dessert
The Complete Guide to Visiting Balandra Beach, La Paz – Mexico’s Most Stunning Beach
Last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 03:04 pm
Have you ever seen a place on social media and thought to yourself “I have to go there”? Well, that place was Playa Balandra also known as Balandra Beach in La Paz, Mexico for me. I’ll never forget the first time I saw images and videos of Balandra Beach pop up on my social media. The turquoise waters, layered sand, and endless ocean drone shots had me immediately searching for flights to Mexico.
I was lucky enough to make that dream a reality this past winter by making a weekend trip to Los Cabos. As you all know, I’m a full-time corporate girlie but knew I just HAD to see Playa Balandra while I was down there. So I ended up booking a day trip that took me to Balandra Beach, La Paz, and Todos Santos all in one day.
It was such a great way to see all of Baja California Sur in a short amount of time. I was actually shocked at how many beautiful La Paz beaches there are and now I’m already planning my next visit back. As a result, I’m excited to share with you a complete guide for visiting Playa Balandra, also commonly known as the most beautiful beach in Mexico.
Ps. You might hear me alternate between calling it Balandra Beach and Playa Balandra but I’m talking about the same place. Sometimes I just like to practice my Español ya know? Even if it’s just through the keyboard 😂
Read more on Mexico:
- San José del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas: Choosing between Local and Luxury
- Drift Hotel San Jose del Cabo: An Incredible Getaway Experience
- The Ultimate Itinerary + Guide to Planning A Cabo San Lucas Bachelorette Party
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Best Time to Visit Balandra Beach in La Paz
In my opinion, there is never really a bad time to visit Mexico/Balandra Beach. La Paz (where Balandra is located) is a destination that basks in sunshine year-round. In general, visiting La Paz from December through April is generally a good time. This is when the temperature is mild, but still warm, and it’s likely to be dry with little to no rain at all.
If you’re looking for discounted hotels and airfare though, summer is probably your best bet. The summer months in Mexico can be extremely hot and humid. Which if you ask me, makes it the perfect time to go and do nothing but lay on the beach.
Getting to Balandra Beach in La Paz
I’ll admit – getting to Balandra Beach La Paz from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo can be somewhat of a mission but it’s totally worth it. I’ll walk through each of the three main ways of getting to Balandra.
Book a tour – Booking a day trip is a pretty common option for people shorter on time like myself. I booked this tour via GetYourGuide that took me from Los Cabos all the way to Balandra Beach. It also included stops at La Paz, Playa El Coromuel, and Todos Santos. It’s definitely a long day (pick up was at 5am and I didn’t get back into San Jose del Cabo until 5pm) but it’s 100% worth it.
We got to spend a few hours exploring Balandra and even had time to kayak and hike to the top of a small hill. The views were absolutely incredible and our driver, Antonio, was so accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend this tour for all my solo travelers, or anyone short on time. (For the more adventurous type, there’s also whale shark tours available where you can literally snorkel and swim with sea lions and whale sharks near Balandra).
Rent a car – Renting a car is probably the most common way to get to Balandra as it allows you to move at your own pace. If you’re coming from the states, renting a car is pretty easy in Mexico. All you need is your regular driver’s license and proof of insurance.
I definitely saw a lot of people that rented their car from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and based themselves in La Paz. The drive from SJD to La Paz takes around 2.5 hours so a lot of people tend to stay in the area for a few days. Next time I visit Cabo, I’m definitely going to stay in La Paz for a few days.
Charter a boat – Another incredible way of seeing Balandra is to charter your own boat for a few days. Lover Lips Yacht Rentals has some of the best reviews for renting your own luxury boat. This is a great option for big groups or families with kids. In addition to Balandra, they also take you to visit the neighboring islands of Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida.
Both of which are equally as beautiful and essentially undisturbed by tourists.
Best Hotels near Balandra Beach in La Paz
One of the biggest reasons Balandra Beach is so beautiful is because it’s still largely undisturbed. Which also means there aren’t really any hotels or accommodation options right on the beach. But that’s okay. All of the hotels closest to Balandra are only about ~10 miles away, in La Paz. And there are some seriously stunning boutique hotels.
