November 3 to 10, 2024 – aboard the Gallant Lady

October 19 to 26, 2025 – aboard the Nautilus Explorer

The Experience

From October to January, an extraordinary event unfolds in the nutrient-rich, vibrant blue waters off Magdalena Bay, where striped marlin gather to hunt during the second-largest sardine run in the world. This breathtaking underwater spectacle is one you won’t want to miss.

Set sail aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady as we cruise along the stunning Baja California coastline. Our destination? The tranquil waters and outer islands of Magdalena Bay, where massive schools of sardines congregate. Each fall, an oceanic upwelling merges with warm waters, creating ideal conditions for these sardines in the shallow, cobalt-blue waters. These waters teem with life, featuring bait balls and predators such as seabirds, blue and mako sharks, sea lions, whales, dolphins, wahoo, and the fastest fish in the ocean—the striped marlin. With speeds reaching 50 mph (80 km/h), it’s a thrilling experience to be in the water next to a bait ball, watching marlin zoom past with their dorsal fins fully extended. You might also encounter pelicans, gulls, booby birds, frigate birds, shearwaters, and even the majestic albatross.

Trip Highlights

• Witness one of the world’s largest sardine hunts in Magdalena Bay
• Snorkel alongside striped marlin as they prepare for a feeding frenzy
• Chance to see California sea lions, dolphins, wahoo, and more
• Spot humpback whales and, if lucky, possibly orcas or blue whales
• Scuba dive the SS Independence and a WWI submarine wreck
• View pelicans, gulls, booby birds, frigates, shearwaters, and albatross

Pricing

November 3 to 10, 2024 on Gallant Lady

• Superior Suites: $3,670 USD per person (tax included) – 0 spots left
• Premium Suite: $4,195 USD per person (tax included) – 1 spot left
• $35 USD port fee (paid onboard)

October 19 to 26, 2025 on Nautilus Explorer

• 1 Triple room berth: $3,355 USD – 1 spot left
• 2 Single Suites: $4,455 USD – 2 spots left
• 2 Superior Suites: $3,775 USD per person (tax included) – 4 spots left
• 1 Standard Suite: $3,564 USD per person (tax included) – 4 spots left
• $35 USD port fee (paid onboard)

Inclusions

• Accommodation
• All meals: continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert
• Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
• Daily room service
• Towels and onboard facilities (including hot tub and lounge)
• Lots of fun!

Exclusions

• Airport transfer
• Bar and gift shop purchases
• Crew gratuities
• Internet access
• $35 USD port fee

Photography Coaching

Underwater photography coaching will be provided by Christopher Bartlett, the founder of Indigo Safaris and an experienced underwater photographer. Christopher’s work has been featured globally, and he has published over 100 articles on diving and marine conservation. His photography has appeared on numerous dive magazine covers. During the trip, Christopher will offer photography guidance, from basic to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle shots. He’ll help you set up your gear and process your images in Lightroom. Christopher has been leading Cetacean trips since 2015 and has extensive experience with species like sperm whales, humpbacks, sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and bait balls.

The Journey

Embark on the luxurious 116 ft, six-cabin expedition yacht, Nautilus Gallant Lady, and follow this remarkable migration across the Sea of Cortez. Whether you’re a snorkeler, swimmer, or diver, this trip caters to all experience levels. We’ll ensure you get ample time in the water with schools of mobula rays. Some encounters may last just minutes, while others could extend for over an hour—and sometimes, the rays may even welcome you into the middle of their formation. A bonus experience? Special night encounters with rays as they gather around our dive lights in shallow, protected bays.

Who is this trip for?

This adventure is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. While there are a couple of dive days, non-divers can enjoy the action through snorkeling. Most of the bait ball excitement is best experienced while snorkeling.

Day 1

Arrive at SeeCreatures Cabo by 4:30 pm. After boarding, we’ll set sail along the stunning Baja California coastline, heading toward the sheltered waters and outer islands of Magdalena Bay, home to the famous sardine run.

Day 2

Kick off the adventure with three dives at the southern end of Margarita Island, where you’ll explore sites that include playful sea lions and the remains of a steamship that sank in the early 1900s.

Days 3 – 6

It’s time to hunt for bait balls and jump into the water with striped marlin! This eco-tourism experience is a collaboration with local pangas and expert captains. Captain G and his family and friends are masters at locating bait balls, giving you the best chance for marlin encounters. Spend as much or as little time on the water as you like—the more time you invest, the more striped marlin sightings you’ll enjoy. Scuba diving is also a core part of the itinerary.

Magdalena Bay teems with life at this time of year. Alongside marlin, you could see whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and sea lions. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby mangroves and stunning sand dunes. For added adventure, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) will be available for your use.

Day 7

On the final day at Magdalena Bay, we’ll wrap up with three more dives, including a dive at the wreck of a WWI submarine and another sea lion encounter.

Day 8

Disembark at SeeCreatures Cabo after enjoying a final breakfast at 8:30 am.

The Vessel

Accommodating 12 passengers in six spacious suites, the Gallant Lady offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. The cabins are split between the lower and main decks, featuring five Superior Suites and one Premium Suite. Each suite is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, a California king or two double beds, ample storage, and private en-suite bathrooms.

Superior Suites – Inde, Dofleini, Rosario, Nautilus & Swell

Two Superior Suites are located on the main deck, while the remaining three are on the lower deck. Four of these suites can be configured with either a California king bed or two double beds. Each suite includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower and individually controlled A/C.

Premium Suite – Emerald

The spacious Premium Suite, located on the lower deck, offers flexibility with either a California king bed or two doubles. It also features a private en-suite bathroom with a full-sized bathtub.

Social Spaces

The Gallant Lady is designed with several comfortable social areas to help you unwind. The sky lounge on the top deck, complete with a hot tub, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after a day of adventure. Relax between dives on the sundeck, or take in the wrap-around views from the main salon and dining room, which also boasts a fully stocked bar.

The onboard chef prepares a delicious fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine, and all dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:

Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett