La Paz, a quiet Mexican city of 170,000 habitants, is attractively located on a large bay on the Gulf of California, 100 miles north of the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Countless historical buildings dating back to the early 1800's, a Museum of Anthropology and four universities as well as other schools offering advanced certificates tell of a rich cultural life. Ten beautiful beaches within easy access, a protected bay for cruisers and nearby islands invite to kayaking, diving and snorkeling.
Both Mexican and international tourists enjoy the atmosphere of La Paz and the mix of local business, shopping centers and colonial buildings spread a relaxed atmosphere, where you will also find numerous restaurants and a developed night life.
Sailing through the desert is an eerie feeling. The contrasts of the azure blue water of the Sea of Cortez against the arid reddish setting of the Baja Peninsula, numerous deserted islands and beaches, jagged mountains, seems unreal. To cap this magnificent scenery, you might catch a glimpse on whales in migration, playful dolphins or the majestic movements of the manta ray during some of your navigation. On shore, sea lions bask in the sun.
Marina & starting point
The base at Marina Palmira is about a 30-minute cab ride from La Paz Airport.
You will find showers facilities, ice cubes & blocks, snorkeling gear, kayak rentals, weather information and public telephones. Post office at the base in the mini-market. Stamps are available and the mail is delivered daily. Telephone calls, faxes and e-mail can be sent from the base.
Bareboat Exp. Level
From 1 - easy to 5 - very experienced: 4. We could provide a skipper service for your first day's sail from our base to familiarise the crew with the boat.
Diving
Diving enthusiasts will find everything they need in La Paz, excellent numerous dives. Local diving clubs will organize tours and meet you on your boat.
Airport
La Paz Airport, daily flights from Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, Tucson, Tijuana, Mexico City. There are more flight choices to Los Cabos International Airport.
Local Language
Spanish, English.
Currency
Peso and US Dollars are used. Major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. There are many places throughout the sailing areas to exchange money from cash, Travellers Cheques and Major Credit Cards. We recommend exchanging $20-$30 into pesos before leaving the U.S./Canada.
Weather
Warm winters, hot summers tempered with breezes describe La Paz's weather. The Baja is narrow at this point, so the Pacific Ocean has some influence on the weather here, making it cooler than settlements further up the Sea of Cortez. Rainfall averages only 6 inches per year, mostly in August and September.
Average day temperatures in summer: 37° C, between 20° - 26° C during the rest of the year.
High season: November to April
Middle season: May – June, October
Low season: July to September.
Sample cruise
7 day itinerary starting La Paz.
