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.
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.
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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.
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.
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 else is there to do in Baja California Sur?
★ Soak in the Santa Rita Hot Springs near Santiago
★ Swim beneath waterfalls and hike at Cañon de la Zorra
★ Swim with whale sharks off the coast of La Paz
★ Wander through the streets of San José del Cabo, the less explored of the two Cabos
★ Take a private boat trip in Cabo San Lucas
★ Watch surfers at Cerritos Beach and see the Hotel California in Todos Santos
★ Snorkel with a family of sea lions on boat tours near Isla Espiritu Santo
★ Release baby sea turtles into the ocean in San Jose del Cabo
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.
Essential Mexico Travel Resources
Have a Mexico trip coming up soon? There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. After traveling to dozens of countries and living abroad on several continents, here are some of my favorite websites and resources for planning unforgettable trips.
🗺️ Hotels + Vacation Rentals: I always use this site for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform and great rewards. When I’m looking for a vacation rental, I compare Vrbo and Airbnb.
💪 Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for any trip! I use SafetyWing, which has affordable rates and coverage for many adventure sports.
🚠 Tours + Activities: Viator (owned by Trip Advisor) is the best site for comparing and booking experiences with local tour operators.
🚗 Car Rentals: Use DiscoverCars, a highly-rated platform for comparing and booking rental cars around the world.
📱 Easy phone plans abroad: Use this company to get an eSIM for phone coverage while traveling—without getting a SIM card or canceling your existing plan (unless you want to!)
🛬 Airport Lounge Pass: One membership with Priority Pass grants you access to over 1300 lounges in nearly every country (trust me, it’s a game changer!)
🎒 Essentials always in my bag: Check out my ‘in my bag‘ page for the items I always have in my carry-on.
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