Put yourself on a sailboat in a quiet anchorage, bobbing on clear blue waters with a steady breeze. That's the essence of La Paz, Mexico; a hidden treasure for sailing enthusiasts that holds seemingly endless opportunities for adventure.
Abundant Marine Life
Some call The Sea of Cortez the "World’s Aquarium" — a moniker given by none other than Jacques Cousteau himself. And who doesn’t trust Jacques? There’s a lifetime of sea-going wisdom under that little red hat.
The region is home to a vast array of marine species including but most certainly not limited to dolphins, whales, and endless colorful fish. La Paz is particularly famous for its encounters with friendly sea lions at places like Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo Island, where you can snorkel and swim with these curious creatures.
Whale watching is also a popular activity in the winter months when gray whales migrate to the warm waters of the Gulf of California to give birth (which just so happens to coincide with our Mexico Cruising Course). Spotting these magnificent creatures breaching and tail-slapping from the deck of your sailboat is an unforgettable experience.
Spectacular Scenery
La Paz is breathtaking. The scenery surrounds you. Inland, you can expect rich green hills holding treasures like the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. On the coast, dramatic landscapes of rugged desert mountains clash against serene, azure waters.
As you sail along the coastline, you'll be treated to stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and desert islands. The contrast between the arid Baja California Peninsula and the rich marine life in the sea creates an otherworldly backdrop for your sailing adventures.
Sailing Weather Conditions
La Paz boasts near-ideal sailing conditions year-round. The weather is typically sunny with minimal rainfall. The city itself experiences a dry, desert climate with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. The consistent northwesterly winds, known as the Coromuel winds offer steady and reliable sailing conditions. The Sea of Cortez also has mild temperatures, with water temperatures ranging from the 70s°F (20s°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (30s°C) in summer, making it comfortable for swimming and snorkeling.
Rich Cultural Experience
Beyond its natural beauty, La Paz offers a rich cultural experience deeply rooted in Mexican heritage. The city is known for welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals. After a day of sailing, you can explore the historic downtown area, visit local markets, and savor authentic Mexican dishes at sultry waterfront restaurants.
Sailing in La Paz
La Paz, Mexico really is a sailor’s paradise: a perfect blend of scenic beauty, ideal weather, diverse marine life, and cultural richness. If you're considering your next sailing destination, look no further than this charming Baja California gem.
Cruisers Academy | Liveaboard Sailing School
If you’re serious about living on a sailboat and want to give the lifestyle a go, check out our Mexico Cruising Course, a liveaboard sailing course designed to teach you everything you need to know about full-time cruising. There will be 13 different trips to choose from starting October 2023 and going into May 2024.
We'll be opening 2 to 3 student bunks on each leg of the journey. This relatively small number of students aboard at one time ensures everybody on the boat gets the attention they deserve. This will be a fluid and dynamic learning environment, with the opportunity to employ any sailing experience you may already have with plenty of room to include new lessons and first-hand experience of living the cruising lifestyle. Students will take part in every crew role, like sailing and navigation, anchoring, cooking, taking care of Lintika, and learning how to be the best crew member possible.