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I have to confess, the moment I laid eyes on photos of Balandra Beach, I was captivated. The stunning turquoise water, the pristine white sandbanks, and the peaceful atmosphere… It was everything I dreamed of in a beach getaway. Known as one of the most beautiful La Paz Mexico beaches, Balandra embodies the untouched beauty of the region and is a must-visit for anyone craving serene, breathtaking coastal views.
About Playa Balandra Beach La Paz – One Of The Most Beautiful La Paz Mexico Beaches
Playa Balandra is a slice of paradise nestled near La Paz, known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and tranquil ambiance.
Honestly, the moment I set foot on Playa Balandra, I felt like I'd stumbled upon my own private paradise. The water was this insane shade of turquoise, so crystal clear and shallow that I could walk out forever and still barely be in over my head! And the famous Mushroom Rock? Totally lived up to the hype – it's this incredible natural rock formation that literally looks like a giant mushroom. Of course, I had to snap a few pics! 😜
What really struck me about Balandra was how pristine and untouched it felt. Since it's a protected area, there's no development, no crowds, just pure natural beauty. The mangroves add this really cool vibe, and the whole place is so quiet and peaceful. It was seriously like stepping into a postcard.
Visiting Playa Balandra Beach is a privilege. To help you navigate the special rules and ensure you have a responsible and enjoyable visit, we've put together some reminders below:
⛔ Key Restrictions and Entry Policies
- Locals-Only Day: The first Sunday of every month is reserved for locals only. This designated day helps manage tourism impact and offers the local community exclusive access to enjoy the beach.
- Capacity Limits and Time Slots:
- The beach is accessible in two daily time slots:
- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Each slot accommodates up to 450 people.
- Once the 450-person limit is reached, entry closes until the next time slot, regardless of whether people leave early. This helps preserve the beach’s natural environment and keeps it from getting overcrowded.
- Pro Tip: Arriving up to an hour early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, when lines can be long. Weekdays may have shorter waits.
- The beach is accessible in two daily time slots:
- Clearing and Re-entry:
- Government staff and security clear the beach at noon and again at 5 p.m. to transition between visitor slots.
- After the morning session, if you’d like to explore further, consider heading to nearby Tecolote Beach for lunch and return for the afternoon session.
⚠️ Important Visitor Information
- Entrance Fee: As of the latest update, there’s no standard entrance fee. However, bring identification and confirm entry requirements upon arrival.
- No Food Vendors:
- There are no food vendors on the beach itself, so pack your own water, snacks, and other essentials.
- If you need more substantial food options, Tecolote Beach nearby has restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head back for the second session.
How to get to Balandra Beach from La Paz
If you’re in La Paz, you have a few options to reach Balandra, each with its own perks. Here’s what I found most helpful:
🚗 By Car
Renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Balandra Beach. The drive is about 30 minutes from downtown La Paz, heading north along a scenic coastal highway. The road is in good condition, and there’s signage, so it’s hard to miss. Parking at Balandra can fill up quickly, though, especially in the morning, so aim to arrive early.
🚍By Bus
For a budget-friendly option, there’s a bus from La Paz that goes directly to Balandra Beach. You can get the Playa Bus from the La Paz Malecón Bus Terminal (which is also the Aguila Eco Baja Tours Bus Terminal). Buses run from La Paz roughly every 2 hours at 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. The bus usually drops you within the Balandra Beach car park, but this is not the same spot where you’ll catch the return.
Tickets cost 68 pesos each way, making it a super affordable option, but keep in mind the buses aren’t as frequent and might get crowded on weekends.
🚕By Taxi or Rideshare
If you’re not up for driving or navigating bus schedules, you can also grab a taxi or use a rideshare service. It’s more expensive than the bus, but it’s convenient and still only takes around 30 minutes. Just be sure to arrange a pick-up time or a return option, as there aren’t always taxis waiting around at Balandra.
🛥️By Tour
Another option to consider is taking an organized tour of Balandra Beach. If you don’t have a car, this can be a fantastic choice. Some tours travel to Balandra by land, giving you a guided experience along the way. However, many tours reach Balandra by boat, which adds a unique element to the trip – you’ll get to take in the coastline from the water and possibly explore other nearby spots.
Tours often cover everything from transportation to gear, so you can just relax and enjoy the experience. Just be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, as tours to Balandra are popular and can fill up quickly.
Best Tours You Should Try at Balandra Beach
Don’t miss out on those tours when you come to Balandra Beach!
Mangroves & Beaches: Hiking Tour of Balandra, La Paz – This tour offers a blend of nature and adventure, exploring the pristine beauty of Balandra Beach and its surroundings. Starting in La Paz, the experience includes a hike through the unique landscapes of the area, highlighting the mangrove forests and scenic beaches that make this region so special.
