La Paz Area Activities - Baja California Sur, Mexico

Area Activities

BEACHES

La Paz enjoys some of the best beaches Baja has to offer and the good part is they are seldom crowded. Locals use the beaches throughout the summer months when the water is a refreshing way to beat the heat. The rest of the year they don't bother. The beaches in the city are clean for walking but the best beaches for swimming are outside the city to the east and north on the Pichilingue Peninsula. They get better the further away from the city you go. Public bus service goes as far as the Pichilingue Ferry Terminal which has a nice beach just beyond and allows camping (restaurant and restrooms available). Further along this road are Balandra and Tecolote Beaches which are both beautiful and very different. La Paz to Tecolote makes a wonderful bike ride, 18 miles each way.

A panga trip to the Island of Espiritu Santo is a unique experience with sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling with the sea lions or a hike led by a naturalist: a highlight of any visit to La Paz.

BICYCLING

The 230 mile Cape Loop takes you through La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Buena Vista/Los Barriles, San Bartolo, El Triunfo and San Pedro. Close to La Paz the traffic may be too heavy but you can ride on the parallel dirt road. The longest distance between hotels is 70 miles. Otherwise camping is available. Organized bicycle tour companies originate in Baja, the US and Canada.

DIVING

The warmest months and clearest waters to 100 feet are from May to November. Several reputable outfitters are located in the downtown area including: Baja Quest at Navarro 55 between Abosolo and Topete (tel 011-52 (612) 123-5320) can handle groups up to fifteen divers and runs five day dive cruises and daily diving. Sea & Scuba, on the Malecon at Ocampo, (tel 011-52 (612) 123-5233) runs one to seven day trips for up to four divers and two snorkelers. Day boat trips run approximately $77 for two tank dives. Some rental gear available. Sites include wrecks, sea mounts, caves, white coral reefs, large pelagics, sea lions.

FISHING

Anglers catch marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, yellowtail, dorado, cabrillas, tuna and sierras. The best season for deep-sea fishing is March to September. Marlins and sailfish are caught from May to November. November to March you can get sea bass, pargo (snapper), sierra, yellowtail, grouper and jack. Rental of fishing gear and boat charters can be arranged through any of La Paz's leading hotels including Los Arcos where you'll find Fisherman's Fleet (tel 011-52 (612) 122-1313) or Secret Charters Fishing (tel 011-52 (612) 125-6405).

HIKING

North of La Paz, on the Pichilingue Peninsula you will find trails for day hikes. Leaving the road some of these end up on the water at beautiful beaches. More extensive hikes can be taken in the Laguna Mountains south of La Paz. One 2-3 day loop out of Santiago includes hot springs and a waterfall with a large swimming pool. Because there is not a definite maintained trail it is highly advisable to hire a guide. On the Pacific side of the peninsula, a multi day hike out of Todos Santos climbs to 5,000 feet to alpine meadows, pine trees and scenic vistas. Three canyon routes that cross the Sierra de la Lagunas east to west for an exciting and challenging hike through cottonwoods and sub alpine meadows - totally different from the arid environment below. Guided tours with a naturalist can be arranged.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

North of La Paz on the Pichilingue Peninsula you will find single track dirt roads for dirt bikes. There are several places to turn off from the ferry terminal road to explore coastline vistas or inland to some canyons. If not camping you may want to arrange shuttles to take you past the paved road to explore new dirt road areas. Multi day routes are also available from Los Planes, south of La Paz. and Evaristo, north of La Paz along the coast. Bike rentals are available along the Malecon.

SEA KAYAKING

There are several kayak companies located in La Paz. Mar Y Aventuras offer sea kayaking and camping trips to Espiritu Santo Island. Boat transportation is provided to and from the island. Baja Outdoor Activities (office on the Malecon, (tel 011-52 (612) 125-5636)) offers local half day tours for $35., kayak rentals and shuttle arrangements, multi day tours to the islands and down the coast, at $500 and up.

SNORKELING

The most exciting snorkeling is off shore at the islands of Espiritu Santo, Partida and Los Islotes with secluded beaches and crystal clear waters where you can swim with the sea lions and see tropical fish. There are beautiful beaches close to town but not always as much underwater wildlife. Prices vary from $25 per person with 6 in the group to $40 per person. Sea & Scuba has an office on the Malecon at Ocampo (tel 011-52 (612) 123-5233). An hours drive away takes you to some of the best snorkeling available in the whole area. Drive to Punta Arena on Bahia de la Ventana just beyond the town of San Juan de los Planes.

VAN TOURS

A city sightseeing tour from Hotel Palmira Azalea and trips to Cabo from several downtown locations are available.

WHALE WATCHING

January through April is prime gray whale watching time in Magdalena Bay, a three hour drive north of La Paz. Tours run from large hotels such as Los Arcos for $65 per person (4 people minimum) and include breakfast, seafood lunch, transportation, panga/driver.