Striped marlins lead the hunt, but they’re not alone — expect the unexpected in Baja’s offshore spectacle.
Witness adrenaline of the Mexican Sardine Run, where striped marlins slash through bait balls in perfect sync. Sea lions charge into the frenzy, and even Bryde’s whales occasionally join the feast. Dive into Baja’s most explosive marine event—this isn’t just a trip, it’s front-row access to the wildest hunt in the Pacific.
Marlin Expedition Features
November & December | 6 Days | 6 people
Best in Baja!
Our experience with Freefall academy was amazing, Valentina is very knowledgeable and she has a real passion and respect for the animals and nature.
Highly recommend for all level , you will feel safe and supported.
Tatiana Mendes
What’s Included
Marlin Expedition
With added value of:
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1 – Arrival
Our team will pick you up at the airport and drive you directly to San Carlos (approximately 5h 30min from Cabo SJD or 3h from La Paz LAP). Upon arrival, we’ll take a 20-minute boat ride to Isla Magdalena, check in at the hotel, and enjoy dinner followed by an expedition briefing. Get ready—the adventure begins tomorrow!
Days 2 to 5 – Water Days
Wake up early, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Once on the boat, we’ll head out to the open ocean, where the magic happens. The captain and guide will be scanning the horizon for action. As soon as they find a promising bait ball, you’ll jump in and witness the incredible hunt unfold before your eyes. Each day lasts around 8–10 hours on the water. We’ll return to shore just before sunset to rest, have dinner, and recharge for the next day.
On one of the days, depending on the group’s preference, we can return early to explore the island’s mangroves and sand dunes.
Day 6 – Departure
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for the group transfer back to the airport.
Please check our calendar when you press BOOK NOW button to check our available dates. For private groups with special requirements please send us an email.
INCLUDED: Transportation for all planned activities and group airport pick up/drop off, 5 nights accommodation (double occupancy), roundtrip ride to the island, 4 full boat days on the open ocean looking for bait balls, marlins and other marine wildlife; experienced captain and marine biologist guide, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), non alcoholic beverages, Freefall Academy gift, video package.
Not included: Flights, Gratuity (usually 10-20%) and anything not specified.
No certification is required! Our expedition is open to snorkelers and freedivers alike. You’ll be able to enjoy the experience and most of the action stay very close to the surface. You do need to feel confortable swimming in open water (where you might not see the bottom) and long days at sea.
You’ll be staying in a cozy, 8-room beachfront hotel on Isla Magdalena. The hotel has its own restaurant, where all meals are included during your stay. It’s equipped with air conditioning, hot water, and Starlink Wi-Fi. Each room has two queen beds and an ensuite bathroom. Far from the crowds, this unique spot offers the best of both worlds: the peace and immersion of a remote, nature-based experience—like camping—with the comfort and amenities of a hotel.
Accommodation is subject to availability. This Island hotel is our preferred choice, but if it’s fully booked, we’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in the nearby town of San Carlos.
The most common are sardine or mackerel baitballs, striped marlin, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, skipjack tuna and sea birds (pelicans, frigate birds, cormorants, seagulls).
End of November to December we see humpback whales more often.
We occasionally see bryde’s whale feeding on baitball, mobulas and coyotes.
More rare sightings are orcas, sailfish, wahoo, dorado (mahi mahi), blue whale and tuna.
2023 was a rare year with lots of mahi mahi and less marlin than usual, as well as more frequent bryde’s whale feeding on baitballs and even a few humpbacks feeding on a few rare occasions! Wildlife is unpredictable and the surprise is part of the magic of wildlife encounters offshore!
The Marlin season runs from November 1st to December 20th. During this time, we witness the most bait balls and marlins, making it the best time for encounters.
Water temperature: 22-29ºC (71-85 F)
Visibility: 15-30m (49-100 ft)
Air temperature: 16-27°C (60-80 F)
Yes! We offer private expeditions with flexible schedules and personalized itineraries. Contact us for details on tailoring your own custom Mobula Ray experience.
Here’s a list to help you pack your essentials:
Good quality mask and snorkel, Wetsuit (We recommend 3mm, check weather conditions for more details), Freediving fins (scuba won’t work, we’ll be swimming fast!), Sun protection (reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, buff), Towel (microfiber is best) or A poncho towel is awesome to change into your clothes on our ride back to shore, Reusable water bottle, Cash (no card accepted at the island for alcoholic drinks and tips), Casual clothes, Clothes for winter (it gets chilly in the early morning and afternoon): socks, long pants, long sleeve shirt, sweater, windbreaker
We can provide you with rental gear, but in an expedition like this there is nothing like having your personal snorkel gear that fits you perfect!
All Mexicans with an INE have a 10% discount on every course, tour and expedition on the website. To make the discount valid you have to pay through Retiro sin tarjeta and send us a code.
CONTACT US
Freediving & Wildlife Encounters
Education • Respect • Conservation
CONTACT
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
hola@freefallacademy.net
Whatsapp +526121433959
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