Exploring Espiritu Santo and the Sea of Cortez

Water Excursions on The Sea of Cortez

Exploring the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez and discovering the breathtaking shorelines of the protected Isla Espiritu Santo make La Paz Mexico the ultimate destination for eco-tourism as noted by National Geographic. Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, fishing and whale watching are only the beginning you can experience in La Paz.

Kayakers come from all over the world to get the once in a lifetime experience to explore the protected coves surrounding the amazing Isla Espiritu Santo that play host to hundreds of playful sea lions. Divers flock to explore what Jacque Cousteau dubbed "The Aquarium of the World" where an abundance of underwater life is beyond compare. Enormous whale sharks , inquisitive porpoise and giant pacific manta rays are among the most popular encounters in the waters of the Sea of Cortez. Vibrant coral reefs are teaming with life, a treat for any novice or seasoned scuba diver. La Paz is also known as one of only three places on Earth where schools of hammerhead sharks congregate in deep water and the Bay of La Paz is a nesting ground for future generations. In the winter months, the gray whales migrate from the Arctic Circle to the Sea of Cortez. During this season, whale watching expeditions depart from La Paz organize to Magdalena Bay. Blue whales, humpback whales and orcas also migrate through the area. This whale watching experience is amazing and cannot be missed. On land, La Paz is also famous for some of Baja’s most private and secluded beaches. Balandra and Tecolote beaches are perfect for swimming, relaxing and beachcombing. An 18-mile bike ride from La Paz to Tecolote makes for a wonderful day trip. Casual restaurants and bars scatter the beach. Enjoy a margarita, read a book, snorkel or rent a kayak. It’s all there just waiting for you. A mecca for sports fisherman, the exhilarating waters are brimming with game fish such a marlin, wahoo, tuna and dorado.

Experienced dive instructors and activity coordinators will be at your doorstep upon the opening of the marina at Azul de Cortez so you can be ready to begin your adventures immediately!

Extreme Sports on Land

Ranked by National Geographic on their Ultimate Adventure Bucket List, the dramatic topography of La Paz is an alluring destination for any adventurer. Famous for The Baja 1000 & 500 heart stopping off-road races the Baja desert calls out to anyone interested in extreme adventures. The dramatic landscape and trails are the ideal setting for any adrenaline junkie. The diverse terrain allows expeditions on racecars, motorcycles, ATV’s and dirt bikes. For those interested in the rich history of La Paz, primitive cave paintings in Cueva de Palma, San Gregorio, Sierra de San Francisco and Sierra de Guadalupe. The paintingsdate back to 1700 B.C. Snakes, cougars, wild cats, birds and hunters with arrowheads and swords tower above and around you taking you on a journey back in time. The sparsely inhabited Baja desert is also adorned with many scenic hiking trails for those who want to explore on foot or on horseback. The extreme hiker can navigate Sierra de Laguna, dubbed Islands in the Sky, for a three-day climb that will take you 7,000 feet up into the mountains where you will have a panoramic view from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean. For the cyclist, La Paz boasts is also included in the 230 mile Cape Loop, which winds through La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Buena Vista/Los Barriles, San Bartolo, El Triunfo and San Pedro.