BIG ANIMAL DIVER
67 divErencounters when the sardines and
accompanying predators are on the run.
When the baitfish are static, the marlin
seem to relax, taking their time to hunt
them down. Though a chasing encounter
lasts only 10-20 seconds, the marlin are
hunting far more aggressively in these
instances.
They raise their game, sprinting and
leaping through the water in pursuit.
The absolute, adrenaline-charged,
action of our drops onto marlin running
after baitfish is what stays with me most
vividly from this trip.
Usually, I take great pleasure in the
serene meditation of diving, but these
addictive encounters must be among the
best available to marine-life lovers, and
leave me eager to return next season.
Above, clockwise from
top left: Sea-lions and
striped marlin compete for
food in an open-ocean hunt;
even while hunting, sea-
lions maintain their
trademark joie de vivre;
frenetic action on a large
sardine baitball.Below: A unique commute
across the sandbank.FACTFILE
GETTING THERE
Aeromexico flies from London
Heathrow to La Paz, via
Mexico City (total journey
around 16 hours).
DIVING &
ACCOMMODATIONNomad
Diving discovered the
aggregation and is organising
a trip to visit the marlin this
November, nomaddiving.com
WHEN TO GOThe marlin
aggregation occurs from late
October to late November.
HEALTHThis is a snorkelling
trip which requires a good
level of physical stamina.
MONEYMexican peso
PRICESReturn flights are
available at around £620.
An eight-day marlin
experience including
accommodation costs US
$2950pp (two sharing)
VISITOR INFORMATION
visitmexico.comdivErNEt.com