Playa Balandra

Protected shallow bay of pale sand and turquoise water, the signature beach near La Paz.

Balandra is the beach people picture when they decide to come to La Paz: pale sand, shallow turquoise water, mangroves, and desert hills folding around a protected bay. At low tide you can wade far out without the water reaching your waist.

Access is managed and can be capacity-limited, so check current rules before going. Bring water, shade, and patience; the beauty is real, but so is the pressure on the place.

things to do beach nature
A story
Balandra looks almost too delicate for the attention it receives: shallow water, mangroves, desert hills, and the mushroom-shaped rock that became a local symbol. Access limits are a practical attempt to keep the bay from being loved to pieces.