Bait Ball Expedition

Service Description

Immerse yourself in a wild and one-of-a-kind experience: the Murillos Bros Adventours Baitball Expedition takes you out to sea to witness one of the most impressive natural events in the Pacific Ocean: the Mexican Sardine Run. This phenomenon occurs between October and December, when millions of sardines migrate along our coasts, unleashing a brutal and synchronized hunting process that attracts a wide variety of marine predators and oceanic birds. During this voyage, we sail out of Magdalena Bay, scanning the horizon for signs of the spectacle: dark spots in the water, leaping fish, and clouds of birds frantically circling above the sea. When we reach the exact spot, the ocean teems with life: common and bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, mobulas (jumping rays), striped marlins, dorados, tuna, and even sharks join the hunt. From the air, diving birds such as frigate birds, pelicans, and shearwaters swoop down to capture their share of the feast. When cornered, the sardines gather together in dense "balls" that move like a living mass to protect themselves, creating a stunning visual spectacle. This perfectly orchestrated chaos among species makes the expedition one of the most intense experiences you can have at sea. Our guides, with years of experience in this region, will safely guide you to key action points, explaining the behavior of each species and helping you understand the ecological importance of this phenomenon. Additionally, if conditions permit, you can snorkel to observe this marine dance of life and death up close. Recommendations: This is an intermediate to advanced activity, ideal for photographers, documentary filmmakers, marine biologists, or deep-sea lovers. It is recommended to bring a camera with a good zoom, clothing suitable for open-ocean navigation, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. The best season is from October to December, during the Sardine Race.