Here are my top picks for hotels closest to Balandra Beach:
- Orchid House Baja — A boutique escape with chic, nature-inspired rooms and a tranquil vibe. Expect stylish decor, cozy beds, and a peaceful stay just steps from La Paz’s waterfront.
- Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés — Modern comfort meets marina views. Sleek rooms, an infinity pool, and direct access to Puerta Cortés make it perfect for a luxe yet laid-back stay.
- Las Gaviotas Condo Hotel La Paz — Spacious condos with full kitchens and a homey feel. A solid choice for long stays, with a pool and prime location near the Malecón.
- Baja Club Hotel — Retro-cool design meets beachfront luxury. This restored hacienda offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a dreamy courtyard pool—effortlessly chic.
General Tips and Recommendations for visiting Balandra Beach
As if getting to Balandra Beach wasn’t already difficult enough. There’s definitely some quirks and things you should know before visiting Playa Balandra. So here is some general information and key tips to make your visit way smoother.
CAPACITY LIMITS/TIME SLOTS
Balandra isn’t just famous—it’s restricted.
To ensure a pristine experience for visitors, Balandra Beach has recently limited the number of visitors allowed per day. As of January 2025, there are only two entry times to choose from:
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Each entry time has a capacity of 450 visitors. When you arrive at the entrance, there will be staff there to count the number of people coming in each vehicle to ensure they don’t go over the capacity limit. This is where booking a tour came in handy as everything was pre-arranged for us. They even did all the hard work of securing a permit beforehand so we really didn’t have to worry about the entrance situation.
We got there a few minutes before 8am and the line was already ~20 cars long so I highly recommend going EARLY if you’re driving in from La Paz or somewhere else. Especially if it’s a weekend. I think weekdays are less busy but Balandra is still extremely popular due to its beauty and limited capacity.
It’s also important to note that the first Sunday of every month is for locals only. Only residents of La Paz are allowed onto Balandra Beach and you will not be allowed in if you’re a tourist so please plan accordingly!
BALANDRA BEACH FACILITIES
It’s important to know that there are no food and drink vendors at Balandra Beach! Since the beach is considered a protected area, the government is trying to do whatever they can to limit the amount of waste on the beach. This means that you’ll want to pack your own food, drinks, snacks, and beach amenities.
There are however kayaks and paddleboards for rent but that’s it. There’s also two small bathrooms at the end of the beach. You’ll definitely want to come prepared for your visit!
BALANDRA BEACH WATER
The water at Balandra Beach is shallow… like, really shallow.
You can walk across the entire bay, and the water still won’t be past your waist. It’s basically a natural infinity pool, perfect for floating, chilling, and questioning why you don’t live here full-time.
However, you need to WATCH OUT FOR STINGRAYS! Even though the water is crystal-clear you’ll want to keep an eye out for stingrays while exploring the beautiful shallows of Balandra Beach. The stingrays usually enjoy relaxing in the sandy bottom and can sometimes be partially buried.
To avoid accidentally stepping on one, the locals say that you should shuffle your feet as you walk through the water. The gentle motion should be enough to alert them of your presence, but give them ample time to swim away. Although stingrays aren’t typically aggressive, an accidental encounter can be unpleasant for both you and the ray.
Top Things to do on Balandra Beach in La Paz
I think my favorite part about visiting any beach in the world, is that there’s usually something to do for everyone. Balandra beach is no different. You can decide to spend the entire day in the sun or you can choose to explore the surrounding area! Keep reading to learn more about my 3 favorite things to do on Balandra beach.
Hike to breathtaking views
There are some incredible panoramic viewpoints around Balandra. When you first arrive, I would head to your right up a dirt hill. This is easily the most popular viewpoint of Balandra Bay because it’s super accessible for all ages. It’s about a 10 minute walk up and you’ll get to see some unforgettable views of the water.
Pro tip: when you get to the viewpoint, stay to the left and keep going. There’s a second rock formation to climb up and the views are much better (and less crowded) there.
