Playa Balandra

Carretera a Pichilingue KM 7, HWY 11, Tecolote, 23040 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico

Hours

The beach is open year-round, 24/7.

Costs

Entry to Playa Balandra is currently free, although parking is very limited and may incur a small charge.

Kayak and paddleboard rental fees will vary from vendor to vendor, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of $250-$400 MXN per hour.

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About

Shallow, crystal-clear water out there, like a massive natural swimming pool. It's all surrounded by ochre desert hills and some very interesting rock formations. Playa Balandra is a beach you have to see to believe. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and one of the most unique ecologically. It's been a natural area since 2008 and is famed for its very calm waters, very low-impact tourism, and just absolutely stunning scenery. Every visit is a special one.

Balandra is very much a part of the local culture and has long been a place for fishing, for family get-togethers and just to be out in nature. The fact that it has been preserved is down to community action to ensure that it is not developed and so that the mangroves, the dunes, and the marine life will be there for future generations. It's a place where you can go to be adventurous and also to be at peace, and the 'Mushroom Rock' (El Hongo) is a very iconic landmark in La Paz.

Playa Balandra: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the things that really sets Playa Balandra apart is the very shallow water (at low tide you can actually walk right across the bay; the water only reaches your knees. There are some fantastic rock formations too, most notably El Hongo (the mushroom), which is a very popular spot for photographs. The bay is full of mangroves which are teeming with life in the form of fish, crabs and birds, so it's a great place for wildlife watching and kayaking.

Snorkeling reveals a world of colorful sea stars and the gentle rays drifting through the sandy shallows. There are some short walks up the hills with excellent views over the bay and the Sea of Cortez. Balandra's conservation rules are verystrict, and the beach is in pristine condition—motorized craft are very limited, and there are no big restaurants or bars, so it's a very peaceful, unspoiled beach.

Visiting Playa Balandra lets you swap the crowds for the serene waves, the rustle of the mangroves, and kids laughing in the sun-kissed sea. It's perfect for families, solo travelers, and anyone who just wants to get away.

Local Tips

Arrive early, as numbers are limited to protect the area.
Take plenty of water, snacks, and an umbrella for shade.
Kayaks and paddleboards are available on-site.
Wear water shoes for walking over the sandbars and rocky bits.
If you want to walk all the way across the bay, then check the tide times.

Location

Carretera a Pichilingue KM 7, HWY 11, Tecolote, 23040 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in La Paz, Mexico?

La Paz in Baja California Sur has no shortage of activities and attractions to keep you busy. Consider including some of these things to do in your itinerary:

Take a boat tour of Espiritu Santo island, where you can swim with sea lions
Enjoy championship golf at Paraiso del Mar, Costa Baja or Bahia de los Sueños
Sea kayaking to the beaches of San Jose island
Snorkeling and scuba diving among ship wrecks and coral reefs
Go whale watching (January to April) for gray and humpback whales
Do some shopping and people watching on the Malecon
Explore the lovely Cathedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz
Soak in the sunshine at Playa el Tecolate
Try a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boarding excursion
Sportfishing for marlin and roosterfish (or rent a panga for some family fun)
Go shopping for jewelry and crafts made by talented artisans
Splurge on gourmet cuisine from one of many La Paz restaurants

What do I need to have when flying to La Paz, Mexico from the US?

To enter Mexico by air, land or sea, you must present a current passport and tourist card (FMT), the latter of which are valid for up to 180 days. You can apply for a tourist card online by visiting the website of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute.

When flying in, the FMT is generally filled out upon arrival at the international airport.

When's the best time to visit La Paz, Mexico?

La Paz has an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, and its coast — buffered by steady 10-to-15-knot winds — attract hordes of sea kayakers, stand-up paddlers, snorkelers, and divers. The summers are typically long and muggy; the winters are short, comfortable, and dry. The temperature typically ranges from 53 degrees F to 97 degrees F, and is rarely below 47 degrees F or above 102 degrees F.

The best times of year to visit La Paz for warm-weather activities are from mid-February to late June, and from mid-October to late December. September and October are the region’s rainiest months. December through April is high tourist season, when daytime temperatures hover in the mid-70s and 80s.

What kind of shopping is there in La Paz, Mexico?

Gift and specialty shops, souvenir stands and upscale boutiques sell a variety of handicrafts, ceramics, clothing, jewelry and artwork. La Paz even has an authentic Chinatown, modern shopping malls and a local farmer’s street market that is held weekly. For those who revel in a little retail therapy, pay a visit to these La Paz gems:

Ceramica Ibarra – unique, handmade pottery, lots of practical gift items
Casa Parra – eclectic selection of carvings, baskets, ceramics and handmade arts and crafts
La Antigua California -beautiful artisanal products including glass, silver jewelry, pottery and weavings plus typical souvenirs
Mercado Madero – one of two public markets in town that sells inexpensive clothing and gift items. Also has food stalls selling fresh produce, meat and cheeses
Allende Books – fantastic collection of English books in various genres, with a focus on travel and local history; located near the Cathedral Plaza.