Read This Before Visiting Balandra Beach (Or You Might Not Get In)
In search of Mexico’s best beach?
Imagine a place where the mountains meet the sea, where the water is so clear you can see your toes, and where the sand is as white as snow.
There’s all that and more at Playa Balandra Beach, which is often hailed as the best beach in Mexico.
Located in the heart of Baja California Sur near La Paz, and about 2.5 hours from Cabo San Lucas, this pristine paradise offers an unspoiled escape for travelers.
For many, Balandra Bay has become a must-visit destination — which is one of the reasons why there are capacity restrictions in place.
If you want to go, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this stunning location, from activities to practical tips for your visit.
What is Playa Balandra Beach?
Balandra Bay is located north of La Paz, Mexico, the capital of Baja California Sur state. It was declared a Natural Protected Area in 2008.
This designation came after significant efforts by Colectivo Balandra, a local group dedicated to promoting environmental awareness.
The bay comprises seven white-sand beaches, each offering unique experiences for visitors, and most famous for large sandbars and shallow waters.
Environmental Considerations
As a protected area, Balandra Bay has specific rules to ensure its preservation — but they’re pretty easy to follow.
Visitors are encouraged to leave no trace, pick up their litter, and take it home.
It’s also important to use this reef-safe, natural sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Be cautious and shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays that may be buried in the sand. This is rare, but still worth noting.
Unique Geography & Features
One of the most striking features of Balandra Bay is its shallow tides.
Even at high tide, the water rarely reaches chest height, allowing visitors to walk around the headlands and explore each beach.
During low tide, expansive white sandbanks are exposed, making it possible to walk far out into the bay with water barely reaching your ankles.
On your walks, make sure to check out the famous Mushroom Rock at Balandra Beach (Hongo de Balandra in Spanish).
What’s the best time to visit Balandra Beach?
La Paz enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but the best time to visit Balandra Bay is during the winter months when the water is cooler.
This is the high season in Mexico, expect larger crowds in general, but because of the capacity restrictions at Playa Balandra (see below), that won’t matter.
The summer months are generally hot, with temperatures averaging 77-91°F (25-33°C), while winter temperatures average a more pleasant 65-77°F (18-25°C).
La Paz is a desert and receives very little rain, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. However, it does tend to rain from July to September.
Balandra Beach Capacity Restrictions
Restrictions were originally put in place at Balandra Bay as part of safety protocols in 2020 during the “you know what,” though they’ve remained in place.
As a way to preserve its natural beauty for generations to come, Balandra Bay has a capacity limit of 450 visitors per day.
⚠️ There are two entry time-slots: The morning slot at 8am, and the afternoon slot at 1pm.
Visitors can choose to enter during either time-slot, or both if you’d like, but it’s essential to arrive early to secure a spot.
If you’re driving your rental car, you will see the line of cars start forming at the entry gates about 30-60 minutes before each time-slot opens.
How do you get to Balandra Beach?
Balandra Bay is easily accessible from La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo (Los Cabos), Todos Santos, and anywhere in southern Baja Sur.
You can reach the bay by rental car, taxi, Uber, public bus, or a licensed tour boat, like this one.
La Paz to Balandra Beach
The drive from La Paz to Balandra Bay takes about 30 minutes, and the route offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
If you’re coming by ride-share like Uber or DiDi, be aware there’s basically no phone signal, so it might be a struggle to call a car for the return trip.
You can also book one of these top-rated La Paz to Balandra Beach tours to make it easier:
Cabo San Lucas to Balandra Beach
The drive from Cabo San Lucas to Balandra Bay takes about 2.5 hours, and you will also enjoy scenic views of the cacti-covered mountains along the way.
You can also book one of these top-rated Cabo to Balandra Beach tours to make it easier:
Facilities and Amenities at Balandra Bay
Balandra Bay is a natural paradise with minimal facilities. There are a few umbrellas for shade, but they are first come, first served.
There are no restaurants, shops, or restrooms, so it’s crucial to pack plenty of food, water, a portable beach umbrella, sun hat, towel, and other essentials.
There’s no mobile phone signal or data coverage, even if you have a Mexico SIM card, so it’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature.
How to Visit Balandra Beach Respectfully
As a protected area, Balandra Bay has specific rules to ensure its preservation.
- Visitors are encouraged to leave no trace, pick up their litter, and take it home to be disposed of.
- It’s also important to use this reef-safe, natural sunscreen to protect the delicate underwater ecosystem.
- Be cautious because stingrays may be buried in the sand, and they can sting you.
- Be courteous to other visitors by keeping noise levels low and avoiding loud music.
The Best Things to Do at Balandra Bay
1. Kayaking and SUP Paddleboarding
For those seeking adventure, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are popular activities at Balandra Bay.
The calm waters provide a serene environment for paddling, and you can explore the various beaches and coves at your own pace.
Kayaks are about $350 MXN pesos per hour ($20 USD), and SUPs are $300 MXN pesos an hour ($18 USD), and both offer a fun way to explore the bay.
2. Snorkeling, Swimming and Sand Bars
The crystal-clear waters of Balandra Bay are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The shallow tides make it an ideal spot for beginners and families with children.
While snorkeling, it’s essential not to touch the flora, fauna, or corals to preserve the underwater ecosystem.
One of the reasons Balandra Beach is famous is because it has super shallow waters that reveal large expanses of sand bars (white sandbanks) at low tide.
When the ride is low, you can walk far out into the bay, and also walk to the other beaches in Balandra Bay.
If you’re lucky, you might even see some fish and turtles passing by you as you wade through the shallows.
3. Boat Tours to Balandra Beach
Taking Balandra Beach boat tours means you get to avoid all the complicated entry restrictions altogether.
