The Sardine Run in Mexico

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Welcome to Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Today, we’re heading to Magdalena Bay to experience the Sardine Run in Mexico.

We will be searching for massive bait balls of sardines and the predators they attract.

Sure, there’s nothing special about a couple of sardines but the magic happens when sardines gather in mind-boggling numbers.
 
What’s even more interesting is that a ball of sardines is the pelagic species that gathers to hunt the second-largest sardine run in the world.

Marlins, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, even whales and orcas take their turn at the buffet line.

The Sardine Run in Mexico

Fish know there is safety in numbers.

A single fish swimming in the water becomes an easy target but swimming in a huge group increases the chances of survival.

Watching these massive balls of fish is a sight on its own. Sardines are super sensitive to the slightest change in water pressure. When one fish moves, the whole school reacts as if on cue.

Predators that come to take advantage of the sea smorgasbord circle around the shoal.

When the first attack is launched, the frenzy begins.

Some predators may go after small pockets of fish that become isolated from the shoal because of the commotion.

As more predators come, the bait ball is targeted from below and above. The action-packed feeding frenzy is a bucket list-worthy experience. 

A highlight of this experience is watching Marlin on the prowl.

Reaching speeds of 50-mph (80-kph), these stealth bombers of the the sea work the baitball to separate individual sardines from the tight silvery mass.

It is extremely rare to see them snorkeling or diving because they quickly swim away at the sight of a human.

But the Mexican sardine run is an exception. They are so focused on hunting that they barely notice people.

Explore More

If you would like to learn more and see what is like to dive the Mexican Sardine Run, here are some links you can check out:

• Mexico’s Sardine Run (article)

• Dive the Sardine Run in Baja California (video)

• Return of the Marlin (video)

How to Dive the Sardine Run in Mexico

This incredible sardine feast takes place every year from mid-October to January along the coast of Baja California.

Just reading about this incredible marine life gathering on an unfathomable scale is not enough to satisfy the adventurous spirit. If you want to witness this event firsthand, here are some options to make it happen.

Perhaps the most comfortable option is to go on a liveaboard trip that departs from Cabo San Lucas. Your meals, accommodation, and dive schedule will be taken care of so you can focus on making the most of each dive.

Another option is to go on a land-based tour and stay in Magdalena Bay. There are several local tour operators that run trips during the prime Sardine Run season.

Lastly, independent travelers that have a good grasp of Spanish can drive to Magdelena Bay and arrange excursions with local fishermen who will take divers out for a set fee.