Often called the most beautiful beach in Mexico, Balandra Beach is one of my favorite day trips from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
If you’re looking to book a Balandra Beach tour from Cabo with a reputable tour company, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve done the hard work of comparing the best guided group and private Balandra tours from Los Cabos so you can get back to enjoying your vacation.
Keep reading for my top recommendations, based on my own firsthand experience at Balandra and my extensive research.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through these links, at no cost to you. But don’t worry, I only share products I’d truly recommend to a friend.
Quick Guide
Top 3: Balandra Beach Tour from Cabo
👙 Best Balandra Beach Tour from Cabo: My top choice. This private tour includes roundtrip transport from your hotel in Cabo and a full day of adventures at Balandra Beach, the colorful surf town of Todos Santos, and Cerritos Beach.
🌵 Best Budget-Friendly Balandra Group Tour: This group tour is a great option for travelers on a budget. For the lowest price possible, see Balandra Beach, La Paz, and the Hotel California with roundtrip transport from Los Cabos.
⛵️ Luxury Yacht Cruise to Balandra Beach & Isla Espiritu Santo: Sail into Balandra Bay on a private yacht and experience Mexico’s most beautiful beach via paddle board before returning to your yacht and venturing to the surrounding beaches and islands.
Balandra Beach Tours from Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo
1. Best Balandra Beach Tour from Cabo (Private Tour)
★★★★★ 5/5 stars
Looking for the all around best guided day trip to Balandra from Cabo? This is it!
This highly-rated guided day trip includes roundtrip transportation to and from Cabo and plenty of time to explore the sparkling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and desert landscapes of Balandra Beach.
In addition to visiting Balandra, you get to make the most of your trip through Baja by stopping at the colorful surf town of Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach.
Whether you’re traveling by yourself and want a personalized experience, or are visiting Cabo with a big group, this tour is my top recommendation! But don’t just take it from me, read the 5 star reviews:
“This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Cabos. Balandra beach is the most beautiful beach I have ever been to, the pictures just don’t give enough justice to this place. The tour was just perfect, our guides, Ricardo and Hector, made sure we had enough time to visit every place and that we enjoy it at our own rhythm. Don’t hesitate anymore, do yourself a favor and hire this tour if you are planning to go to Balandra Beach.”
Review from Sergio on Booking.com
This private tour includes:
★ Roundtrip transport from Cabo in a vehicle with AC
★ Beach umbrellas and towels
★ Complimentary bottled water and alcoholic beverages
★ English speaking local guide
This tour does not include:
★ Lunch
You’ll visit:
★ Balandra Beach
★ Todos Santos & Bésame Mucho Bazar
★ Cerritos Beach
2. Best Budget-Friendly Balandra Group Tour
★★★★★ 4.5/5 stars from 100+ reviews
If you want to meet other travelers while exploring Balandra Beach or are on a strict budget, this Balandra day trip has the best deals (and reviews).
In addition to soaking in the sun at gorgeous Playa Balandra, you’ll get chance to explore the vibrant Malecón (boardwalk) at La Paz, and stop at the famous Hotel California in Todos Santos.
Expect to meet other travelers from around the world as you experience an unforgettable day soaking in the the sun, walking along the white fine sand, and wading through the water at Mexico’s most popular beach paradise.
“Fantastic, worth twice the cost! Our driver, Luis was a pleasure and wealth of information.”
Review from Vincent on Booking.com
This group tour includes:
★ Hotel pickup and drop off in Cabo
★ Lunch at a local restaurant
★ Beach time at Balandra or Tecolote Beach
★ A visit to the La Paz Malecón and Todos Santos
This tour does not include:
★ Alcoholic drinks
Please note:
★ This tour may include up to 100 guests
★ This is a full day long trip
3. Private La Paz and Balandra Tour
★★★★★ 4.5/5 stars
Book this private tour of La Paz and Balandra if you want to get some free time to explore Baja California Sur’s charming capital city.
After driving from San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in La Paz before wandering down the city’s famous waterfront Malecon.
After a La Paz city tour, you’ll head to Playa Balandra. Your private guide will bring a cooler full of cold water and beer for your enjoyment at the beach.
After spending several hours witnessing the pristine natural beauty of Balandra’s main beach, you’ll hit the road and stop along the way colorful Todos Santos for two hours, before returning to your hotel.
