Bahía Pichilingue, The Commercial Gateway
Bahía Pichilingue serves as the principal commercial hub for the La Paz region. In other words, Pichilingue Bay is the seaport of La Paz. It bustles with activity from the daily operations of Baja Ferries, which connect the bay to Topolobampo and Mazatlan on mainland Mexico.
Sailing nearby, you will quickly notice the channel markers, which guide navigation through the bay and lead to deeper waters.
The nearby Pichilingue Beach (Playa Pichilingue)
North of Bahía Pichilingue lies the anchorage at Playa Pichilingue (Pichilingue Beach). It is a fine white sand beach, a safe popular spot to anchor at and visit.
La Paz Bay Private Snorkeling (w/ Sea Lions)
From: US$1,360.00
- Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
Navigational Guidelines Into the Bay
The seaport isn’t a tourist destination, yet some people are interested in seeing it, especially when sailing towards and anchoring at Playa Tesoro (Tesoro Beach) and visiting Bahia Falsa (False Bay). Tesoro Beach faces the entrance to the seaport, which you know now as Bahía Pichilingue.
Approaching from the north requires caution, and we must steer clear of the western shore of Isla San Juan Nepomuceno due to its rocky terrain and the reefs and shoals extending from its shores. (Isla San Juan Nepomuceno is acting as the west side of the seaport. You must pass the island from the south to enter the port.)
The channel markers start at the island’s southern tip, guiding us safely into the bay.
Caution in Busy Waters
Given the bay’s heavy traffic, including container ships and ferry boats, anchoring here is risky for cruising vessels, so we don’t go there.
For a safer and more secure anchorage in the area, we are heading to Bahía Falsa (False Bay), located just east of the entrance to Bahía Pichilingue (Pichilingue Bay). Here, we can anchor safely at Playa Tesoro (Tesoro Beach).
This location is particularly advantageous for those arriving after dark, offering a haven without the need to navigate through La Paz Bay and the challenging channel into La Paz.
Anchoring Opportunities at Pichilingue Bay
While the northern part of the bay is heavily trafficked and not suitable for cruising boat anchorage, the southeastern end of Isla San Juan Nepomuceno (Sea Lions Island), near the Cemex plant, offers one of the few remaining spots where cruisers can find refuge outside of the channel.
Comprehensive Port Facilities
Bahía Pichilingue isn’t just a bustling nexus of marine activity; it also boasts a range of facilities:
- A general cargo terminal with a 200m berth and alongside a depth of 10m.
- A fishing harbor with a 100m jetty and 5 to 6m depths.
- A ro-ro ferry terminal featuring two ramps and a lifting platform for vehicular traffic, with an 8m depth alongside.
- An L-shaped jetty, 120m in length, situated near the ferry terminal enhances the bay’s operational capacity.
It is quite an exciting and enjoyable place to explore.
Isla San Juan Nepomuceno, A Vital Stepping Stone
Isla San Juan Nepomuceno is a strategic landmark connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Roads and piers facilitate access and operations. The island is a very small Peninsula within La Paz Bay.
A marked shoal south of the island emphasizes the need for careful navigation.
We don’t take you there as a boat tour operation, but we pass by. Your captain and crew may draw your attention to the site.
Connecting Routes from Bay of Pichilingue (Bahía Pichilingue)
We will extend your journey from this vital port to various captivating destinations:
- Isla San Francisco: 37 nm
- Ensenada Grande: 21 nm
- Puerto Balandra: 6 nm
Further connections include:
- La Paz: 7 nm
- Ensenada de los Muertos: 51 nm
- Bahía Los Frailes: 93 nm
Join Spirit of La Paz to navigate the vibrant and complex waters of Pichilingue Bay.
Our expertise ensures a safe and enriching experience as you explore the commercial heart of La Paz and its serene surrounding anchorages.
