A Guide to Visiting Balandra Beach, La Paz – Mexico’s Most Stunning Beach 

I first saw the beautiful pictures of Balandra Beach on social media, and I felt drawn to it. The turquoise water, golden sand, and striking rocks made me want to visit. This past winter, I made that dream come true with a quick trip to Los Cabos. 

Balancing my full-time job with my love for travel is challenging, but I couldn’t resist the charm of La Paz and Playa Balandra. In just one exciting day, I enjoyed the beauty of Balandra Beach and explored the lovely town of Todos Santos, all while keeping my adventurous spirit alive despite my busy schedule. 

If you want to start your own adventure and see why so many travelers love this beautiful spot in Baja California Sur, get ready! In this guide, I’ll share essential tips for visiting Playa Balandra, including how to get there and what to see while you’re at this amazing beach. Get ready for an unforgettable trip!

Best Time to Visit Balandra Beach

Balandra Beach feels like paradise any time you visit. The best time is from December to April, when temperatures are in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. This season is great for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling in clear waters, without the worry of rain. It’s also less crowded, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the beauty of Balandra.

I have also made wonderful memories at Balandra in the summer. It can be hot and humid, but I love relaxing on the beach, listening to the waves. If you can handle the heat, summer often offers big discounts on hotels and flights, which is a bonus. Whether you prefer nice weather or good deals, each visit to Balandra Beach has its own special charm, making it a great destination all year round.

Getting to Balandra Beach

Getting to Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo can be a bit challenging, but it’s worth it. Here are three main ways to reach Balandra.

Book a Tour  

Booking a day trip to Balandra Beach was one of my best travel decisions. I used GetYourGuide for an amazing tour that also took me to La Paz, Playa El Coromuel, and Todos Santos. We started early with a 5 a.m. pickup, but by 5 p.m., I was filled with adventure and great memories. I spent hours at Balandra, enjoying its beauty and trying activities like kayaking in clear waters and hiking a small hill for stunning views. 

This tour is ideal for those short on time or traveling alone, as it covers many attractions in one long but rewarding day. If you’re looking for more excitement beyond the beach, consider booking whale shark tours or snorkeling with sea lions. Swimming with these gentle giants adds an unforgettable thrill!

Rent a Car

Renting a car to get to Balandra Beach gives you more freedom and adventure than public transport. Driving lets you enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Baja California Sur at your own pace. If you’re coming from the U.S., renting a car in Mexico is easy. Just bring your driver’s license and proof of insurance, and you’re ready to go. 

Many travelers start their trips at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is a great place to begin your road trip. The drive from SJD to La Paz takes about 2.5 hours and offers stunning desert views and ocean sights. 

With a rental car, you can stop in charming towns or at scenic spots for great photos. When I visited, spending a few days in La Paz was a highlight, it’s a lively city with beautiful waterfronts and tasty local food. 

Charter a Boat 

Chartering a boat to Balandra Beach was a great adventure for my family and me. We chose Lover Lips Yacht Rentals because they were known for luxury and great service. As soon as we boarded, it felt like we had our own private paradise. The yacht had spacious decks and comfortable seating, making it perfect for relaxing while we cruised through the clear blue waters. 

Our trip included amazing stops at Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida. Exploring these islands was worth every penny. We snorkeled with colorful fish and admired beautiful rock formations, creating unforgettable memories. We also enjoyed the freedom to set our own schedule, allowing us to stay longer in places we loved. 

For families or groups wanting to mix relaxation with adventure, I highly recommend chartering a boat. It turns an ordinary trip into something special!

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General Tips and Recommendations

Visiting Balandra Beach is like stepping into a postcard scene, but there are a few tips to elevate your experience.

Capacity Limits and Time Slots

Visiting Balandra Beach is a wonderful experience, but planning is important due to new visitor limits for 2024. The beach now has two time slots: from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a maximum of 450 guests per session. 

Arriving a few minutes before the morning shift lets you enjoy the sunrise over the beautiful turquoise waters while you wait in line. This morning slot is especially good on weekends when more people visit. 

