Balandra Beach, La Paz: The Most Beautiful Beach in Mexico - and Just Minutes from Casa Carousel
- Casa Carousel
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Balandra Beach is a breathtaking natural treasure located near La Paz, Baja California Sur, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, iconic rock formations, and serene white-sand beaches. This guide will help you plan your visit — from how to get there and when to go, to the best activities, eco-tips, and nearby stays like Casa Carousel, your perfect home base in La Paz.
Discovering Balandra: A Natural Paradise
Located just north of La Paz, Balandra Bay is a protected marine area where the desert meets the sea. The bay’s calm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling — even for beginners or children. Schools of colorful fish, peaceful mangroves, and dramatic cliffs surround this tranquil bay, creating one of the most photogenic landscapes in Baja.
Visitors can wander along the white-sand beaches, paddle into hidden coves, or simply unwind under the Baja sun. The water here stays waist-deep far from shore, making it one of the safest and most serene beaches in the region.
💡 Casa Carousel Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, reusable bottles, and a waterproof camera — Balandra’s natural beauty deserves gentle care and great photos.
Getting to Balandra from Casa Carousel
Casa Carousel is ideally located inside the private, gated community of Palmira, just a short and scenic 25- to 30-minute drive from Balandra Beach.
Directions:
Exit Palmira through the main security gate and head north on Carretera a Pichilingue.
Follow signs toward Playa Balandra / Playa Tecolote — it’s a straight coastal drive with stunning Sea of Cortez views.
After roughly 25 minutes, you’ll reach the Balandra Natural Protected Area entrance and parking zone.
Prefer not to drive? Casa Carousel’s concierge team can arrange a private driver or round-trip transfer so you can relax and enjoy the views along the way.
What to Expect at Playa Balandra
Entry Fee: A small conservation fee helps protect the bay.
Facilities: Basic restrooms and picnic areas; no food vendors inside the park.
Bring: Water, snacks, hat, towels, and snorkeling gear.
Respect Nature: Stay on marked paths and never climb El Hongo — it’s fragile and protected.
The best way to explore is by kayak or paddleboard; rentals are available nearby, and paddling lets you access the quieter side of the bay.
When to Visit
The best months are October – May, when the weather is warm and dry (mid-70s °F to mid-80s °F).
Weekdays: Quieter and less crowded.
Early morning: Best light for photography and calm water.
Avoid: Midday in summer (June–September) when temperatures can exceed 95 °F.
Things to Do in Balandra
Snorkeling: Discover tropical fish and coral gardens.
Kayaking: Glide through mangroves and hidden coves.
Hiking: Short trails lead to panoramic overlooks.
Photography: Capture the famous El Hongo rock and turquoise shallows.
Relaxing: Float, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic on the sandbar.
Stay Near Balandra at Casa Carousel
After a sun-filled day at the beach, retreat to Casa Carousel, your private villa in Palmira — an exclusive, secure neighborhood just minutes from downtown La Paz. The villa offers panoramic ocean views, a large pool, and effortless access to the region’s most iconic spots, including Balandra Beach and Isla Espíritu Santo.
✨ We can help plan your day: From arranging drivers and beach gear to private chefs and yacht charters, Casa Carousel makes your La Paz getaway seamless and luxurious.
Comments