A must-do activity: Kayaking at Balandra Beach

So, you're at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Balandra, in La Paz, Mexico, and you have in front of you a variety of activities to do, all of them eco-friendly and fun. Well, this time I'm going to recommend one of the most popular activities not only at this beach but throughout La Paz: kayaking.

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Arriving at Balandra

I'm not lying or exaggerating when I say that this is one of the most popular activities here, for both locals and tourists. Going out to sea to kayak is something you can do at almost any hour, and given the small size of the city, its good connectivity, and the proximity of the beaches, kayaking just comes naturally.

Once you get to Balandra Beach, you'll have several options for renting a kayak, and honestly, there isn't much difference between them. All are very friendly local operators who will ensure you have a great time in one of their rental kayaks. As of 2024, the cost is just $20 USD per hour per kayak, not per person. For instance, one day I rented one and my wife, my daughter, and I all got on for the same 20 dollars. Let me tell you, it's not the best idea because there are only two paddles for three people, so it's pretty hard to move the kayak. Also, there are kayaks available for two and three people, so you can definitely enjoy this experience with your loved ones.

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Starting the Adventure

Before you leave, they'll tell you that you can explore the entire beach without any issues. However, as a personal tip, I would recommend staying clear of the deeper area of the beach. It's easily distinguishable by its intense dark blue color, indicating a very deep zone. There are no currents or anything, but for some, the contrast between the turquoise blue of Balandra, which signals a shallow area where you can walk in the sea, and the dark blue might be striking.

With that said, we begin our adventure, and this is when we realize that although the beach doesn’t seem so large in photos or videos... it really is, especially when we have to use our physical strength to paddle the kayak and explore it. Remember, Balandra is much more than what the photos show. There is the beach area, where the palapas are and where the kayaks are rented, but it's also possible to walk or kayak along the coast surrounded by rocks and hills. Here, we'll see a smaller part of the beach, as well as caves, rock formations, and of course, the world-famous stone mushroom of La Paz.

Considering we are on a kayak in this adventure, we can see from afar the huge lines that form to get a photo of this famous stone mushroom. By the way, this mushroom wasn't made by man, but entirely by nature, which over thousands of years carved the rock with sea water until achieving this mushroom shape. Unfortunately, many tourists thought it was a good idea to climb on the mushroom until it collapsed, so the authorities had to reinforce it with concrete. Great idea, friends. Not!

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Appreciating the Beauty of Balandra

Kayaking around Balandra, we can see not only the contrasting landscapes between the desert hills and the turquoise crystalline water, but we can also observe marine life firsthand. From fish of various colors and sizes to birds soaring above, occasionally diving down to seek food in the sea or to rest on it. We might see manta rays resting or swimming beneath us ( see some recommendations about manta rays at Balandra), and with some luck, we might spot whales or dolphins in the distance. These animals cannot be seen close up because Balandra is a beach that has very shallow waters during the day, making it perfect for walking hundreds of feet into the sea, but impossible for medium or large marine animals to come near us. Don’t worry, there are no sharks around here.

What I like to do is travel along the shoreline of Balandra, to closely observe the caves, marine life, approach the mushroom without having to wait in long lines and photograph it from the water, stay close to the rocks, and keep to an area where I know if I get tired, I can simply get down and walk, pulling the kayak while the water reaches my chest (I'm 6' 9") but it's so gentle that there's no problem. I always recommend staying away from the area where the bay meets the open sea, not because of danger, but simply because it stops being the gentle Balandra and becomes the waters of the Sea of Cortez, where handling a kayak is undoubtedly more difficult. This area is also where yachts arrive, whether private or with tourists eager to see Balanda. But really, getting to that area is no worry, unless you're a great kayaker, you just won't do it, because it's very far from the beach! LOL

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Once again, I mention that upon seeing Balandra, especially for the first time, it might seem easy to kayak around the entire area. Think again, the beach is larger than it appears just by entering, and the sea at Balandra, beautiful and calm as it is, is vast, especially for a person in a kayak. I recommend you paddle close to the rocks, where people walk, and enjoy the striking landscape, the atmosphere of tranquility, the beauty of the crystal-clear water, and above all, the sensation of peace that you can only experience in this magical city of La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico.

Ending the Adventure at Balandra

Once the rental hour is about to be up and we have our eyes and hearts filled with the natural beauty of Balandra, it's best to be near the main beach, where we rented the kayak. That is, we need to consider, depending on where we are, the time it will take to return the kayak on time to meet the return commitment. Of course, it's also possible, and in fact, I've done it many times, to return the kayak early, whether because we're tired, because we need to leave abruptly, or for any reason. There's no problem if you return the kayak early, but don't expect any money back because you paid for an hour and if you don’t use it, that’s your responsibility. But believe me, $20 isn't much when you're very tired from kayaking.

I would like to offer some quick tips to make your kayaking adventure in Balandra even more enjoyable:

Tips for kayaking at Balandra Beach

• Arrive early: This beach has some restrictions to protect it, one of which is that only a limited number of people are allowed, divided into two shifts. I prefer going in the morning, as the beauty of the site is more appreciable and enhances the kayaking experience.
• Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun: In La Paz, the sun can be very intense, especially in the summer, so I always suggest wearing a hat, not a cap, a hat, sunscreen, as well as sunglasses, and above all, always stay hydrated.
• Seasons: Kayaking is great all year round, just consider that if you come in winter, it would be a good idea to wear a wetsuit, because the water can be very cold.
• Follow the instructions given at the entrance: When you arrive, they give you some advice, mainly on how to scare away manta rays if you encounter any. It’s very simple and effective, especially during the summer season. Heed this advice.
• Stay close to the beach: Unless you are an expert kayaker, I recommend staying close to the shoreline; it's long enough for an excellent ride and also allows you to better appreciate the rocks, caves, and marine life around them.

In conclusion, kayaking at Balandra is an immensely valuable experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy, thanks to the calm and safe waters. Additionally, you'll experience the vibe of serenity so characteristic of this city and its beaches. Believe me, you'll have a great time, and whenever you think back to Balandra after returning home, I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face. For more information and tips about Balandra, please click here.

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