Guest Account by Julia & Adriel

Hi there! We’re Julia and Adriel. This summer, we had the opportunity to experience a mind-blowing scuba diving adventure with our family in Baja California, Mexico. We got to explore the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, saw amazing wildlife, had perfect diving conditions, and even earned our Open Water diving license!

Sails Up: Charting a Course for Adventure

Our journey started with boarding Mango Wind, a super cool catamaran that would be our home for the week. Straight away the crew made us feel welcome, comfortable, and excited for the adventure ahead. It felt like the perfect base for sailing the Sea of Cortez and learning to dive along the way.

The team was awesome, let’s start with the chef, Johana, who prepared the most delicious meals and kept us well-fuelled for the dives. Some of the most memorable dishes were her famous chocolate clams and an incredible surf and turf BBQ. What a treat!

Then there was our skipper, Juan, a skilled captain who navigated us through the waves and told us all about the wonderful sites we were visiting. Our dive instructor, also named Juan, helped us get ready to dive with patience and support. Plus, he shared loads of fascinating facts about the fish we’d encounter.

Last but not least, there was Willy, who drove the panga (a small, open boat they use to get to and from the dive sites). He shuttled us to the best sites and showed us some breathtaking beaches. Every ride felt like an adventure of its own!

Diving into the Sea of Cortez

When we were diving, the conditions were dream-like—clear skies, warm water (around 30°C / 86°F), and visibility for days. During our trip we explored dive sites around the islands of Espíritu Santo and Las Ánimas. Known for their rich biodiversity and mesmerising blue water.

On our first dive, we came face to face with playful sea lions, one got a little too curious and tried to nibble our fins! Next, we encountered massive schools of fish, a pod of dolphins, and even spotted a giant sea turtle near a shipwreck. That was definitely a highlight!

We also saw a couple of sting rays, colorful jellyfish, and garden eels poking up from the sand at El Corralito. Every dive had something new to offer and left us feeling more confident and in love with the ocean!

From Newbies to Certified Divers

The coolest part? We got our diving licenses! With the guidance of our instructor, we built up our skills day by day. This meant learning how to dive safely, be a good buddy, and how to protect the ocean environment. Earning our Open Water certifications felt like a huge accomplishment, and we had a lot of fun doing it.

Making Memories Sailing the Sea of Cortez

When we weren’t diving, the adventure kept going. We got to see so much of Baja, California’s wildlife and unique landscapes whilst sailing, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The combination of fun activities and family time made this one of the best vacations we’ve ever had.

At the end of the week, we sailed back to shore and realized just how special this experience had been. We explored a new world, learned something meaningful together, and made memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of a sailing and diving adventure that mixes fun, connection, and unforgettable wildlife, put Mango Wind and Baja California on your radar. Sailing the Sea of Cortez will make you fall in love with the ocean, just like we did.

Julia and Adriel’s story is just one example of the memorable experiences waiting for you aboard Mango Wind. Whether it’s your first sailing trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, sailing the Sea of Cortez is a wonderful way to discover the stunning islands and waters of Baja California Sur.

Ready to say ‘yes’ to adventure? Click here to find out more and secure a place on our next trip.

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Magdalena Bay • Mexico Sardine Run & Striped Marlin

October – December Gallant Lady

Every fall, the waters around Magdalena Bay teem with life when the sardine run draws in predators from seabirds to sharks, sea lions, whales, dolphins and the world’s fastest fish, the striped marlin (Kajikia audax). This is an unforgettable experience for snorkelers, divers and free-divers.

The excitement of marlin going after a bait ball right in front of you is off the clock! But there is more to Magdalena Bay than the sardine run. It’s a gorgeous place to visit for the pristine beaches, mangroves, and sardine runs. The diving is great! We work in partnership with ex-fishermen panga captains who turned to eco-experiences and have the knowledge and network to absolutely maximize your experience here.

• Convenient departures from Cabo, San Jose and La Paz.
• Smaller is better! 12 guests (Gallant Lady) max on each trip. Not more than 6 in each panga.
• Perfect adventures for snorkelers, divers and free-divers. All are welcome!
• Limited scuba diving available by prior request.

Illegal Fishing Pressure, What You Can Do to Help:

• Come and visit. Take photos and video.
• Listen to the stories from the panga captains and locals about illegal factory fishing of the sardine for the purpose of dog and cat food.
• Share your impressions on social media and tell your friends about what you learned.
• Public pressure is our best bet to put an end to illegal industrial exploitation of the last major sardine run in this part of the world.

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