BAITBALLS and BRYDES WHALES EXPEDITION
Puerto San Carlos, Baja Mexico
December 9 - 15, 2024
7 day expedition / 5 days diving
- 3 of 5 SPOTS LEFT -
THE ADVENTURE
For the past 8 years we have been running trips to Magdalena Bay to photograph Mexico’s Sardine Run!
Marlin and Whales hunting sardine baitballs is one of the greatest underwater shows you will ever witness.
But we need to let you know...
Amidst this dance for life and death, sardines often seek refuge with the divers, hiding underneath us for protection… with the predators in hot pursuit.
So you will experience this underwater show up-close!
There is also hunting sealions, skip jack tuna, mahi mahis, sailfish, and if you are really lucky, Brydes Whales and Humpback Whales have been know to join in the hunts.
There's no shortage of surprises in store for you, and we jump in the water every chance we get.
Our captains, have spent their whole lives exploring these waters — we are confident in our ability to find YOU the best opportunities for EPIC wildlife encounters.
TRIP COST is $3388 Per Person (Dbl. Occ.)
an $800 deposit required to reserve your space.
PRICE INCLUDES;
✅ 6-Night Stay: Hotel accommodations. Upgrade to single occupancy available $450 pp.
✅ 5 Days on Water: Exciting Pelagic Life excursions.
✅ Daily Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the boat.
✅ Private Transfers: Hassle-free airport transfers (R/T).
✅ Photo Coaching: Professional guidance included.
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❌ NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare, Dinners, Crew gratuities, Trip insurance, Gear Rentals, Meals on travel days.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Let us know you're interested in joining us.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day One
ARRIVAL DAY - Pick up from the San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD), pick up time is between 9-10AM. You may need to fly in the night before to meet us on time.
From there we will drive five and a half hours to Puerto San Carlos and check you into your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to prep cameras, relax and/or explore the town.
We will get together at 7PM to discuss the plans for the morning.
Day 2 - 6 (5 days)
DIVE DAYS - Early Departures - Coffee and a light breakfast at the hotel. We will drive you to the marina, where we will head out in search of striped marlin, whales, orcas, sealions, schooling mobula rays, and super pods of dolphins.
These are 8 hours days out in the open ocean, so be prepared for longs days on and in the water seeking out wildlife.
Day 7
DEPARTURE DAY - We will return you to the airport.
We leave San Carlos at 7AM and drive you the three hours back to SJD.
Please make your return flights from San Jose Del Cabo (SJD), after 3:30PM.
TRIP REPORTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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ARRIVAL DAY:
On your arrival day, our team will be there to welcome you at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) at 10 AM, where a private van awaits.
Please Note: airport pickups will take place in the Departures Area of the airport. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to pick up passengers in the arrivals area.
Once we gather you and your gear, we'll embark on a 5 1/2-hour journey to Puerto San Carlos, traversing through breathtaking desert and ocean landscapes.
Upon arrival, we'll assist you in checking into your hotel room for a comfortable stay.
*For optimal timing and to avoid any inconvenience, we highly recommend scheduling your flight to arrive the day before pickup.
It's essential to note that the pickup time is strictly adhered to, as we avoid evening drives in Baja due to safety concerns. The roads can be hazardous at night, with the occasional presence of cows on the highways.
If, for any reason, you are unable to make the pickup time, arrangements for your own transportation to San Carlos will be necessary.
Rest assured, we will provide you with detailed directions to guide your driver in ensuring a smooth journey.
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Baja.
DEPARTURE DAY:
On the day of departure, we'll start the morning with breakfast before checking out as a group.
The return journey to San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is scheduled for 7 AM.
To allow ample time for travel and any unforeseen circumstances, we recommend scheduling your return flights for departure times after 3 PM.
This ensures a smooth and stress-free transition, allowing you to enjoy the last moments of your adventure in Puerto San Carlos before heading back home.
If you decide to extend your stay in Baja, you have the option to rent a car or arrange transportation to hotels from San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD).
If you have any specific preferences or need further assistance with your travel arrangements, feel free to let us know.
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Airlines that serve Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) include:
1. Aeroméxico
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. Southwest Airlines
6. Alaska Airlines
7. Volaris
8. Sun Country Airlines
Keep in mind that airline schedules and services can change, so it's advisable to check with the respective airlines for the most up-to-date information on flights and carriers.
AIRPORT HOTELS:
Here are some hotels listed in proximity to the airport:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from SJD.
2. Hyatt Place Los Cabos: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from SJD.
3. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from SJD.
4. Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from SJD.
5. Hotel Aeropuerto Los Cabos: Located very close to the airport.
*Staying at Hotel Aeropuerto is a convenient choice, especially for ease of pickups on arrival day due to its close proximity to San Jose del Cabo International. This strategic location ensures a smooth and efficient transition for the group, allowing for seamless coordination of arrivals and pickups.
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Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.
Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.
It's essential to remember that grey whales are big and powerful animals, and we must show utmost respect towards wildlife.
We know there's never a certainty, but during our expeditions, we've had a remarkable record. We've encountered grey whales on all our trips we've run, making this an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
PLEASE NOTE: if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter.
YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.
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Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.
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A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.
50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.
100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.
A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.
A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.
Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. Please add $40 to cover bank fees.
Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
SDM adventures 332 East 15th St. San Juan, Texas 78589
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All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.
Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).
Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.
All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.