La Paz Yacht Charter Guide 2025
Prices, Seasons, Permits & How to Book
La Paz, Baja California Sur is where desert cliffs drop into neon-blue water and wildlife swims right past your boat. If you’re dreaming of a private yacht day to Balandra Beach or a multi-day cruise around Isla Espíritu Santo, this guide covers everything: the best time to visit, realistic prices, protected-area rules (bracelets/permits), wildlife seasons (whale sharks & sea lions), safety and port closures, and insider booking tips.
Why Charter in La Paz?
World class nature
The islands off La Paz are part of a UNESCO-listed marine region with extraordinary biodiversity.
Easy day trips
Most top spots (Balandra, Espíritu Santo, San Rafaelito, Los Islotes) are reachable on 1-day or overnight itineraries.
Calmer vibe
Compared to Cabo, La Paz offers fewer crowds, more nature, and better odds of serene anchorages.
Best Time to Rent a Yacht
October–May: Generally the most pleasant boating months.
Winter “Nortes”: Strong NW winds can blow December–February; a good captain will plan routes for wind and swell.
Hurricane season: Officially mid-May through November in the Eastern Pacific; late-summer/early-fall sees the highest storm risk.
Water temps: Warmest late summer–fall; clearest visibility common in shoulder seasons.
Classic Routes & How Long They Take
Balandra Bay: Iconic shallow turquoise lagoon; great for photos, paddle boarding, and beach time.
Isla Espíritu Santo & Isla Partida: Red-rock cliffs, hidden coves (Ensenada Grande, El Candelero) and dazzling snorkel sites.
Los Islotes (sea lions): Famous for playful California sea lions; snorkel when open (see “Wildlife Windows”).
San Rafaelito: A smaller sea-lion rookery and photogenic lighthouse; good backup when Los Islotes is closed.
Boat times (typical) 45–90 minutes from La Paz marinas to the island areas depending on sea state and boat speed.
Wildlife Windows (Whale Sharks & Sea Lions)
Whale sharks (La Paz Bay)
The regulated “swim zone” typically opens mid-fall through spring (often mid-Nov to mid-Apr; exact dates vary and tours pause if numbers drop). Only licensed boats can enter the zone; many private yacht charters coordinate a same-day, licensed panga for the actual swim.
Sea lions at Los Islotes
Snorkeling is usually closed annually in summer (June 1–Aug 31) for mating and pupping. In those months, operators often switch to San Rafaelito where encounters may still be possible.
Protected Areas, Bracelets & Drones
Espíritu Santo National Park: Visitors pay a per-person, per-day conservation feec(“bracelet”). Reputable operators include or clearly itemize this cost.
Balandra Area of Protected Flora & Fauna: Speed and anchoring restrictions apply; overnighting is restricted/limited.
Drones: Recreational drone use is generally prohibited inside Mexico’s federal protected areas without prior authorization.
Bottom line: Book a legal operator; they’ll handle the bracelets/permits and brief you on local rules.
Charter Types & Realistic Prices
Private motor-yacht day charters (crewed): Commonly ~US$900–US$2,500+ for 6–8 hours depending on vessel size (30–70 ft+), inclusions (chef, open bar, SUPs), and season. Luxury/super-yacht rates scale higher.
Sailing catamarans & monohulls: Available crewed or bareboat (resume required). Bareboats can start in the low hundreds per day off-season; crewed multi-day cats are more.
Small boats/pangas (crewed): Budget-friendly for quick island runs. Price variables: size/age of yacht, fuel burn, inclusions, holiday dates, and demand.
Safety, Weather Holds & Port Closures
Harbor Master (Capitanía de Puerto) can restrict or close the port during high wind/seas.
Legitimate operators will re-route, reschedule, or cancel for safety and compliance—and should explain options (credit/refund) clearly in advance.
Check that the vessel is licensed for passengers and crewed by certified captain/crew; legal passenger capacity is set by maritime authorities and posted on board.
What’s Typically Included (and What to Ask)
- Licensed captain + professional crew
- Snorkel sets, SUP(s), beach setup (umbrellas/chairs), towels
- Water/soft drinks; some include beer or cocktails
- Light lunch (ceviche/sandwiches) or full chef service on premium yachts
- Park bracelets/permits (ask if included or paid separately)
Ask before booking: exact route flexibility, fuel surcharges, vegan/vegetarian menus, child safety gear, accessibility, and whether a licensed panga is arranged for whale-shark swims when in season.
Getting to La Paz (Airports & Transfers)
Fly into LAP (La Paz – Manuel Márquez de León), ~15–20 minutes from the marinas.
Or fly into SJD (Los Cabos); the drive to La Paz is ~2–3 hours via Hwy 19 (coastal) or Hwy 1 (inland). Private transfers, rental cars, and scheduled buses are available.
What to Pack (Beyond Swimsuits)
- Reef-friendly sunscreen (biodegradable),
- hat, long-sleeve rash guard.
- Water shoes for rocky entries.
- Quick-dry towel (if not provided)
- Light jacket in winter (wind can feel chilly after swimming)
- Motion-sickness med if you’re prone
- Small dry bag for phone/passport
- Cash pesos for bracelets, tips, and beach vendors (ATMs can be limited en route)
Sample 1-Day Private Yacht Plan (Espíritu Santo Highlights)
- 08:30 Board in La Paz (safety brief, route plan per wind/tide)
- 09:00 Cruise north; wildlife spotting (dolphins, mobulas in season)
- 10:15 Snorkel stop at a protected cove; beach time & paddleboard
- 12:30 Chef lunch at anchor (shade setup on a secluded beach)
- 14:00 Optional second snorkel or scenic cruise past cliffs/arches
- 15:30 Slow cruise back with golden-hour views
- 16:30 Dock in La Paz
How Lover Lips Yachts Makes It Easy
- We’re a Mexican woman-owned company with the most 5-star reviews in La Paz—focused on safe, legal, and eco-friendly cruising.
- Transparent pricing with no “gotchas”; bracelets/fees clearly itemized.
- Flexible itineraries (weather-aware) so you’re never rushed.
- Courteous, bilingual crew; chef menus on request; WhatsApp fast-quotes.
- Flexible Cancellation Policy (always up-to-date on our site)
- 100% refund if the yacht is unavailable due to mechanical issues
- 100% refund if cancelled 7+ days before the cruise
- After 7 days: deposit is non-refundable, but credited toward a future booking
- If the La Paz Harbor Master closes the port for weather, deposit is credited for future use.
Quick FAQ (for Guests)
When is the best time to charter?
Oct–May is ideal. Expect winter “Nortes” (Dec–Feb) that can change routes; summer is hotter with occasional storms.
Can I swim with whale sharks from a private yacht?
The whale-shark zone is licensed and controlled; we coordinate a permitted panga during the open season so you can do both in one day when feasible.
Are bracelets/permits required?
Yes—Espíritu Santo and other protected sites require per-person daily fees. We’ll confirm whether they’re included or paid separately.
Are drones allowed?
Recreational drones are generally prohibited inside federal protected areas without prior authorization.
What happens if the port closes for weather?
We reschedule or credit per policy. Safety and compliance come first.
