El Tecolote Beach: La Paz's Lively Hub for Water Sports, Dining & Relaxation - La Paz Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideWhile Playa Balandra grabs the headlines for its turquoise waters and iconic mushroom rock, just a 0.9 mile (1.4 km) drive further north along the coastal highway from La Paz lies Playa El Tecolote, a bustling and lively beach that offers a different, but excellent Baja experience. Known for its expansive sandy shores, diverse activities, and excellent local eateries, El Tecolote is a nice beach where you can easily find a spot far away from other people.
The island to the north that you can see from the beach is Espiritu Santo Island, which we will visit in two days.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we typically promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.
paid Viator tours
Playa El Tecolote: A Beach for Everyone
Playa El Tecolote boasts a long stretch of white sand that goes on for 1.3 miles (2.1 km), offering ample space for relaxation and play. The water here is typically clear and calm, making it ideal for swimming, especially for families with children. However, if it is windy, then the water turns hazy and the waves make swimming difficult.
Activities Galore at Playa El Tecolote
El Tecolote is a good spot for water sports enthusiasts. You will find numerous vendors and rental shops right on the beach, offering:
Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs): Glide across the serene waters, explore the coastline, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay.
Jet Ski and Banana Boat Rides: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, these options provide thrilling fun on the water.
Snorkeling: The seafloor is sandy and thus does not attract colorful fish, but there is snorkeling in the rocky areas at both ends of the beach, specifically the western end. Bring your own gear or rent it on-site.
Whale Shark Spotting and Isla Espíritu Santo Tours: Some local operators at El Tecolote offer boat tours to nearby attractions. During the whale shark season (roughly October to April), you can book a trip to swim with these gentle giants. Some tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Isla Espíritu Santo, with opportunities for snorkeling with sea lions and exploring pristine coves, also depart from here.
Beach Walking and Relaxation: For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the long sandy stretch is perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and simply soaking in the spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez, with Isla Espíritu Santo often visible on the horizon.
Dining and Amenities at Playa El Tecolote
One of El Tecolote's major draws is its good selection of rustic beachfront restaurants and palapa-shaded eateries. We really like the food and the atmosphere and come here to dine on the beach when we are in this general area.
These casual spots serve up incredibly fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and refreshing drinks and yummy cocktails. You can enjoy a delicious meal with your toes in the sand, often accompanied by lively local music. And all the restaurants we visited accepted credit cards.
Vendors also roam the beach offering snacks, drinks, hats, and souvenirs.
Other convenient facilities at El Tecolote include:
Palapas (Shade Huts): Some restaurants offer free palapas or sun loungers for their patrons, but it's wise to arrive early to secure one, especially on busy weekends. Bringing your own umbrella or beach tent is always a good idea.
Restrooms and Showers: Pay-per-use facilities are available.
Parking: There's ample free parking available.
Camping: For the adventurous, El Tecolote is one of the few beaches in the area where free beach camping is permitted, you will likely see a couple of RVs or campervans parked near the beach.
Admission and parking are free; there is no capacity limit.
Snorkeling at Playa El Tecolote
The seafloor is sandy and thus does not attract colorful fish, but there is snorkeling in the rocky areas at both ends of the beach, specifically the western end. Bring your own gear or rent it on-site.
Photos of snorkeling by the rocks at the western end of Playa El Tecolote
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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