Tips
What to pack for a boat trip in La Paz: a checklist for a day on the Sea of Cortez
After twenty years of boating the bay of La Paz, there's one constant: the best days are the ones you prepare with what you're wearing and nothing else. The Sea of Cortez is generous — sun, warm water, outstanding visibility — but also intense: sunlight bouncing off the water and the afternoon wind hit you on a boat far more than they do on land. With the right bag the day simply flows; with one too many, you spend it lugging things you never touched.
Quick answer
For a boat trip in La Paz the essentials are sun protection (everyday sunscreen isn't enough once you factor in the water's glare), a cap or hat, a long-sleeve UV shirt, water footwear, a change of clothes and a light layer for the afternoon breeze. You don't need to bring snorkeling or paddle board gear: Avante Charters' private experience includes both, along with a captain, meals and drinks, for $16,000 MXN per boat.
What's already included (so you don't have to haul it)
The most common mistake is showing up at the dock with a bag stuffed with gear. In a well-run private charter, much of what you assume you must bring is already on board, in good shape and checked before departure.
It's worth being clear about what's included so you don't waste space or time on things the boat already takes care of.
- Complete snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel and fins for every guest.
- A paddle board to use at the protected-water stops.
- Meals and drinks on board throughout the trip.
- A licensed captain who knows the bay and handles the route and safety.
The essential checklist: what's worth bringing
A small backpack or soft bag beats a wheeled suitcase: space is limited on a boat and nothing is flat. Inside it, the items that actually get used over the day are highly predictable.
- Broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen; reapply every two hours.
- A cap or hat with a chin strap, because the wind takes everything else.
- A long-sleeve UV shirt: it protects better than sunscreen and keeps you cooler.
- Water shoes or strapped sandals — sand and rocky bottoms at the stops hurt.
- A change of clothes and an extra towel if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water.
- Sunglasses with a retainer or float: the single most-sunk item on any boat.
- A dry bag or waterproof case for your phone.
- Personal medication and, if you're prone to seasickness, a pill taken 30 to 60 minutes before departure.
Sun and wind: how to dress for a day on the Sea of Cortez
The temperature in La Paz is deceptive. By mid-morning it feels like beach weather, but the afternoon breeze across the bay drops the perceived temperature and, with wet clothes on, you end up shivering. A light jacket or windbreaker at the bottom of your bag is the garment you'll thank most at five in the afternoon.
The working rule: clothes that get wet and dry fast, light colors that don't hold heat, and zero loose items the wind can drag overboard. If the group wants matching outfits for the photos, one coordinated piece beats a full look you'll never wear in the water.
If you're traveling with kids
Children have the most fun on these trips and tire the fastest, so their share of the packing deserves some thought. A hat that stays on, UV clothing and closed water shoes prevent most minor incidents.
Our captains plan around kids on board: less open-water transit, more stops in shallow, shaded water. Balandra is usually the best first choice for groups with little ones, thanks to its shallow, calm bay.
Before you board: documents, meeting point and confirmation
The boat departs from La Paz, in the El Manglito area. The exact meeting point and time are confirmed over WhatsApp when you book, along with the captain's name and the planned route for the day.
Bring ID for every passenger: it's the document usually requested to confirm a booking and for any paperwork in protected areas. Arriving fifteen minutes before the confirmed time is enough to board without rushing, stow the bags and leave on schedule.
If plans shift —a late flight, a bigger group, a dietary restriction— let us know in advance over WhatsApp. We'll adjust the route, the menu or the time whenever conditions allow.
What's best left at home
Less luggage also means fewer worries. Some items simply get damaged, lost or in the way at sea.
- Valuable clothing or shoes you don't want soaked — saltwater is unforgiving.
- Hard cases and wheeled suitcases, which have nowhere to go on board.
- Unsecured loose items (hats, towels, glasses) that the wind takes.
- Glass and awkward containers that are hard to stow on a small boat.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring on a boat trip in La Paz?
The essentials are water-resistant sunscreen, a cap or hat, a long-sleeve UV shirt, water footwear, a change of clothes, sunglasses with a retainer and a light layer for the afternoon breeze. Everything else — snorkeling gear, a paddle board, food and drinks — is already included in the private charter.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No. The private charter includes a mask, snorkel and fins for every guest, plus a paddle board. If you'd rather use your own gear for comfort or hygiene, feel free to bring it.
Does it get cold on the boat in La Paz?
It's warm during the day, but the afternoon wind and wet clothes lower how you feel. A light jacket or windbreaker is the item guests thank us for most at the end of the trip, especially between November and March.
Where is the meeting point?
The boat departs from La Paz, in the El Manglito area. The exact location and time are confirmed over WhatsApp when you book, along with the captain's name and the planned route. Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early.
