La Paz, Mexico
Location: La Paz, MX
I traveled there twice last year. The best month to dive is October when water conditions are the clearest. I dove in both Feb and Oct, and had the best luck in Oct. Water was 82 degrees in Oct. Anything from trunks to a 7 mm can be used. Each trip we happened to catch a brief storm which forced us to dive more sheltered spots, but they are rare, especially in Oct. I was told that was a fluke. Diving was still very good.
Flight: It's a very easy two hour flight from San Diego on Volaris airlines out of Tijuana, with only a one hour time zone change. Flying out of Tijuana is safe and easy. Volaris is excellent; better service than many. I drove up from Cabo San Lucas in Feb. It's a long 3 hour drive. Flying direct is MUCH easier.
Dive spots: There is good diversity... playful sea lions at Los Islotes, plus a keyhole there, hammerheads at El Bajo, several cleaned and uncleaned wrecks, walls, a nice reef with a huge wreck next to it. Whaleshark snorkeling is available, but the jury is still out on that one. Pelagics vary with the season. Because of the distances to dive spots, a 3-tank day will take most of the day. Expect to return to the resort around 3 PM or so.
Non-diving activities: La Paz isn't a tourist destination like Cabo San Lucas, but there are options. The main attraction in town is the sea walk, or Malecon. One can walk/run all the way from one end to the other. I did it from our resort (Costa Baja) and it was a great run. (Do it early before there is too much auto exhaust pollution.) To the east of La Paz are several nice beaches, like Playa El Tecolote, which has several restaurants, and Playa Balandra, which is super calm and quiet (foodtruck only). A car is needed to reach them, or perhaps taxi. Night life isn't great in La Paz, but some places are open on the weekends in La Paz. Taxis or resort shuttles are easy to find.
Staff: Most of the resort and dive staff speak English and are very helpful. I was able to get all my questions and requests addressed by the resort concierges and dive staff easily before traveling. Upon arrival, they are just as helpful. Resort staff will greet you as you get off the shuttle. Fun Baja has a special relationship with Japan and four of its staff are Japanese, so if you happen to speak Japanese that's also helpful.
Tipping: Standard resort practices. $7-$10 tank on the boat.
