Marlin Baitballs of Baja
Puerto San Carlos, Baja Mexico
December 7 - 13, 2026
7 day expedition / 5 days diving
- SOLD OUT -
December 6 - 12, 2027
7 day expedition / 5 days diving
- 4 GUESTS ONLY -
THE ADVENTURE
For over a decade, we’ve been returning to the waters of Magdalena Bay, chasing one of the most intense wildlife spectacles on the planet… the sardine baitballs of Baja.
But this season, we’re doing it differently.
We’re limiting this expedition to just three guests.
Why?
Out here, the ocean doesn’t reward crowds.
It rewards those who know when to wait… and when to slip quietly into the moment.
Each time we enter the water, there’s a genuine chance for something extraordinary:
Striped marlin, Sea lions charging in, Pelicans dive from above, Skipjack tuna hammering from below.
And sometimes, when luck and patience meet, Bryde’s whales or humpbacks rise into the chaos, feeding on baitballs again and again.
Our captains were born and raised on these waters.
That experience gives you the best possible chance to be in the right place, at the right time, while keeping the encounters respectful and on the animals’ terms.
So if you’re ready for an experience that strips away the noise and places you at the heart of one of the wildest feeding events on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.
*Trip Cost is $4788 per person
An $800 is deposit required to reserve your space.
*Add $450 for Single Occupancy.
PRICE INCLUDES;
6 Nights Lodging.
5 Days in the Water.
Breakfast at Hotel, and Lunch on the Boat
Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to San Carlos (R/T)
Photo Coaching During the trip.
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❌ NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare, Dinners, Crew gratuities, Trip insurance, Gear Rentals, Meals on travel days.
🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE:
Ready to join us? Sign up now… or reach out with any questions.
We’re here to help.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day One… Arrival Day.
Pick-Up: We will pick you up from the San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD) between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. To ensure you arrive on time, you may need to fly in the night before and stay overnight near the airport.
Transfer to Puerto San Carlos: From the airport, we’ll embark on a scenic 5 1/2 hour drive to Puerto San Carlos, where we will check you into your hotel.
Evening at Leisure: The rest of the evening is yours to relax, prep your cameras.
Group Meeting: We will gather at 7:00 PM for a briefing to discuss plans for the following morning and set expectations for the days ahead.
Day 2 - 6 ( 5 days) DIVE DAYS
Early Departures: Start your day with coffee and a light breakfast at the hotel before we drive you to the marina. From there, we head out into the open ocean in search of wildlife: striped marlin, whales, orcas, sea lions, schooling mobula rays, and massive super pods of dolphins.
Full Days on the Water: These are full 8-hour days spent in the open ocean, so come prepared for long, rewarding hours both on and in the water as we track and immerse ourselves in these unforgettable wildlife encounters.
WEATHER DAYS - Coyotes and Mangroves
Flexible Scheduling: We plan this activity for bad weather. The ocean can be unpredictable. If high winds or rough swells occur, we will opt to stay closer to shore and focus on Baja's coastal wildlife instead, ensuring you make the most of every day.
We will spend part of the morning exploring the dunes and mangroves. We will also search for Coastal Coyotes. These desert dwellers thrive along Baja's beaches during low tide, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Observing them as they forage and navigate the shoreline is a unique chance to capture them up close in their natural habitat.
Day 7 - DEPARTURE DAY
Return to the Airport: We will depart from San Carlos at 7:00 AM for the 5-hour drive back to San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD).
Flight Recommendations: To allow for a smooth transfer, please schedule your return flights from San Jose del Cabo (SJD) for after 3:30 PM.
TRIP REPORTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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ARRIVAL DAY:
On your arrival day, our team will be there to welcome you at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) at 10 AM, where a private van awaits.
Please Note: airport pickups will take place in the Departures Area of the airport. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to pick up passengers in the arrivals area.
Once we gather you and your gear, we'll embark on a 5 1/2-hour journey to Puerto San Carlos, traversing through breathtaking desert and ocean landscapes.
Upon arrival, we'll assist you in checking into your hotel room for a comfortable stay.
*For optimal timing and to avoid any inconvenience, we highly recommend scheduling your flight to arrive the day before pickup.
It's essential to note that the pickup time is strictly adhered to, as we avoid evening drives in Baja due to safety concerns. The roads can be hazardous at night, with the occasional presence of cows on the highways.
If, for any reason, you are unable to make the pickup time, arrangements for your own transportation to San Carlos will be necessary.
Rest assured, we will provide you with detailed directions to guide your driver in ensuring a smooth journey.
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Baja.
DEPARTURE DAY:
On the day of departure, we'll start the morning with breakfast before checking out as a group.
The return journey to San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is scheduled for 7 AM.
To allow ample time for travel and any unforeseen circumstances, we recommend scheduling your return flights for departure times after 3 PM.
This ensures a smooth and stress-free transition, allowing you to enjoy the last moments of your adventure in Puerto San Carlos before heading back home.
If you decide to extend your stay in Baja, you have the option to rent a car or arrange transportation to hotels from San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
If you have any specific preferences or need further assistance with your travel arrangements, feel free to let us know.
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Airlines that serve Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) include:
1. Aeroméxico
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. Southwest Airlines
6. Alaska Airlines
7. Volaris
8. Sun Country Airlines
Keep in mind that airline schedules and services can change, so it's advisable to check with the respective airlines for the most up-to-date information on flights and carriers.
AIRPORT HOTELS:
Here are some hotels listed in proximity to the airport:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from SJD.
2. Hyatt Place Los Cabos: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from SJD.
3. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from SJD.
4. Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from SJD.
5. Hotel Aeropuerto Los Cabos: Located very close to the airport.
*Staying at Hotel Aeropuerto is a convenient choice, especially for ease of pickups on arrival day due to its close proximity to San Jose del Cabo International. This strategic location ensures a smooth and efficient transition for the group, allowing for seamless coordination of arrivals and pickups.
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Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.
Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.
It's essential to remember that grey whales are big and powerful animals, and we must show utmost respect towards wildlife.
We know there's never a certainty, but during our expeditions, we've had a remarkable record. We've encountered grey whales on all our trips we've run, making this an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
PLEASE NOTE: if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter.
YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.
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Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.
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A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.
50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.
100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.
A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.
A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.
Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. Please add $40 to cover bank fees.
Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
SDM adventures 332 East 15th St. San Juan, Texas 78589
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All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.
Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).
Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.
All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.