Boat rental in La Paz, Baja California Sur — Espíritu Santo, sea lions, whale sharks, Balandra and tips for 2027

La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, lies on a wide bay of the Sea of Cortez, the sea Jacques Cousteau called "the world's aquarium". From here boats head to the uninhabited desert islands of Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida, to the sea lion colony at Los Islotes, to the turquoise lagoon at Balandra and, in the cooler months, to the whale sharks that feed in the bay. This guide explains where you can go by boat, which rules apply and when it is best to head out.

What we currently offer

To be clear: no boats or trips are currently published for La Paz on the location page, which is why this guide does not give prices. If you would like a boat in La Paz, send us a request via the contact page and we will see what can be arranged.

Where the boats leave from

Most trips leave from the marinas along the malecón in the city centre or from Marina Costa Baja on the road to Pichilingue. The port of Pichilingue, about 15 km north of the city, is also where ferries leave for mainland Mexico, and it is the closest starting point for the islands. See also the page boats in Pichilingue.

Where to go

• Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida (from about 8–10 nautical miles): red volcanic cliffs, white beaches and turquoise bays such as Ensenada Grande and Playa Encantada. The archipelago is a national park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Los Islotes (at the northern tip of Isla Partida): a colony of several hundred California sea lions; swimming with the playful young sea lions is one of La Paz's highlights. During the pupping season in summer, the colony may be closed to swimmers.
• Whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz (close to the city, near El Mogote): in the cooler months, whale sharks feed in the plankton-rich water of the bay, a short boat ride from the malecón.
• Balandra and Tecolote (about 10 nautical miles): a shallow turquoise lagoon with the famous mushroom-shaped rock, and a wide beach facing the islands. Balandra is a protected area with visitor limits.
• Diving and sport fishing: reefs and rock walls around the islands, the El Bajo seamount and the wreck of the ferry Salvatierra; offshore, dorado, yellowtail, roosterfish and marlin, depending on the season.

For more of Mexico, read our guides to boat rental in Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast and boat rental in Cancún on the Caribbean. Also see the page boats in Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of the peninsula.

Rules and tips

• Captain. In Mexico, trips and rentals are usually arranged with a licensed operator and a captain. Check their permits and what is included.
• National park. A park wristband is required to visit the Espíritu Santo archipelago; landing, camping and fishing are regulated, and some areas are off-limits.
• Whale sharks. Keep to the rules: only authorised boats, limited time in the water, no touching and keep your distance.
• Sea lions. Let the sea lions come to you; do not touch them or swim into their resting areas on the rocks.
• Sun and water. The desert sun is strong even in winter; bring a hat, plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen.

Season and weather

• October to May: mild, sunny days and cooler water (around 21–24 °C in winter). Whale sharks are in the bay. Northerly winds (nortes) occasionally make the sea rough for a few days.
• June to September: hot on land, with very warm, clear water (up to around 30 °C). In the evening a cooling breeze called the Coromuel often blows across the bay.
• Hurricanes. The Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November and is most active in Baja from August to October; trips then depend on the forecast.

A boat in La Paz with Crystalium Booker

We currently have no boats in La Paz, but we are happy to help you look into the options. Send us a request via the contact page with the date, number of guests and preferred route. Do you rent out a boat in La Paz or elsewhere in Baja California Sur? List it with us and we will present it to guests in 29 languages.