Discover La Paz, Mexico: A Relaxed Sailing Vacation Through the Sea of Cortez
Estimated read time: ~6 minutes
Wildlife, Desert Shores & Baja’s Best-Kept Secret
La Paz doesn’t shout for attention — it wins you over quietly, with desert cliffs, impossibly clear water, and a feeling that you’ve stepped off the edge of the world into something rare. Located on the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California), La Paz is the gateway to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth — a place Jacques Cousteau once called “the aquarium of the world.”
What makes a sailing vacation here so magical? It’s the wildness. The stillness. The whale sharks gliding beneath your hull, the sea lions playing beside your paddleboard, the feeling that you’ve got an entire cove to yourself — because often, you do.
English is widely spoken, and while La Paz still feels like an authentic Mexican town, the sailing infrastructure is excellent. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking something less polished but far more special.
How to Get There
Getting to La Paz is surprisingly easy.
• Fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP), with domestic connections from Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• For more international options, fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and take a 2.5-hour scenic drive north to La Paz (private shuttle or rental car).
Most yacht charters depart from Marina CostaBaja or Marina Palmira, both just a short ride from the city center. Your 7-day sailing route will loop through Espíritu Santo, Isla Partida, and Baja’s wild coast, then return to La Paz.
Wildlife Encounters, Desert Islands & Baja’s Natural Beauty
This is a trip where the anchorage is the destination — and the encounters are unforgettable.
🐋 Whales & Whale Sharks
Between December and April, the Sea of Cortez becomes a migration highway. You might spot humpback whales, gray whales, or even blue whales. And in La Paz Bay, gentle whale sharks gather to feed — you can swim alongside them in a guided, respectful encounter.
🦭 Espíritu Santo & Isla Partida
A protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just 20 miles from La Paz. These islands are the heart of your trip — remote, uninhabited, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. At Los Islotes, you can snorkel with a colony of friendly sea lions — an experience you’ll never forget.
🌊 Manta Rays & Marine Magic
The waters here are full of life. Keep your eyes peeled for manta rays, dolphins, mobulas, and endless reef fish. The snorkeling and diving rival anything in the Caribbean — but with far fewer people.
🏝️ Pristine Beaches for Picnics
Some of the best beaches in Baja are only reachable by boat. Think Playa Bonanza, Ensenada Grande, and Caleta Partida — perfect spots for a beach picnic, paddleboard, or lazy afternoon nap in the sun.
🌄 El Arco, Cabo San Lucas
While not on your weeklong route (unless you extend south), Cabo’s famous El Arco — the striking rocky arch formation at Land’s End — is worth mentioning or visiting if you fly into Los Cabos. Many extended charters combine La Paz with a stop at Cabo San Lucas for a blend of wild and lively.
Suggested 7-Day / 7-Night Sailing Itinerary (Round Trip from La Paz)
This itinerary is designed for beauty, wildlife, and chill distances — most days with under 3h hours of sailing.
Day 1: La Paz > Caleta Lobos (1.5h)
Ease into the trip with a short sail to this peaceful cove. Swim, kayak, or just enjoy your first night on anchor under a blanket of stars.
Day 2: Caleta Lobos > Ensenada Grande (3h)
Sail to Espíritu Santo’s most beloved anchorage — a perfect white-sand beach surrounded by pink cliffs. Incredible snorkeling just off the boat.
Day 3: Ensenada Grande > Los Islotes > Isla Partida (1.5h)
Snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes (early morning is best), then head to the calm waters of Caleta Partida, the channel between two islands.
Day 4: Isla Partida > San Francisco (3h)
A longer but stunning sail to Isla San Francisco, known for its shell-shaped bay and hiking trails with panoramic views. Ideal for paddleboarding.
Day 5: Isla San Francisco > Bahia Amortajada (2h)
Anchor near Isla San José and kayak through the mangrove lagoon at Bahia Amortajada, a quiet spot rich with birdlife and a real off-grid feel.
Day 6: Bahia Amortajada > Balandra Bay (3h)
Head back toward La Paz, stopping at the iconic Playa Balandra — famous for its mushroom-shaped rock and shallow, turquoise water.
Day 7: Balandra > La Paz (1.5h)
Enjoy one last breakfast swim, then sail back to La Paz in time for an evening stroll along the Malecón and a final taste of Baja cuisine.
Best Time to Visit
The best season for sailing in the Sea of Cortez is October through May. Expect sunny days, low humidity, and cool nights.
• December to April: Ideal for whale watching and whale shark swims
• October to November: Excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving
• May to June: Calm weather, warm water, fewer tourists
⚠️ Avoid July–September if possible — this is hurricane season, and it gets very hot.
Why a Sailing Vacation is Ideal
Baja’s coast isn’t made for land travel. Roads are few, the best beaches are boat-access only, and the magic of this region is in its wildness. A sailing yacht gives you access to remote anchorages, a front-row seat to marine life, and the flexibility to move with the rhythm of the sea.
No ferry schedules. No crowds. No need to unpack. You wake up where you want to be — every day.
And while La Paz is still under the radar for many travelers, that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s one of the last places where a yacht trip can feel like your own private documentary, complete with breaching whales, coral reefs, and campfire dinners on a silent beach.
Recommended Sailing Experience Level
The Sea of Cortez offers a mix:
• Protected anchorages and calm winter conditions make it beginner-friendly
• Occasional northern winds (called “El Norte”) can pick up — making things more exciting
• Ideal for a skippered charter or a confident bareboat crew
• Great for families, couples, or wildlife lovers
Catamarans are a great choice for comfort and stability, especially for longer legs.
Wild Beauty, Quiet Bays, and a Trip That Sticks With You
La Paz delivers a different kind of sailing vacation — raw, radiant, and deeply connected to nature. It’s where desert cliffs meet turquoise sea, where sea lions become your swim buddies, and where the silence of an untouched anchorage is more luxurious than any resort.
If you’re looking for a trip that combines wildlife, freedom, adventure, and soul-soothing landscapes — this is the one.
Ready to Sail La Paz?
Let’s plan your dream Baja sailing escape. Whether you’re chasing whale sharks, craving quiet beaches, or ready to explore the Sea of Cortez in style — we’ll find the perfect boat for you. Reach out to Sail.Wind.Sea and start planning your La Paz sailing vacation today.