Balandra beach located in the state of Baja California sur, Mexico is a true natural sanctuary, very known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and a world natural patrimony accordingly to UNESCO.
What distinguishes Balandra are the crystal clear waters and notorious shallow water, that extends in the bay allowing visitors walk hundred of meters inside in the beach and not wet more than your knees, this makes it perfect for families with kids and a great place for relaxation, swim and practice snorkel and kayak without worrying for waves or strong currents.
The landscape complements with sand dunes, rocky reefs and bushes, having a rich biodiversity. Balandra is also home for one of the largest mangroves and the most conserved in the bay of la paz, a vital ecosystem that is mainly a home and feeding zone for diverse species of birds,fragata, pelicans and eagles and also a variety of colorful fishes.
One of most more emblematics elements of the Balandra is the famous ¨Balandra fungus¨ is a rocky form made of erosion which has become a beach symbol, this place not only offers a one of a kind scene with a peace and serenity environment great to disconnect from the loudest of the city.
As a protected zone by flora and fauna protection association, Balandra in an example of conservation, the beach access is regulated this in order to protect their fragile ecosystem, in the actuality only we have 2 schedules available for visitors:
- First schedule from 8:00 am to 12:00pm
- Second and last schedule 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Every schedule has a capacity of 450 people.
Reserve in advance this due the high demand and limited spaces, below you can find the URL direction where you can purchase your bracelet, the cost for each bracelet is of $120 Mexican pesos https://descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx/es/conanp/ANP?suri=9
Location Balandra Beach
Balandra beach is located in the state of Baja California sur,México more specific 27km-30km from the north of la paz city is part of the flora and fauna protection association a reserve natural area protected since 2012
How to get Balandra Beach?
Below you can find the different ways to get there, most of them are departing from La Paz:
- Own or rented car: This is the most popular and flexible option from La Paz, take the federal road 11 (La Paz-Pichilingue) heading north and then take deviation to Balandra (road Pichilingue-El Tecolote) The entire trip takes from 30 to 45 minutes and the road is in great shape and the beach has a parking lot
- Bus: You can take the bus at the main station of La Paz, search for route ¨Pichilingue-Balandra-Tecolote) the bus is color blue with pictures of waves and big letters that says ¨PLAYA BUS¨ is very easy to spot, the cost is around $60 mexican pesos ($3usd approx) and the trip takes 30 minutes is a very convenient option if you don’t want to drive there, the schedules are from monday to sunday from 9am until 6pm, going back and forth every 45 minutes
- Taxi or shuttle bus: Departing from La Paz you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus but this option the price is significantly higher but brings comfort
- Prepaid tours: Many agencies of tourism in La Paz offers tours to Playa Balandra often this services includes transportation from the hotel roundtrip and other additionals such as snorkel or/and kayak this is a great option if you don’t want to have anything to do with the logistics of the trip
Important things to consider
Access schedules: This due the maximum capacity is fundamental to book in advance specially in high season to ensure your way in.
Balandra is more than just a beach, is an entire valuable ecosystem that opens the door for you to enjoy the view of the beach and be aware of the beauty of it, visiting this place is an opportunity to connect with the mesmerizing beauty of Baja California Sur and be part of their conservation.