Glamping under the stars & Magdalena Bay Sardine Run Nov 12-21, 2028

This unique 10-day adventure combines glamping under the stars on an UNESCO protected uninhabited island and a voyage to Magdalena Bay to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events, the Mexican Sardine Run.
I couldn’t be more excited to offer this awesome adventure!

November 12 Arrive Cabo San Lucas/ SJD, transfer to La Paz, where we will enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight at Hotel Catedral.

November 13-16  This morning we will board our private boat to Isla Espiritu Santo, centered in a national marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our home for the next three nights is Camp Cecil de la Isla. Upon arrival we’ll settle in to our beautiful tents before enjoying the first of many creative and delicious island meals.

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Espiritu Santo National Park, award-winning Camp Cecil Base Camp is on one of the island´s most beautiful beaches and features large tents with real beds, lovely linens, and other comforts including daily housekeeping. There are two sun showers and two compost toilet cabanas.

I’ve enjoyed two memorable stays at Camp Cecil and I’m eager to return.  The stay at Camp Cecil includes chef-prepared meals, daily happy hours, daily snorkel excursions to renowned snorkel sites, hiking and kayaking.
Some of my favorite Sea of Cortez snorkeling is nearby including the massive sea lion colony of Los Islotes and the fantastic reef system of Swanee.  I’ve even jumped in with a random whale shark that was cruising by.

November 16  This morning, we depart Camp Cecil and return to La Paz. From La Paz we have a private shuttle to Puerto Chale in Magdalena Bay. The scenic drive takes about 3-hours.  Once there we’ll meet up with the Nautilus Gallant Lady and begin our Sardine Run expedition!  

From October through January, massive schools of sardines gather by the millions in the nutrient-rich waters off Magdalena Bay. These plankton-feeding fish form dense, swirling bait balls, triggering a spectacular feeding frenzy that attracts some of the ocean’s most iconic predators. 

This moveable feast of sardines attracts Striped Marlin, Sailfish, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales. The sardines group together in bait balls ranging in size from a few hundred to thousands!

Striped marlin are the stars. One of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds of up to 50 mph, zip through the bait balls. Humpback and Bryde whales could make an appearance at any time. Silky sharks may swoop in with swift, coordinated strikes.  We be able to count on sea lions to create theatrical chaos.  Past snorkelers have seen dolphins herd the sardines into tight formations while seabirds dive-bomb the surface. The whole thing should be wild and fun and we’ll be right in the middle of it!

Beyond the bait balls, Magdalena Bay has more to offer. Turtles, mahi mahi, and mola mola are all regularly spotted in the area. From mid-November onward, mobula rays begin to arrive as part of their winter passage, most active at the surface in the early morning when they leap and cartwheel out of the water. We won’t know what nature will bring us each day, but we’ll be there to experience the ride!

I chose to charter the Nautilus Gallant Lady for several reasons. This luxurious liveaboard only accommodates 12 guests, ensuring that we’ll have an intimate, small group experience in the water.  Being on a liveaboard allows us to reduce travel time and gets us to action earlier than land-based snorkelers. When we’re ready for lunch or a break in the action, the Gallant Lady remains nearby.

The Nautilus Gallant Lady accommodates up to twelve guests in six ensuite cabins.
There is one premium suite located on the lower deck, that can be configured with two doubles or a king bed.
Five superior suites split between the lower and main deck. Four of superior cabins can be configurable as doubles or a king bed, one superior suite features two twin beds. 

The Gallant Lady is a 116 ft long, steel-hulled, ISM safety-certified, stable yacht.  The boat features a sky lounge and a crow’s nest. Paddleboards and kayaks are available and there is a freshwater hot tub to relax in after the days adventure!
The cuisine onboard consists of a freshly prepared fusion of Mexican and Northwest American fare, served in the main saloon or dining room. 

November 16-20 We’ll arrive in Magdalena Bay, late morning of the 16th. Today we’ll explore the south end of Margarita Island.
Bring on the bait balls! The day’s adventure is primarily about snorkeling and freediving with the schooling sardine and bait balls and an opportunity to snorkel with sea lions.
Over the next several days our adventures continue. It’s all about mother nature brings us. Magdalena Bay teems with life at this time of year. Alongside the marlin, we could see whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and sea lions.
The Mag Bay operation is a cooperative eco-tourism program that works with local pangas and captains who pivoted from fishing to tourism. They know these waters like the back of their hand and know where to find the action.
The afternoon of November 20 the Gallant Lady begins the 15-hour voyage back to Cabo San Lucas.

November 21, 2026 
Enjoy breakfast before disembarking at Cabo at 8:30 AM.  Complimentary transfers will be arranged to San José del Cabo Airport (SJD) or the SeeCreatures office in Cabo.  The transfer to SJD airport arrives around 9:30 AM.
You can make arrangements to fly out anytime after 11:30 AM on November 21.

TRIP COST:
$6495 per person in a Superior suite based on double occupancy
$6995 per person in a Premium suite based on double occupancy
This departure is sold out. To waitlist, please contact Wendy@snorkelingetc.com

PRICE INCLUDES:
-All transportation within Mexico.
-Nov 12  Hotel Catedral in La Paz
-Nov 13-16 All-inclusive stay at Camp Cecil
-Nov 16 Transfer to Puerto Chale to board the Gallant Lady
-Nov 16-21 on board the Gallant Lady in a superior or deluxe cabin.
– All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board the Gallant Lady
 ~Weights and weight belts
~Drinking water, soft drinks, tea & coffee and welcome cocktails
~Cabin and deck towels, complimentary toiletries
~5% Mexican Tax

PRICE EXCLUDES:
-International Airfare
-Alcoholic Beverages on board the Gallant Lady
-Wi-Fi
-Port Fees payable on board. $35 as of Sep 2026
-Fuel surcharge if applicable (none as of Sep. 2026)
-Gratuities
-Travel Insurance (mandatory)

I hope you will be able to join me on this unique and special voyage.
For more information contact:  Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

Wendy Simon
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
CEO/and Fellow Snorkel Addict
Santa Cruz, CA.
831 254-5001