La Paz - Docking

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.

Note: The port captain closes the port in heavy weather, and there are stiff fines for leaving port when it is closed (announced by blue and yellow flags flying at Marina de La Paz and Marina Palmira).

Anchoring:

For boats at anchor, there is a port authority dinghy dock at the municipal pier where there is 24-hour security. Alternatively, some of the marinas have dinghy docks. Take care leaving your dinghy shoreside as outboard thefts are on the increase here.

The La Paz anchorage is not free as there is an API (Port) fee, charged based on the ship’s displacement.  This usually is around USD$30 per month. If you are staying in a marina, the API fee is included in your berthing fee.

In order to pay the fees, yachts at anchor should go to the API office with your ships papers, TIP etc. The API office is located just to the right of the T pier in town.

Marinas:

There are several marinas, the three largest being Marina Palmira, Marina de La Paz and Costa Baja. All of these marinas have good gate systems, 24-hour guards, and video cameras. All marinas monitor VHF Channel 16.

Be aware that many of the smaller facilities do not have security, and often just a fence with a gate that may be frequently left open. Cruisers should avoid leaving any valuable items on deck.

La Paz Cruisers' Net takes place Monday - Saturday at 8:00 a.m. on VHF Channel 22. including information on weather and tides.

Last updated:  October 2023