What Type of Mexico Boat Charter Do You Want?
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Unsure? Contact Us or See Types of Yacht Charters
Separating the Gulf of Mexico from the Pacific ocean lies the country of Mexico, a diverse and exciting country full of beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and idyllic sailing destinations.
A large country such as Mexico has many sailing destinations. Popular locations on the Yucatan peninsula like Cancun and Cozumel are always a good choice. Visitors can enjoy the balmy weather and warm waters of the Caribbean and relax on pristine beaches after exploring ancient Mayan ruins.
A wonderful sailing experience can also be had on the other side of the country in the Mexican Riviera and the Sea of Cortez where the cities of Mazatlan and La Paz can be found. Secluded anchorages in turquoise waters dividing picturesque islands make for a highly recommended region to enjoy your Mexico yacht charter.
To describe the climate of La Paz and the surrounding area, it would be considered a tropical desert climate. There is typically less humidity which means that temperatures vary a bit more than other countries at similar latitudes. However, the nearby waters and summertime winds from the Pacific help keep the temperatures in check.
Rainfall is minimal and peaks in August and September. Vacationing in the area between February and May will have pleasant air temperatures but the water may be a little brisk. A trip to the region in October and November will have both air and sea temperatures in a good range.
| Temp Max (°F ) | Temp Min (°F ) | Avg. Water Temp (°F ) | Avg. Rainfall (in) | Avg. Wind Speed (kts) | |
| January | 75 | 52 | 68 | 0.6 | NW 5-15 |
| February | 77 | 52 | 67 | 0.2 | NW 5-15 |
| March | 81 | 54 | 68 | 0.1 | NW 5-15 |
| April | 87 | 57 | 70 | 0 | NW 5-15 |
| May | 92 | 60 | 75 | 0 | W 5-15 |
| June | 96 | 66 | 78 | 0.1 | W 5-15 |
| July | 98 | 73 | 83 | 0.6 | W 5-10 |
| August | 97 | 75 | 85 | 1.5 | W 5-10 |
| September | 95 | 74 | 86 | 2.3 | W 5-10 |
| October | 91 | 68 | 84 | 0.5 | NW 5-10 |
| November | 83 | 60 | 78 | 0.3 | NW 5-15 |
| December | 76 | 55 | 72 | 0.6 | NW 5-15 |
Distance: 11nm | Duration: 1h 20m
One of the most famous beaches in La Paz, Balandra Bay, is the poster child of Baja’s pristine, otherworldly energy. Named Mexico’s best beach in 2019 and 2021, it’s part of the Balandra Wildlife Protected Area, and with its turquoise tapestry seas and rippled white sands, nothing can prepare you for its beauty. Charter guests can kayak through the calm, shallow waters, snorkel to see a wealth of bright marine life, explore the mangrove ecosystems, hike the magical desert meets sea landscape, and visit the iconic El Hongo (The Mushroom) rock formation.
Distance: 7nm | Duration: 50m
The other half of Isla Partida, Espíritu Santo, is another sublime rock formation, brought to the surface by ancient earthquakes. Colored in shades of soft pink, chocolate, and ripples of beige, this island is the 12th largest in the whole of Mexico and is completely uninhabited. It’s also a protected area of fauna and flora and a UNESCO biosphere region. This whole area is home to frolicking dolphins, curious sea lions, blue footed boobies, squawking birds, and rays drifting along the vibrant blue surface of the sea. Isla Espíritu Santo is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and simply soaking up the wonders of Mexico’s remote island wilderness.
Distance: 5nm | Duration: 45m
Caleta El Candelero, also known as Ensenada del Candelero, is a picturesque two-lobed bay on the northern third of Isla Espíritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez. This well-protected anchorage, open to the west and south, offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Charter guests can explore the cool canyon hiking trails ashore, leading through narrow, high-walled passages that provide stunning visuals and a refreshing morning excursion. The bay’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, allowing glimpses of the vibrant marine life below. Stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts can embark on epic multi-hour journeys, weaving in and out of various coves and anchorages while enjoying panoramic views of the sea life below and the dramatic red rock formations above.
