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With over 25 blue-certified beaches to choose from, Los Cabos is the North American destination with the highest number of ‘playas’ to receive this prestigious certification.
Not by chance, most of the people choosing this municipality for their holidays plan to spend their days soaking up the sun on the golden sand or trying out water activities such as swimming, surfing, or snorkeling.
But what is the best beach in Los Cabos?
El Médano Beach, Lover’s Beach, and Chileno Beach are constantly in the spotlight for their safe waters and breathtaking landscapes, but there is another beach close to Los Cabos that has recently gained lots of attention.
We’re talking about Balandra Beach.
Among the best, according to TripAdvisor
Balandra Beach was recently ranked the 12th best beach in the world by users of the popular platform TripAdvisor.
This area was rated 4.5 by 2,999 reviewers. Located in the municipality of la Paz, which can be easily reached with a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, Balandra Beach is a protected area thanks to its mangrove trees, which create the perfect habitat for a large number of both sea and land birds.
In 2008, this beach was recognized as a wetland of international importance and later on, it was classified as a World Heritage Site.
According to TripAdvisor’s official website, this beach is “Perfect for beginner swimmers and families.”
With its crystal blue waters and rocky cliffs from where you can get the perfect view of this spectacular beach, it is not too surprising that this area has become so popular.
However, it is important to remember that, due to the high number of people flocking to this beach every day, the local government has recently decided to limit the number of visitors able to access this area.
Local authorities started to limit the number of people able to access this beach back in 2022 and visitors are now allowed inside this area in two main blocks.
The first block is between 8:00 am to 11:00 am. During this period, 280 visitors can access this area. The second is between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, when 280 extra people are allowed inside. But what are some of the activities popular at Balandra Beach?
What to do at Balandra Beach
Apart from swimming and soaking up the sun, some of the most popular activities at Balandra Beach include scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle surfing, and kayaking.
Tourists heading here can also opt for a boat tour to spot the friendly colony of sea lions on San Rafaelito or enjoy a walk in nearby Tecolote Beach.
It is also important to remember that local authorities asked people heading to this area to be very mindful of this delicate ecosystem and recommend a few precautions to keep this natural area clean.
For instance, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas advised people to use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the local flora and fauna, to make use of only legally established trails and campsites, and to avoid climbing the dunes.
Visiting La Paz
Once tourists are done with their time at the beach, they may drive back to La Paz to enjoy the rest of their day. But what are some of the best activities to do here?
Visitors in La Paz can opt for a walk on the famous Malecon, visit the local cathedral, or learn everything about Mexican history and culture at the Museo de Antropologia e Historia de Baja California Sur.
Those staying for a few days can also opt for a visit to the popular Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot, or choose to spend another day at the beach in Playa Pichilingue or Playa El Coromuel.
Last but not least, all animal lovers should visit El Serpentario de La Paz, a site where rescued birds, reptiles, and amphibians leisurely live their lives.
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