La Paz - Facts

ALERT: Hurricane Norma (22 October 2023) damaged dozens of watercraft in La Paz as well as docks in at least three marinas. Recovery is expected to take several weeks and could impact cruising boats arriving for the peak winter season. Addionally, a multi-boat fire occurred on 2 November 2023 at Marina Palmira with at least one boat sinking in the fairways. Investigation is underway to assess the full extent of damage to the marina docks.

Description:

Situated on the eastern coast of Baja California and tucked into the Bay de La Paz at the southern end of this peninsula, La Paz offers a very welcome sheltered stopover. The local cruising ground has many islands and attractive anchorages. It is the cruising centre of the Sea of Cortez, and almost all repair work can be done here. Parts can be obtained from the US and the postal service is more reliable than in other parts of Mexico.

Entrance Notes and Cautions

There is a new channel of approx. 50 meters west of the one described in the cruising guide "Sea of Cortez". The channel is well marked. There is another new channel marked across the sandbar and along the Mogote side of that bar (the side away from La Paz).

There is a sunken yacht near the Mogote Beach which at low tide is only a few feet below the water. The GPS Coordinates for the wreck are N 24 09.914 x W 110 19.688.

Note that the port captain closes the port in heavy weather, so it is recommended to check with the marinas about the current status prior to arrival. In winter months especially, strong northerly winds blow for several days at a time.

Following the impact of recent hurricanes, cruising boats heading south this winter should be aware of debris in the water, missing navigation marks, hurricane damage to docks and limited berth availability. See the Sea of Cortez Cruisers Facebook page for more info. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/277885329386179/]

Position:  

24° 10.60'N, 110° 18.98'W (entrance)

Last updated:  October 2023