One Day in La Paz.
A Cruise Passenger's Guide.

More cruise ships are calling at La Paz every season, and most passengers get one day here. Your ship docks at Pichilingue, a bus brings you into the city, and you step off on the Malecón — right in front of our door. Here's how to make that one day count: two tours that fit a port-day schedule, and the best of Centro within walking distance.

Getting from the Ship to the Malecón

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Pichilingue, north of La Paz. Your cruise line arranges buses into the city, and the bus drops passengers either in front of The Hook Experiences at the Mercado Turístico on the Malecón (Paseo Álvaro Obregón), or at the bus station about a block away. Either way, you're a short walk from check-in for your tour, and from everything in Centro.

Option 1: Swim With Whale Sharks (November–April)

La Paz Bay is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks gather close to a city, and the tour fits inside a port day: 3–4 hours from the Malecón and back, a maximum of 10 guests on The Hook's boat, and a certified marine biologist guide in the water with you. Snorkel gear and wetsuits are included.

Departure times are set by CONANP, the federal park authority, the afternoon before each tour — the official slots are 7 AM, 10 AM, 12 noon and 3 PM, and noon is the usual one. Tours run at their normal times; a private tour can be scheduled around your ship if you need a custom time.

Read about the Whale Shark Experience or book it on FareHarbor.

Option 2: Playa Balandra by Boat (Year-Round)

Balandra is the shallow turquoise lagoon on every La Paz postcard. Most visitors drive out and look at it from the same overlook; our guests arrive by water. Shared departures leave at 10:00 AM (check in at The Hook 30 minutes before), with about 5 hours on the water and in the sand — sea lions, snorkeling, and fresh ceviche on the beach.

Shared trips are $1,925 MXN per person with the park bracelet ($1,800 tour + $125 bracelet) and go once 4 guests are booked for the date. Travelling as a group? A private boat for up to 12 is $15,000 MXN, park fees included, and a private tour can run at a custom time built around your ship.

Read about the Balandra tour or book a shared seat.

A Few Hours in Centro: Our Picks Near the Malecón

Not booking a tour, or have time left over? Everything below is in La Paz Centro, close to where the bus drops you off. These come from our own list of local favorites — the places we send our guests.

Seafood on the Malecón

• Mariscos El Paceñito Malecón — our favorite. Order the Torre Diabla, the sashimi atún, or the callo de hacha.
• Mariscos Los Laureles — family-owned, right on the Malecón. Try the pescado entero.
• Mariscos El Molinito — great seafood on the Malecón.
• Taco Fish La Paz — fish tacos on the Malecón.
• Harker Board Co. — good pizza and a fun spot.

Coffee and a Late Breakfast

• La Mentita — breakfast and lunch, close to the Malecón.
• DoceCuarenta Centro — a very popular coffee spot.
• Gratitude Specialty Coffee Roasters — amazing coffee.

Drinks and a View

• Black Marlin Brewing Co. — craft brewery in the Zona Central.
• Paralelo 24 — local taproom and café.
• Baja Club rooftop — the rooftop bar at the Baja Club hotel, overlooking the bay.
• Patio Península — on the Malecón, with a view across the bay.

Sights in Centro

• The Malecón — the waterfront promenade itself, with sculptures, sea views and the bay breeze.
• Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz — the city's cathedral in the Zona Central.
• Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur (MUABCS) — art and culture of Baja Sur, in the former Government House.
• Mercado Municipal Nicolás Bravo — the local market, for authentic food and real La Paz life.
• Casa Parra Gallery — local art.
• The Hook at the Mercado Turístico — our shop and artisan mercado, where the bus drops you off: local jewelry, crafts, and Hook gear.

Planning your whole day? See our La Paz Cruise Guide. Want more? Our full La Paz Travel Guide has restaurants, beaches, activities and live Sea of Cortez weather.