The waters surrounding La Paz and it's offshore islands offer some of Baja's most incredible diving and snorkeling. You can go on day and multi-day dives or snorkel right off one of the many beaches. Schools of hammerhead sharks, playful dolphins and sea lions, plus the gigantic, docile whale shark are some of the underwater dwellers you may see.

Kayaking
Bahia de La Paz is perfect for snorkelers with it's tranquil and clear waters. Trips to the islands and to Loreto highlight the options for a kayaker.

Whale Watching

Trips depart La Paz for the Pacific coast villages of Puerto López Mateos (Magdalena Bay), Guerrero Negro (Scammon's Lagoon), and San Ignacio ( Laguna San Ignacio). Gray whales stop to bear their young in these bays during the months of January through March. Both day trips and overnight, multiple day excursions are available.

Bahia de La Paz is one of Baja's best sailing ports and most popular. Many sailboats anchor in the bay to store up on supplies and information before heading for more remote parts of the Sea of Cortez coastline. La Paz has two main marinas: Marina La Paz (Tel: (1) 122-1646) and Marina Palmira (Tel: (1) 122-4277).

To the north of town along the Pichilingue Peninsula (Hwy. 11) are several attractive, desert-backed beaches. The road leads past a large PEMEX facility, shipyards, shrimp cultivation ponds, and a failed desalinization plant. Beach facilities are somewhat limited, but the setting is pure magic: calm, warm water and soft, white sand, backed by mangroves and cactus-studded mountains. Here are some of the extra special beaches (listed south to north as you head out of town).

El Tesoro
Small cove, named after buried pirate treasure was discovered here during road construction in 1965 (13 kms).

Pichilingue

Home of the La Paz Ferry Terminal and a large commercial harbor that never quite caught on. Nice beaches are just north of the deep water port; several palapa restaurant (17 kms).

Balandra
This lovely cove and bay is backed by green mangroves; ideal for kayaking, swimming, and sunning. A few palapas and BBQ pits are the only facilities. Don't miss the landmark balancing rock formation, El Hongo (the mushroom) (23 kms).

Tecolote
A nice stretch of white sand with Isla Espiritu Santo off shore; Sport equipment rentals, beachfront restaurants, RV and camper spaces. Great swimming and water sports beach. Boats can be rented for the 6.5 km crossing to Isla Espiritu Santo (26 kms).

Coyote
Little visited due to remote location (10 kms past Tecolote via a dirt road). It is at the northern tip of Pichilingue peninsula and faces the Sea of Cortez. (36 kms).

Just off shore are some of Baja's most stunningly beautiful islands. Guided boat excursions taker snorkelers, hikers and nature lovers for either day excursions or multiple night camping trips. Visitors have several options for seeing the islands; kayak tours, panga rentals, nature cruises.

Isla Espíritu Santo
Stretching 19 kms long and 5 kms wide, this spectacular island has dozens of lovely bays, rich marine life and land-based reptiles, birds and amphibians.

Isla Partida
Just north of Isla Espíritu Santo, Partida has excellent snorkeling, particularly at El Cardonal and Ensenada Grande bays.

Isla Cerralvo
This large deserted island (some 30 kms long) is surrounded by some of the area's best diving spots.

The city's historical and sightseeing attractions are limited, compared to what awaits sports enthusiasts, eco tourists, and lovers of the great outdoors. Nature takes top billing in La Paz, and most visitors spend time either out of town at the beach or on an off shore island exploring the Sea of Cortez environs. Nonetheless, there are some sights to explore.

The city's main Cathedral

La Paz city life revolves around the town's coastal promenade that lines Paseo Álvaro Obregón. Much of the city's dining and nightlife is here. The promenade stretches for several kilometers past sandy beaches (some of which attract sunbathers and swimmers). Strollers, vendors, fisherman, and the city's friendly residents make the malecón a lively spot for people watching and taking in the beautiful sunset over the bay. The seaside Parque de la Amistad (Park of Friendship) with benches and a two story kiosk, faces one of the several piers that extend into Bahía de La Paz.

The city's central location in Baja California Sur provides the perfect opportunity to explore some of Baja's majestic landscapes and activities.

