Sardine Run

Magdalena Bay, Mexico

One of our planet’s top wildlife spectacles is on display each year in the warm Pacific waters off the Baja California Peninsula, where shimmering shoals of baitfish—sardines and mackerel—attract mucho hungry predators. Here, a sea lion in silhouette glides in to attack a mackerel baitball thousands strong.

Need To Know The run usually peaks between late October and the end of November. Most operators are based in the fishing town of San Carlos and use small, fiberglass panga boats. Be prepared to swim like hell to keep up with the action.

Photographer Brandon Cole (@brandondcole)