La Paz, Mexico Yacht Charters

Mexico is an incredible holiday 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 holiday 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 holiday 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 Indigenous 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

The closest airport to our La Paz base is the  La Paz International Airport (LAP) (30 minutes away).
Another option is  Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (2h 50 minutes away)

Facilities at the airport include:

• A bureau de change, bank and ATMs.
• Coffee shops selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals.
• A duty-free shop and a shop that sells souvenirs are available.
• Airport shuttles & taxis are available.
• Car rental is also available.

Transfers

The base is located 20 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 (195km) at around 2 hrs 50mins transfer time to the base.

Pre-booked Transfer
If required, the base can arrange a pre-booked transfer for you. Please contact the Pre-Travel team for assistance.

La Paz International Airport (LAP) to the base:

1-3 pax – car: 500 mxn 
1-8 pax – minivan: 900 mxn

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD):

1-8 pax – minivan: 4000 mxn

A provisioning stop en-route is possible. The price will be agreed with the driver depending on the number of passengers and the waiting time required.  
We encourage guests to ensure they do all their provisioning in La Paz as there are minimal options to reprovision in the cruising grounds.  

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 licence is recommended.

Parking    

Parking is available at the marina at no charge    

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Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding time

• Charter Boarding Time: 12 noon
• Sleep Aboard Time: 5pm, 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 5pm the night before departure.
• Disembark by 9am 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 your yacht you may:

• Enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the restaurants 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.

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 holiday. Pre-ordered provisioning is NOT possible in Peace, 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 town, 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.
Wi-Fi onboard your boat is included on our Exclusive, Exclusive Plus, and an optional addition for our Club yachts 

Wi-Fi is also available in the marina and 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. The standard voltage on all yachts is 12volts in order to use electronic equipment that is 220v; you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

Please note that there are no shore power facilities in our cruising area other than at Marina Costa Baja.  

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 travelling 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.

Tourism Tax 

Please note you will be subject to local taxes and charges within Mexico, payable locally. At your time of booking, international travellers are required to pay a mandatory tourism tax for Baja California Sur – complete payment online. Children ages 12 and under are exempt. The tax is assessed per traveller at $30.69 USD and is remitted to the State Treasury of Baja California Sur. Authorized collection partners may charge a separate service fee, which will be disclosed prior to payment. 

Cruising Licences

Click here while planning your charter vacation 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 and achieve a Level 3 rating. To avoid any delays at the base, please ensure all pre-travel tasks have been completed via your MyAccount at least 14 days prior to your arrival.   

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 Caribbeanand Americas; and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

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.

Taxes & Fees 

The mandatory tourist tax for Baja California Sur is required by State Law for all foreign visitors staying more than 24 hours. International travellers are legally required to complete payment online prior to or during their stay in Baja California Sur. *Children ages 12 and under are exempt*  

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 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.

Swim Safe

• Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. 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 holiday. 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 DO NOT have any children’s life jackets on base. We request 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 holiday, 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 for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings holiday.

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About the Marina

Address

The Moorings, La Paz
Marina Costa Baja, Suite 12
(next to Clinic)
Km. 7.5 Carretera a Pichilingue
Lomas de Palmira, 23010
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Base Hours

Mon – Sun: 9am – 5pm

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 (black water) 
• 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
• Parking – available at the marina at no charge

Fuel

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

Time Zone

La Paz observes Mexican Pacific Standard Time (GMT-7, UTC-7) 
Daylight saving is not observed

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
• Vistamar: https://puertacortes.com/
• Las Colinas: https://puertacortes.com/
• Playa de la Paz: https://puertacortes.com/

Restaurants:

Marina / Puerta Cortés  

• Odayaka Sushi – Fresh sushi and Asian fusion with great marina views.  
• Majagua – Upscale Mexican and seafood cuisine, ideal for a relaxed yet refined dinner.  
• La Malinche – Traditional Mexican food, very popular with locals.  
• Starbucks ToGo (Inside Hotel Indigo, near the pool) 
• Barco Restaurant 
• Cardón Restaurant 
• Docecuarenta Coffee Shop: https://www.docecuarenta.com/visitanos.html 

 Malecón – Seafood  

• Claro Fish Jr. – Fresh ceviches, aguachiles, and seafood classics.  
• Taco Fish – Famous Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos, casual and delicious.  
• El Bismarkcito – Iconic local seafood spot, well known for fresh fish and generous portions.  

High-End Dining in Town  

• Estancia Uruguaya – Premium steaks and grilled specialties.  
• Quemadero – Contemporary cuisine using high-quality local ingredients.  
• Comedor HRP – Refined dining experience, perfect for a special evening.  

