Playa Balandra

Playa Balandra is a protected beach and park in La Paz with shallow turquoise waters spanning multiple small bays surrounded by desert hills and white sand formations. The area features different sections along the coast, with sandy shores, rocky outcrops, and mangrove areas distributed throughout the site.

Mexican authorities designated the area as a protected zone in 2012 to safeguard marine ecosystems and archaeological sites from intensive use. This action reflected broader efforts to conserve the region's coastal resources for future generations.

The beach holds special meaning for residents of La Paz, who see it as a symbol of their natural heritage. The distinctive rock formations have become emblematic of the region in local identity and promotional imagery.

Entry is divided into two daily time slots from 8:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 19:00, with a maximum of 450 visitors per slot to protect the environment. Arriving early provides better opportunities to explore quieter areas and enjoy clearer water conditions for swimming or snorkeling.

Extensive mangrove forests occupy parts of the site, functioning as nurseries for marine species and providing natural protection against coastal erosion. These wetlands often go unnoticed by visitors focused on the sandy beaches, yet they are essential to maintaining the area's health.