What Are Bait Balls

A bait ball is one of the ocean’s most mesmerizing natural events.

When sardines sense the presence of larger animals, they gather tightly together and move as one unified shape. Thousands of fish turn, fold, and align in perfect timing, creating a glowing sphere that reflects light in waves of silver, gold, and blue.

What makes bait balls extraordinary is not conflict, but cooperation. Multiple species interact around the formation, each adding to the moment without disrupting the others. Marlin communicate through color changes, bonita line up and take turns, wahoo aim and fire through the center like a tank turret, and occasionally a whale will come along and scoop up the entire baitball in its massive mouth. The result is a multi-species dance — a coordinated event driven entirely by nature’s rhythm.

Some bait balls hold for long, beautiful stretches of time, with little predation.

Others shift and dissolve quickly.

Each one is unique.

Each one is alive.

Most people only ever see this through a National Geographic documentary.

Here, you observe it firsthand, floating in the beauty of a natural moment that few people will ever witness.

Wellness and Other Activities

Because camp life and the landscape naturally invite reflection and restoration, we make a few light wellness practices available throughout the expedition. These are never scheduled and never required. They simply exist for anyone who wants them.

Guests are welcome to join:

• Yoga — gentle, adaptable sessions on the sand

• Stretching & Mobility — easy movements for staying comfortable during multi-day ocean activity

• Meditation & Breathwork — quiet moments to ground yourself before or after boat days

• Nature Walks & Dune Wandering — unstructured explorations of the island’s dunes, beaches, and shifting light

• Paddleboarding - alongside the island, or through the mangroves.

These offerings are soft, supportive, and open to everyone. Whether you’re preparing for a day on the ocean or winding down in the evening, they add a sense of balance and presence to the expedition.

HOW TO JOIN THE EXPEDITION

This expedition is kept intentionally small and personal. Each boat carries a maximum of 6 guests, supported by two professional guides and an experienced boat driver, allowing us to move with the wildlife respectfully and safely.

We offer three ways to join the trip:

Join as an Adventurer

For guests who want to experience the sardine run fully — from the boat, in the water, and across the landscape — without a photography focus. This includes all expedition activities, access to our optional wellness offerings, and the full field-style experience.

Join as a Photo Workshop Attendee

For guests who want creative support during the expedition, including guidance on reading wildlife behavior, light, movement, camera settings, and creating meaningful images inspired by National Geographic–style field assignments.

Private Boat Options

We also offer a limited number of private-boat expeditions for small groups or families who prefer a private experience with their own guides and full flexibility.

Because space is extremely limited and we want to make sure this expedition is the right fit for every guest, all pricing and booking information is shared only after inquiry. This allows us to answer questions, discuss expectations, and ensure the experience matches what you’re looking for.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

We want everyone on this expedition to feel safe, comfortable, and fully able to enjoy their time on the water. These guidelines help ensure a positive experience for the entire group.

• The recommended minimum age for full participation is 15 years old.

• Younger guests can be accommodated with certain restrictions or modified activities, depending on conditions and their comfort level.

• Guests under 18 require a signed parental release form.

• Children who are too young for the in-water portion may still enjoy land days and boat-based wildlife observation.

Swimming Ability

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should be:

• A confident swimmer

• Comfortable snorkeling in open water

• Able to climb a boat ladder in moderate ocean movement

If you can snorkel calmly and feel steady in the water, you’ll do great.

Physical Readiness

This trip is not ideal for:

• Significant mobility challenges

• Serious back issues

• Medical conditions that limit balance or stamina

Feel free to reach out if you’re unsure — we’re happy to help you determine suitability.

This is a five-day expedition with a balanced rhythm:

• Three days on the water searching for bait balls and spending time with wildlife

• Two days on land for hiking, sand dunes, mangroves, paddleboarding, or simply resting at camp.

We adjust the order of the days based on the weather and ocean conditions so you always get the best possible experience.

ACCOMMODATIONS

During the expedition, we stay at the remote Mag Bay Tent Camp, a simple and comfortable base set directly on the barrier island. The camp blends seamlessly into the landscape — dunes, ocean, and sky — creating a sense of calm and connection that balances the energy of long days on the water.

Each guest has their own private safari-style tent, complete with:

• Real bed and fresh linens

• Shade and airflow

• Quiet nights with nothing but ocean and desert sounds

• Space to rest, read, stretch, or simply unwind between activities

The camp is intentionally low-impact and close to nature, offering a sense of stillness that many guests say becomes one of the most memorable parts of the expedition.

Meals at Camp

All meals are included throughout the trip. You can expect:

• Warm breakfasts before boat departure

• Fresh camp-cooked dinners each night

• Boat lunches designed for long ocean days

• Fruit, snacks, and hydration are available throughout the day

• Vegetarian options with advance notice

We work closely with MagBay Whales to ensure meals are nourishing, satisfying, and well-suited for active days on the water.