditions the ocean gives us.

There will be early starts, long days on the water, changing weather, wind, swell, and moments when you'll be patiently scanning the horizon waiting for the next incredible encounter.

There are no guarantees, no staged experiences, and no shortcuts.

But for those who crave genuine adventure...

For those who wake up each morning excited by the unknown...

For those who value unforgettable memories over luxury...

This expedition is unlike anything else.

I have been fortunate enough to experience some of the world's greatest underwater wildlife encounters throughout my career, and Magdalena Bay ranks right at the very top. There is something truly addictive about this place. Every season is different, every day tells a new story, and every encounter reminds us why we continue to chase wild places around the world.

2027 will mark our sixth consecutive year returning to Magdalena Bay.

By now, it feels like a second home.

Not only because of the extraordinary wildlife, but because of the incredible people who welcome us back each year with genuine warmth and hospitality. The local captains, crews, and community have become close friends, and their knowledge of these waters is an essential part of every successful expedition.

Together, we've learned that the greatest rewards rarely come easily.

They come to those willing to embrace the elements, trust the process, and immerse themselves in the adventure.

If you're looking for a comfortable vacation, there are plenty of wonderful destinations to choose from.

If you're looking for an expedition that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with stories you'll still be telling years from now...

Welcome to Magdalena Bay.

ITINERARY

5 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS / 4 WATER DAYS

1. Day One - Arrive in La Paz

2. Day Two - Magdalena Bay - We will spend the day looking for pelagics and baitballs

3. Day Three - Magdalena Bay - We will spend the day looking for pelagics and baitballs

4. Day Four - Magdalena Bay - We will spend the day looking for pelagics and baitballs

5. Day Five - Magdalena Bay - We will spend the day looking for pelagics and baitballs

6. Day Six - Travel Day - 7.00am Travel back to La Paz or Cabo San Lucas (SJD)

INCLUDES ALL ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT AND WATER ACTIVITIES

ALL EXPEDITION PACKAGES ARE BASED ON SHARING OCCUPANCY

ACCOMMODATION - LA PAZ

THE CATEDRAL HOTEL

ACCOMMODATION - MAGDALENA BAY

HOTEL ALCATRAZ

PRICE BREAKDOWNS

EXCLUDES

• International or Domestic Flights

• Gratuities

• Rental Equipment

• All Meals on Transport Days

• Evening Meals/Dinners

OCEAN SAFARI INFORMATION

WATER TEMPERATURE - 24c / 72F

WETSUIT - 3mm / 5mm

PRESENTATIONS

During your stay with us your Expedition Leader and Location Expert will be working together delivering you in depth presentations regarding the biology of what we are witnessing. These presentations have taken years to formulate and develop and what makes part of our collaboration with Unique Dive Expeditions so special.