Join Unique Ocean Expeditions for an unforgettable two-in-one Baja adventure, packed with some of the ocean’s most thrilling encounters.

We kick things off in La Paz, where playful California sea lions and their pups swirl around you in a lively underwater ballet. You’ll dive among vibrant schools of fish, dramatic caverns, and watch cormorants streak past in pursuit of sardines.

Then, we head north to Magdalena Bay—the stage for heart-pounding blue water action.

Here, striped marlin slash through baitballs, sea lions join the hunt, and every day brings the possibility of new pelagic surprises.

Two iconic Baja locations. One expedition you’ll never forget.

La Paz Sea Lion Encounter – Playful, Curious, and Completely Unforgettable

Just a short boat ride from the charming waterfront city of La Paz, the rocky outcrop of Los Islotes bursts to life with the barks, splashes, and antics of a thriving California sea lion colony. These sleek and social marine mammals are the true entertainers of the Sea of Cortez — agile underwater acrobats with an endless curiosity for snorkelers and divers.

From the moment you slide into the water, you’re likely to be surrounded by an audience of bright-eyed sea lions, darting and twisting in the clear blue. The juveniles are the boldest — tugging gently at fins, blowing bubbles in your face, or performing somersaults just inches away. The adults keep a watchful eye while basking on the sun-warmed rocks, their golden fur glistening.

Why This Experience is Unique

With Unique Ocean Expeditions, it’s not just about ticking a box — it’s about immersing yourself in the moment. We keep our groups small and respectful, giving you the space and time to enjoy genuine, unhurried interactions. The Sea of Cortez is teeming with life, so between playful sea lion encounters you might also spot colorful reef fish, schools of jacks, or even a cruising mobula ray.

Trip Highlights

• Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters among one of the most interactive sea lion colonies in the world

• Experience the raw charm of the Sea of Cortez, nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau

• Learn about the ecology and conservation of California sea lions from our expert guides

• Combine with other Baja adventures for the ultimate marine wildlife itinerary — Socorro, Magdalena Bay, or whale watching

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, La Paz sea lions will leave you grinning into your mask. It’s a joy-filled, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience you’ll be talking about long after you dry off.

After wrapping up our La Paz and Sea Lion fun, we’ll head 5 hours north along the Baja California Sur coastline to the quiet fishing village of San Carlos or Magdalena Bay — a 50 km long body of water sheltered by the uninhabited sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita.

Every year between October and November, the bay transforms into one of the most dynamic blue-water arenas on the planet. Massive schools of sardines and mackerel flood in, attracting striped marlin, sea lions, and a host of other pelagic predators. This is nature at full throttle — fast, raw, and breathtaking.

A Day in Magdalena Bay

We’ll start early, leaving the dock at sunrise alongside the seabirds heading out for their morning hunt. Following the birds’ movements, we track down sardine baitballs and other signs of life — scanning the surface for diving birds, dorsal fins, and the silver flash of bait.

When the action begins, we’re ready to jump in with mask, snorkel, and camera to witness the feeding frenzy first-hand. Striped marlin slash through the bait with lightning speed, while sea lions dart in and out, taking their share. Every day is different — one day it’s marlin and sea lions, the next it could be whales, migrating mobula rays, or even orcas passing through.

The Striped Marlin Show

From late October to early December, striped marlin gather here in staggering numbers. It’s not uncommon to slip into the water with a baitball surrounded by 10 or more marlin working in coordinated bursts of speed and agility. It’s a spectacle that few ocean enthusiasts ever get to witness.

Trip Highlights

• Four full days of searching for baitballs and pelagics in one of Mexico’s most exciting blue-water environments

• Snorkel with striped marlin, sea lions, and other ocean predators in crystal-clear Pacific waters

• Small-group setup for maximum time in the water and close encounters

• The chance to encounter whales, mobulas, orcas, and more during peak activity season

This extension is the perfect way to turn your Socorro trip into a back-to-back big animal adventure — from giant mantas and sharks in the Revillagigedos to the lightning-fast marlin hunts of Magdalena Bay.