There’s also some hiking on the other side of the beach. My recommendation would be to rent a kayak or paddleboard and make your way to the other side of the water.
From there, you can hike up a small path and be standing exactly on the other side of the first viewpoint. The best part is getting to see Balandra from different perspectives, both equally as beautiful.
Paddle through paradise
The waters of Balandra are calm and shallow which makes it the perfect place to rent a kayak or standup paddle-board. As mentioned earlier, there are no vendors allowed on Balandra with the exception of a single kayak and SUP vendor.
Considered on the more expensive side for Mexico, Kayaks are 350 pesos/hr or 200 pesos for 30 minutes per person while SUPs are 300 pesos/hr– but it’s a fun way to explore the surrounding areas of Balandra.
Unwind on the pristine beaches
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know that my favorite beach activity is to do absolutely nothing. Since Balandra is a protected area, it never gets as crowded as public beaches do. This means that it’s always clean and the water is pristine.
La Paz Beaches & Balandra Beach FAQ:
To help you best plan your trip to see one of the most beautiful beaches in La Paz, I’ve put together a short FAQ below ⬇️
What’s the best time of year to visit the beaches in La Paz?
If you want that perfect mix of warm (but not melt-your-face-off) weather and clear waters, the best time to hit La Paz beaches is October to May. The summer months (June–September) can be brutally hot, and you might find yourself sweating before even stepping onto Playa Balandra.
Plus, hurricane season runs from August to October, and while direct hits are rare, storms can mess with your beach day. I usually like to visit Mexico before June but honestly, it’s Mexico. 9 times out of 10, you’ll be greeted with amazing weather and delicious tacos anytime of the year.
What are the best beaches in La Paz?
Well obviously Playa Balandra is the queen of La Paz beaches, with its shallow, turquoise waters and iconic mushroom rock (yep, it’s Insta-famous). But if Balandra is too packed, don’t sleep on Playa El Tecolote. It’s got actual beachfront restaurants and deeper water for swimming.
Looking for snorkeling? Playa Pichilingue has calm waters and is less touristy. Playa El Caimancito is great if you want a quick beach fix close to town. And if you’re up for an adventure, take a boat to Playa Ensenada Grande on Espiritu Santo Island which is alsoone of the most incredible beaches in La Paz Mexico.
Are La Paz beaches swimmable?
Yes! But… not all of them are the best for full-on swimming. Playa Balandra is more of a giant, crystal-clear kiddie pool—waist-deep water for days, perfect for floating but not much actual swimming. Playa El Tecolote is great for stronger swimmers since the water gets deeper fast. Playa Pichilingue has gentle waves and is one of the best La Paz beaches for swimming without getting knocked over by waves. Just watch out for occasional jellyfish (it happens).
Overall, most La Paz beaches are totally swimmable, but check conditions before diving in!
What should I bring to the beaches in La Paz?
A beach bag packed like a pro. Here’s the must-have list for any La Paz beaches trip:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, because we like fish, right?)
- Hat & sunglasses (the sun here is relentless)
- Water & snacks (some beaches have no vendors—Playa Balandra, I’m looking at you)
- Towel & change of clothes (because sand will get everywhere)
- Cash (some beachside spots, like those at Playa Tecolote, are cash-only)
- Water shoes (for rocky areas like parts of Playa Pichilingue)
- Snorkel gear (because why wouldn’t you want to see some cool fish?)
- Dry bag (for your phone, because ocean + electronics = bad combo)
If you’re heading to Playa Balandra, make sure to bring some extra patience because it gets crowded 😂 (Again, also why I recommend just booking a tour so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting in).
Which beaches in La Paz have the clearest water?
If you’re chasing that screensaver-level water, Playa Balandra wins every time. The shallows are so clear you can see tiny fish swimming around your ankles. I know I said this already but I’ll literally never forget the day I saw Balandra Beach on my Instagram and immediately started obsessing over how to get there. Which is probably how you also got to this blog post? Or maybe not haha.
