Magdalena Bay Expedition Report
Marlins, mobulas, sea lions and…a BLUE WHALE!
We are now just over a month into conducting our marlin trips to Magdalena Bay and we have been thrilled with all the action we have witnessed. The bay and the surrounding Pacific pulse with an amazing variety of life all attracted to the region by the presence of an abundance of sardines and mackerel; the foundational food source for so much marine life. Though the marlins are the headliners, they are by no means the only attraction, as pelagic species of all sorts make their way to the area to feed or to rest during a long migration. The region teems with life at this time of year, from frigates overhead to coyotes in the sand dunes to all the amazing life below the ocean’s surface, plus spectacular scenic views of mountains and mangroves, there is always something to see.
Our days in San Carlos -our base for the expeditions- begin early, with a hot coffee and a chill in the air. As the sun rises, we make our way to the town dock where our captain and boat awaits. We climb into the boat still on land connected to the trailer, our dear Captain Daniel skillfully shuttles us down the beach and into the waiting waters of the bay. As we exit the bay to the open ocean, we slip into wetsuits and enjoy the views of pelicans and cormorants diving off of Isla Pájaros (Bird Island). The fishing strategy employed by the birds is not too far off from that of the sea lions and marlin; each individual has a turn to dive and fish and then return to the back of the flock, where they act as support for those diving and await their next turn. We are lucky to observe this behavior above us as we pass by, and then not long later below us as we slide into the water.
The discovery of a bait ball is a true case of all the right elements aligning. The baitfish are pushed to the surface by the presence of predators below, where they join together to form a fish tornado, sometimes remaining stagnant or often they continue to move to avoid their hunters, namely the Striped Marlin and the California Sea Lion. The marlins take turns darting towards the bait and flashing their stripes excitedly as adrenaline courses through their bodies. Below, there is a second tier of marlin, still with blue stripes awaiting their turn to come closer, and further below still another group of marlin on deck to ascend up towards their prey. The sea lions circle and act cooperatively with the marlin, swimming elegantly in and out picking off fish one by one. It is like being part of an incredible underwater ballet, and we get to be right up close amongst the dancers.
So far all of our expeditions this year have encountered baitballs, marlin, and sea lions, in addition to some extra special guest appearances. The Humpback whales making their way to us in Cabo San Lucas can be seen a little earlier up the coast in Mag Bay, where they typically slow down to rest on their long journey south. Mobula Munkiana are also congregating along the coast to make their migration into the Sea of Cortez and several of our groups have delighted in hearing their distinctive “splat” as they breach, as well swimming alongside the large schools. This year more than ever we have also encountered the elusive Bryde’s Whale. In Mexico, these sleek rorquals are known as Sardineras, as they also feed off of the sardines, often consuming whole baitballs in one swallow!
On one very memorable day, we heard a report on the radio for a Bryde’s Whale close by. We zoomed over to the area, only to discover that the report had been incorrect. Upon viewing the whale from the bow of the boat as it came up to breath, it appeared much larger and bluer than a Bryde’s Whale, with a much taller spout as it exhaled. Looking at one another in slight disbelief, we all confirmed what we were thinking as we heard through the radio, “it’s not a Bryde’s, it’s a BLUE!!!” Shrieks of excitement ensued, as it was the first sighting of a Blue Whale (the biggest animal ever to have existed!) for everyone onboard. The whale was amazingly relaxed and even curious, and we were able to stay and passively observe it for over an hour. This was a rare encounter for sure, as the Blue Whales of the Eastern Pacific do not have as predictable a migration pattern as the Humpbacks and Gray Whales. They have been recorded feeding on pelagic crabs in the Magdalena Bay area, and in February and March are seen in large numbers inside the Sea of Cortez near Loreto, where they combine breeding and calving as well as feeding. This encounter was an incredible one for our group and a definite highlight for the season (so far!) for Latitude.
In addition to all the in-water activity, Magdalena Bay also offers amazing opportunities for topside adventures. Bordered by Santa Margarita Island and Magdalena Island, the bay has unlimited exploration potential. On windier days we can head north through a complex system of mangroves that are fringed by mountainous sand dunes where coyotes roam and Bald Eagles soar overhead, on patrol protecting their nearby nesting sites. Bottlenose Dolphins can even be spotted in the shallow waters far upstream in the mangroves, where they feast on sardines that they corral into the edges of the tree roots. Every corner in Magdalena Bay feels alive, which is what makes it such a thrilling and rewarding place.
With our first month of expeditions complete, we are happy to be able to reflect and learn from what we have seen and look forward with excitement and wonder about what the rest of the season will bring. We still have spaces remaining in 2021 on our December 5-9th Marlin Trip, and there is the possibility of another trip running later on in December. Join us to experience the place for yourself and see what magic comes your way.
