Recommendations
Beaches
La Paz is home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. One of the most famous is Balandra Beach, known for its crystal-clear shallow water and iconic mushroom rock formation. Entry is controlled to help protect the area, so wristbands are required and access times are limited to scheduled entry periods. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Tecolote Beach is another popular destination and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beachfront restaurants and food available directly on the sand. Mobile phone signal can be limited in this area, so downloading maps or arranging plans in advance is a good idea.
For something closer to home, there is also a small local beach just across the road near City Express Hotel — perfect for a quick swim, sunset walk, or enjoying the sea without travelling far.
Groceries & Essentials
For light groceries and essentials, a Pal-Mart convenience store can be found at the nearby Repsol gas station just around the corner from Kensington Apartments. For larger grocery shops, fresh produce, and a wider selection, Chedraui Selecto is located a little further into town.
Cerro de la Calavera
Just a short distance away, Cerro de la Calavera offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in La Paz. The short hike rewards visitors with stunning views across the entire bay and some truly unforgettable sunsets over the Sea of Cortez.
The Malecón
The famous Malecón is only around a two-minute walk from Kensington Apartments and is one of the highlights of staying in La Paz. Day and night, the waterfront promenade is full of life with cafés, restaurants, sculptures, street performers, markets, and a lively atmosphere that makes it perfect for an evening stroll.
Isla Espíritu Santo – A Must-See Adventure
Just a short boat ride from La Paz lies the breathtaking Isla Espíritu Santo, a protected UNESCO World Heritage area famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic red cliffs and untouched beaches. Many boat tours depart daily from the marina and often include snorkeling stops, beach time and lunch on secluded coves. The journey itself is part of the experience — it’s common to spot dolphins, mobula rays, turtles and seasonal marine wildlife along the way.
One of the biggest highlights is visiting Los Islotes, home to a large colony of playful California sea lions. Visitors can snorkel alongside curious young sea lions in their natural environment — often one of the most memorable experiences in Baja. Please note that access to swim with sea lions can be seasonal and may be restricted during breeding periods to protect wildlife.
Whale Shark Snorkeling Tours
La Paz is one of the few places in the world where you can safely snorkel with gentle Whale Sharks — the largest fish on Earth. Despite their size, these incredible creatures feed only on plankton and are completely harmless to humans. Guided tours take small groups into the protected Whale Shark area of La Paz Bay, where you can enter the water and swim alongside these amazing animals in a carefully managed environment.
The Whale Shark season generally runs during the cooler months and is one of La Paz’s most unforgettable experiences. Tours often provide wetsuits, snorkeling equipment and certified guides to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with these incredible animals.
Tours
We recommend Ocean Travel for tours and trips. They are known to us and highly trusted. They have boat tours to Balandra, Isla Espiritu Santos and more! Contact them directly for more information and quote them “Kensington Apartments”. WhatsApp at +52 612 257 1800 or Instagram @OCEAN.TRAVEL.LPZ
