Playa Balandra
A shallow bay with white sand and the iconic mushroom-shaped rock, one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches and a protected natural area.
Balandra Bay lies about 25 km northeast of La Paz city. Most of the bay is knee-to-waist deep, and at low tide you can walk to a sandbar on the far side. The water shifts from turquoise to green, and the iconic El Hongo (the mushroom rock) stands in the bay. It is a federally protected area, with entry limited to about 450 people in each of the morning and afternoon sessions. It is closed on Mondays, and a small conservation fee is charged. There are no restaurants inside the park, so bring your own drinking water and sun protection. Styrofoam, plastic and alcohol are prohibited. You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the bay, or climb the small hill on the south side for views over the whole bay. Arrive before 8 am.
Opening hours
Tuesday–Sunday 08:00–17:00 (timed entry, limited capacity); closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Playa El Tecolote
- Playa Pichilingue
- Playa El Coromuel
- Cerro de la Calavera
- Malecón de La Paz
- Isla Espíritu Santo
- Whale Shark Swimming, Bay of La Paz
- Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz