Snorkeling with sea lions + kayaking & hiking
Explore Balandra by boat and discover its beaches, mangroves and marine life
No lines. No early mornings. No waiting. Enjoy Mar de Cortés with the exclusivity of an experience designed around you.
Balandra is one of the great natural icons of Baja California Sur and one of Mexico’s most renowned beaches. Its shallow turquoise waters, surrounded by a dramatic desert landscape, create a truly unique setting and make Balandra an absolute must-see. However, land access is subject to strict visitor limits established by CONANP, which means visitors often have to wake up early and queue from as early as 5:00 AM, with no guarantee of gaining access to the beach.
Our boat tour to Balandra Beach takes the waiting and uncertainty out of the experience. With Mexico Travel Adventure, you arrive directly by sea, and the mandatory CONANP conservation wristbands are already paid for and included in your rate.
No early mornings, no lines of cars, and no hassle. Just anchor in front of its crystal-clear waters and enjoy guaranteed access to paradise.
Tour Description
Balandra Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches in all of Baja California Sur. It is an paradisiacal and spectacular location that will captivate even the most discerning travelers.
You can visit Balandra Beach without booking a guided service, but beyond its main beach, where most visitors tend to gather, there are many hidden corners and magnificent viewpoints waiting to be discovered.
On this adventure, we will explore its landscapes, lesser-known corners, and trails, discovering the natural beauty of Balandra.
Balandra Adventure itinerary
A day in Balandra, a day in paradise
9:00 AM – Welcome & Boarding: We meet at Muelle Fiscal. After a brief, professional safety briefing, we set off without delay toward Balandra.
9:45 AM – Panoramic Hike at Tecolotito: We arrive at Tecolotito Beach for a guided hike offering breathtaking panoramic views over the entire Balandra Bay.
11:00 AM – Balandra’s Icon: We head down to the bay for an unforgettable photo stop beside the famous “Balandra Mushroom,” surrounded by crystal-clear, shallow waters.
11:30 AM – Kayaking Through the Mangroves: We take to the kayaks for a guided paddle through the lush mangrove channels, discovering this unique ecosystem and its coastal birdlife.
12:30 PM – Lunch on the Beach: It is time to take a break and enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch in the comfort of our shade, right on the white sand.
2:00 PM – Snorkeling at San Rafaelito: We cruise toward the San Rafaelito lighthouse, where we will enjoy a snorkeling session alongside a friendly colony of sea lions.
3:00 PM – Return to La Paz: We set course back to La Paz while feeling the sea breeze admiring the coastal scenery of Baja California Sur.
3:30 PM – Arrival in La Paz: Final disembarkation at Muelle Fiscal.
Gallery
Duration: 7 hours.
Requirements: Respect the rules of the protected natural area.
Difficulty: Intermediate.
Minimum number of participants: 2 persons.
Balandra Adventure Route
Interactive map of your VIP boat access to the most beautiful beach in Mexico.
Tecolotito Beach (Hike Start)
Our VIP boat arrives at 9:45 AM. Disembark directly on the beach to begin the panoramic hike overlooking Balandra Bay.
Balandra Core Zone (Mushroom & Mangroves)
From 11:00 AM. Visit the iconic Mushroom Rock, then launch kayaks to explore the pristine, silent mangrove channels.
San Rafaelito
At 2:00 PM, we cruise to this rocky islet to snorkel with a friendly California sea lion colony over vibrant coral formations.
Muelle Fiscal (Departure Dock)
Check-in at 9:00 AM. Skip the early morning land traffic and access Balandra entirely by sea on our shaded, premium boats.
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.
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.
our fleet & safety commitment
Not Just a Boat Ride. A Safe, Premium Nautical Experience. Your safety and comfort are non-negotiable. Our official fleet features locally optimized Panga-style vessels built to conquer the Mar of Cortes. Choose between the agile 24-foot Kalal or our spacious 30-foot flagships, Black Fin and Bacari. All are powered by modern, reliable Suzuki outboards (175 to 280 hp) for a swift and stable ride.
Forget standard boats exposed to the sun. Every MTA boat provides full shade (T-top) structures and comfortable seating. For maximum comfort, our 30-foot boats also feature onboard restrooms. In addition, we operate under strict maritime safety protocols, with VHF radios and professional-grade first-aid kits.
Why Choose MTA for Your Balandra Beach Tour?
Everything You Need, Zero Surprises
Mexico Travel Adventure (MTA) believes in transparency. That is why the price you see is the final price — with zero hidden fees, unexpected surcharges, or additional costs.
Your booking includes everything you need: guaranteed access with CONANP wristbands, high-end snorkeling equipment, kayaks, lunch, and the expertise of our certified marine biologist guides.
Leave the waiting behind and discover Balandra in a more comfortable, exclusive, and authentic way. Paradise is waiting.
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
Balandra Beach is a natural treasure full of wonders, perfect for exploring and admiring. Each of its distinct areas offers a unique and fascinating experience.
Together, they not only showcase the natural beauty of Balandra Beach but also stand as a testament to the region’s rich ecological diversity, inviting visitors on a journey of discovery and appreciation.
Conservation Rules to follow
Explore Responsibly with Official Operators. Balandra is a highly vulnerable Protected Natural Area. As certified local ecotourism operators, we lead by example and are committed to preserving this fragile ecosystem. To maintain our rigorous operating standards, we strictly enforce the official CONANP regulations.
What is Allowed:
- Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in designated bays.
- Hiking exclusively on officially marked trails.
- Photography and enjoying a beachfront picnic in authorized zones.
What is Strictly Prohibited:
- Flying drones of any size.
- Walking or standing on coral reefs.
- Climbing or touching the iconic "Mushroom" rock (El Hongo).
- Using motorized vehicles on the sand or climbing the sand dunes.
- Extracting shells, flora, or fauna.
- Stacking rocks (which alters the natural landscape).
- Using the sea or mangroves as a restroom.
FAQ´s
If you have any questions hopefully we can answer them below, if not please feel free to contact us.
Where is Balandra Beach located?
Balandra Beach is located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, about 30 minutes from La Paz. It is a Protected Natural Area, and our tour provides comfortable access by arriving directly by sea.
What CONANP rules should I follow to help protect Balandra?
Balandra is a fragile ecosystem. As responsible operators, we strictly follow CONANP regulations:
Permitted Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and walking only on authorized trails.
Activities NOT Permitted: Flying drones, walking on coral, climbing on the Balandra Mushroom rock formation or the dunes, driving motorized vehicles on the sand, removing shells or animals, building rock stacks that alter the natural landscape, or relieving yourself outside designated restrooms.
Are there any shops or restaurants at Balandra Beach?
No. As a Protected Natural Area, Balandra has no restaurants or shops. On our tour, we provide lunch, snacks, and cold drinks so you have everything you need.
How do you access Balandra Beach?
Although Balandra can be reached by land, our tour takes you there by sea. The price includes your conservation wristbands and guarantees direct and exclusive access to the beach.
What is the booking and cancellation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 7 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 7 days in advance, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 60 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 60 days in advance, full payment is required.
If the company cancels the activity due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or an insufficient number of participants, you will receive a 100% refund.
For all cancellations requested by clients, any amount paid in advance is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.