Playa Ensenada Grande, on Espiritu Santo Island, is another gem. It’s a little trickier to get to (boat ride required), but the clarity is unreal. Playa Pichilingue also has gorgeous water, especially early in the morning before the boats start stirring things up. Bottom line? La Paz beaches are seriously underrated (like, who cares about Cabo anymore).
Are La Paz beaches crowded?
It depends where and when you go. Balandra Beach gets crazy packed, especially on weekends and holidays—so much so that there’s a visitor limit (you already know that you have to get there early otherwise you’ll miss out).
Playa El Tecolote has more space, so even when it’s busy, you won’t feel like you’re in a sardine can.
Playa Pichilingue and Playa El Caimancito are usually quieter, especially on weekdays. If you hate crowds, go early in the morning or visit in the off-season (May–September).
Pro tip: if you’re after peace and quiet, skip Balandra Beach on a Saturday afternoon. It’s basically one big beach party but without food or drinks haha. So not really a party in my eyes.
Is La Paz safe for tourists?
Yep! La Paz is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Not to be confused with La Paz, Bolivia because I definitely got the two confused during my research.
But seriously, La Paz is way more chill than the party scene in Cabo. Like any destination, petty theft can happen, so don’t leave your stuff unattended at La Paz beaches (or anywhere in Mexico, really).
At night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in sketchy spots, but overall, La Paz is super welcoming and safe.
The biggest “danger” here? Getting too sunburnt and having to be uncomfortable af on your flight home to San Francisco 🫠 (obviously a true story).
Balandra Beach: Final Thoughts
If the photos above haven’t already convinced you to start researching flights, then l’m clearly not doing a good enough job conveying just how beautiful and serene this beach is. While a bit of a challenge to get to, it isn’t hard to see why Playa Balandra is consistently named the most beautiful beach in Mexico time and time again.
Did you get a chance to visit Balandra Beach? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of Mexico?
Check out my other travel guides on Mexico here.
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Last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 03:04 pm
Have you ever seen a place on social media and thought to yourself “I have to go there”? Well, that place was Playa Balandra also known as Balandra Beach in La Paz, Mexico for me. I’ll never forget the first time I saw images and videos of Balandra Beach pop up on my social media. The turquoise waters, layered sand, and endless ocean drone shots had me immediately searching for flights to Mexico.
I was lucky enough to make that dream a reality this past winter by making a weekend trip to Los Cabos. As you all know, I’m a full-time corporate girlie but knew I just HAD to see Playa Balandra while I was down there. So I ended up booking a day trip that took me to Balandra Beach, La Paz, and Todos Santos all in one day.
It was such a great way to see all of Baja California Sur in a short amount of time. I was actually shocked at how many beautiful La Paz beaches there are and now I’m already planning my next visit back. As a result, I’m excited to share with you a complete guide for visiting Playa Balandra, also commonly known as the most beautiful beach in Mexico.
Ps. You might hear me alternate between calling it Balandra Beach and Playa Balandra but I’m talking about the same place. Sometimes I just like to practice my Español ya know? Even if it’s just through the keyboard 😂
Read more on Mexico:
- San José del Cabo vs Cabo San Lucas: Choosing between Local and Luxury
- Drift Hotel San Jose del Cabo: An Incredible Getaway Experience
- The Ultimate Itinerary + Guide to Planning A Cabo San Lucas Bachelorette Party
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Best Time to Visit Balandra Beach in La Paz
In my opinion, there is never really a bad time to visit Mexico/Balandra Beach. La Paz (where Balandra is located) is a destination that basks in sunshine year-round. In general, visiting La Paz from December through April is generally a good time. This is when the temperature is mild, but still warm, and it’s likely to be dry with little to no rain at all.
If you’re looking for discounted hotels and airfare though, summer is probably your best bet. The summer months in Mexico can be extremely hot and humid. Which if you ask me, makes it the perfect time to go and do nothing but lay on the beach.
Getting to Balandra Beach in La Paz
I’ll admit – getting to Balandra Beach La Paz from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo can be somewhat of a mission but it’s totally worth it. I’ll walk through each of the three main ways of getting to Balandra.
