La Paz

Where ships dock

Drive, about 30 min from Pichilingue to La Paz (shuttle, taxi or Uber).

• Port of Pichilingue (cruise pier)

Best time to go

La Paz is a small cruise port. Mexico's official port statistics count 19 cruise calls at Pichilingue in 2022.

Whale shark swims run in a season set each year by official notice; the 2023–24 season ran October 1 to April 30. Sea lion swims at Espíritu Santo run September 1 to May 31. Pacific hurricane season is mid-May to the end of November.

How far from the pier

One way. Short call OK means 20 minutes or less.

• Downtown La Paz and the MalecónTaxi30 min

Ship tour or go independent?

You can do La Paz on your own, but everything starts with a ride. Taxis, Uber and some cruise-line shuttles connect the port with town. Espíritu Santo and the whale sharks are boat trips only, so book a licensed operator or a ship tour and allow for the drive to and from Pichilingue.

• The cruise pier is about 30 minutes from downtown. Count that drive twice when you plan your day.
• Some cruise lines include the shuttle to town and some charge for it. Check before you go.
• Whale shark swims stop when five or fewer sharks are in the swim zone, so have a backup plan.
• Espíritu Santo trips take most of a day. Confirm the return time before you book.
• Don't hail taxis on the street. Use an authorized taxi stand or a ride app.
• Excursion boats may lack life jackets or radios and may not be insured. Choose reputable, licensed operators.

Getting around

Rideshare available

• ShuttleSome cruise lines run a shuttle bus from the pier to town. Some include it and some charge, so check with your line.
• TaxiTaxis serve the port and the city. They have no meters, so agree on the fare before you ride. Use authorized taxis, not ones hailed on the street.
• RideshareUber says you can request a ride in La Paz 24/7.
• BusLocal buses link the port area and the beaches north of town with the Malecón, but they can be infrequent. Check the return times before you go.
• WalkOnce in town, the Malecón and the cathedral area are easy to explore on foot.

Uber lists La Paz, Baja California Sur, as a 24/7 city. No source covers pickups at the Pichilingue pier, so have a taxi as a backup.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

The Mexican peso (MXN) is the currency. Use ATMs inside a bank or business, in daylight, and don't withdraw large amounts.

Must-sees

• Espíritu Santo and the sea lionsRide neededAn uninhabited, dry island off the Bay of La Paz, protected as a national park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boat trips bring you to beaches, trails and the sea lion colony at Los Islotes, off its north end (swims September 1–May 31). Go with an authorized operator and ask for your park entry bracelet. Swimmers stay out of the first 5 m around the islets.
• Balandra and El HongoRide neededA protected bay of calm, shallow water where you can wade a long way out, with the mushroom-shaped El Hongo rock and the largest mangrove stand in the Bay of La Paz. GoLaPaz lists entry at 120 pesos for visitors. Take your trash with you.
• Whale sharks in the Bay of La PazRide neededPermitted boats take small groups to swim with whale sharks in a set zone of the bay, during a season fixed each year by official notice (October 1 to April 30 in 2023–24). The rules: up to five swimmers per guide, at least 2 m from the head and 3 m from the tail, no touching and no flash. Swims stop when five or fewer sharks are in the zone.
• The MalecónRide neededLa Paz's 5-km waterfront boardwalk, with sculptures, palapas, a bike path, coconut and ice cream stands and wide sunset views over the bay.
• El Tecolote beachRide neededA wide beach with calm water next to Balandra, with views across to Espíritu Santo. Kayaks, paddleboards and boat trips are on offer.
• Cathedral and the Anthropology MuseumRide neededThe 1861 cathedral on the main square and, close by, the regional museum of anthropology and history.

Free & cheap near the pier

• The MalecónFreeAbout 5 km of waterfront boardwalk with sculptures, palapas to rest under, a bike path and the LA PAZ letters. A good place for sunset.
• Cathedral of Our Lady of PeaceBuilt in 1861 on the site of the city's first mission, with paintings saved from old missions inside. A replica of Balandra's mushroom rock stands across from it.
• Playa El CoromuelA calm, easy town beach a short drive from the center, with calm water, shaded areas, restrooms, showers, and vendors and eateries nearby.
• Balandra120 pesos entryShallow turquoise water and the El Hongo rock. Locals get in free; national and international visitors pay (fee per GoLaPaz).

Eat like a local

• Baja-style fish tacosBattered fish in a tortilla, a local favorite for breakfast or lunch.
• Chocolate clamsLarge clams named for their brown shells, harvested around the Sea of Cortez.
• Fresh seafoodFresh fish and seafood turn up everywhere from street taco stands to upscale restaurants. Locals tend to eat seafood at breakfast or lunch, not dinner.
• Street snacksTry jates (local hot dogs) and tostielotes: tortilla chips topped with corn, cream, cheese and hot sauce.
• Coconuts and ice creamStands along the Malecón sell fresh coconuts and ice cream.

Rainy-day backups

• Regional Museum of Anthropology and HistoryClose to the center, it covers the region from its geology to the impact of Mexico's independence on the peninsula.
• Baja California Sur Art Museum (MUABCS)The state's newest art museum, with work by local and national artists.
• La Paz Cultural CenterPermanent and traveling exhibitions of history and art, housed in old buildings that include the former Teatro Juárez.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution (Baja California Sur; as of May 29, 2026)

• Baja California Sur, which includes La Paz, is Level 2 for terrorism and crime. There are no special travel limits for US government staff in the state.
• The UK notes drug-related crime in Baja California Sur.
• Don't hail taxis on the street. Use an authorized taxi stand or a ride app.
• Watch your drinks. Drink spiking and tainted alcohol have been reported in Mexico.
• Excursion boats may lack life jackets or radios. Pick reputable, licensed and insured operators.
• Beaches are not always supervised. Don't swim alone, and take any warning flags seriously.
• Drink bottled or boiled water and skip ice.
• Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November.
• Dial 911 in an emergency.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Ships dock at the Port of Pichilingue, so there is no tender. No official step-free or wheelchair details are published for the cruise pier, and the town is a drive away.

• The Malecón runs about 5 km along the water, with palapas to rest under along the way.
• Playa El Coromuel has restrooms and showers.
• Balandra's water stays shallow far from shore, about hip-deep or less.
• Espíritu Santo and whale shark trips use small boats such as pangas. Ask the operator about boarding before you book.