Hike, Kayak and Snorkel in Balandra
Explore the pristine beaches of Balandra and its stunning natural ecosystem
La Paz is a paradise full of desertic beaches with crystal waters and fine sand. Of all of them, the famous Balandra Beach is, without a doubt, the queen of all the beaches in Baja, if not one of the best beaches in Mexico. It’s a protected flora and fauna area and an UNESCO world heritage site since 2012.
With us, you will discover the best kept hidden secrets of this bay: hills, surrounding beaches, and rocky formations that will take your breath away. We will begin with a fun, accessible hike, in the company of a marine biologist, who will guide you through this spectacular place, followed by a lunch and kayaking trip in nearby beaches.
Description
Balandra beach is probably the most popular beach in Baja California Sur. It’s a true paradise and spectacular place that will fulfill the expectations of visitors.
Balandra can be accessed without booking a guided adventure, but beyond the main beach where most travelers get to, there are many sceneries, secret spots, and amazing views waiting for avid explorers. In this adventure, we will immerse ourselves into Balandra Bay, and its best kept spots.
Itinerario
The day begins at Balandra at 7:40 am. Depending on the tides and wind, we might begin with the kayaking or snorkeling; after, we will continue with the hike.
The hike is moderate, lasting between 2-3 hours, depending on the group’s speed. During this time, we will enjoy amazing views, while talking about the flora, fauna, and geology we encounter.
After the hike, we will head to Tecolote beach, where we will set up camp with shade and chairs to relax. Here we will also enjoy a delicious lunch, with ceviche and snacks.
We will go kayaking and snorkeling at a rocky reef in Balandra (usually before the hike) with fish and colorful marine invertebrates. Our adventure will be finished at 3 pm, but we recommend our travellers to stay at the beach and enjoy the rest of the day.
Gallery
Duration: 7 hours.
Requirements: Respect the rules of the protected natural area.
Difficulty: Intermediate.
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons.
Included
Guide.
Permits for the protected natural area.
Equipment (kayak, snorkel, life vest, etc.). Wetsuit only during winter.
Lunch, snacks, and soft drinks.
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
Land transportation. It can be hired.
You must bring
Ecofriendly suncreen (we have available, if you need to buy), and long sleeves.
Hat, sunglasses, and 1 L water bottle per person.
Bathing suit, beach clothes, comfortable shoes for walking that can get wet, windbreaker during winter and spring and a towel.
Reviews
Ricardo Cesar Castellanos Mercado
Best way to know Balandra
The guides Fernando and Mauricio were incredible; they explained everything to us, and as marine biologists, they provided a wealth of details about everything we saw during the tour, elevating the experience to another level. They were very punctual and friendly. The kayaking experience is the most amazing thing, the opportunity to be in the mangroves of Balandra, the views are incredible from there. The hike is an adventure in itself, from the spectacular views to the end with a delicious ceviche at Tecolote Beach.I highly recommend this tour!!
Mariana González
Great Experience!
The kayak ride was awesome, the number of fish we saw while snorkeling, and the incredible views from the hike were my favorite part, without a doubt. A highly recommended experience!!
Beatriz Menéndez
Kayak , Snorkel and Hiking
Such a beautiful place! Simply imposing! The best experience! The guides were wonderful. The snorkeling experience was beautiful, I was able to swim to a little beach that fascinated me. The water is transparent blue.
Denys Rey Morales Salas
You don’t really know Balandra until you take this tour!
We went on this tour after the arrival of Hurricane Norma in October 2023. From the moment we booked it, the service was excellent. I was able to communicate with the manager in less than half an hour, who provided all the information to address my initial doubts. They gave us a meeting time at Balandra at a very appropriate hour according to the demand. We arrived on time and were the first ones there, in a beautiful place with turbulent waters. The tour was incredible; our guides, Mauricio and Alberto, are amazing people, highly dedicated to the environment, sharing incredible facts about the place. The food was delicious and unforgettable.
Natural wonders of Balandra: What you can’t miss
Playa Balandra is a natural treasure filled with wonders, perfect for exploration and admiration. Each of the various sites that make up Balandra offers a unique and fascinating experience. They not only highlight the natural beauty of Playa Balandra but also stand as testimonies to the region’s rich ecological diversity, inviting an adventure of discovery and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Playa Balandra located?
Playa Balandra is situated in Baja California Sur, Mexico, within the Municipality of La Paz. It is part of a Protected Natural Area and can be accessed from La Paz in approximately a 30-minute journey.
What activities can be done on the tour to Playa Balandra?
The activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. There are several trails to explore, and you can visit the famous Balandra Mushroom. You can also swim and relax while sunbathing on the beach.
Are there commercial establishments at Playa Balandra?
No, Playa Balandra is a Protected Natural Area and does not have any commercial establishments or restaurants. On our tour, we will provide food and beverages to ensure you have everything you need.
How accessible is Playa Balandra?
You can access it by car, taxi, or bus. It is also possible to arrive through one of our private boats from the fiscal pier of La Paz. Inquire about this option if you are interested.
How far is Playa Balandra from Los Cabos?
You will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Playa Balandra from Los Cabos. If you wish, we can arrange your private transportation to Playa Balandra for the tour.
What should be considered to take care of Balandra?
It’s crucial to carry your waste and leave no trash behind, respecting the natural environment to preserve this protected area.
Can I hire private transportation to get to Playa Balandra?
You can hire private transportation when making your reservation, and we can pick you up from any location in La Paz. If you are staying in Los Cabos, we can also arrange your private transportation.
What is the booking and cancelation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 7 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 7 days notice, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 60 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 60 days notice, full payment is required.
If we cancel the activity due to “unforeseen circumstances” such as weather, mechanical difficulties, or insufficient participants, you will receive a 100% refund.For all cancellations requested by clients, any amounts paid in advance are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.