Rent a boat with or without a skipper in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

La Paz is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. With its proximity to LAP Airport and the amount of coastline, La Paz is a popular yachting destination, and a great place to begin a charter if you are looking to explore the islands in the Gulf of California.

Pricing and Info on renting a boat in La Paz

A sailboat in La Paz will average at costing around £400 a day, with motor boats being far less common and being a bit more expensive at around £500 a day. A weeklong charter, however, sees averages of £5000 for a sailboat, with motorboats averaging around the same. However, these prices are not guaranteed and depend on both the type of boat and the time you go.

Boat availability in La Paz

As mentioned above, motor boats are quite rare to find in La Paz, with most people renting sailboats due to the great sailing conditions. The busiest months are at the beginning of the year, from February to March, with prices rising not only for boats but for flights and hotels too. When not visiting during this time, the temperatures can be scorching, going as high as 37 degrees Celsius during the spring, and even hotter in the summer months. August, therefore, is the low season, with much fewer tourists, which means overall prices are lower. It is also important to note that La Paz, as with many Mexican beach cities, is very popular among college students during spring break, which usually falls sometime in March or April, depending on the university. Therefore, it is important to make sure you look ahead as prices will be up and there will be a lot of college-aged tourists.

Do I need a license to hire a boat in La Paz?

As with the rest of Mexico, no license is required to rent a boat in Mexico, with or without a skipper. However, it is important to note Mexico has very strict fishing laws, which means if you plan on fishing, you must obtain a fishing license for any person, regardless of age, who plans to fish.

Overview of La Paz, Mexico

If you are looking for a sunny, sailing holiday at any time of year, La Paz is one of the best destinations to go to. Unlike other cities popular in Mexico for boating, La Paz is much more relaxed, with less focus on nightlife and partying like Cabo San Lucas, and instead offers some incredible sights, restaurants and water activities. Perhaps you would like to sail to the nearby islands of Isla Partida and Isla Espirito Santo, where the UNESCO-protected islands boast some beautiful natural scenery, and the less crowded beaches and water. Or maybe you would rather spend your day watching for blue, humpback and pilot whales from Magdalena Bay? The waters and coast surrounding La Paz are popular places for marine life to show up, such as whales and sea lions which can often be spotted from boats off the coast.

For the more active adventurers, try hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, with its range of trails to choose from, filled with lakes, waterfalls, river canyons and hot springs making it a local favourite. Other popular activities on the island include kite surfing, horse riding, sandboarding and kayaking. For the ones who really enjoy the water, try kayaking out through the hidden coves and secluded beaches for a good day trip, starting at Balandra Beach.

La Paz is not only a place to explore by boat or beach, however. Head into the town to see the true culture through the street art and sculptures which line most of the streets, or head to Governor’s Palace, a dedicated centre for artists where tourists can see local art and exhibitions. Visit the multitude of museums and the La Paz Cathedral to understand the city's history. Stop for a drink at one of the bars in Malecon, where mariachi bands play or listen to some romantic live music while you eat with the beautiful sea view. La Paz like the rest of Mexico is known for its food. Try the tucumanas or stuffed chocolate clams for a full experience of the culture of La Paz.

Some of the popular sailing destinations around La Paz include:

• Cabo San Lucas

• Isla Partida

• Isla Espirito Santo

• Cerralvo Island

• Magdalena Bay