La Paz, Baja California Sur
Where the desert meets the sea, an experience for a lifetime. La Paz is definitely the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, a place that offers top quality tours and services without losing the charm of a still small, safe and cozy but cosmopolitan city that covers all your needs. Adventure, history, culture, gastronomy, romance, and relaxation, are some of the experiences that will make you not only a traveler but also an explorer. LA PAZ, capital of Baja California Sur, with more than 481 years of history, is rich in culture and diversity. CNN, Money Magazine and the New York Times named her as one of the 10 best places in the world to retire, a safe, quiet and familiar city. Enjoy an amazing natural beauty full of geographical contrasts, a varied cultural heritage, as well as a true Sanctuary, the place named by Jacques Cousteau as The Natural Aquarium of the World.
Activities
Diving and Snorkeling
This region is considered one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling. The great abundance of plankton causes dozens of large fish and marine mammals to swim in its waters, many of them almost all year. It is possible to spot whale shark, hammerhead shark (especially in the months of April and May), manta rays, tuna, marlin, blue and gray whales and even killer whales. Sea lions inhabit many of the islands along the coast and the crystal clear waters, full of fish and mollusks, are ideal for snokel.
The Sea of Cortez is one of the best places in the world to observe marine life and therefore, to dive. There are many ways to enjoy these sports: either aboard a boat for a liveaboard, or on departures from our Marina for one or two days, even camping in one of the nearby islands or bays. Our concierge can recommend different operators and options. Some of the best places to dive and snorkel in the Sea of Cortez:
- Isla Espíritu Santo
- Los Islotes
- El Bajo
- Isla Cerralvo
- Barco Hundido Salvatierra
- Las Ánimas
- El Lavadero
- El Arroyo
Marine animal sightings
The Sea of Cortez is one of the most biodiverse seas in the world. Observing marine animals in La Paz is very easy, starting from the Marina de Puerta Cortés. It is almost certain to get to see sea lions, killer whales, stingrays, dolphins and sharks, among hundreds of species of fish.
16 different species of whales have been cataloged, some of which inhabit this sea throughout the year and, in addition, it is possible to swim with the whale shark from October to February.
Kayak and Paddle Board
The calm waters of this turquoise sea are ideal to enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding and practice other non-motorized water sports.
Kite Surfing
Las Ventanas is 45 minutes from Puerta Cortés. This quiet town is one of the most famous spots in the world for kite surfing. Between November and March the wind is ideal, however, the bay that goes from Las Ventanas to El Sargento is ideal for this sport almost all year.