False Bay, A Preferred Anchorage
Bahía Falsa (False Bay) and Tesoro Beach stand out as a spacious anchorage offering robust northern wind protection.
Its proximity to La Paz, easy access to the city via regular bus services, and calm waters without strong currents make it a favored alternative to the busier anchorages near the city center.

La Paz Bay Private Snorkeling (w/ Sea Lions)
From: US$1,360.00
- Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
El Tesoro Beach
El Tesro Beach (Playa El Tesoro) is in False Bay within La Paz Bay. On the beach, looking north, you can see Bahia Pichillingue and the southernmost point of Isla San Juan Nepomuceno, which acts as the bay’s western side and seaport.
The stunning beach is known for its crystal clear waters and soft sand. It offers a tranquil atmosphere and is less crowded than nearby Balnadra Bay & Beach. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, or simply relaxing on the boat or beach.
Approaching Tesoro Beach
As you approach from the sea, the beach comes into view. It is a crescent of white sand framed by rocky cliffs – calm turquoise water laps at the shore.
Entering the Shallows
Paddle your paddleboard or swim into the shallows. The clear water reveals the sandy bottom below – schools of small fish dart between your legs.
Exploring the Coastline
Drift along the coastline, taking in the rugged beauty of the cliffs. Caves and crevices punctuate the rocky shore, and seabirds wheel overhead.
Snorkeling the Reef
Anchor your paddleboard and don your snorkel gear. Swim out to the offshore reef. Colorful fish and marine life populate the underwater world, and sponges cling to the rocky seafloor.
Walking on Tesro Beach (Playa Tesoro)
As the sun begins to set, paddle back to the beach. Haul your paddleboard onto the sand. Walk along the water’s edge, leaving footprints in the damp sand. The day at Playa Tesoro comes to an end.
Safe and Scenic Anchoring
Approaching from La Paz Bay, Bahía Falsa is done cautiously. From the north, we steer clear of the southern tip of Isla San Juan Nepomuceno. From the south, we navigate using the channel’s markers from Canal de La Paz and maintain a distance from Punta Colorado (Colorado Point) to enter the bay safely.
Anchoring is versatile within the bay, available in depths from 3 to 6 fathoms (5 – 11 m).
The northern bay area is recommended for optimal shelter from north winds, though there’s a need to be aware that the bay is open to the southwest, which may cause discomfort during nighttime cornmeal winds. That said, those winds don’t usually exist during day cruises.
La Paz Harbour
The beginning of La Paz Harbor is from False Bay towards the south. The harbor is the largest and most important on the East side of Baja California and lies 3.5nm south of Punta Prieta (Punta Prieta can be considered where the channel starts leading to the harbor).
Onshore Amenities
A charming café sits along the eastern shore, backed by a pristine white sand beach.
The main road to La Paz skirts the bay, where city buses frequently pass, offering easy transportation into town. This accessibility makes Bahía Falsa a tranquil anchorage and a convenient gateway to urban adventures.
Visit Bahía Falsa and Playa Tesoro with Spirit of La Paz for a serene anchorage and a taste of local life.
Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, our guided tours ensure a memorable and comfortable experience in one of La Paz’s most beloved bays.