If you want an easier experience, consider booking a tour. Tours take care of permits and make your entry faster, so you can enjoy the beach right away. Remember, the first Sunday of each month is only for locals. 

This helps support the community and gives residents a chance to enjoy the beach without tourists. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays usually have fewer people, making it easier to appreciate the beach’s beauty.

Balandra Beach Facilities

When I first visited Balandra Beach, I was amazed by its beauty and realized the importance of being prepared. There are no food or drink vendors, so I learned to pack my own picnic. Eating a homemade meal while looking at the clear waters is a unique experience! Bring snacks that won’t spoil in the heat and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the sun. 

For fun, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards, which adds excitement to your visit. Paddling over the calm turquoise waters surrounded by stunning views was a memorable highlight for me. After all the activities, I appreciated the two small bathrooms at the end of the beach. They are simple but practical! 

Before you go, make sure to pack everything you need; being prepared will make your day at this beautiful beach even better!

Watch Out for Stingrays

As I stepped into the clear waters of Balandra Beach, I was amazed by the beauty around me and aware of the stingrays below. These creatures often rest on the sandy bottom, blending in with their surroundings. To stay safe while exploring, I learned to shuffle my feet as I walked. This simple action let the stingrays know I was there, and they would gracefully move out of my way. 

Balandra is full of wonders, but it’s important to be cautious. The excitement of finding hidden treasures underwater should not make us forget to respect the creatures that live there. Being mindful enhances our experience and helps us connect with this lively ecosystem.

Each visit brings surprises! By being careful, we can enjoy everything Balandra Beach has to offer while keeping the stingrays safe in their home.

Things to do on Balandra Beach 

As I strolled along the soft, powdery sands of Balandra Beach, I was immediately drawn to the stunning turquoise waters that seemed to change hue with every wave.

Hike to breathtaking views

I started my hike to Balandra Beach, excited about the views ahead. When I reached the popular viewpoint, I saw stunning turquoise waters that seemed to go on forever. The bright blues against the dry desert made a beautiful contrast that amazed me. 

Curious, I decided to explore a second rock formation to the left. This detour gave me better views and a quiet escape from the crowds. After enjoying the scenery, I rented a kayak to make my adventure even better. Paddling across the sparkling water was refreshing, and each stroke brought me closer to hidden beauty on the other side of the beach. 

When I landed, I found a secret trail leading up another hill. This spot offered breathtaking views and felt like my own private oasis in nature. Whether hiking or kayaking, I felt a wonderful sense of freedom as I connected with Balandra’s beauty in a way few people get to experience.

Paddle through paradise

Paddling at Balandra Beach is an unforgettable experience. The calm, shallow waters invite you to explore hidden coves that most beach-goers miss. As I paddled on a standup paddleboard, the gentle waves created a soothing sound for my adventure. 

With each stroke, I felt more connected to the beautiful landscape, where bright blues and greens sparkled in the sun. I discovered colorful marine life just below the surface, making every moment feel special. 

There are few vendors in this area, with only one kayak and SUP rental service, which made my exploration feel exclusive. Although prices are higher than in other parts of Mexico, I found that spending time on these peaceful waters was worth it. 

After all, how often can you paddle through such beauty? Whether you paddle alone or with friends, Balandra Beach offers moments of joy and wonder as you explore its stunning coastline.

Unwind on the pristine beaches

Unwinding on the pristine beaches of Balandra is an experience unlike any other. Picture yourself sprawled out on the soft, white sand, the gentle lapping of turquoise waves providing a serene soundtrack. 

Here, time feels irrelevant, it’s just you and nature’s beauty, allowing every stress to melt away. I often find myself simply gazing out at the horizon as I let my thoughts drift like clouds above—each mindful breath anchoring me deeper into this tranquil paradise.

Conclusion

My visit to Balandra Beach was nothing short of magical, with its pristine waters and breathtaking scenery that left a lasting impression on me. The tranquility of the beach combined with the unique rock formations creates an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration. 

I highly recommend taking some time to soak in the beauty of this natural wonder while also engaging in activities like kayaking or snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the picturesque views are not to be missed. 

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and make Balandra Beach your next travel destination you won’t regret!

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