Distance: 3nm | Duration: 25m
A short sail away from La Paz, Isla Partida is one of the UNESCO-protected sister islands on the beautiful Baja Peninsula. Separated from Isla Espíritu Santo by a narrow blue channel, when the tide is right it’s even possible to wade across to both islands. Isla Partida is home to Ensenada Grande – celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Mexico. This remote beach is all Tiffany blues, sculpted rock formations, and homemade fish tacos. Spend the day paddleboarding to admire the chiseled coast, swim in the jewel-toned waters, and visit the blue-footed booby colonies close by. Those who adore diving will certainly be in their element when ducking beneath the blue as scores of marine life make their home on this evocative seashore. Even if you stay on the surface, you are likely to see playful sea lions, dolphins, and even pods of humpback whales if you are there in the winter months.
Distance: 3nm | Duration: 25m
A craggy rock adrift in the Sea of Cortez, Los Islotes are not the image of white sand beaches, but these islands are the spot that help earn Baja the reputation for being the Galapagos of North America.
Barking sea lions love this rocky spot and spending any time here will introduce you to a whole cast of the whiskered characters. Whether heaped in a pile or popping their head up from the waters, Los Isolates invites you to get up close and personal with the curious and playful creatures. Charter guests can choose to snorkel in these waters rather than just watching the sea lions from the deck. As the sea lions appear to be completely unfazed by snorkelers, you can expect plenty of light-hearted interaction from these charming dogs of the sea. Along with sea lions you can also witness a world of other creatures too – sparkling fish, rays, dolphins, and whales all make their home in these waters.
Distance: 19nm | Duration: 2h 25m
On the southern end of a sandy spit, Bahia Amortajada is a sandy spit of mangrove lagoons and shimmering hues. A beautiful spot to drop anchor, this peaceful bay invites you to swim, snorkel, kayak, and partake in any gentle activity that involves you and the sea.
Exploring the mangroves with a kayak is a great way to spot egrets, long-legged pelicans, and other local wildlife trilling in the bright blue and humid air.
For those charter guests who want to do a spot of fishing, it’s also a great spot to cast your line and see what snaps. There’s no doubt that the simple life is here to be enjoyed on the Bahia Amortajada.
Distance: 9nm | Duration: 1h 10m
Worthy of the accolades heaped upon it, the Sea of Cortez is a marine lover’s dream. For charter guests looking to immerse themselves in a water world of wonders, this hazy green gulf off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is a pearl. Jacques Cousteau referred to the Sea of Cortez as the Aquarium of the World thanks to its wide and wild plethora of marine life. Home to hundreds of whale sharks, sea turtles, leatherbacks, killer whales, blue whales and the Humboldt squid, the waters offer an impressive roster of characters at every turn. It’s no surprise that diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are firm favorites here. Even on land, the Sea of Cortez keeps on living up to its reputation. With more than 900 islands to explore and floods of birds on every scrap, this unique ecosystem has earned this enchanting corner of the globe UNESCO status.
Distance: 35nm | Duration: 4h 25m
While the spring break crowds flock to San Lucas, La Paz is a unique beach town with plenty to offer. The capital of bohemian Baja, La Paz has a youthful, vibrant scene decked with buzzing hotels, white sand beaches, exceptional sport fishing, and isolated coves that beckon any intrepid spirit. The eclectic mix of barefoot bohemian corners, upscale pockets, and local lore makes La Paz feel utterly authentic. Despite being a city, La Paz has both feet in nature, with its oceanfront energy and the peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna shining in the backdrop. Along with dining, dancing, shopping, gallery hopping, and reveling in city pleasures, you can swim with whale sharks, snorkel, and cycle along the bustling esplanade.
Travel is fairly simple. If your charter begins in Cancun, then it is even simpler. Cancun receives direct flights daily from many North American cities as well as several European cities. From Cancun International Airport, it should take you no more than 30 minutes to ride to the marina or mooring location.
Most charters will start in La Paz and visitors will fly into Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport. Flights from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are easy to come by and seasonal flights from the U.S. cities Phoenix and Dallas are set to begin in 2021. After you land it is just a 20 minute drive to the marina.
Resources:
Bareboat Charter Packing Checklist
Crewed Charter Packing Checklist
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