BAY OF LA PAZ AND THE SOUTHERN SEA OF CORTEZ (ESPÍRITU SANTO, ISLA PARTIDA, PICHILINGUE)

La Paz, Baja California Sur: boating safety

Last verified:

La Paz, on a sheltered bay in the southern Sea of Cortez, is Baja California Sur's main yachting and charter base, with several marinas along the city waterfront. Boats cruise the nearby islands of Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida and north up the Sea of Cortez.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 911
Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Mexico: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

The port of La Paz is run by the state port authority, API Baja California Sur (APIBCS). The port's navigation channel is 8,400 m long and 187 m wide, with a depth of 6.0 m, and the Muelle Turístico on the central waterfront serves recreational boats and superyachts.

Administración Portuaria Integral de Baja California Sur (APIBCS) · Administración Portuaria Integral de Baja California Sur (APIBCS) ▾
apibcs.com.mx (2026-10-14): “Canal de Navegación CANAL DE NAVEGACIÓN LONGITUD: 8,400 m 8,400 m PLANTILLA 187 m PROFUNDIDAD -6.0 m (NBMI)”
apibcs.com.mx (2026-10-14): “El ahora denominado Muelle Turístico, antes Muelle Fiscal, ubicado en la Zona Central del Malecón Costero de la ciudad de La Paz, principalmente brinda servicios a embarcaciones de recreación (ecoturísticas y megayates).”

Weather

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Pacific (including the Gulf of California): a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima · Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “Pronósticos Golfo de México y Mar Caribe Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs. Océano Pacífico Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs.”
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “La Secretaría de Marina a través de la Dirección de Meteorología Marítima, ha generado 18 regiones de pronóstico para el Pacífico Mexicano y 11 para el Golfo de México y Mar Caribe”

Local rules

Anchoring in the Bay of La Paz requires an assignment from APIBCS and a daily anchoring fee, set by gross tonnage and in force from 11 September 2025. To apply you need an application, the boat's tonnage or registration certificate, the applicant's ID or passport, and a phone number and email.

Administración Portuaria Integral de Baja California Sur (APIBCS) · Administración Portuaria Integral de Baja California Sur (APIBCS) ▾
apibcs.com.mx (2026-10-14): “Fondeo Bahía La Paz Requisitos: 1.-Solicitud de asignación 2.-Certificado de la embarcación (Certificado de arqueo o matricula) 3.-Identificación de la persona solicitante (INE o Pasaporte)”
apibcs.com.mx (2026-10-14): “Tarifa diaria por fondeo: CANAL DE NAVEGACIÓN MONTO CÓDIGO Menores de 20 toneladas de registro bruto, por embarcación: $19.07 LP306”

Hazards

The tropical cyclone (hurricane) season runs from 15 May to 30 November on the Pacific coast (including the Sea of Cortez). Watch SEMAR and official warnings closely during these months.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): ““EL DÍA 15 DE MAYO INICIA LA TEMPORADA DE CICLONES TROPICALES EN EL LITORAL DEL OCÉANO PACÍFICO Y EL 1RO. DE JUNIO INICIA EN EL GOLFO DE MÉXICO Y MAR CARIBE, FINALIZANDO PARA AMBOS EL 30 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL PRESENTE AÑO””

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near La Paz, Baja California Sur?

Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

How do I contact the harbour in La Paz, Baja California Sur?

The port of La Paz is run by the state port authority, API Baja California Sur (APIBCS). The port's navigation channel is 8,400 m long and 187 m wide, with a depth of 6.0 m, and the Muelle Turístico on the central waterfront serves recreational boats and superyachts.

Where do I get the marine forecast for La Paz, Baja California Sur?

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Pacific (including the Gulf of California): a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Puerto Vallarta 352 nmSan Diego Bay 626 nmSan Francisco Bay United StatesCancún / Riviera Maya MexicoFlorida Keys United StatesSan Juan Islands United StatesVancouver and the Gulf Islands CanadaMiami and Biscayne Bay United States

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com