La Paz, Mexico Yacht Charters

Mexico is an incredible vacation destination, boasting a vibrant and bustling culture that you’ll love from the second you step foot on the Marina!

At The Moorings, we’re committed to making your vacation as relaxing as possible which is why we’re providing useful planning, pre-departure and travel information for you. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and carefree, so you can be lounging in the sun on one of our yachts in no time at all.

General Information

To help you learn more about where you’ll be exploring, take a look at our Mexico fact file:

• Area: The area of Mexico is approximately 1.973 trillion m². Mexico has 1,972,550 square kilometers of area.
• Population: 127.5 million (2022)
• Capital city: Mexico City
• Currency: The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency of Mexico. It is subdivided into 100 centavos
• People: Mexican people are a mix of Europeans, mostly Spanish, and Indians.
• Language: Spanish
• Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, other
• Government: Mexico is a Federal Republic, and therefore it has no King or Queen. Instead, the Constitution states that the power to rule Mexico is divided between three branches. These are the Presidency, the Congress and the Courts.
• Cuisine: Corn is the main base of Mexican cuisine. Corn, chili, and beans were the “holy trinity” of food for Mesoamerican civilizations. In fact, corn is the source of great Mexican dishes such as ‘enchiladas’, ‘huaraches’, ‘machetes’, ‘tlacoyos’, ‘sopes’, ‘molotes’ and ‘quesadillas’.

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How to Get There

Airport

There are airports located near the base:

• La Paz International Airport (LPB) (25 minutes away).
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (1h 50 minutes away)
• Facilities at the airport include
• Money and communications: There is a bureau de change, bank and ATMs.
• Eating and drinking: There are coffee shops selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals in the terminal building.
• Shopping: A duty-free shop and a shop that sells souvenirs are available.
• Airport shuttles & taxis are available.
• Car rental, ferries also available.

La Paz Airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away. We can arrange airport transfers on request.

Transfers

The base is located 19 km from La Paz International Airport (LAP), the approximate transfer time is 30 minutes, and as an alternative option, Los Cabos International Airport is a bit further away at around 2.5 hrs transfer time to the base.

Aeropuerto La Paz – La Paz International Airport (LAP):

• Mex$ 400 (1-4pax)
• Additional pax Mex$ 50

Aeropuerto San José – Los Cabos International Airport (SJD):

• Mex$ 3500 (1-4pax)
• Additional pax Mex$ 250

Pre-booked transfer

If required, the base can arrange a pre-booked transfer for you.

Alternatively, you can grab a taxi from the airport at the base. Plase note Ubers (or similar) cannot do pick-ups from the airport, but drop-offs are possible.

Car rental

Car rental companies represented at the airport include: Avis, Budget, Europcar, etc. An international driver’s licenses is recommended.

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Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding time

• Charter Boarding Time: 10 am
• Sleep Aboard Time: 6 pm, the night before (on request)

Briefings

All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht.

Late arrivals

If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning before departure.

Check out time

• Charters must return to the base by 5 pm the night before departure.
• Disembark by 9 am the following morning.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time. In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bundle up the dirty laundry and leave it in the saloon, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away (recycling where possible), return snorkel gear, and ensure that the boat is handed back to The Moorings in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

Whilst waiting for the transfer you may:

• Enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the restuarants in the Marina area.
• Enjoy a relaxing morning by the resort swimming pool, or at the beach club.
• Take a taxi to la-paz town and enjoy everything La Paz has to offer – from beaches, restaurants, museums, watersports, etc.
• If your holiday is flight-exclusive, we request that you send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer details where required.

Please note:

• All guests must bring a copy of the charter contract/invoice.
• Country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check your government travel advice for the latest information before you leave: travel.state.gov.
• We are not responsible for any requirement changes.

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What’s on Board

Provisioning

Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation. Pre-ordered provisioning is NOT possible in La Paz, however, we have plenty of local options to support you upon arrival.

There is an onsite mini market, or you can visit one of the larger supermarkets in tow, the closest one is only 10kms away and has a wide selection of fresh produce.

Mobile phones & Wi-Fi

Check with your service provider for information about mobile coverage in this region. Using your own mobile phone in conjunction with a prepaid SIM card is also very popular and convenient. WIFI is available for purchase as an optional extra. Wifi is also available in the Marinaand on the docks.

Music + iPods

All our boats have Bluetooth capability, and you can also bring an AUX line so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity

The electrical service in Mexico is normally 120 volts, 60 cycles AC, in which case North American appliances are fully compatible, while European appliances will need both converters and adapters. Voltage varies with location, however, and some places in the islands may have 220 volt electrical service. Call your hotel ahead of time to find out which system they use. The standard voltage on all yachts is 12volts in order to use electronic equipment that is 110v or 220v; you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters.

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What to Bring

Customs + immigration

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the embassy of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

Cruising licences

Click here to view the sailing requirements. A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here, but is recommended. A completed Sailing or Power Resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself. *Please note: you are required to receive an Expert Level rating on your resume to charter in this destination.