The tours also take you to the less-crowded beaches, so even if the main part of Balandra Beach near the parking lot is crowded, you’ll go to the people-free areas.
Here are my favorite tours of Balandra Beach, which all depart from La Paz:
4. Hiking and Exploring
The rocky mountains surrounding Balandra Bay offer excellent hiking opportunities — like the Playa Balandra Norte Trail and Balandra to Mirador Tilimbrijie Trail.
The trails lead to stunning viewpoints where you can take in panoramic views of the bay and the Sea of Cortez.
If you want to do any Balandra hikes, remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry plenty of water with you because it gets super hot.
What to Pack When Visiting Playa Balandra
- Food and Drink: Since there are no facilities at Balandra Bay, pack enough food and water for your visit.
- Sun Protection: Bring a beach umbrella or rent one on-site, as there is very little shade. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment.
- Footwear: Wear water shoes or sandals to protect your feet from stingrays and rocky areas.
- Trash Bags: Carry bags to collect your litter and take it home.
Safety Tips for Playa Balandra Beach
- Stingrays: Shuffle your feet when walking in the water to avoid stepping on stingrays.
- Heat: Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Respect Nature: Follow all rules and guidelines to preserve the natural beauty of Balandra Bay.
Visiting Balandra Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balandra Beach safe?
Yes — Balandra Beach is safe for visitors, and your main concerns should be sunburns, heat exhaustion, and sharp rocks in the water.
As a Natural Protected Area, the beach is patrolled by government officials and locals who are part of the conservation efforts.
With the new entry time slots and capacity restrictions, there has been an increased police presence to make sure people are adhering to these policies.
Be aware that some of the paths around Balandra Bay are rocky, so it’s advisable to wear sturdy water shoes if you plan to explore in the water.
Finally, there are stingrays in this bay. Make sure to shuffle your feet when walking in the ocean, because if you step on a stingray, they can sting you.
Why is Balandra Beach closed?
It has been closed a few times in the past, but is now fully open to the public.
Balandra Beach was closed for a time during the “you know what” in 2020, and then again in October 2022.
At this time, a yacht caught fire and sank, so the bay was closed in order for it to be cleaned up.
However, in March 2023, Balandra Beach was reopened — and it has been open ever since.
Is Balandra Beach open?
Yes — Balandra Beach is open. There are two daily time slots when you can visit (8am and 1pm) and a capacity limit, but it is possible to visit.
Is Balandra Beach free?
There’s a $60 peso entrance fee for national and international tourists (about $5 USD), but locals can enjoy the beach for free.
This money goes towards conserving the park, so you should be happy to contribute to the locals who work tirelessly to keep the beach so beautiful.
Can you swim at Balandra Beach?
Yes — You can swim at any of the Balandra Bay beaches (there are seven) because the water is very shallow, especially at low tide.
Since it’s so shallow, you might have to walk out into the bay for a bit to be able to actually swim in the water (not just wade or lay in it).
When doing so, remember to look for stingrays before you step, and not to step on our touch any marine life.
Why is Balandra Beach famous?
The short answer is because Balandra Beach is so gorgeous.
While nearby beaches like Playa Tecolote look similar, Balandra stands out because of how big it is, and its unique rock structures like Mushroom Rock.
Also, the water is crystal-clear (who doesn’t love that!?) and shallow enough that it’s safe for smaller kids and people who don’t swim.
Are there mangroves at Balandra Beach?
Yes — Some Balandra Bay beaches have mangroves that act as hurricane barriers which keep the water calm (among other things).
Balandra Bay has three species of mangrove in the area, red mangroves, white mangroves and black mangroves, which all provide shelter for fish and birds.
You can rent a stand up paddleboard or kayak to explore this unique ecosystem. There are rental booths near the main Balandra Beach parking lot.
Is there parking at Balandra Beach?
Yes — There is a free, paved parking lot with limited spots; but you can park along the road near the entrance road if you don’t get one.
Does La Paz Mexico have good beaches?
Yes — La Paz Mexico has some of the best beaches in the country, and best in the world!
Besides Balandra Beach, check out Playa El Tecolote Beach. It is also very nice, and has rougher waters so it’s great for water sports activities.
There’s also Las Gaviotas Beach, El Tesoro Beach, El Caimancito Beach, Pichilingue Beach, and El Coromuel Beach, which all have clear waters.
How far is Balandra Beach from La Paz?
Balandra Beach is about a 30 minute drive from downtown La Paz in normal traffic, at 15 miles (25 km) away
The beach is located in the La Paz Municipality, and easily accessible by rental car. There’s also a regular public bus service from La Paz to Balandra Beach.
How far is Balandra Beach from Los Cabos?
Balandra Beach is about a 2.5 drive from Los Cabos (which encompass Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo) in normal traffic.
If you’re renting a car in Los Cabo, you can easily drive.
There’s also the Autobuses Águila bus from Los Cabos to La Paz. From the bus station in La Paz, you can then get a cab to Balandra Beach.
You can also book this La Paz Tour From Los Cabos, which includes a stop at Balandra Beach, as well as other popular areas, like Todos Santos.
Is La Paz worth visiting?
Yes — There are so many things to do in La Paz Mexico, like swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with sea lions, sandboarding, and there’s also a great food scene to enjoy.
For many visitors, Balandra Bay is still one of the main draws. It is a true gem of Baja California Sur, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
Whether you’re snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, hiking the rocky trails, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches, Balandra Bay promises an unforgettable experience.
By following the guidelines and respecting the environment, you can help preserve this paradise for future generations to enjoy.
So pack your bags, head to La Paz in Baja California, and discover the magic of Balandra Bay — considered the best Mexico beach of them all.