Small Group Sea Lions & Paddleboard tour – Balandra Beach – This tour offers a unique way to explore the bay, with kayaking through the mangroves, a delicious beachside lunch, and a chance to swim with playful sea lions on the way back to La Paz. Definitely worth checking out!
Private Tour to Balandra, La Paz and Todo Santos: Want to explore the best of Baja California Sur in style and comfort? This private tour is the perfect way to do it! You'll be accompanied by expert guides who will enhance your experience with their knowledge and insights, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable journey.
If you’re keen to visit more of the beaches in the area, you can take a Half Day Private Tour of the Beaches of La Paz, which includes some of La Paz’s best beaches. A similar tour also includes the opportunity to hike, kayak and snorkel at Balandra and Tecolote Beaches.
I also have full guidelines for those who want to swim with the whale sharks in La Paz.
My Experiences in Playa Balandra Beach La Paz
Imagine a beach so pristine, with water so clear and turquoise, it feels like stepping into a dream. That's Playa Balandra, a protected paradise near La Paz, Mexico.
🩴Walking Out to the Sandbar
My first order of business was to wade out toward the sandbar, which stretches across the shallow parts of the bay. The sand is soft and white, and walking barefoot was a pleasure. With each step, tiny fish would dart around my ankles, and I could see rays of sunlight breaking through the water, creating an almost magical glow. During low tide, it’s easy to wander out for what feels like forever without the water going above your knees. I couldn’t resist lying down in the shallow water, watching the gentle ripples and taking in the absolute tranquility of the place.
It’s important to note that Balandra is home to stingrays, which often settle into the sand. A local advised me to shuffle my feet as I walked to avoid surprising any hidden rays. It’s a simple precaution that helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe.
🏔️Hiking to the Viewpoints
If you’re looking to take in all of Balandra’s beauty from above, there’s a short, scenic hike up the hill on the right side of the beach (if you’re facing the ocean). The trail is well-worn and easy to follow, even for beginners, and within about 10 minutes, I was standing at an incredible panoramic viewpoint. From there, the entire bay sprawled out in a mix of blue and white – the water so clear I could see the sandy bottom far out into the ocean.
As I gazed down, I noticed the distinct contrast between the green hills, cacti-covered mountains, and the blue of the water. There’s a second rock formation further up that offers an even better, more secluded view. The hike is short, but the payoff is huge. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Balandra, even if you’re not usually a hiker. It’s worth it for the photos alone!
🛶Paddleboarding and Kayaking
Balandra’s shallow, calm waters make it a paradise for paddleboarding and kayaking, and there’s a small vendor renting out equipment right at the beach. I opted to rent a paddleboard for an hour, which cost around 300 pesos. While it’s a little pricey by Mexico standards, I found it absolutely worth it. Paddling over the bay was one of the highlights of my trip. As I moved along the water’s surface, I could look down and see fish swimming below, and I had a clear view of the bay’s white sands and mangroves from above.
If you want to explore a little further, consider kayaking over to Mushroom Rock, or “El Hongo.” This boulder, naturally shaped by wind and waves, resembles a mushroom and has become one of Balandra’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a short paddle from the main beach, and there’s usually a queue of tourists waiting to snap a photo with it. Despite the wait, it’s worth the detour, and it adds a fun, unique touch to the experience.
⛱️Relaxing on the Beach
For all the activities available, Balandra’s atmosphere invites relaxation. The beach never gets overwhelmingly crowded thanks to the visitor cap, and since it’s protected, there’s no blaring music or bustling food stalls. After paddleboarding, I spent an hour just lounging on the sand, reading, and soaking up the sun. With the clear, quiet surroundings, it felt like a private slice of paradise.
I packed my own lunch, as there are no food vendors or restaurants on the beach due to its protected status. This is something to keep in mind – you’ll want to bring everything you need for the day, including water, sunscreen, and snacks. There are only a couple of bathrooms at the far end of the beach, so it’s best to come prepared.
And, if you are headed to La Paz be sure to check out my complete travel guide, covering the best things to do in La Paz, where to eat, where to stay and other travel information.
Final Thoughts on Balandra Beach
Balandra Beach lived up to the hype and then some — it's easily one of the most stunning La Paz Mexico beaches. Between the stunning views, serene waters, and the lack of commercialized crowds, it felt like a true retreat from the outside world. The day was filled with a mix of adventure and relaxation, from paddleboarding across the bay to lying on the beach with a good book. The beach’s visitor limits and protected status mean it stays pristine, making it an incredibly special place.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you’re anywhere near Baja California, do not miss the chance to visit Balandra Beach. It’s well worth the early start, the drive, and the preparation to experience a place this beautiful and unique. Balandra reminded me of the simple beauty that nature offers and left me with memories (and photos!) I’ll cherish it for years to come.
If you're ever in Baja California Sur, don't miss it! You can read more about my adventures and tips for planning your trip on my website Fem2pt0 !
