Baja California & Mexico
Ensenada · Sea of Cortez · Cabo San Lucas · La Paz
Destinations (3)
Marinas (3)
Anchorages (3)
Articles (2)Destination Guides
Detailed cruising guides for Baja California & Mexico
Cabo San Lucas: Land's End of Baja
The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. For southbound Pacific Coast cruisers, the finish line of the Baja passage; for Mexico cruisers, the gateway to the Sea of Cortez. Spectacular on arrival, crowded in season, useful as a way-point and a brief destination.
Ensenada: First Port of Mexico
Eighty nautical miles south of San Diego, Ensenada is the standard entry port to Mexican waters for Pacific Coast cruisers — full marina services, all four clearance offices within walking distance, a working harbour town, and the closest first-time international stop most US cruisers will make.
La Paz and the Southern Sea of Cortez
A city of 300,000 on the eastern shore of Baja California Sur, with three full-service marinas, a five-kilometre malecón, and immediate access to the islands and channels of the southern Sea of Cortez. The destination most Pacific Coast cruisers winter in, and many never quite leave.
Marinas
Moorage, fuel and services in Baja California & Mexico
IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The flagship marina at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, operated by IGY Marinas — 380 slips inside a protected basin at the heart of Cabo San Lucas's waterfront district. Full customs and immigration facilities on site. The Baja Ha-Ha fleet checks in here every November. Steps from restaurants, provisioning, and the famous El Arco at Land's End.
Marina de La Paz
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The social heart of La Paz's cruising community — 103 slips on the downtown malecón, within steps of restaurants, markets, and the city's famous waterfront promenade. The most sought-after berths in the Sea of Cortez during winter cruising season. Close to chandleries, the Banjercito, and Port Captain. Book well in advance for November–April.
Marina Ensenada
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
The primary port of entry for Pacific coast cruisers entering Mexico — 650+ slips, adjacent Banjercito and Port Captain offices, and a boatyard with a 70-ton travel lift. Ensenada is where the Baja passage begins: provision, clear customs, and set off south toward Cabo. Full services at a fraction of San Diego prices.
Featured Anchorages
Sheltered places to drop the hook in Baja California & Mexico
Latest Articles
Guides, tips and stories from Baja California & Mexico
Mexico Clearance for Cruising Boats: Zarpe, TIP, FMM, and Everything Else
A working plain-English guide to checking into Mexico by boat — what documents are required, where to get them, what the working costs are, and the mistakes that cost other cruisers days of their trip. Verify current fees and procedures before departure; the regulatory regime moves.
The Baja Ha-Ha: A Working Guide to Sailing from San Diego to Cabo
Every November, 150-plus boats leave San Diego in the world's largest amateur cruising rally. The 750-mile working passage to Cabo San Lucas — three legs, two beach parties, one of the more accessible offshore introductions in North America.