Sea Lions Island, A Pristine Marvel
Sea Lions Island, Isla Lobos, locally celebrated as Isla Gaviota (Seagulls Island), stands out with its striking white guano-covered landscape. The island’s official name is “Isla San Juan Nepomuceno.” The island is just a quarter mile south of Roca Lobos (Sea Lions Rock), the Sea Lions Cove area, and northwest of Punta Base (Base Point).
With shallow waters between the island and Punta Base, we sailors are advised to avoid attempting passage here.
Southward lies the anchorage at Playa Pichilingue (Pichilingue Beach) and La Paz’s main commercial port, Pichilingue.
La Paz Bay Private Snorkeling (w/ Sea Lions)
From: US$1,360.00
- Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
Playa Pichilingue, Your Gateway to Tranquility
Pichilingue Beach (Playa Pichilingue) is nestled southeast of Isla Lobos within La Paz Bay. It flaunts a fine white sand beach and mesmerizing turquoise waters, making it a local weekend swimming destination.
Home to the dive resort Club Cantamar and a quaint dock at the bay’s southern end, it’s a hub for water enthusiasts.
Safe Navigation and Anchorage at Pchilingue Beach
Approaching from the north cautiously, we steer clear of Roca Lobos (Sea Lions Rock), prominently marked by a metal framework light.
The ideal route lies off the western side of Isla Lobos. Due to shallow waters, we avoid the passage between the island and the mainland.
From the south, we ensure a wide berth around the northwestern tip of Isla San Juan Nepomuceno, the western part of Bahia Pichilingue, to avoid the extending reef.
The northern bay area, shielded by Isla Lobos and Punta Base, offers a serene anchorage protected from northerly winds. Conversely, the southeastern bay area shallows quickly, so we maintain vigilance on our depth sounder.
We anchor in 3-5 fathoms (5 – 11 m) over solid sand, though we are mindful that the bay’s southwest openness offers limited protection during nighttime coromuels – but we leave way before that happens.
Balandra Bay Private Snorkeling (& Sea Lions) Cruise
From: US$1,680.00
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
Rays in the Sea of Cortez
The warm coastal waters here are teeming with rays, from majestic manta rays whose sites impress everyone to camouflaged stingrays.
While generally docile, their natural camouflage can pose risks to unwary beachgoers.
Remember to shuffle your feet in sandy shallows to avoid stings. If you feel stung, treat it immediately with hot water soaks and thorough cleaning. Wearing water booties or shoes is highly recommended.
Connecting Routes from Pichilingue Beach
Expand your adventure with these navigable distances to notable locations:
- Isla San Francisco: 35 nm
- Ensenada Grande: 18 nm
- Puerto Ballena: 12 nm
- Puerto Balandra: 3 nm
Further connections include:
- Bahía Falsa: 4 nm
- La Paz: 9 nm
- Ensenada de los Muertos: 48 nm
Experience the unique charm of Isla Lobos and Playa Pichilingue with Spirit of La Paz.
Whether you want to explore, relax, or dive into adventure, our expertly guided tours ensure a memorable journey through these exquisite waters of Baja California Sur.
