You have one day in La Paz. Your ship docks at Pichilingue, the cruise line's bus brings you into the city, and you step off on the Malecón — in front of The Hook, or at the bus station about a block away. From there, here are three ways to spend your time, from people who live and work on this waterfront every day.
Before you get off the ship
- Know your all-aboard time and plan everything backwards from it, including the bus back to Pichilingue.
- Bring cash in pesos for small restaurants, taxis and the market.
- Booking a tour? Do it before you arrive. Tours run at their normal times; need something different? Ask about a private tour at a custom time.
- Sun protection: a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. The Baja sun is strong year-round.
Plan 1: The Whale Shark Day (November–April)
The one thing you can do in La Paz that you can't do almost anywhere else: swim beside the world's largest fish, a short boat ride from the city.
- Bus drops you on the Malecón — check in at The Hook, right where you step off.
- The tour: 3–4 hours, a maximum of 10 guests on our boat, a certified marine biologist guide, snorkel gear and wetsuit included.
- Your departure time is set by CONANP, the federal park authority, the afternoon before (7 AM, 10 AM, 12 noon or 3 PM — noon is usual). We confirm it by WhatsApp. Tours run at their normal times; book a private tour if you need a time built around your ship.
- After the tour, seafood on the Malecón (picks below), then back to the bus.
About the Whale Shark Experience · Book on FareHarbor
Plan 2: The Balandra Beach Day (Year-Round)
Playa Balandra is the turquoise, knee-deep lagoon on every La Paz postcard. We go by boat, not by road.
- 9:30 AM — check in at The Hook, 30 minutes before departure.
- 10:00 AM — the shared boat departs from the Malecón.
- About 5 hours — sea lions, snorkeling, the famous El Hongo rock, fresh ceviche on the sand at Balandra.
- Back on the Malecón in the afternoon, with time for a walk before the bus.
Shared seats 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. 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.
About the Balandra tour · Book a shared seat
Plan 3: Centro on Foot
No tour? La Paz Centro is made for an easy day on foot, and it all starts where the bus drops you. These are from our own list of local favorites — the places we send our guests.
The Hook, on the Malecón, where the cruise bus drops you. Tap Map next to any place below for walking directions.
See
- The Malecón — the waterfront promenade, with sculptures and views across the bay.
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz — the city's cathedral in the Zona Central. Map
- Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur (MUABCS) — Baja Sur art and culture in the former Government House. Map
- Mercado Municipal Nicolás Bravo — the local market: authentic food and everyday La Paz life. Map
- Casa Parra Gallery — local art. Map
- The Hook at the Mercado Turístico — our shop and artisan mercado, where the bus drops you: local jewelry, crafts and Hook gear. Map
Eat
- Mariscos El Paceñito Malecón — our favorite. The Torre Diabla, sashimi atún and callo de hacha. Map
- Mariscos Los Laureles — family-owned, right on the Malecón. Try the pescado entero. Map
- Mariscos El Molinito — great seafood on the Malecón. Map
- Taco Fish La Paz — fish tacos on the Malecón. Map
- Patio Península — on the Malecón, with a view across the bay. Map
- Harker Board Co. — good pizza and a fun spot. Map
- La Mentita — breakfast and lunch, close to the Malecón. Map
Drink
- Gratitude Specialty Coffee Roasters — amazing coffee. Map
- DoceCuarenta Centro — a very popular coffee spot. Map
- Black Marlin Brewing Co. — craft beer in the Zona Central. Map
- Paralelo 24 — local taproom and café. Map
- Baja Club rooftop — the rooftop bar at the Baja Club hotel, overlooking the bay. Map
Cruise lines calling at La Paz
Scheduled at Pichilingue for October 2026 – September 2027 (published port schedules; ships and dates can change):
- Carnival Cruise Line — Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance
- Royal Caribbean — Serenade of the Seas
- Holland America Line — Koningsdam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam
- Princess Cruises — Emerald Princess
- Crystal Cruises — Crystal Serenity
- Regent Seven Seas — Seven Seas Grandeur
In Port Soon?
Tell Us Your Ship.
Send us your ship, date and all-aboard time and we'll help you pick the right tour, or set up a private one at a custom time.
Book Whale Sharks → Book Balandra → WhatsApp Us →