Baja California Sur’s Most Beautiful Secret

There’s a reason those who have visited hold Balandra Beach in Mexico close to their hearts. Declared a protected natural area in 2008, this serene bay just outside La Paz is a living, breathing ecosystem where human activity yields gently to nature’s rhythms. Here, marine life thrives in the shallows, ecosystems remain remarkably pristine, and every visitor is reminded that some places are worth protecting.

Just over two and a half hours from your Pueblo Bonito resort in Los Cabos, a day trip to Balandra unfolds like a slow reveal. The road north weaves through shifting desert landscapes and the port city of La Paz, then drops you into a scene that feels almost otherworldly. The water shimmers in luminous hues of turquoise and cobalt. The surrounding red hills glow in shades of rust, sienna, and terra-cotta—tones that are especially vivid at sunrise and sunset. It’s the kind of place that captivates and compels you to pause.

Because Balandra Beach is protected, access is regulated. Entry is divided into two daily slots: 8 am to noon and 1–5 pm. Each session is limited in capacity and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key, especially during weekends and in high season. As of 2025, payment is now required for access to the area, so bring cash or check the latest regulations in advance.

Once you arrive, prepare to disconnect. Cell signal is unreliable, and there are no restaurants or large shops. Bring water, snacks, shade, reef-safe sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Closed-toe or water-friendly shoes are helpful for the uneven rocky paths that lead down to the shore—and even more so if you plan to explore beyond the waterline.

Though many visitors come for the tranquil bay, Balandra also rewards those who wander farther inland and higher up. Several hiking trails snake through the hills and along the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and the red-rock landscape all around. These short hikes are accessible for most fitness levels and offer a bird’s-eye view of the area that’s ideal for photography.

One of Balandra’s most beloved features is “El Hongo,” a mushroom-shaped rock formation that appears to teeter playfully at the water’s edge. At low tide, the receding waters reveal wide sand flats where you can stroll knee-deep or farther, exploring a tide pool of calm fish, colorful shells, and ripple-marked sand. Snorkelers might spot small tropical fish, gentle rays, or even sea turtles drifting past underwater gardens.

Though accessible year-round, Balandra changes with the seasons. Winter and spring (December to April) offer crisp skies, mild temperatures, and easier access thanks to smaller crowds. These months are ideal for wading, swimming, and spotting migratory seabirds. Summer (May through September) brings heat and humidity, so early mornings or golden hour visits are most rewarding. The sun lights up the hills like glowing embers, and at midday, it can feel like that too, especially on the volcanic rock.

Whether you visit in the quiet warmth of summer or the crisp clarity of spring, Balandra Beach, La Paz is all about slowing down. From the hush of the waves to the shimmer of natural shades of blue on red rock, this is a place that invites stillness and reconnects you with the kind of peace that exists in undeveloped places.

Book your Los Cabos vacation today. Upon arrival, our concierge will be happy to help you arrange a day trip to Balandra Beach that covers all the basics and is tailored to you.