Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the 'Aquarium of the World' — La Paz is your front door to it. Swim with whale sharks, snorkel with sea lions, or simply stroll the sculpture-lined Malecón as the desert sun sets over the bay.
Ships dock at Pichilingue pier — a commercial port 18 km north of the city. Downtown La Paz is not walkable; you'll need transport.
💡 Pro move: For beach-only days (Tecolote or Balandra), taxis go directly from the pier — the beaches are actually closer to Pichilingue than downtown is.
All cruise ships dock at Puerto de Pichilingue, La Paz's commercial and ferry port on the north side of the bay.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Holland America, Princess, Viking, most lines | Puerto de Pichilingue📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition ships | Puerto de Pichilingue or anchor/tender📍 | Tendered |
La Paz excels at marine eco-tourism — from swimming with whale sharks to snorkeling a wild sea lion colony on a UNESCO-protected island.
One of the world's best whale shark encounters, right in La Paz Bay. Permitted season runs October through April. Snorkel alongside these gentle 30-foot giants in warm, clear water. Permits are strictly limited — book in advance.
Find whale shark tours →This UNESCO biosphere island hosts a colony of playful California sea lions. Boat tours motor through stunning turquoise coves where you snorkel with the sea lions in crystal-clear water. One of Mexico's top wildlife encounters.
Find Espíritu Santo tours →Mexico's most photographed beach: a sheltered, waist-deep cove of turquoise water framed by the iconic mushroom rock. Entry is controlled by timed shifts (8am–noon / 1–5pm). Bring your own food — no restaurants here.
Find Balandra beach tours →The 5 km waterfront boardwalk is lined with bronze sculptures (including a giant pearl and a Jacques Cousteau tribute), palm trees, and stunning bay views. Walk to Jardín Velasco, the 19th-century cathedral, and colorful street-art murals a few blocks inland.
Find La Paz walking tours →Guided kayak and snorkel tours combine paddling the sheltered bays near Pichilingue with snorkeling over reefs rich with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. A great option for active cruisers with 4-5 hours.
Find kayak snorkel tours →The Malecón is La Paz's showcase walk — sculptures, bay views, and cafés along 5 km of flat, paved waterfront promenade.
Start at the shuttle drop-off near the Malecón's north end and walk south along the waterfront past bronze sculptures and bay panoramas. Turn inland at Avenida Independencia to reach the Jardín Velasco plaza and the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz. Browse the surrounding streets for tacos and local shops before returning along the Malecón.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 75°F / 24°C | 60°F / 16°C | 1 | 7:06 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Feb | 77°F / 25°C | 60°F / 16°C | 1 | 6:54 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Mar | 82°F / 28°C | 61°F / 16°C | 0 | 6:29 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 63°F / 17°C | 0 | 5:59 AM | 6:43 PM |
| May | 90°F / 32°C | 65°F / 18°C | 0 | 5:38 AM | 6:57 PM |
| Jun | 95°F / 35°C | 71°F / 22°C | 1 | 5:33 AM | 7:10 PM |
| Jul | 97°F / 36°C | 77°F / 25°C | 3 | 5:42 AM | 7:11 PM |
| Aug | 96°F / 36°C | 79°F / 26°C | 8 | 5:56 AM | 6:54 PM |
| Sep | 93°F / 34°C | 78°F / 26°C | 8 | 6:07 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Oct | 90°F / 32°C | 73°F / 23°C | 3 | 6:19 AM | 5:54 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 1 | 6:36 AM | 5:34 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 1 | 6:57 AM | 5:36 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.