“What a great time we had on this tour! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (even with teenagers :)). I’m so glad we did this as it allowed my family to see something other than the resort and this was the first time to Cabo and Mexico for my kids. I would highly recommend this tour to La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos (great shopping). Marco was a lifesaver with the umbrella at the beach and the added beer and water :). Thank you Marcos for a wonderful time and allowing us to make some great memories!!”
Review from Marie on Booking.com
This private tour includes:
★ Hotel pickup and drop off in Cabo
★ Breakfast in La Paz
★ Cold beer and water
This tour does not include:
★ Lunch
You’ll visit:
★ La Paz, Balandra, and Todos Santos
4. La Paz Beaches & Hotel California Group Tour
★★★★★ 4.5/5 stars out of 89+ reviews
If you’ve read my guide to the best beaches in La Paz, you know that Balandra is just one of many jawdropping beaches in the area.
If you want to see more of La Paz’s crystal-clear water beaches, book this tour! In addition to visiting Balandra Beach, you’ll get a chance to swim, eat lunch, and sip a beer at stunning Playa El Coromuel.
After a morning at the beach, you’ll spend a few hours exploring La Paz city and then head to Todos Santos, which is home to the famous Hotel California.
“What a great time we had on this tour! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (even with teenagers :)). I’m so glad we did this as it allowed my family to see something other than the resort and this was the first time to Cabo and Mexico for my kids. I would highly recommend this tour to La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos (great shopping). Marco was a lifesaver with the umbrella at the beach and the added beer and water :). Thank you Marcos for a wonderful time and allowing us to make some great memories!!”
Review from Marie on Booking.com
This guided tour includes:
★ Roundtrip transportation from Los Cabos
★ Lunch
★ Bottled water
★ English speaking tour guide
This tour does not include:
★ Breakfast, sunscreen, and towels
Please note:
★ This tour may include up to 150 guests
★ This tour is not wheelchair accessible
5. Luxury Yacht Cruise to Balandra Beach & Isla Espiritu Santo (Private Tour)
★★★★★ 5/5 stars
If you’re looking for the ultimate Balandra Beach luxury experience, book this private yacht.
Your group will get world class service as you cruise through the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of California, stoping at Balandra Beach along the way.
Your rental includes 8 hours on the yacht while you’re waited on by a professional crew. Food and drinks are complimentary and you’ll have access to snorkel gear, paddle board, inflatables, and more.
Best of all, since this is a private yacht tour, the itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests. If you want, the captain can take you to the best snorkel spots.
Alternatively, you could explore remote parts of Espiritu Santo Island, including the island unique rock formations, secluded beaches, and protected natural area. With a private yacht and experienced local captain, the options are limitless!
“My friends and I rented this yacht for a birthday and our experience was just absolutely incredible. Lester waited for us in the marina and saved us a parking spot right next to the entrance. The crew was amazing, they were always asking us if we were okay or if we needed another drink or more food. They made ceviche and also went down to the ocean to get us fresh oysters! They set up a little table with the cake and helped us sing happy birthday. Lester was great, the crew was great. 100% recommended.”
Review from Daniela on Booking.com
This private tour includes:
★ 8 hours on a private yacht
★ Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and inflatables
★ Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ceviche
★ Professional captain and crew
This tour does not include:
★ Transportation from Los Cabos
★ Sunscreen
★ Beach towels
Also read: 21 Best Cabo Day Trips
FAQs About Taking a Balandra Beach Tour from Cabo
How far away is Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas?
Balandra Beach is about a 2 hour and 20 minute drive from Cabo San Lucas.
How far away is Balandra Beach from San José del Cabo?
Balandra Beach is about a 2 hour and 35 minute drive from San José del Cabo.
Is there a Balandra Beach tour from Cabo by boat?
If you want to go on a boat trip to Balandra Beach, I recommend this luxury yacht day trip that leaves from La Paz. Keep in mind that you will need to drive to La Paz from Cabo to reach the marina.
What is the average Balandra Beach tour from Cabo cost?
As of the time of writing, the least expensive Balandra Beach tour from Cabo costs $119 USD for a group tour. You can expect to pay more for private tours.
What is the Balandra Beach mushroom rock?
Balandra Beach’s mushroom rock, or El Hongo in Spanish, is an iconic mushroom-shaped rock at Balandra Bay.
How do you visit Balandra Beach from Los Cabos without a tour?
To visit Balandra Beach from Los Cabos, I recommend renting a car and leaving early in the morning.
