La Paz, Mexico · Sea of Cortez
Sailing Lessons in La Paz, Mexico
Jacques Cousteau called it the aquarium of the world. Captain Mike calls it home. Seven days liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez — real certification, real conditions, one captain.
Book a Call with Captain MikeTwo ways to sail with Captain Mike in La Paz
Liveaboard Certification
The NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master program — seven days liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez out of Marina Costa Baja, La Paz. Espíritu Santo Island, Ensenada Grande, Caleta Partida, Isla San Francisco. You leave with full bareboat certification accepted at 40+ charter destinations worldwide through Dream Yachts, Sunsail, and Moorings. One group per month. October through May.
View training details →Private On-Boat Mentorship
Already certified or own a boat? Captain Mike runs private coaching sessions in La Paz and the Sea of Cortez. Passage planning, anchoring in open bays, offshore readiness, heavy weather preparation. Your goals, your timeline, Captain Mike’s full attention.
View mentorship details →Why the Sea of Cortez is the best place to learn
Consistent conditions
Predictable afternoon thermals, protected anchorages, and warm water make the Sea of Cortez one of the most forgiving and rewarding places in the world to build real sailing skills.
Wildlife and anchorages
Manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, and whale sharks share the water. The anchorages you practice in — Ensenada Grande, Caleta Partida, Isla San Francisco — are places cruisers plan entire seasons around.
Certification that holds up
The NauticEd BBM is the only certification Captain Mike has never seen denied at a charter base. Dream Yachts, Sunsail, and Moorings all accept it at 40+ destinations worldwide.
One captain, one group
MOS takes one booking per month out of La Paz. You get Captain Mike's full attention for seven days — not a rotating roster of instructors and not a class of twelve.
Where you’ll sail
MOS operates in La Paz, Baja California Sur from October through May, based out of Marina Costa Baja. The Sea of Cortez offers some of the most spectacular cruising grounds in North America — Espíritu Santo Island Biosphere Reserve, the anchorages of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, and the passage north toward Isla San Francisco. Captain Mike has sailed these waters more times than he can count. He knows every anchorage, every approach, and every quirk of the afternoon thermal.
From the MOS family
“The Sea of Cortez sailing certification with MOS was one of the most meaningful growth experiences of my adult life. Mike's quiet, gentle presence and generous spirit made the beginner fundamentals cozy and fun. I felt like a guest on a sailboat before — I am now confident in my ability to fully participate.”
“I can't recommend Mike enough. He has that magical combination of knowledge about both sailing and life. I learned so much in a short week that I look forward to taking more training from him.”
“Mike made sailing easy, fun, and achievable. His teaching style is inspiring, his knowledge is vast, and his love for sailing is infectious. I highly recommend Mike if you are interested in gaining sailing experience.”
Your Captain
Captain Mike Nyakas
Transport Canada SVOP certified. NauticEd affiliate instructor. ASA Instructor of the Year. Honored Member of the Killer Whale Clan, Gitga’at First Nation, Hartley Bay BC. Captain Mike has sailed the Sea of Cortez, Pacific Northwest, Croatia, Greece, BVI, USVI, Bahamas, Thailand, and Italy. He operates out of Marina Costa Baja, La Paz from October through May — and takes one group per month.
One spot. One captain. The Sea of Cortez.
MOS takes one booking per month in La Paz. October through May. If getting on the water has been on your mind, this is where it starts.
Book a Call with Captain Mike