Sierra de La Laguna
The mountains south of La Paz are home to rugged back country and a string of remote towns. Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1994, and accessible via Highway 1 on the route to San Jose del Cabo, the region has an incredible diversity of animal and plant life. The region had its heyday in the 19th century thanks to silver and gold mines. Today much of the area is uninhabited, and attracts naturalists, mountain bikers, hikers and history buffs.

Villages in the region (listed in order as you drive south from La Paz) include San Antonio, once inhabited by over 10,000 residents, dating back to 1748 when a rich silver vein was discovered; El Triunfo, a former mining town with colonial-style buildings, a Victorian-style church, and crumbling ruins of an old silver mine foundry with a towering brick smoke stack; San Bartolo, a lush oasis famous for its fresh fruits and vegetables; and Santiago, a mission settlement dating to 1723, and home to an interesting municipal zoo which includes a tiger. all these towns are stops along Highway 1.

Buena Vista & Los Barriles
South of La Paz, this coastal region is a string of beachfront fishing resorts and gorgeous beaches. This region stretches from Punta Pescadero south to Punta Colorado, along the lovely Bahía de Palmas. It is about 60 kms. north of San Jose del Cabo and 110 kms. south of La Paz.

The region's two main communities (Los Barriles and Buena Vista) are small villages 3 kms. apart. Most resort development has been pioneered by Americans that began coming here in the 1950's.

This area is renowned for its world-class sport fishing and windsurfing. Fishing here is outstanding - the area reportedly has the highest catch rate in the world! Billfish are caught from June through December, while smaller species bite all year. Windsurfing is ideal from November until April. Surprisingly the area also has an excellent surfing spot at Punta Arenas. The area is remote and secluded, catering to hard core sports enthusiasts, beach campers, and those wanting a peaceful, "desert-by-the-sea" escape.

Baja Pirates
Sportfishing Charters
La Paz * Tel/Fax: (612) 125-7353

Fisherman's Fleet
Complete Fishing Packages * Day Charters
La Paz * Tel: (612) 122-1313

Cortez Club
Baja's Only PADI 5 Star Gold Palm IDC Resort
Two Dive & Watersports Centers
Available Wide Range of the Latest Watersports Equipment
Sport Fishing & Snorkeling Whale Watching & Kayak Camps

Carretera a Pichilingue, Km 5 * Tel: (612) 121-6120

Club Cantamar
Offering Dive Service since 1983 * Multi-Lingual
On-site Recompression Chamber * Scuba Instruction & Dives
Obregon #1665 * Tel: (612) 122-1826 * Fax: (612) 122-8644

Baja Expeditions
Kayak La Paz's Islands or up the Coast towards Loreto
Baja's Largest & Oldest Outfitter of Adventure Travel
La Paz * US Tel: (800) 843-6967

Mar Y Aventuras
Offering Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Expeditions
All Trips Operated With the Utmost Respect for the Local Culture, Flora & Fauna
Knowledgeable & Professional Leaders
High Standards in Quality & Safety
We Prepare the Most Delicious Meals You'll Ever Taste
#564 Topete E/5 de Febrero y Navarro * Tel: 800-355-7140

Baja Expeditions
Whale Watching Excusions in Pacific & Sea of Cortez
Baja's Largest & Oldest Outfitter of Adventure Travel
La Paz * US Tel: (800) 843-6967

Mar Y Aventuras
Offering Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Expeditions
All Trips Operated With the Utmost Respect for the Local Culture, Flora & Fauna
Knowledgeable & Professional Leaders
High Standards in Quality & Safety

#564 Topete E/5 de Febrero y Navarro * Tel: 800-355-7140

Off Road Adventure
Discover the Secret Treasures of Baja * Whale Watching
La Paz * Tel/Fax: (1) 128-0504

Jonathan Roldan
Sportfishing Diving/Snorkeling
Kayaking Whale Watching
La Paz * US Tel: (877) 825-8802

Baja Tennis
U.S.P.T.A & U.S.P.T.R. Certified Pros
3 New, Lighted Hard Courts * Pro Shop
5 de Febrero * Cel: 044 (612) 127-1671

Katun Tours
Hiking & Mountain Biking Tours * Camping
Bilingual Guides * Meal Included
16 de Septiembre #15 * Tel: (612) 123-3009

Off Road Adventure
Discover the Secret Treasures of Baja * Whale Watching
Bird Watching * Cave Paintings * Missions Desert Exploring
La Paz * Tel/Fax: (612) 128-0504