Balandra Bay

Balandra Bay is located about a 30-minute drive from La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico, or about an hour or thereabouts by yacht. It is a stunning natural wonder that draws tourists from all over the world. The entire area is a national park. The tranquil bay is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic rock formations that make for incredible photo opportunities.

The outside five beaches of Balandra are assessable by yacht. Occasionally some brave souls climb the steep hills that separate the inside two beaches from the outside five beaches and are treated to an incredibly picturesque panorama. One of the most iconic features of Balandra Bay is the "mushroom rock," a unique rock formation that resembles a giant mushroom which sits upon one of the outside beaches of Balandra.

While Balandra Bay is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, the area remains relatively undeveloped, with no hotels or restaurants located directly on or near any of the beaches. In 2022, a high-end luxury yacht was anchored in the outside bay. Well after midnight, one of the twelve guests on board accidentally discharged a flare gun inside the yacht. The yacht caught fire and burned to the waterline, then eventually it sank in shallow water. All the guests got out safely, but all seven beaches were closed for three months for clean-up due to the fuel and oil spills created by the sunken vessel. Since then, yachts are no longer allowed to spend the night in the outside bay.