Book a tour – Booking a day trip is a pretty common option for people shorter on time like myself. I booked this tour via GetYourGuide that took me from Los Cabos all the way to Balandra Beach. It also included stops at La Paz, Playa El Coromuel, and Todos Santos. It’s definitely a long day (pick up was at 5am and I didn’t get back into San Jose del Cabo until 5pm) but it’s 100% worth it.
We got to spend a few hours exploring Balandra and even had time to kayak and hike to the top of a small hill. The views were absolutely incredible and our driver, Antonio, was so accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend this tour for all my solo travelers, or anyone short on time. (For the more adventurous type, there’s also whale shark tours available where you can literally snorkel and swim with sea lions and whale sharks near Balandra).
Rent a car – Renting a car is probably the most common way to get to Balandra as it allows you to move at your own pace. If you’re coming from the states, renting a car is pretty easy in Mexico. All you need is your regular driver’s license and proof of insurance.
I definitely saw a lot of people that rented their car from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and based themselves in La Paz. The drive from SJD to La Paz takes around 2.5 hours so a lot of people tend to stay in the area for a few days. Next time I visit Cabo, I’m definitely going to stay in La Paz for a few days.
Charter a boat – Another incredible way of seeing Balandra is to charter your own boat for a few days. Lover Lips Yacht Rentals has some of the best reviews for renting your own luxury boat. This is a great option for big groups or families with kids. In addition to Balandra, they also take you to visit the neighboring islands of Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida.
Both of which are equally as beautiful and essentially undisturbed by tourists.
Best Hotels near Balandra Beach in La Paz
One of the biggest reasons Balandra Beach is so beautiful is because it’s still largely undisturbed. Which also means there aren’t really any hotels or accommodation options right on the beach. But that’s okay. All of the hotels closest to Balandra are only about ~10 miles away, in La Paz. And there are some seriously stunning boutique hotels.
Here are my top picks for hotels closest to Balandra Beach:
- Orchid House Baja — A boutique escape with chic, nature-inspired rooms and a tranquil vibe. Expect stylish decor, cozy beds, and a peaceful stay just steps from La Paz’s waterfront.
- Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés — Modern comfort meets marina views. Sleek rooms, an infinity pool, and direct access to Puerta Cortés make it perfect for a luxe yet laid-back stay.
- Las Gaviotas Condo Hotel La Paz — Spacious condos with full kitchens and a homey feel. A solid choice for long stays, with a pool and prime location near the Malecón.
- Baja Club Hotel — Retro-cool design meets beachfront luxury. This restored hacienda offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and a dreamy courtyard pool—effortlessly chic.
General Tips and Recommendations for visiting Balandra Beach
As if getting to Balandra Beach wasn’t already difficult enough. There’s definitely some quirks and things you should know before visiting Playa Balandra. So here is some general information and key tips to make your visit way smoother.
CAPACITY LIMITS/TIME SLOTS
Balandra isn’t just famous—it’s restricted.
To ensure a pristine experience for visitors, Balandra Beach has recently limited the number of visitors allowed per day. As of January 2025, there are only two entry times to choose from:
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Each entry time has a capacity of 450 visitors. When you arrive at the entrance, there will be staff there to count the number of people coming in each vehicle to ensure they don’t go over the capacity limit. This is where booking a tour came in handy as everything was pre-arranged for us. They even did all the hard work of securing a permit beforehand so we really didn’t have to worry about the entrance situation.
We got there a few minutes before 8am and the line was already ~20 cars long so I highly recommend going EARLY if you’re driving in from La Paz or somewhere else. Especially if it’s a weekend. I think weekdays are less busy but Balandra is still extremely popular due to its beauty and limited capacity.
It’s also important to note that the first Sunday of every month is for locals only. Only residents of La Paz are allowed onto Balandra Beach and you will not be allowed in if you’re a tourist so please plan accordingly!
BALANDRA BEACH FACILITIES
It’s important to know that there are no food and drink vendors at Balandra Beach! Since the beach is considered a protected area, the government is trying to do whatever they can to limit the amount of waste on the beach. This means that you’ll want to pack your own food, drinks, snacks, and beach amenities.
There are however kayaks and paddleboards for rent but that’s it. There’s also two small bathrooms at the end of the beach. You’ll definitely want to come prepared for your visit!
BALANDRA BEACH WATER
The water at Balandra Beach is shallow… like, really shallow.
You can walk across the entire bay, and the water still won’t be past your waist. It’s basically a natural infinity pool, perfect for floating, chilling, and questioning why you don’t live here full-time.
However, you need to WATCH OUT FOR STINGRAYS! Even though the water is crystal-clear you’ll want to keep an eye out for stingrays while exploring the beautiful shallows of Balandra Beach. The stingrays usually enjoy relaxing in the sandy bottom and can sometimes be partially buried.
To avoid accidentally stepping on one, the locals say that you should shuffle your feet as you walk through the water. The gentle motion should be enough to alert them of your presence, but give them ample time to swim away. Although stingrays aren’t typically aggressive, an accidental encounter can be unpleasant for both you and the ray.
Top Things to do on Balandra Beach in La Paz
I think my favorite part about visiting any beach in the world, is that there’s usually something to do for everyone. Balandra beach is no different. You can decide to spend the entire day in the sun or you can choose to explore the surrounding area! Keep reading to learn more about my 3 favorite things to do on Balandra beach.
Hike to breathtaking views
There are some incredible panoramic viewpoints around Balandra. When you first arrive, I would head to your right up a dirt hill. This is easily the most popular viewpoint of Balandra Bay because it’s super accessible for all ages. It’s about a 10 minute walk up and you’ll get to see some unforgettable views of the water.
Pro tip: when you get to the viewpoint, stay to the left and keep going. There’s a second rock formation to climb up and the views are much better (and less crowded) there.
There’s also some hiking on the other side of the beach. My recommendation would be to rent a kayak or paddleboard and make your way to the other side of the water.
From there, you can hike up a small path and be standing exactly on the other side of the first viewpoint. The best part is getting to see Balandra from different perspectives, both equally as beautiful.
Paddle through paradise
The waters of Balandra are calm and shallow which makes it the perfect place to rent a kayak or standup paddle-board. As mentioned earlier, there are no vendors allowed on Balandra with the exception of a single kayak and SUP vendor.
Considered on the more expensive side for Mexico, Kayaks are 350 pesos/hr or 200 pesos for 30 minutes per person while SUPs are 300 pesos/hr– but it’s a fun way to explore the surrounding areas of Balandra.
Unwind on the pristine beaches
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know that my favorite beach activity is to do absolutely nothing. Since Balandra is a protected area, it never gets as crowded as public beaches do. This means that it’s always clean and the water is pristine.
La Paz Beaches & Balandra Beach FAQ:
To help you best plan your trip to see one of the most beautiful beaches in La Paz, I’ve put together a short FAQ below ⬇️
What’s the best time of year to visit the beaches in La Paz?
If you want that perfect mix of warm (but not melt-your-face-off) weather and clear waters, the best time to hit La Paz beaches is October to May. The summer months (June–September) can be brutally hot, and you might find yourself sweating before even stepping onto Playa Balandra.
Plus, hurricane season runs from August to October, and while direct hits are rare, storms can mess with your beach day. I usually like to visit Mexico before June but honestly, it’s Mexico. 9 times out of 10, you’ll be greeted with amazing weather and delicious tacos anytime of the year.
What are the best beaches in La Paz?
Well obviously Playa Balandra is the queen of La Paz beaches, with its shallow, turquoise waters and iconic mushroom rock (yep, it’s Insta-famous). But if Balandra is too packed, don’t sleep on Playa El Tecolote. It’s got actual beachfront restaurants and deeper water for swimming.
Looking for snorkeling? Playa Pichilingue has calm waters and is less touristy. Playa El Caimancito is great if you want a quick beach fix close to town. And if you’re up for an adventure, take a boat to Playa Ensenada Grande on Espiritu Santo Island which is alsoone of the most incredible beaches in La Paz Mexico.
