The Best Boat Rentals in La Paz

For private charters in La Paz, plan on roughly $150–$300 per hour for mid-size boats, with larger motor yachts and sailing catamarans commonly ranging from about $1,200–$3,500 for a half or full day depending on size, season, and inclusions. Shared island tours to Isla Espíritu Santo often run around $75–$120 USD per person and usually include a licensed captain, fuel, snorkel gear, water and soft drinks, and a simple lunch like fresh ceviche; marine-park access bracelets and gratuity are typically extra. Always check the listing for what’s included so you can avoid bringing duplicates or paying for add-ons you don’t need. (getmyboat.com, cobertura360.mx, tripadvisor.es, descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx)

You’ll find a wide selection, including comfortable motor yachts for groups, sailing monohulls and catamarans for relaxed cruising, sportfishing boats for anglers, and versatile deck boats for quick swims and beach stops. Most options are bookable as fully crewed trips, and a subset are available as bareboat charters for qualified skippers.

Most visitors choose captained charters because local captains handle navigation, marine-park procedures, and rapidly changing wind and sea conditions. If you want to self-skipper, some operators in La Paz allow bareboat charters based on your experience; a formal sailing license is not required for visiting non‑Mexican nationals, but a strong resume is, while Mexican nationals do need formal certification.

Common departure points include Marina CostaBaja (also known as Puerta Cortés) along the road to Pichilingue, Marina Palmira just north of the malecón, Marina de La Paz and Marina Cortez in town, plus the Muelle Fiscal (Fiscal Dock) on the malecón and beach launches from Playa Pichilingue when tours head to Isla Espíritu Santo. Your captain will confirm the exact meeting point after booking. (marinacostabaja.com, dockwalk.com, dev.marinacortez.com, lapazexplorer.com, viajefest.com)

Highlights include the red cliffs and turquoise coves of the Espíritu Santo archipelago, Los Islotes’ sea lion colony (snorkeling with them is paused each year from June 1 to August 31 during pupping), the shallow, glassy waters of Balandra Bay and its Mushroom Rock, and frequent wildlife encounters—think dolphins, sea turtles, seasonal whales, and in late spring huge schools of mobula rays. In autumn and winter, whale sharks are sometimes present inside the bay; tours only run when authorities confirm enough animals are in the viewing zone. (mvsnoticias.com, nbcs.mx, thecabosun.com, divecabo.com, en.wikipedia.org, thoroughlytravel.com)

If you’re booking a captained charter, you don’t need any license—your crew is fully qualified. For self-operated (bareboat) charters, operators typically require a detailed sailing or power resume to verify experience; a formal sailing license isn’t mandatory for foreign visitors, but it’s recommended and can speed approvals, while Mexican nationals do need formal certification to bareboat.

Yes. Charters welcome families and provide properly sized life jackets for all ages, with crew-led safety briefings before departure. Many island tours accept children as young as three and include snorkel equipment and supervision in calm coves; just let your captain know your group’s ages and swimming comfort so they can plan easy, safe stops.

Most private charters are happy for you to bring snacks, beer, wine, and non-glass beverages. Many day trips also include a light lunch and plenty of water, and some captains can arrange catering. If your itinerary enters protected areas like Espíritu Santo, plan to pack out all trash and use reusable containers; single-use plastics are discouraged and operators will supply coolers and ice so you can keep things simple. (lapaztours.wordpress.com, cobertura360.mx)

Some private boats allow well-behaved dogs with advance approval, but pets are not allowed to land in the Espíritu Santo protected islands and are prohibited at Balandra Beach to protect wildlife. If you’re boating with a pet, plan an itinerary that stays on the boat or visits pet‑friendly shore stops outside protected areas. (dof.gob.mx, diarioelindependiente.mx)

Conditions here are seasonal. Winter brings periodic “northers” that can blow strongly for a few days, while late spring and summer often see afternoon/evening Coromuel winds; captains typically favor morning departures for smoother seas. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs May 15–November 30, with activity peaking July–September; reputable operators monitor forecasts and will reschedule or adjust routes if needed for safety. (moorings.com, en.wikipedia.org, cpc.ncep.noaa.gov)

Absolutely. Private charters are ideal for celebrations, and many boats comfortably host small to mid‑size groups with shaded seating, sound systems for your playlist, and easy beach or swim stops. Let your captain know if you want decorations, a special lunch, or a scenic photo anchor—just note that confetti and similar items aren’t allowed in protected areas, and alcohol is for passengers only, not the captain.

The most reliable boating weather is typically October through May, with especially pleasant conditions in late fall and spring; winter can be great too between “nortes.” U.S. holiday periods like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day boost demand from American travelers, while local events such as Carnaval La Paz in mid‑February bring crowds and street closures along the malecón. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and morning departures usually mean gentler seas and easier dock logistics. (moorings.com, diarioelindependiente.mx)

Classic day routes head to Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida for snorkeling, beaches, and sea lion viewing, with lunch at a sheltered cove. Within the bay, Balandra’s sandbars and Mushroom Rock are favorites, while San Rafaelito’s lighthouse reef offers clear water and frequent turtle sightings. In late spring and early summer, skippers may suggest a mobula‑ray safari in the La Ventana area if wildlife is on your wish list. (en.wikipedia.org, thecabosun.com, divecabo.com)

Whale shark trips are strictly regulated and only operate when monitoring confirms enough animals inside the designated zone. Although the official season generally spans October to April, real start and end dates vary each year; in recent years many operators began in mid‑November and wrapped up by March. Build flexibility into your itinerary in case tours are paused or rescheduled for conservation or weather.