Mexico’s Mag Bay Sardine Run – The Craziest Dive Experience of My Life

Some trips leave you speechless.

This was one of them.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being inside a real-life wildlife documentary, this is it. The Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Every single day, we were surrounded by hundreds of sea lions, striped marlins, dolphins, and even whales, all hunting together in an underwater dance of chaos and precision.

I’ve had some incredible ocean encounters, but this one? This was next level.

Here’s how it all went down, plus everything you need to know if you’re planning to do this trip yourself.

🐟 What Is the Mexico’s Mag Bay Sardine Run?

Every year from late October to early December, huge bait balls of sardines move through Magdalena Bay (MagBay), attracting some of the ocean’s fastest and most skilled hunters. You will have the possibility to see everything underneath the seabed: gaint baitballs made of thousands of sardines, sealions, dolphins, whales, sharks and even orcas while hunting! This is nature at its rawest, wildest, and most spectacular.

My Mexico’s Mag Bay Sardine Run Experience:

Our trip was organized by Apex Ocean Divers, led by Alex, and from the moment we arrived, I knew this was going to be something special. We were staying on a small island called Isla Magdalena, the kind where life moves slowly, except for us—because every morning, we were up before sunrise, after eating a good breakfast with the group then heading out for the long ride into the open ocean. The boat ride is around 3 hours in and 3.5 hours back. The waves were high, the boat was bouncing, and if you ever do this trip, bring seasickness pills.

But if you keep reading, you’ll see—everything you “suffer” to make this trip happen is 1000% worth it.

Despite the long, exhausting boat rides, I had some of the most beautiful moments just being out on the water. Even though I was on my period the entire trip (great timing, right? 🙃), I still felt so excited and grateful just to be there. Every morning, I watched the sunrise slowly peek over the mountains, turning the sky gold. Every day, the ocean felt different, never knowing what we’d find when we jumped in.

That’s exactly why we’re all drawn to this kind of magic.

Once we found the birds circling above the water, we knew what that meant—bait ball underneath. That’s when your guide would decide when it was time to jump in.

From the moment we hit the water—it was madness. We were in the middle of the open ocean, surrounded by a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary—except this time, we were part of it.

Sea lions darted through the bait ball, snatching sardines mid-swim like it was an all-you-can-eat buffet, only to dive right back in for more. Mahi mahi shot into the frenzy, their golden bodies slicing through the water like torpedoes, leaving trails of shimmering bubbles in their wake. The energy was electric.

But then—it happened.

A Bryde’s whale appeared out of nowhere, its massive body cutting through the deep blue, and in one swift gulp—it swallowed a huge chunk of the bait ball (Am I dreaming?!Is this even real??).

This was the ocean’s food chain in real-time, and we were right in the middle of it.

And just like that, it always feels too short when it’s time to head back. We needed to leave around 2 PM to make the long 3.5-hour ride back through waves and wind. Every night, dinner was waiting for us, hot and ready, which felt like heaven after a full day in the ocean. One day, we even caught some sardines ourselves, brought them back to the kitchen, and cooked them. And wow—no wonder the sea lions love them so much!

The days blurred together, and before I even realized it, the trip was over. Four days of pure ocean magic, and I could have easily done this for another ten.

A Few Things You NEED to Know

Your guide will likely go over this on the boat, but it’s worth repeating:

Stay away from the bait ball.

Things happen fast down there—hundreds of predators are hunting and feeding in a frenzy, and the last thing you want is to get caught in the middle of it. If you’re too close to the sardines, you could accidentally become part of the action—or worse, end up in the path of a much bigger predator.

And here’s something you might not expect: sometimes, the sardines will try to hide behind you. They see you as a shield from whatever’s chasing them, which means you might suddenly have marlins, mahi mahi, or even sea lions coming straight at you at full speed.

One of the divers in our group—got injured while filming because a mahi mahi was hunting sardines right between his legs. He came back to the boat bleeding, but luckily nothing serious. It was a reminder that this isn’t a game—this is raw nature, and things can happen fast.

Also, be mindful of other divers in the water. There might be multiple groups in the same area, and everyone is trying to experience the magic—so respect their space.

And most importantly? Enjoy the show. 😉

Things to pack for the Mexico’s Mag Bay Sardine Run

You’ll be spending long days in the water, so having the right gear is essential. Here’s what I packed:

1. 3mm Full-body Wetsuit – I used a Bestdive reversible 3mm suit, perfect for warmth and flexibility.

2. Weight Belt – Normally, your guide will provide weights, but you’ll need to let them know in advance so they can have everything ready for you.

3. Fins & Snorkel – I used my favorite DiveR fins and an oval mask from Beuchat. As for my snorkel—I honestly don’t remember the brand, but it was just a simple, cheap black plastic one. 😆

4. Sea Sickness Pills – Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

5. Underwater Camera – On this trip, I used my iPhone 14 Pro with a DIVEVOLK Underwater Phone Case and an Insta360 X3 to capture some insane shots. You can check out my full review on the DIVEVOLK Case and why I bring it on every trip.

6. 50+ SPF Sunscreen – waterproof and reef-safe.

7. Snacks & Water – Your guide will likely have some drinks and snacks on the boat, it’s always a good idea to bring your own.

8. Windproof Jacket With a Hood – I brought my Trudive boat jacket, and it was a lifesaver.

9. Hat, Sunglasses & Towel – Extra sun protection is a must! You definitely don’t want to end up sunburned after a long day on the boat.

If you’re interested in the diving gear I use, I’ve put together a full list with honest reviews on each one. Check it out here!

Logistics and FAQs

When’s the best time to go?

Late October to early December when the migration is at its peak. There is an excellent chance of also seeing California sea lions, dolphin, wahoo, pelicans, different species of gulls, boobie birds, frigate birds, shearwaters and even the awe inspiring albatross. We went in the beginning of December.

Is it for beginners?

The Sardine Run is best suited for experienced swimmers & freedivers due to strong ocean conditions. However, non-divers can still enjoy the surface action—watching marlin, sea lions, and whales from the boat is just as spectacular!

Which Operator Would I Recommend?

We went with Apex Ocean Divers, and I’d highly recommend booking a trip with them. The entire experience was well-organized, safe, and unforgettable.

Another great option is Latitude Encounters. I personally know the leaders from both companies, and they are experienced, knowledgeable, and truly respectful of marine life. They understand how to interact with ocean animals the right way, making sure the experience is incredible for divers while keeping the wildlife undisturbed.

Either way, you’ll be in great hands. 😊

How Long Was My Trip?

I did 4 days in total, and honestly? It felt way too short. 😂 I could have easily stayed for another week and still not had enough!

Getting to Baja California

The nearest airports are:

✈️ LAP (La Paz)

✈️ SJD (San Jose del Cabo)

✈️ LTO (Loreto)

From there, most dive operators will arrange transportation to Magdalena Bay. Make sure to check with your tour provider for the best arrival options!