Luggage + packing list

Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. The base has no facilities for holding luggage. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list below for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/creams
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices.
• We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Luggage

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using folding/ soft luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. Thomson Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

Drones

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavsystemsinternational.com/pages/mexico-drone-laws

Currency

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN), symbol is $.

You can exchange money at the departure airport, and there are also ATMs available in the Marina area. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the cards of choice. American Express – please check with the vendor.

Please note: Bases are unable to accept cash or personal checks, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Gratuity

Tipping in Mexico is becoming more commonplace, especially in upscale restaurants. In the past, tipping was welcome but not expected. Today, however, in newer, higher end places, an extra 10% to 20% is considered polite.

Security deposit

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance (https://www.moorings.com/uk/yacht-damage-waiver) ahead of time.

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Health & Safety

Travel Advice

Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

Swim Safe

• Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
• Do not overestimate your ability
• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

• All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat onboarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
• We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
• Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
• Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
• Look out for others

Travel Insurance

The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance (https://www.moorings.com/insurance) for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

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About the Marina

Address

The Moorings, La Paz, Mexico
Marina Costa Baja
Km. 7.5 Carretera a Pichilingue
Lomas de Palmira, 23010
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Base Hours

Mon-Thur: 8:00 to 18:00 hours
Fri: 9:00 to 18:00 hours
Sat & Sun: 9:00 to 17:00 hours

Facilities

Marina CostaBaja is a Marina with state-of-the-art technology and considered one of the best in the entire American continent. With capacity for 250 vessels ranging from 30 up to 225 ft and a Dry Marina with 50 slots for vessels up to 35 ft, this marina is the gateway to the Sea of ​​Cortez.

It has modern facilities and world-class services such as concrete docks, wastewater extraction system, 24-hour security, CCTV, access controlled by gates that are powered by solar energy cells, fuel dock, high speed internet and a drinking water plant.

Facilities Include:

• 24-hour, year round security
• Wi-fi
• Restrooms & showers
• Fuel dock
• Gourmet restaurants
• Onsite mini-market (and nearby super-market)
• Green areas
• Beach Access
• Shops, restaurants, galleries, expedition services, kayak rentals
• Hospital/ clinic
• Hotels
• Pump out service
• Free shuttle downtown
• Costa Baja’s, beaches, shops, charter services, kayak rental & more
• Indigo’s Hotel Pool *A resort fee will be charged
• Access to Puerto Beach Club *A resort fee will be charged

Fuel

Fuel Station location: In the marina close to the Moorings base

Time zone

Time zone in Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico (GMT-6)

Language

Spanish is the official language. Most locals also speak English.

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Around the Base

Accommodations

There are various hotel options within the Marina:

• Hotel INDIGO:
• https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/lapaz/lapgo/hoteldetail
• Residences at Puerta Cortés – Vistamar:
• https://puertacortes.com/
• Residences at Puerta Cortés – Las Colinas:
• https://puertacortes.com/
• Residences at Puerta Cortés – Playa de la Paz:
• https://puertacortes.com/

Restaurants:

• Cardón Resutaurant:
  https://puertacortes.com/gastronomia/
• BARCO Restaurant:
  https://puertacortes.com/gastronomia/
• Starbucks ToGo (Inside Hotel Indigo, near the pool)
• Puerto Beach Club (Private):
  https://puertacortes.com/amenidades/
• Blue Cortés Beach Club (Private):
  https://puertacortes.com/amenidades/
• MAJAGUA:
  https://majagua.mx/
• Odayaka Sushi Bar:
  https://www.facebook.com/odayakasushi
• Taberna Española:
  https://www.facebook.com/tabernaep
• DOCECUARENTA:
  https://www.docecuarenta.com/visitanos.html

Medical service:

Medical premier – Walk-in Clinic
Phone number.- +52 612 124 4357
Email – grontdesk@medicalpremier.com.mx
Web site – www.medicalpremier.com.mx

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Provisioning

Pre-ordered provisioning is NOT possible in La Paz, however, we have plenty of local options to support you upon arrival.

There is an onsite mini market, or you can visit one of the larger supermarkets in tow, the closest one is only 10kms away and has a wide selection of fresh produce.

