Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay

Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay

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Mexico Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay

During October to January, a magical event happens in the nutrient rich swirling blue waters off Magdalena Bay where striped marlin gather to hunt on the second largest sardine run in the world. This thrilling underwater action is spectacular. 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.

Total Reviews
153
Average Rating
4.7
Overall
4.6
Cuisine
4.6
Animals
4.3
Crew
4.8
Cleanliness
4.7
Diving
4.1
Guest Reviews
Harper James
Nautilus Gallant Lady
December 6, 2025
Review
Just once again thank you to everyone. What a week! See you all again soon hopefully!
Staff standout
All of them, this was my first live aboard experience and the bar has been set VERY high! Our captain and first mate made sure all of our needs (and wants) were met, while providing us with all the creature comforts while on the boat. Enrique our cook was incredible, he somehow managed to provide all of us with delicious meals 3 times a day + snacks + and don't forget about dessert. I am not looking forward to returning home to my own cooking. Finally a huge shoutout to our two dive guides Uriel and Ivan for sharing their knowledge of the oceans, and providing some once in a lifetime experiences. A trip I'll never forget!
Kamala James
Nautilus Gallant Lady
December 6, 2025
Review
I look forward to another trip with Nautilus someday!
Staff standout
The entire crew: Capitan Carlos, Mate Eric, Host Angel, Chef Enrique, Engineer Aurelio took such great care of us, always checking in to see if we were happy and if we needed anything. Always smiling. A special shout out to dive guides Ivan and Uriel who were extraordinary! Very knowledgeable of the area and animals we were seeing, and great attitudes - so much fun to spend a day on the water with! Working with the captains of the pangas they were flexible with what we were doing on the water so we got to see the most creatures possible. If bait balls weren't happening, they knew where and when to find mobulas, or switch to whale watching. We never felt like we were missing anything! Five star service from the entire team!
Reid Kimball
Nautilus Gallant Lady
November 13, 2025
Review
It was an amazing trip. Way above expectations especially the orcas and Carolina staying out with me all day when the others got tired
Staff standout
They were all very friendly, attentive and helpful.
Hans-Rudolf Bosshard
Nautilus Gallant Lady
October 30, 2025
Review
Crew was very friendly, cheerful and professional.
Staff standout
Crew was great. The condition of the ship was poor (water in cabin) , no room on dive desk.
Albert Bucher
Nautilus Gallant Lady
October 30, 2025
Review
The carpets in the cabines were wet due to liking wather pips
Staff standout
Very friendly an motivated crew !!! They mad all possible we were asking for!
Javier Zurbano Reinares
Nautilus Explorer
October 19, 2025
Review
Thanks a lot for a wonderful experience!!!!!!
Staff standout
Capitan Alan, the best!!!!
Lauren Autry
Nautilus Explorer
October 19, 2025
Review
An outdoor bar area for later nights would be helpful for bonding time. Also, staggered times to discover the bait balls, versus all of the trips at one time could be an option.
Staff standout
Everyone has a way to relate to all of the guests. Everyone is approachable and oinformative, a great blessing to be a part.
Regula Beetschen
Nautilus Gallant Lady
December 28, 2024
Review
Please add a mention to your website, that one should bring a windbreakter for this trip, and that the water temperature may be pretty chilly. Please do also enhance the information, that this is mainly a snorkeling trip, and that the snorkeling takes place after (sometimes long) panga rides. // We had a most generous bathroom to our cabin - but no way to hang up towels to dry. A laudry line would have been appreciated.
Staff standout
We felt that the crew was working together as a team, helping each other out whenever necessary. This was very positive and o,[ressomg/
Sandra Ross
Nautilus Gallant Lady
December 21, 2024
Review
Boat jackets would be great. had no idea the boat rides would be as long as they were and the rides could be very cold. most of us probably would have purchased one if they were available.
Staff standout
crew were all great. very attentive and willing to go the extra mile.
Lisa Wyatt
Nautilus Gallant Lady
December 21, 2024
Review
Longo did a great job of getting us into bait balls.
Staff standout
Capi and Elise loaned me equipment so that I could stay warm, it made all the difference in my trip.
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