Are La Paz beaches swimmable?
Yes! But… not all of them are the best for full-on swimming. Playa Balandra is more of a giant, crystal-clear kiddie pool—waist-deep water for days, perfect for floating but not much actual swimming. Playa El Tecolote is great for stronger swimmers since the water gets deeper fast. Playa Pichilingue has gentle waves and is one of the best La Paz beaches for swimming without getting knocked over by waves. Just watch out for occasional jellyfish (it happens).
Overall, most La Paz beaches are totally swimmable, but check conditions before diving in!
What should I bring to the beaches in La Paz?
A beach bag packed like a pro. Here’s the must-have list for any La Paz beaches trip:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, because we like fish, right?)
- Hat & sunglasses (the sun here is relentless)
- Water & snacks (some beaches have no vendors—Playa Balandra, I’m looking at you)
- Towel & change of clothes (because sand will get everywhere)
- Cash (some beachside spots, like those at Playa Tecolote, are cash-only)
- Water shoes (for rocky areas like parts of Playa Pichilingue)
- Snorkel gear (because why wouldn’t you want to see some cool fish?)
- Dry bag (for your phone, because ocean + electronics = bad combo)
If you’re heading to Playa Balandra, make sure to bring some extra patience because it gets crowded 😂 (Again, also why I recommend just booking a tour so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting in).
Which beaches in La Paz have the clearest water?
If you’re chasing that screensaver-level water, Playa Balandra wins every time. The shallows are so clear you can see tiny fish swimming around your ankles. I know I said this already but I’ll literally never forget the day I saw Balandra Beach on my Instagram and immediately started obsessing over how to get there. Which is probably how you also got to this blog post? Or maybe not haha.
Playa Ensenada Grande, on Espiritu Santo Island, is another gem. It’s a little trickier to get to (boat ride required), but the clarity is unreal. Playa Pichilingue also has gorgeous water, especially early in the morning before the boats start stirring things up. Bottom line? La Paz beaches are seriously underrated (like, who cares about Cabo anymore).
Are La Paz beaches crowded?
It depends where and when you go. Balandra Beach gets crazy packed, especially on weekends and holidays—so much so that there’s a visitor limit (you already know that you have to get there early otherwise you’ll miss out).
Playa El Tecolote has more space, so even when it’s busy, you won’t feel like you’re in a sardine can.
Playa Pichilingue and Playa El Caimancito are usually quieter, especially on weekdays. If you hate crowds, go early in the morning or visit in the off-season (May–September).
Pro tip: if you’re after peace and quiet, skip Balandra Beach on a Saturday afternoon. It’s basically one big beach party but without food or drinks haha. So not really a party in my eyes.
Is La Paz safe for tourists?
Yep! La Paz is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Not to be confused with La Paz, Bolivia because I definitely got the two confused during my research.
But seriously, La Paz is way more chill than the party scene in Cabo. Like any destination, petty theft can happen, so don’t leave your stuff unattended at La Paz beaches (or anywhere in Mexico, really).
At night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in sketchy spots, but overall, La Paz is super welcoming and safe.
The biggest “danger” here? Getting too sunburnt and having to be uncomfortable af on your flight home to San Francisco 🫠 (obviously a true story).
Balandra Beach: Final Thoughts
If the photos above haven’t already convinced you to start researching flights, then l’m clearly not doing a good enough job conveying just how beautiful and serene this beach is. While a bit of a challenge to get to, it isn’t hard to see why Playa Balandra is consistently named the most beautiful beach in Mexico time and time again.
Did you get a chance to visit Balandra Beach? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of Mexico?
Check out my other travel guides on Mexico here.
Great blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any recommendations? Many thanks!
I started with WordPress and have stuck to it ever since! My recommendation would be to just pick one and start writing! You can always change platforms later but I think wordpress is definitely the one that is most reliable!
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You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’
base already!
Thanks for the kind words!