Balandra Bay, La Paz, Mexico
Balandra Bay in La Paz, Mexico is an idyllic beach area located on the spectacular Sea of Cortez. With crystalline waters and a stunning landscape, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular destinations in Baja California Sur and truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the World. It has a rich biodiversity, with dry desert vegetation providing a habitat for numerous species of wildlife. There are plenty of activities to do here including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. The secluded beach offers peace and quiet away from busy towns and cities making it perfect for relaxation or adventure seekers alike!
Visitors to Balandra Bay will be captivated by its breathtaking beauty. The turquoise waters are picture-perfect while the surrounding limestone cliffs form an incredibly dramatic backdrop. Those who hike to the tops of some of the hills that surround the bay will be treated to mind-blowing views of the sea below. Visitors can expect miles of pristine beach, 6 to be exact, all framed by majestic mountains in the distance.
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Where is Balandra Bay?
Balandra Bay is located in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It's situated on the Sea of Cortez and is easily accessible from nearby towns and cities.
How to Get to Balandra Bay?
Balandra Bay can be reached by car, taxi, or bus. From La Paz, it's just a short drive of around 25 minutes to reach the beach. There are public buses called the Playa Bus that run from La Paz every 60-90 minutes, stopping at all the beaches along the way such as; Playa El Tecolote, Playa El Coromuel, Playa Caimancito, Playa Pichilingue, and Playa El Tesoro
Is Playa Balandra Free?
National and international tourists need to pay a 50-peso entrance fee when visiting the beach, while locals can enjoy access for free.
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information and avoid any potential disappointment, we recommend speaking directly with your accommodation in La Paz to confirm their current capacity limits. By doing so, you can be sure that they are accurate and reflect any recent changes.
Can You Swim at Balandra Beach?
Balandra Beach is a beautiful spot to go swimming and is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In addition to the stunning views of the sea, Balandra Beach also boasts interesting rock formations and an abundance of wildlife that make it a great place to explore. The bay is the ideal spot for stingrays that like to bury themselves in the soft sand, so take caution while walking around in the water.
Típs For Enjoying Your Time at Balandra Bay
1. Due to overcrowding and pollution the park has recently started limiting the number of people they let into the park at one time. That being said getting there early is a great idea to ensure your entry and avoid the crowds.
2. Bring plenty of sunscreens, water, and snacks as there are no vendors or stores at Balandra Bay. There are only a few palapas for shade, but no chairs available, so if you can’t sit on the sand you’ll want to make sure you have some beach chairs.
3. Wear appropriate beach wear - no jeans or other restrictive clothing as you’ll most likely be wading in the water and the bay gets pretty hot in the middle of the day, especially in summer.
4. Be aware of the tides and currents in order to stay safe when swimming in Balandra Bay. While visiting it is good to assess how the water is acting so you don’t get stranded during your visit. At certain tides the water is so low you can nearly walk across the entire bay.
5. Respect local wildlife by not disturbing them or leaving behind any trash. Also, be cautious of cacti and snakes if you’re hiking on the trails, and remember you’re in the desert which is home to venomous rattlesnakes.
6. It is important to remember to shuffle your feet if you are walking through the sand at Balandra Bay in order to avoid stingrays. Stingrays like to bury themselves beneath the sand, so shuffling your feet can help detect and deter them from stinging. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and keep an eye out for any stingray warnings posted on the beach.
Mushroom Rock
Hiking at Balandra Bay
There are several trails that offer different levels of difficulty, from easy walks along the beach to more challenging hikes through rocky terrain. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
Hiking around Balandra Bay is a great way to experience the stunning beauty of the area. If you are able to hike, it is highly recommended to head up to the top of the small mountain overlooking the bay. Here you will find the most incredible panoramic views of the bay.
Another hike that you may want to consider is a trail that leads over the mountain to the next bay where you’ll find gorgeous Playa Shiro. Here you’ll find a nearly empty stretch of pristine white sand and azure waters that will have you rubbing your eyes to make sure you're not dreaming.
The Mushroom Rock (Hongo de Balandra)
The iconic Mushroom Rock is a must-see when visiting the area. This natural rock formation resembles a mushroom and has become a popular spot for taking photos. Be sure to take in its stunning views, as well as explore the other interesting rocks and formations near it.
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