Balandra Beach (Playa Balandra)
La Paz, Baja California Sur
The untouched shores of Balandra Beach are some of La Paz’s most beautiful. With calm waters sheltered from the Gulf of California and a shallow sandbar stretching from one side of the bay to the other, it’s the perfect beach for swimming and wading. It’s also part of the national marine park and one of La Paz’s last undeveloped beaches.
Balandra Beach can be visited independently or as part of a La Paz sightseeing tour. Full-day tours from Los Cabos visit Todos Santos, Isla Espiritu Santo, and Balandra Beach. Travelers who want to avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transportation can opt for a tour, including snorkeling and kayaking excursions, that includes transport. Plan to carry enough food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach, as there are few amenities here.
Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.
Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the beach offers little shade.
Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent.
The beach has basic facilities, including parking and palapas.
There are several ways to reach Balandra Beach, located about 45 minutes north of La Paz. Buses depart from the Malecon bus terminal in downtown La Paz. Or, if you’re driving, take the Baja California Sur La Paz-El Tecolote highway. Some tours include round-trip transport.
Balandra Beach can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists; during this time, plan to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and take advantage of the beach’s limited parking. Other times of the year are less crowded.
No trip to Las Paz is complete without a visit to the islands. Don’t miss Isla Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, or the area’s resident sea lion colony at Los Islotes. Motor boats (pangas) leave from Tecolote Beach, just a few minutes north of Balandra Beach. Relatively untouched and teeming with wildlife, the area as a whole makes for an excellent day trip from La Paz.
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