Playa Balandra

Located 30 minutes from La Paz near the tip of Baja California, Playa Balandra is a an idyllic crescent-shaped bay. The sweeping bay is often cited as the most beautiful beach in Mexico.

White sand dunes and clear turquoise waters are backed by red hills dotted with prickly cactus. The white sand is very soft and warm. Just offshore is the Isla Espirito Santo adding to the scenic view.

The sheltered lagoon with its shallow waters is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking (rentals available) and stand-up paddleboarding. It is bordered by mangroves that are home to brightly coloured fish, blue crabs and wading birds.

There are no cafes or facilities although locals occasionally visit and sell cut fruit and water. You really need to bring everything with you including a shady umbrella and cooler of drinks.

At one end there is an unusual rock formation known as the Mushroom Rock which you can wade out to.

Getting to Playa Balandra is fairly easy. There is a collectivo bus service which stops near the beach and there’s plenty of free parking if you have a car. The best time to enjoy Playa Balandra is from June to October as it get rather chilly (below 68°F/20°C) in winter. Rainfall is highest in September.