About the Port
Pichilingue serves as the port for La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, set along the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. The pier lies a short drive from La Paz proper, where a palm-lined malecón invites strolling past sculptures, cafés, and views across the bay. Beyond town, the surrounding waters and islands—part of a protected biosphere reserve—draw visitors for encounters with whale sharks, sea lions, and vivid marine life found nowhere else in such concentration.
Inland and along the coast, the desert landscape of cactus-studded hills gives way to beaches such as Balandra, known for calm turquoise water and a distinctive rock formation shaped by wind and tide. La Paz itself retains an unhurried, authentic Mexican character, with a compact historic center offering local seafood and handicrafts. Travelers venturing beyond the port find one of the Gulf of California's richest marine environments within easy reach.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Pichilingue .
Swim with Whale Sharks
Small boats depart from La Paz's marina (about a 20-minute drive from the pier) for close encounters with these gentle giants, typically seasonal and best booked ahead for permits and small group sizes.
Relax at Playa Balandra
This sheltered cove of shallow turquoise water and the iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation lies roughly 25 minutes from town by taxi—reserve a morning slot, as daily visitor numbers are capped.
Snorkel with Sea Lions at Los Islotes
A boat trip into the biosphere reserve brings you alongside a playful sea lion colony amid clear Sea of Cortez waters, a highlight for snorkelers of any skill level.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Pichilingue
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2026 | Princess | Grand Princess | 10 | $1,695 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 28 | $2,729 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Holland America | Zaandam | 7 | $1,399 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | Holland America | Zaandam | 30 | $2,924 | |
| Dec 7, 2026 | Holland America | Zaandam | 12 | $1,149 | |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 14 | $1,939 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 18 | $11,800 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 9 | $5,700 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 14 | $1,894 | |
| Dec 27, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Serenade of the Seas | 7 | $1,023 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 24 | $2,389 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Grandeur | 10 | $7,499 | |
| Jan 16, 2027 | Holland America | Zuiderdam | 14 | $1,439 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 14 | $1,944 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 18 | $1,989 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Venture | 10 | $11,018 | |
| Apr 4, 2027 | Holland America | Zaandam | 13 | $1,358 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 28 | $3,514 | |
| Oct 13, 2027 | Princess | Crown Princess | 11 | $1,244 | |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Holland America | Koningsdam | 11 | $1,314 |
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