Markets

• Marina Market Puerta Cortés: https://puertacortes.com/pueblito-marinero/
• Chedraui Selecto – Abasolo & Palacio: https://www.chedraui.com.mx/selecto-colima
• Súper Mercados Arámburo: https://www.aramburosupermercados.com
• Walmart & Sam’s Club Cola de la Ballena: https://www.sams.com.mx/ & https://www.walmart.com.mx/
• Soriana: https://www.soriana.com

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Things to Do

The boardwalk runs along the city of La Paz and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, bars, tourist services and much more…

All this and more, is waiting for you in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

• Whale watching in Bahía Magdalena.
• Snorkel and kayak in calm waters.
• Visit the historical museum of Nuestra Senora del Pilar in La Paz.
• Ride into the desert and discover the Cardon, the largest cactus in the world.
• Countless ecotourism opportunities.
• Sailing and windsurfing in Los Barriles; enjoy the winter winds to cross the sea between sandy beaches
• Todos Santos, a destination for surfers with hospitable streets full of art galleries.
• Jacques Costeau, famous diver and documentarian, called the Sea of ​​Cortez ‘The Aquarium of the World’.
• More than 4,000 plants flourish in the nearby ecosystems; coyotes, foxes and bighorn sheep inhabit the abundant land.
• Punta Coyote and San Evaristo beaches offer excellent camping experiences where you will see lizards and roadrunners cross the landscape.

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our water sports options here.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is incredible in this destination, however this is not something the base can organise for you. Please do your own research to organise with a local tour operator upon arrival. Please note: if the yacht does have a skipper onboard, you will not be able to bring equipment onboard the yacht.

Snorkelling

The Moorings will provide the fins, however will not provide the snorkels and masks at this time, please feel free to bring your own.

Please note:

• When diving and snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
• Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
• One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

Fishing

For any kind of fishing you need to buy a fishing license online or at the Marina. There are no rental facilities for fishing equipment at the marina, but you can find equipment nearby.

Fishing equipment:

Cortez Club: https://cortezclub.com/contact/
20$ USD per person
Fishing permits at Baja California Sur:

All individuals aboard a vessel engaged in recreational sport fishing must have a valid individual permit. Additionally, a permit will be required for freediving and for recreational fishing activities.

The prices of these permits are the following:

• 1 Day: $294.00 MXN
• 1 Week: $576.00 MXN
• 1 Month : $812.00 MXN
• 1 Year: $1,047.00 MXN

Useful links:
https://app.sportfishingbcs.gob.mx/ppd/system/
https://tramites.bcs.gob.mx/catalogo/venta-de-permisos-depesca-deportiva/
www.golapaz.com

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Cruising Grounds/Sailing License

Cruising licences

Bareboat Charters – for customer outside of Mexico:

• A formal sailing license is NOT mandatory to charter here, but is recommended.
• A completed Sailing or Power resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.
• *Please note: you are required to receive an EXPERT LEVEL rating on your resume to charter in this destination.

Bareboat Charters – for Mexican Nationals:

• If you wish to take a bareboat charter, you will be REQUIRED to hold a formal sailing certification.

Skippered Charter:

• Please note that skippered charters are available in this destination. If you are taking a skippered charter you will NOT be required to hold any sailing certification.

Experience level

• Level 3 – At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Skippers & Crew qualifications and boat papers

We must have all of the following details in advance:

• Full name per passport (include middle name)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality and passport number/ID card number for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared
• Please note, a formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. Should you have one, we always recommend that you bring any sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. It is, however, mandatory to complete a Sailing or Power resume (if chartering without a skipper), to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Sailing area restrictions

There are no special restrictions, although please pay attention to protected areas like Natural and National Parks that require additional tickets for your yacht. Restricted zones will be covered in your chart briefing.

Night sailing

You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance.

You will need to fill out the Sailing Resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Charts + pilot books

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Weather reports

The best Meteo report (In English) can be heard on the following wave lengths on your VHF, initial call is on CH 16.

• Channel 16 for MARINA
• Channel 12 for DOCK

The base will also inform you of local weather conditions upon your arrival.

Anchorages

Navigation while sailing Mexico is relatively easy with calm waters and sandy-bottom anchorages.

Please note that before you take off and leave Mexico, it is required to visit the harbormaster with a detailed itinerary and any crew or passenger details.

Recommended anchorages for your yacht charter Mexico are:

• Puerto Balandra, where you can see the famous mushroom rock, El Hongo
• Bahia Amortajada, on Isla San Jose, where you can enjoy white sand beaches and fantastic views.

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Weather Conditions

Weather: Warm winters, hot summers tempered with breezes describe La Paz’s weather. The Baja is narrow at this point, so the Pacific Ocean has some influence on the weather here, making it cooler than settlements further up the Sea of Cortez coast. Rainfall averages only 6 inches per year, mostly in August and September.

• The best time for sailing Mexico is between November and April. This is the high season, which tends to be drier. However, you will still have temperatures of around 26ºC / 79ºF.
• If you’d prefer to go in the summer, you can expect average temperatures of 32ºC / 90ºF and sea temperatures at almost the same level! Winds are lighter and blow from the southeast.
• Have no fear, the rainy season brings cooling rain between July and October.
• In the winter, prevailing winds are north-westerly blowing 10-15 knots.
• Most tropical storms during hurricane season will miss La Paz and the rest of the southern Baja Peninsula.

Weather Forecast & Tides

When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. Harbour Offices receive a weather forecast regularly; this is the best and most reliable source of weather information. On your VHF watch channels you can follow the transmitting time of meteorological reports, and navigation warnings.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please contact the base.

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