Pichilingue

Pichilingue is a natural bay located in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, near the city of La Paz. The bay has a rich history, dating back to the pre-Columbian era when it was used as a port by the indigenous Pericú people. See related article: The Pericu People.

During the colonial era, the bay was used by Spanish explorers and missionaries as a landing site for their expeditions to explore and colonize the Baja California Peninsula. There are a number of local stories about pirates raiding ships from the Cabo San Lucas area, then running to hide out in the protected bay of Pichilingue in order to escape first Spanish and then English navy vessels in pursuit. In the 19th century, the bay was used as a whaling station, and it was also a center for pearl diving.

Today, Pichilingue is home to a modern ferry terminal, which provides regular ferry services between La Paz and the Mazatlán area on the mainland. The terminal is operated by the company Baja Ferries, and it offers both passenger and vehicle transportation services.

The bay is also home to a cruise ship terminal, which is operated by the Mexican government. The terminal can accommodate large cruise ships, and it is used by several cruise lines. In addition to its transportation infrastructure, the nearby beach and smaller bay, just a quarter mile northeast from the ferry and cruise terminal, also referred to as Pichilingue, is a destination for water sports and recreational activities. The bay's clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.