Expedition Highlights

• Encounters with huge pods of wild dolphins, often counting thousands of individuals

• Snorkeling / freediving in a large colony of sea lions, meeting their curious pups 

• Snorkeling / freediving during the second-biggest sardine run in the world:

  • Encounters with big animals feeding on large bait balls of sardines in crystal clear blue water - Striped marlins, sea lions and whales

• Encounters with different species of whales: Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales and Fin whales

• Watching humpback whale mothers with their new-born calves

• Watching mating rituals of humpback whales males - impressive breaches, fin and tail slapping

• Encounters with mahi-mahi, wahoo, tunas, and sailfish

• Listening to whale songs

• Observing variety of bird species

• Trip to sand dunes with many sand dollars

• Information about the ocean and animal behaviour from professional expedition guides

• Driving through a desert full of huge cacti

ITINERARY:

Day 1:
Meeting, briefing, and accommodation
We will pick you up at the airport and we will drive a long scenic drive to the Bahia Magdalena - a bay teeming with marine life. In the afternoon/evening, we will go over information about the interactions that await you in the coming days. The adventure will begin the following morning. 

​​

Please book your flights to arrive at LAP (La Paz Airport) before 12:00 PM.

​​

​

Day 2

Sardine Run - Striped marlins, sea lions and whales

Early morning, we will jump on our private boat and spend this day observing seabird activity and locating schools of sardines. The sardines school together to protect themselves. They form a living, moving ball of fish. The marlins then push them up to the surface and attack them from below. When we find the scene of this action, we jump into the water. Marlins can grow up to 420 cm long and weigh up to 200 kg. The feast is joined by sea lions, dolphins and sometimes even whales. Watching this natural phenomenon is an incredible experience. "Sardine run" is a spectacular natural event where huge schools of millions of migrating sardines attract striped marlins, sea lions, whales, and other large animals to the area to feed. The Mexican sardine run is the second-largest sardine run in the world and promises amazing action.

​​

​

Day 3 - Sea lion colony
On this day, we will swim in a large colony of sea lions and play with their curious pups. During this time of year, there is a lot of juvenile sea lions and as we approach the colony and slow down our boat, the first curious noses start popping out of the water, eager to check us out. The juvenile sea lions, full of energy and mischief, gather in groups, already inviting us to play before we even get in. Once in the water, we can spend hours snorkeling and freediving with these playful pups. They come right up to us, blowing bubbles, spinning in circles, and showing off their underwater acrobatics. Some gently nibble on fins, while others zoom past, only to turn around and come back for more fun. Their curiosity is endless, and their enthusiasm is contagious. On our way to and from the sea lion colony, we will have a chance to encounter huge groups of dolphins that can count thousands of individuals, and other marine life in this area full life.

​​

Day 4

Mangrove excursion, sand dunes and sand dollar beach

This day, we'll slow down a little bit and take a boat ride through the mangroves to the beach where thousands of sand dollars - skeleton urchins - wash up every day, walk the sand dunes and enjoy scenic views of the pristine Baja California coastline. In the mangroves, you'll have a chance to observe rare species of birds like herons and egrets. Walking along the shore we’ll explore this quiet stretch of coastline, shaped by the wind and waves and admire the unspoiled beauty of Baja California.

​

​

Day 5
Humpback whales

This season is the best time to witness the magic of humpback whales in Baja California. These waters transform into a sanctuary for mating and birthing, attracting numerous whales seeking warm, safe grounds to nurture their young. We may encounter mothers with their newborn calves, gently guiding them through their first months of life and it is also the season of breathtaking displays of power and courtship. Male humpbacks compete for the attention of a single female, engaging in fascinating mating rituals that include dramatic breaches, powerful fin and tail slaps, and mesmerizing underwater dances. As we search for whale encounters, we’ll remain respectful, allowing the whales to decide if they wish to interact. 
 

​​

Day 6 and 7

Sardine run and Whales

For the next two days, we will immerse ourselves once again in the heart of the ocean’s most thrilling natural spectacle, the Sardine Run. This phenomenon continues to attract an incredible variety of marine life, offering us new surprises each day. We can't promise anything in the wild, but we may encounter the following species: a large number of California sea lions, mahi-mahi, sailfish, striped marlin, wahoo, sharks, dolphins, Bryde's whales, humpback whales and many species of birds. If we’re incredibly fortunate, we could find ourselves in the presence of a feeding frenzy involving multiple species at once, a true wildlife spectacle few people ever get to witness. This natural event is a fascinating spectacle and a testament to the delicate balance of nature. 

​

​

Day 8

End of the expedition

Transfer to the airport or your next accommodation in this area.

​

Please don't book your flight home earlier than 3 PM on this day.

GALLERY