Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us for the 2025 Discover La Paz, Baja California Flotilla and experience one of the world’s most stunning sailing destinations. With convenient Alaska Air service from LAX to La Paz (LAP) or Cabo San Lucas (SJD), where it’s just a short 2-hour drive to La Paz, this hidden gem offers a unique, family-oriented atmosphere—no timeshare salesmen, just pure relaxation.
La Paz feels like Cabo 20 years ago, and with its proximity to Isla Espíritu Santo, only 8 miles offshore, you’ll understand why Jacques Cousteau called it the “Aquarium of the World.” With no Pacific ground swell, the waters are smooth like a lake, making it perfect for a relaxing, scenic sail.
A flotilla is a collection of boats sailing in unison, journeying from one breathtaking destination to the next, combining the thrill of being on the water with the excitement of exploring ashore. For this flotilla, we’re keeping it intimate with just 3 boats, ensuring a boutique sailing experience for an unforgettable week. Reserve your cabin with American Sailing and enjoy a luxury catamaran complete with your own skipper, a private chef, and the sailing vacation of your dreams.
Sailing the waters around La Paz, Mexico, is a truly magical experience. Nestled in the Sea of Cortez, often referred to as the “Aquarium of the World,” La Paz offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, calm seas, and stunning, unspoiled islands just offshore. With no Pacific ground swell, the waters are as smooth as a lake, making for relaxed and enjoyable sailing conditions.
As you glide through these pristine waters, you’ll encounter a variety of marine life, from playful dolphins to majestic whale sharks and colonies of sea lions. The islands around La Paz, like Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida, feature secluded coves, white-sand beaches, and dramatic rock formations. The anchorage spots are tranquil, offering incredible opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and exploring onshore.
The combination of peaceful, protected bays and the vibrant underwater world makes sailing in La Paz a captivating blend of adventure and serenity. Whether you’re relaxing on deck or exploring the marine life below, the natural beauty of this region creates an unforgettable sailing experience.
Arrive in vibrant La Paz, where the Baja sunshine and warm hospitality await! Your adventure kicks off with an authentic Cruiser-Style Welcome Fiesta, featuring a mouthwatering Mexican taco bar and refreshing beverages. Mingle with your fellow flotilla members, share stories, and get ready to embark on an incredible journey. Afterward, settle into your luxurious home for the week: choose from Manta, our magnificent 44′ cruising catamaran, Imagine, our fantastic 45′ sloop, or Take It Easy, our sweet Lagoon 380 catamaran. Get ready to call this paradise your own!
Wake up to the gentle rocking of your vessel and the promise of a spectacular day. After a comprehensive boat familiarization and safety briefing with your expert skipper, provisions will arrive, stocking your yacht with everything you need for the week. Once stowed, it’s lines away! We’ll cast off from the dock for an exhilarating sail across La Paz Bay, soaking in the sun and the stunning coastal views. Our destination for the night is the picturesque Caleta Lobos, a hidden gem perfect for an afternoon of incredible snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and invigorating hikes ashore.
After a delicious breakfast and a refreshing morning swim, we’ll weigh anchor and set a course north to the breathtaking Isla Espiritu Santo. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true natural wonder, boasting an array of pristine coves and bays. Depending on the conditions, we’ll explore The Gallos, Playa Candelero, Caleta Partida, or Ensenada Cardonal, each offering its own unique charm. Tonight, one of these idyllic spots will be our tranquil anchorage under a canopy of stars.
Prepare for an experience that will take your breath away! Today is all about snorkeling with playful sea lions! We’ve arranged for expert park guides to meet our fleet and whisk you away to the incredible sea lion colony at Islet Los Islotes. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters and witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat – it’s an encounter you’ll cherish forever. The rest of the day is yours to indulge in Espiritu Santo’s treasure trove of coves, bays, and beaches. More snorkeling, paddling, hiking, and of course, fantastic sailing are on the agenda. We’ll end our day just north at Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida, another stunning anchorage.
Get ready to hoist the sails and feel the thrill of the wind! If the conditions are perfect, we’ll embark on an epic circumnavigation of Islas Partida and Espiritu Santo, enjoying a thrilling fly-by of the Sea Lion colony at Los Islotes. Then, we’ll sail along the dramatic cliffs that form the majestic backside of Isla Espiritu Santo, leading us to the magnificent 2-mile long, white sand beach of Playa Bonanza. If the wind is light, don’t worry, our Plan B is equally awesome! We’ll sail south to one of the many beautiful bays on Isla Espiritu Santo, where even more hiking, snorkeling, swimming, or paddling adventures await. Every day is an adventure in paradise!
Today we sail back across the Lorenzo Channel for a delightful stop at the iconic Balandra Bay, famous for its mushroom rock formation and serene waters. From there, we’ll make our way to our final destination for the night: the charming little beach at Pichilingue. This is where we’ll celebrate our incredible week together with a special margarita toast at a festive beachside palapa restaurant, sharing laughter and unforgettable memories as the sun sets over the Sea of Cortez.
Sadly, your amazing Sea of Cortez adventure must come to an end today. We’ll enjoy one last scenic sail back towards La Paz, arriving at the marinas between 10:00 AM and Noon. As you disembark, you’ll carry with you a lifetime of incredible memories, new friendships, and a refreshed spirit from this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Please Note. This itinerary is meant to serve as an example of what a week-long sailing journey exploring the the waters around La Paz, Mexico may entail. However, it is important to note that the captain may adjust the schedule to ensure optimal sailing conditions and the best possible experience for guests.
