Baja California Sur · Coming soon
Baja Pass is coming to La Paz
La Paz is Baja California Sur's tranquil capital — famous for swimming with whale sharks, the postcard-perfect Balandra Beach, sea lion colonies at Espíritu Santo, and a golden-hour malecón lined with great restaurants. It's the mellow, local-feeling counterpoint to Cabo, just a couple of hours up the coast.
The guide
Why visit La Paz
If Cabo is the party, La Paz is the deep breath. The capital of Baja California Sur sits on a calm bay of the Sea of Cortez — Jacques Cousteau's "world's aquarium" — with warm, clear water, world-class marine life and a downtown that still feels like a real Mexican town. It's the launch point for some of Baja's most bucket-list experiences, all within a short boat ride or drive.
Don't miss
Top things to do in La Paz
Swim with whale sharks
From roughly October to April, La Paz Bay fills with gentle whale sharks — the largest fish in the ocean — and you can snorkel right alongside them. It's the signature La Paz experience.
Balandra Beach
Regularly voted one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches: a shallow, turquoise lagoon so calm you can wade across it, framed by the famous mushroom rock.
Espíritu Santo Island
A UNESCO-listed island of pink cliffs and hidden coves, home to a playful sea lion colony you can snorkel with on a day trip from the marina.
The Malecón
La Paz's palm-lined waterfront promenade — bronze sculptures, sunset views over the bay, and some of the best seafood and taco spots in Baja.
Snorkeling & diving
Reefs, sea lions, mobula ray runs and shipwrecks make La Paz one of the top dive bases in the Sea of Cortez.
Tecolote & the beaches
Long, quiet sand beaches like Tecolote and El Coromuel — perfect for a relaxed day with Espíritu Santo island on the horizon.
Plan ahead
Best time to visit La Paz
The sweet spot is October through May, when the weather is warm and dry and the sea is calm. Whale shark season runs roughly October to April, peaking in the cooler winter months. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid, though the water is at its warmest for diving.
Coming soon
Baja Pass is coming to La Paz.
We're signing La Paz's best restaurants, activities and charters now. Your Baja Pass already unlocks everything live in Los Cabos today — and La Paz joins the same $75 pass, at no extra cost, the moment it launches.
Explore Los Cabos dealsGood to know
La Paz FAQ
Is La Paz worth visiting?
Absolutely — for calm beaches, whale sharks, island day trips and a relaxed, local vibe, La Paz is one of Baja's best-kept secrets and an easy pairing with a Cabo trip.
How far is La Paz from Cabo San Lucas?
About a 2 to 2.5-hour drive north along the highway, making it a popular overnight or day trip from Los Cabos.
When can you swim with whale sharks in La Paz?
Whale shark season is roughly October through April, with the best sightings in the winter months. It's a protected, guided activity.
Is Baja Pass available in La Paz yet?
Not yet — we're signing La Paz's best restaurants, activities and charters now. Baja Pass is live in Los Cabos today, and La Paz will join the same $75 pass at no extra cost when it launches.
Plan your trip
More Baja travel guides
¿Cuánto cuesta un viaje a Los Cabos? Desglose honesto 2026
Vuelos, hotel, comida, actividades y transporte en números reales para el viajero mexicano — con tres presupuestos diarios y las jugadas para que Los Cabos no te salga en oro.
Read more →Cabo Spring Break: The Honest Guide to the Party, Costs & Survival
Cabo is one of the last great spring break destinations — but the trip only goes right if you know when to come, where the party actually is, and how not to blow the budget in three days. Here is the honest version.
Read more →Los Cabos in December: Weather, Whales, Crowds & What to Book
December is Cabo at its most glamorous — perfect weather, the opening of whale season, and the biggest parties of the year. It is also the most expensive month. Here is how to do it right.
Read more →Also coming to Baja
