Baja's relaxed capital on the Sea of Cortez, with a seafront promenade, a turquoise lagoon of a beach and a desert island full of sea lions.
La Paz, two hours north of Cabo, is the state capital: a real Mexican city with a long Malecón along the bay, seafood stands and sunsets over the water.
Half an hour north of town, Playa Balandra is a shallow bay of white sand and pale turquoise water, where you can wade far out, and where the mushroom-shaped rock El Hongo stands at one end. Visitor numbers are limited, so arrive early.
Offshore, the island of Espíritu Santo is a protected area of red cliffs and empty coves. Boat trips stop to snorkel with the sea lion colony at Los Islotes (closed in summer for pupping).
From October to April, young whale sharks feed in the bay. Licensed boats take small groups to swim alongside them, under strict rules.
An overnight trip from Los Cabos.
Leave early, via Todos Santos or the inland highway.
Wade the shallow bay and walk up to the viewpoint above it.
Stroll the seafront at sunset and eat fish tacos in town.
A full-day boat trip to the island and the sea lions.
In season, a morning swim with whale sharks in the bay.
Drive or take the bus from Cabo San Lucas; La Paz also has its own airport.
Book Espíritu Santo and whale shark trips with licensed operators in La Paz.
Balandra has limited entry and few facilities; bring what you need.
Los Cabos practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