Bars & Sunset Spots  

• Mezcalería La Miserable – Excellent atmosphere with around 100 different mezcals.  
• HBLUE Hotel Rooftop – One of my personal favorites for cocktails and beautiful sunsets over the bay.  

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 Peace, however, we have plenty of local options to support you upon arrival. We encourage guests to ensure they do all their provisioning in La Paz as there are minimal options to reprovision in the cruising grounds. Please note that you will also need to buy all your drinking water while provisioning La Paz.    

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

Chedraui Selecto – Selecto Colima is the recommended supermarket to do your provisioning. https://www.chedraui.com.mx/selecto-colima 

• 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: https://www.walmart.com.mx/
• Sam’s Club Cola de la Ballena: https://www.sams.com.mx/ 
• Soriana: https://www.soriana.com

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Things to Do

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

All this and more, is waiting for you in Peace, 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 Peace.
• 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 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: you will NOT be able to bring equipment onboard the yacht, you will need to go on an excursion with a local operator.   
Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.  

Snorkelling

The Moorings has a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkeling masks or snorkels onboard 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.

Fishing Equipment:

Please contact the Pre-Travel team to book fishing equipment with the base 

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 Licence

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. 

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information. 

Sailing and Power Requirements 

Bareboat Charters – for customers outside of Mexico:

• A formal Sailing or Power 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.If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a The Moorings skipper to travel with you – at your own expense. 
• You will need to complete our online Sailing or a Power resume and achieve a Level 3 rating. 

Bareboat Charters – for Mexican Nationals: 

• To sail in this destination, all Mexican Nationals will be REQUIRED to hold a formal Mexican Sailing or Power certification. Original licenses/certificates must be presented upon check-in at the base. 

Bareboat Charter with a Skipper:

Please note that skippers are available in this destination. If you are taking a bareboat charter with a skipper, you will NOT be required to hold any sailing certification.

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

Sailing Area Restrictions

Restricted zones will be covered in your chart briefing. Please pay attention to protected areas like Natural and National Parks that require additional permits for your yacht. Restricted zones will be covered in your chart briefing.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require two persons minimum on board. 

Night Sailing

Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

Charts + Pilot Books

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

Anchorages

Anchoring is the primary method of mooring, with few fixed moorings available. Most anchorages have good holding in sand or sand mixed with light weed, so ensure the anchor is well set and use adequate scope, particularly as tidal range can reach around 1–2 m. In smaller coves around Espíritu Santo Island and Isla Partida, it is common to anchor in sand and, where space is limited, run a stern line to shore to reduce swinging. Always check depth and allow room for tidal changes and wind shifts when selecting your anchoring spot. 

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Cruising 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 Peace and the rest of the southern Baja Peninsula.

Prevailing Winds 

From a sailing perspective in La Paz, the cruising seasons are best understood by prevailing wind direction, since wind angle determines both sea state and anchorage comfort. 

Northerlies (North to Northwest) – Winter 

From roughly December through March, winter Nortes dominate. Cold fronts push strong north to northwest winds down the Sea of Cortez, often 15-30 knots or more, building short, steep seas in open water. These blows can last several days, making exposed anchorages uncomfortable and northbound passages challenging, though southbound runs can be fast. Between fronts, the weather is typically clear, dry, and pleasantly mild. 

Southerlies to Southeasterlies – Spring and Autumn 

In the shoulder seasons of April through June and again in October and November, winds are generally lighter and more predictable, often in the 10-20 knot range. Southerly and southeasterly breezes, enhanced by afternoon sea-breeze effects, provide steady and comfortable sailing conditions with more moderate seas. These months are widely regarded as the prime cruising windows thanks to their balance of reliable wind and settled weather. 

South to Southwest “Coromuel” Winds – Summer 

During summer, daytime winds are often lighter and more variable, accompanied by high heat. A distinctive regional feature is the Coromuel, a south to southwest breeze that develops in the late afternoon or evening as cooler Pacific air crosses the peninsula, sometimes continuing overnight. While overall conditions can be gentle, this period overlaps with eastern Pacific hurricane season, so careful weather monitoring and flexible planning are essential. 

Weather Forecast

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.

Weather reports can be requested via VHF: initial call is on Ch 16. 

Additionally, you can also check the internet:  

• Windy.com or Windfinder.com  

Tides

The cruising area around La Paz experiences a mixed semidiurnal tide, with two highs and two lows daily and an average range of 3–6 feet (1–2 meters). While marinas are well equipped with floating docks, tides are more noticeable in shallow anchorages and narrow channels, particularly around Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida. Overall, tidal conditions are moderate and easy to manage, with simple attention to depth and scope when anchoring. 

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

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