La Paz Diving and Magdalena Bay Sardine Run Expedition 2025
November 8 ~ 14, 2025 - La Paz Liveaboard Trip
Sailing through the Sea of Cortez on the liveaboard M/V Valentina is a unique experience for diving and nature enthusiasts. This stunning area is rich in marine biodiversity. The wide variety of pelagic species and vibrant coral reefs that will undoubtedly leave you breathless. Known as the “Aquarium of the World,” the Sea of Cortez has one of the highest concentrations of marine life on the planet, making it an unparalleled diving destination. With Valentina, you will have the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Get ready for an exciting adventure and an unforgettable diving experience in this spectacular place.
Ocean Safari will make the voyage to explore La Paz with one of the most experienced local operators in Mexico. Join us aboard the M/V Valentina, a beautiful, solidly built 135ft liveaboard with top-notch service and amenities. Let’s adventure into one of the most spectacular underwater wonders of the world.
November 14 ~ 16, 2025 - Magdalena Bay Sardine Run Land-Based Extension Trip
Just off the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita protect a dynamic stretch of ocean known as the Magdalena Bay. The dense forests of mangroves and vast expanses of white sand dunes surround the bay around 200 kilometers of channels and lagoons in breathtaking scenery. Through the combination of deep ocean upwelling as well as the California current and northerly current flowing up the pacific coast provides the bay with some of the most biologically productive waters in the world. These healthy, nutrient-rich waters give us the opportunity to witness the magnificent Mexico Magdalena Bay Sardine Run.
Be one of the first few to jump into the newest frontier of nature’s wonder: the sardine run in the pacific coast of Baja Peninsula. Let’s go snorkeling with millions of silversides and freedive side by side with the marlins, dorados, and sea lions! We will drive through the mountains and desert of Baja from La Paz to Magdalena Bay. Go out on the panga with a big HP motor and chase the bait ball. Magdalena Bay, a wild place, awaits you!
La Paz Liveaboard Itinerary:
Nov 8 (Sat): Depart LAX mid-morning, 2.5-hr flight to La Paz, Mexico. Arrive around 2pm. Van transfer to the harbor, board the beautiful 350-ton, 135 feet M/V Valentina. Set sails in the evening
Nov 9~12 (Sun~Wed): 3-tank dives daily, plus 1 mobula ray night dive. Explore dive sites south to Isla Celavo and north to Las Animas Island. Dive the 1973 sunken Sava Tiera wreck, visit pinnacle El Bajo and play with Baja sea lions
Nov 13 (Thr): 2 to 3-tank dives, back to the harbor in the afternoon. Farewell to Valentina, land transfer to a nice hotel in the center of La Paz. Enjoy the nightlife of little Baja town for the rest of the night
Nov 14 (Fri): check out from the hotel before noon, van transfer to airport, depart Mexico around 3pm and back to LAX before 5pm. Home sweet home
Mag Bay Extension Itinerary:
Nov 14 (Fri): Depart from La Paz around 5am, (breakfast on the road) arrive at Puerto Chale around 8am, board the famous powerful Baja Panga, chasing sardines until 2 to 4pm (lunch on the boat). 1-hour van transfer to City of Constitution. Check into the best hotel in town, enjoy dinner.
Nov 15 (Sat): Early breakfast, depart at 7am to Puerto Chale. Chasing Sardines and spending the full day swimming with wildlife. Back to the hotel around 5pm, enjoy Mexican dinner.
Nov 16 (Sun): Farewell to Magdalena Bay, 3-hour transfer to the airport. Depart Mexico around 3pm, back to LAX before 5pm. Home sweet home.
La Paz Liveaboard Inclusions:
Airport transportation in Mexico
Hotel stay at La Paz after disembarking
6 days, 5 nights full accommodations aboard M/V Valentina
All meals/drinks/beers on board
18 to 20 dives
Tanks & weights
Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leaders/photographers with unparalleled service
La Paz Liveaboard Exclusions:
International flights
Marine Park fee (currently $12 per day)
Nitrox
Fuel surcharge ($100)
Starlink
Travel and dive insurance
Crew gratuities
Mag Bay Extension Inclusions:
Ground transportation in Mexico
2-night hotel stay at City of Constitution
All meals/drinks
2 full days on fast Panga with seasoned local captain and in-water dive guide
weights and belts
Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leaders/photographers with unparalleled service
Mag Bay extension Exclusions:
Travel and dive insurance
Crew gratuities
La Paz Liveaboard Costs: 12 spots
$2798 (based on double occupancy)
Mag Bay Extension Costs: 6 spots x 2, first come first served
Double occupancy: $1058 per person
Single occupancy: $1188 per person
La Paz Liveaboard Payment:
|
PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
AMOUNT |
PAYMENT DUE DATE |
|
1st Deposit |
$800 |
Upon Reservation |
|
2nd Deposit |
$800 |
Mar 8, 2025 |
|
Final Payment |
Balance Remaining |
Before Aug 8, 2025 |
* For credit card payment please add 3%
Cancellation Policy:
Before Mar 8, 2025, 1st deposit forfeited. No refund on first deposit.
After Mar 8, 2025, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only)
After Aug 8, 2025, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only)
Mag Bay Extension Payment:
|
PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
AMOUNT |
PAYMENT DUE DATE |
|
1st Deposit |
$400 |
Upon Reservation |
|
2nd Deposit |
$400 |
Mar 8, 2025 |
|
Final Payment |
Balance Remaining |
Before Aug 8, 2025 |
* For credit card payment please add 3%
Cancellation Policy:
Before Mar 8, 2025, 1st deposit forfeited, No refund on first deposit.
After Mar 8, 2025, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).
After Aug 8, 2025, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only)