Playa Balandra has strict hours with two time slots when you can visit each day. Read my complete guide to Balandra Beach for more information about when and how to visit Balandra.
What are the best beaches in La Paz?
La Paz is known to be home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. Balandra Beach is the area’s most famous beach, but the city is home to several other gorgeous beaches worth visiting.
Other popular beaches include Playa El Tesoro, El Tecolote Beach, and the La Paz Malecon Beach. See my complete guide to best beaches in La Paz, Mexico for more.
Where to Stay in Cabo & Baja California Sur
🌵 Orchid House in La Paz: My top choice. This gorgeous boutique 5 star hotel overlooks the turquoise blue Sea of Cortez just north of La Paz. The property perfectly blends luxury with the rustic desert landscapes of Baja Sur and feels secluded even though its close to one of my favorite Mexican cities, La Paz. Check Orchid House’s nightly prices.
☀️ Hotel San Cristobal in Todos Santos: Located beachfront in the Pacific beach town of Todos Santos, Hotel San Cristobal is a stunning hotel. The decor reflects Todos Santos’ colorful charm with a beautiful mix of traditional Mexican patterns and simple, clean design. Check Hotel San Cristobal’s nightly prices.
🌴 Nobu Hotel in Cabo San Lucas: This modern, elevated resort is on one of the best places to stay in Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for a tranquil escape. It’s located on the Pacific side but isn’t too far from downtown. Check Nobu Hotel’s nightly prices.
🌊 The White Hotel in East Cape: The White Hotel almost feels otherworldly (or maybe a bit like a Greek postcard?) with its whitewashed stucco buildings. It is secluded along the East Cape, not far from Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. Check the White Hotel’s nightly prices.
The Best Things to do in Baja California Sur
👙 Take a day trip to Santiago’s waterfalls and hot springs: Just over an hour away from Cabo you’ll find my two favorite Baja hidden gems, the Santa Rita Hot Springs and Fox Canyon Waterfall.
☀️ La Paz beach hopping: La Paz is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Balandra Beach is the most famous, but I have a full guide to the best beaches in La Paz if you want some more places to sunbathe and swim.
🏄🏽♀️ Find the Hotel California in Todos Santos and watch surfers at Cerritos Beach: Todos Santos and nearby Cerritos Beach make a perfect Baja day trip. Todos Santos is full of colorful streets, cute shops, amazing tacos, and its home to the famous Hotel California. Cerritos Beach is a great place to watch surfers, or surf if you’re up for it!
🐋 Go diving with whale sharks: If you visit during whale shark season, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in the water with the ocean’s largest fish! This whale shark tour led by a marine biologist is the best way to do it!
🛥 Join a Sea of Cortez boat tour: Whether you hire your own private yacht for the day or join a group boat tour, make sure you get on the water and explore all the Sea of Cortez has to offer!
Getting Around Baja California Sur
🚐 Affordable airport shuttle: Book your airport transportation in advance!! You will be charged $60-80 USD ONE WAY if you try to get a ‘taxi’ at the airport. Instead, book this $20 USD one way shuttle in advance, or arrange a pickup through your hotel (expect it to be pricey though).
🚙 Renting a car: The most convenient way to get around Baja California Sur since public transportation is lacking. You can compare rental prices from various rental companies here. Just beware that stop signs are treated more like yield signs and the overall driving experience can be a little nerve-wracking.
🚍 Bus: A few private bus lines operate between La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cabo. I’ve had good experiences riding between downtown La Paz and the Cabo airport with EcoToursBaja, but booking on their website can be a little confusing!
🚌 Tours: You can get to some popular attractions around Baja California Sur on guided tours. Browse Cabo tours here to see if there is one that goes where you want to go!
🚕 Uber, Didi, and Taxi: Taxis are outrageously priced in most parts of Cabo, especially to and from the airport. Uber is technically banned from the airport, but you can still use it if you walk outside the airport. You can take Uber and Didi (a cheaper rideshare app) around if needed. If you take a taxi, ask for the price before you get in the car. In other parts of Baja, like La Paz, Uber and Didi is affordable and a great way to get around.
Final Thoughts: Taking a Balandra Beach Tour from Cabo
Balandra Beach is one of those places you just can’t miss on a trip to Los Cabos. Whichever tour you end up taking, just make sure that you get to see the pristine natural beauty of Balandra Bay and wade through its crystal blue waters.
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