Playa Balandra is a stunning coastal destination situated on the Baja California Sur peninsula of Mexico in La Paz. Positioned on the eastern side of the peninsula, the beach actually faces west due to the way the southern tip curves upwards. Travellers can reach this pristine bay area by driving early in the morning or by taking local boat tours, which drop visitors off at various scenic spots along Balandra Bay.
The water at Playa Balandra is famously shallow, making it possible for visitors to walk all the way across the bay to the opposite side. The bay features numerous sandbanks and is actually a collection of multiple distinct beaches. There are six beaches present throughout the entire year, while a seventh hidden beach is uniquely revealed only during low tide, offering an ever-changing coastal landscape.
With its shallow, calm waters and multiple beaches, Balandra offers a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for exploring on foot or by boat. The destination is especially famous for a unique rock formation commonly known among locals as 'El Hongo' or 'The Mushroom'. Due to daily visitor limits, arriving early at 6am or visiting via local boat tours helps ensure you can experience this iconic destination.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Car | Drive up to the beach early at 6am (or earlier on weekends) from La Paz to gain entry. |
| Boat | Take a local boat tour that carries visitors to the various beaches along Balandra Bay. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Daily visitor capacity is capped at 450 visitors per day.
- Local guides recommend driving up at 6am, or earlier on weekends, to secure entry.
- Taking a local boat tour offers an alternative way to access the beaches along the bay.
- A seventh beach is only revealed and accessible during low tide.