Adventure Cruises in La Paz
La Paz Cruises are a part of many small ship island-hopping cruises in the Sea of Cortés because of its location. It's the capital city of Baja California Sur in Mexico. Even if you are only in La Paz overnight at the start or end of your cruise, there is much to see and do. From wildlife like boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds to a variety of whales, dolphins, and sea lions, La Paz is a great representation of the ecosystem along the Sea of Cortez. Hike the desert landscape or paddle and snorkel with friendly baby sea lions. Enjoy the charming hospitality and simple lifestyle of the people who call La Paz home while venturing through the streets to the 18th-century cathedral and the main plaza in the city center. It's your home too, for however brief a time. Bring a few tax-free, handcrafted, authentic Mexican goods to remember your trip by.
Things to do in La Paz
Most guests will experience La Paz at the start or end of their small-ship cruise journey to the Gulf of California. Once in La Paz, you can visit the Anthropologic Museum, tour the 18th-century cathedral, and stock up at the tax-free shopping area.
Nearby, Espiritu Santo has many activities, from glass-bottom boat tours to scuba diving and snorkeling. You can see relics from World War II, as the Allies used the island as a base.
You'll see some whale sharks in Bahía de La Paz if you're lucky. Eco-tourism is the largest source of income in La Paz. Other wildlife you might see in La Paz includes a variety of whales, sea lions, boobies, pelicans, frigate birds, and dolphins. Some guests get to swim with the baby sea lions!
Best time to cruise from La Paz
Plan ahead for the best time to visit La Paz and take your Mexico Boat cruise. La Paz has a desert climate, so there isn't much rain at any time of year. The climate is warm and dry, between 24 and 33 °C (75 and 91 °F) all year.
There are two seasons in La Paz. The summer spans July through September, with temperatures between 34 and 36 °C (93 and 97 °F) and high humidity.
The winter begins in La Paz in December and lasts through February. Temperatures are colder, below 15 °C (59 °F) at night. Warm winds from Bahía de La Paz help warm up the air. Additionally, the bay protects La Paz from seasonal storms in the California Gulf.
La Paz in January through early April is the ideal time to whale watch off the coast or at some of the nearby hotspots at other points in your Baja California cruise.
What cruises depart from La Paz?
Sea of Cortez cruises depart from La Paz and create an adventurous island-hopping cruise through Baja California Sur.
The Loreto Bay Marine Park is 2,065 square kilometers (797 square miles) from Isla Coronados in the north to Isla Catalana in the south. This area is part of the UNESCO “Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California,” and up to 695 species of vascular plants and at least 800 aquatic species call it home.
In Bahia Agua Verde, take a mule ride into the arroyos with the local rancheros for a real feeling for the region. Rancheros are happy to stop and visit with you to express what it's like to live in La Paz.
Ensenada Grande is an anchorage on the west side of Isla Partida. The red rocks stand out in contrast against the blue-green sea, and the formation's shape blocks the wind. You can kayak, walk around the base of the cliff, and see the cactus growing in every possible space between the rocks.
Isla San Francisco is a tiny island, one-and-a-half square miles, that is a favorite with boaters thanks to its cozy, protected bay. The ecosystem is quite diverse, with much of the island's life overlapping with its larger neighbor, Isla Jan Jose. Take a naturalist hike up the small valley to a picturesque ridge overlooking dramatic cliffs. Guests snorkel, kayak, and take stunning photos.
Isla Espiritu Santo invites you to its secluded cove cupped by incredible outcroppings of red rocks and golden beaches. You can walk along the beach, kayak, or set out on a full guided hike.
Los Islotes is a high rocky seamount that rises from the water and is very popular with sea lions. Boat, skiff, scuba, and snorkeling while you get to know your new friends.
Cabo Pulmo is a beautiful national marine park with a living coral reef and is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. See 300 species of fish in the place labeled the “Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau.
How do I get to La Paz?
The main international airport in the area is in La Paz, so if a direct flight is available to you, it makes a perfect arrival point. A crew member will meet you for complimentary pick-up to escort you and your luggage to the ship. Other international flights may be possible to San Jose Del Cabo with a connecting flight or land transfer to La Paz if that is your departure point.
Some Mexico small ship cruise itineraries start in La Paz. Please check your particular itinerary for all specific departure details.
Book your next adventure cruise to La Paz, Mexico today.
