Welcome to the Bill Mish Photography blog! If you love wildlife, the ocean, and unforgettable adventures, you're in for a treat. Join me on a journey to Magdalena Bay, where I experienced one of the ocean’s most breathtaking spectacles—the annual Sardine Run.
Discovering the Beauty of Magdalena Bay
A view from the front of the skiff at San Carlos, the starting point of our adventure.
My adventure began in San Carlos, a small fishing town on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur. This town, with its quiet charm and deep-rooted maritime traditions, serves as the perfect gateway to Magdalena Bay. The area is known for its rich marine biodiversity, and during the Sardine Run, the waters come alive with action.
For this trip, I teamed up with Baja Shark Experience, a fantastic outfitter specializing in ethical wildlife encounters. Their team provided expert guidance and ensured we experienced the Sardine Run up close while respecting the natural environment.
The Weather and Water Conditions
Timing is everything when it comes to the Sardine Run. From November to January, millions of sardines migrate through the bay, attracting predators like striped marlin, sea lions, and various seabirds. The weather during this season is mild, making it an ideal time for diving and photography. The water is crystal clear but cool, so a good wetsuit is a must.
Into the Blue: Swimming with Striped Marlin
Striped marlin in action, gracefully maneuvering around a bait ball of sardines.
As we cruised into the bay, we spotted birds circling overhead—a sure sign of action below. Suddenly, the water erupted with movement as striped marlin cut through dense bait balls of sardines with astonishing speed and precision. This was the moment we had been waiting for!
Sliding into the water, I was immediately surrounded by a swirling mass of sardines, shimmering in the sunlight. Then, the marlin appeared—sleek, powerful, and absolutely mesmerizing. They worked in coordinated bursts, forcing the fish into tighter clusters before striking with lightning-fast reflexes. Watching these apex predators in action was nothing short of breathtaking.
Sea Lions Join the Chase
A playful yet skilled sea lion glides through the water after the spectacle
Just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any more exhilarating, a group of sea lions joined the hunt. Unlike the calculated moves of the marlin, the sea lions were pure energy—twisting, darting, and playing among the fish. At one point, a particularly curious sea lion swam right up to me, its large eyes full of playful mischief before dashing off into the chaos of the hunt.
Capturing the Moment
Capturing the magic of the Sardine Run from below the surface, where the ocean comes to life.
For a photographer, moments like these are pure gold. Every dive presented new opportunities to capture the raw beauty of this underwater world. The contrast between the glowing sardines, the vibrant marlin, and the lively sea lions created a visual feast. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite shots from this trip, so stay tuned to my website and social media!
Why This Adventure Matters
The Sardine Run isn’t just an incredible spectacle—it’s also a reminder of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Encounters like these fuel my passion for ocean conservation and the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations.
If you’re looking for a truly unique wildlife experience, I highly recommend making the trip to Magdalena Bay. Whether you’re a diver, a photographer, or just someone who loves nature, this is one adventure that will stay with you forever.
Thanks for following along! If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out my photography gallery and follow me on Instagram (@wmish2) for more behind-the-scenes content from my expeditions.
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See you on the next adventure!