Our La Paz and Magdalena Bay adventure is designed for ocean lovers of varying experience levels.

La Paz — Diving with Sea Lions
You do not need to be an advanced diver to enjoy this part of the expedition. In fact, even beginner divers can take part in these playful and unforgettable encounters. The calm waters and approachable dive sites around Isla Espíritu Santo make it an excellent introduction to marine life in Baja.

Magdalena Bay — Pelagic Snorkeling Action
This section of the trip demands a higher level of physical fitness. You’ll be swimming in open ocean conditions, sometimes for extended periods while tracking fast-moving bait balls and predators. Participants should:

• Be physically fit

• Be able to swim at least 50 meters in open water

• Be confident swimming and snorkeling in deep water

• Be able to climb back onto the boat unassisted

This combination of experiences ensures everyone can enjoy the magic of Baja — from calm, curious sea lions to the adrenaline-pumping action of pelagic encounters.

Getting to La Paz

The starting point for our Baja expedition is La Paz, the charming capital of Baja California Sur. The most common way to get here is by flying into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), located in San José del Cabo.

From Cabo, La Paz is about a 2.5–3 hour drive north along a scenic coastal highway. You can choose from:

• Private Transfers – Comfortable, direct, and stress-free

• Shuttle Services – Cost-effective shared transportation

• Car Rental – Perfect if you want flexibility to explore on your own before or after the trip

It’s important to arrive in La Paz at least one day before your expedition begins to allow for any travel delays and to settle in before the adventure kicks off.

For those who prefer flying directly, La Paz International Airport (LAP) offers limited flights, primarily via Mexico City or Los Angeles. This can be a good option if you’re combining La Paz with other destinations in Mexico.

Whichever route you choose, we’ll help guide you on the best travel options so your Baja journey starts smoothly.

Flight Options

Los Cabos is well-connected to major cities across North America and beyond, with frequent flights from hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Phoenix (PHX), Vancouver (YVR), and Mexico City (MEX). Many itineraries connect via these major airports, making travel to SJD straightforward from most regions.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most nationalities, including U.S., Canadian, EU, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders, can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism. You’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date

• Proof of onward or return travel

Upon arrival, you may be required to complete a FMM tourist card (sometimes included in your airfare). Keep this document safe — you’ll need to surrender it when leaving Mexico.

Customs in Mexico & Camera Tax

When you arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) or La Paz International Airport (LAP), you’ll pass through immigration first, then customs. Mexico operates a random “traffic light” system for customs inspections — you push a button, and if you get a green light, you pass straight through. If you get a red light, your luggage will be inspected.

The Camera & Gear Tax
In recent years, Cabo customs officials have been paying closer attention to professional-looking camera equipment (especially large DSLR or mirrorless cameras with multiple lenses, underwater housings, drones, and lighting rigs). If they determine you are carrying “professional” gear beyond personal use, they may apply an import tax — sometimes as high as several hundred USD.

Why They Do This
The stated reason is to protect Mexico’s film and commercial photography industry, as professional filming requires special permits and fees. In practice, it’s a revenue measure targeting travelers who appear to be bringing in gear for commercial purposes.

How to Minimize Your Chances of Being Taxed

• Pack smart – Keep your setup looking like personal travel gear rather than a full production kit. Spread components between bags if possible.

• Carry minimal lenses – One or two lenses attract less attention than a large kit.

• Avoid declaring it as “professional” – If asked, explain that it is for personal vacation photography only.

• Don’t bring original packaging – Brand-new, boxed equipment looks like you’re importing for sale.

• Be polite and patient – Customs officers have full discretion. A friendly approach can go a long way.

If You’re Stopped
If you’re selected for inspection and they flag your equipment, you may be asked to pay the tax immediately (usually by credit card at the customs desk). There’s little room for negotiation, so the best strategy is to avoid triggering it in the first place.

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms