Hours and limits in 2026
To protect the bay, CONANP limits entry to two shifts a day: enter at 8 a.m. and leave by 12 p.m., or enter at 1 p.m. and leave by 5 p.m. Each shift is capped at 450 people and entry is first come, first served, so arrive early. It's open every day; there's no regular Monday closure. Hours have been extended at holiday periods, and two 2026 guides say the first Sunday of each month is reserved for local residents, which we couldn't confirm with CONANP.
The CONANP wristband costs about MXN 120 to 125 per person, less if you buy it on CONANP's own site than through resellers.
Swimming and what to expect
The water rarely gets deeper than chest height, even at high tide, which makes it one of the best beaches in Mexico for small children. Do the stingray shuffle as you walk, and look out for the odd jellyfish. There's no food or shop inside, only dry toilets and a handful of palapas, so bring everything. Kayaks and paddleboards are rented on the beach, and a short trail climbs to a lookout over the bay and the mushroom-shaped rock, El Hongo.
If Balandra is full, El Tecolote, about 2 km further on, has no entry limit and has restaurants.
Getting to Balandra Beach from Villa 1
About 186 km from Villa 1: Highway 19 through Todos Santos to La Paz, then out along the Pichilingue road about 25 km north of the city. That's roughly three hours each way, so to make the 8 a.m. shift you'd leave Cabo around 5 a.m. Most people stay a night in La Paz or go with a tour.
What to bring
- All food and water (nothing is sold inside)
- Shade and sun protection
- Water shoes
- Cash for rentals