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)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Port-operated shuttle runs from Puerto Pichilingue to downtown La Paz (Malecón area), roughly 30–45 minutes each way. Most economical option; confirm schedule with your cruise line as times vary.
Taxis wait at the terminal and offer a direct ride to downtown or the marina. Negotiate and confirm the fare before departing; a $5 surcharge per extra passenger may apply.
Uber and DiDi both operate in La Paz city and offer more predictable pricing than street taxis. The port is remote, so confirm driver acceptance before booking.
Once in central La Paz, the Malecón waterfront and main attractions are very walkable. The city is flat, pleasant, and compact for pedestrians.
Bike and scooter rentals are available in downtown La Paz, making it easy to cruise the Malecón and nearby neighborhoods independently.
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.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.