Incredible Private Tour to Balandra and Todos Santos

Traveling through Baja California Sur offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery and authentic small-town charm in Mexico. This private tour promises to take you from the lively city of La Paz to the pristine sands of Balandra Beach and the colorful streets of Todos Santos — all in one memorable day. While we’ve not personally taken this exact trip, a thorough look at the details suggests it’s a well-crafted experience for those eager to see Baja’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.

What we love about this tour? First, the flexibility to customize the itinerary is a big plus, allowing you to spend more or less time at each spot. Second, the private nature of the experience means you’ll avoid the bus crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, personalized day. On the flip side, the early start (5:30 am pickup) might be tough for some travelers, especially those who prefer sleeping in or take a slower morning.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value stunning scenery, comfortable private arrangements, and a flexible schedule. It’s ideal for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and who appreciate a good mix of natural beauty with a taste of local culture. If a full day of exploration sounds appealing, this trip might just be perfect.

Key Points

• Private group experience offers personalized comfort and flexible timing.
• Includes transportation, food, drinks, and permits — great value for a full-day adventure.
• Stops at Balandra Beach, Coromuel Beach, Malecón de La Paz, and Todos Santos cover natural beauty and local charm.
• Early start ensures maximum time, but requires an early wake-up.
• Customizable itinerary allows you to adjust activity durations.
• Ideal for travelers seeking an all-in-one day trip with authentic sights and relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Early Morning Pickup

The adventure kicks off at 5:30 am with a hotel pickup, which might seem early but is a smart move to maximize your day. A comfortable, private vehicle whisks you away from your lodging, setting the tone for a stress-free journey. This early start isn’t for everyone, but it’s well worth it to avoid the midday crowds and enjoy cooler morning temperatures, especially in a desert climate like Baja’s.

La Paz to Balandra Beach: A Protected Paradise

Your first stop is Balandra Beach — famous locally and internationally for its crystal-clear waters and iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation. This beach is a Protected Sanctuary, which helps maintain its pristine quality, and you’ll need a permit and bracelet for entry.

The two-hour visit allows plenty of time to stroll along the powder-soft sands, take photos of the stunning scenery, or dip your toes in the calm waters. The experience here is about appreciating a truly untouched natural environment. As one review notes, “Balandra is a must-see — the water is warm and transparent, perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing with a drink and taking in the views.”

Moving to Coromuel Beach

A 25-minute drive takes you to Coromuel Beach, where you’ll spend about 1.5 hours. This beach offers a more casual vibe, ideal for lounging, swimming, or even trying some local snacks available nearby. It’s less crowded than Balandra, giving you that laid-back Baja atmosphere.

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Strolling the Malecón de La Paz

Next, a short 15-minute drive brings you to La Paz’s Malecón, a lively promenade along the waterfront. Here, you can stretch your legs, snap photos of the harbor, and enjoy the local ambiance. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, especially when the sun starts to set. The opportunity to walk, people-watch, and sample regionally inspired food makes this a pleasant breather in your day.

The Charm of Todos Santos

After about 1.5 hours, your journey continues to the colorful town of Todos Santos, often called a “Pueblo Mágico” for its artsy vibe, historic architecture, and lively art scene. You’ll have roughly an hour to explore the town’s famous California Hotel, with its distinctive architecture, browse local shops, and hunt for souvenirs. The town’s streets are lined with galleries, cafes, and boutique shops that reflect Baja’s creative spirit.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxation

Included in the tour is a generous meal — options range from sautéed fish, breaded fillet, chicken fajitas, or a hamburger, accompanied by a large glass of fresh fruit water. The cooler with drinks ensures you stay refreshed throughout the day. One traveler highlights, “The food was surprisingly good, and the drinks kept us cool even after a long morning.”

Returning: A Full But Rewarding Day

After a full day of natural beauty, charming towns, and delicious food, the trip concludes with a return to your hotel, usually around 6-7 pm. The total duration is around 11 to 12 hours, and the experience includes all transportation, permits, and insurance — making it a hassle-free way to see Baja’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What Not

This tour offers great value, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary and private setup. For $545, your group of up to six enjoys round-trip transportation, a private guide, permits for protected areas, a cooler with drinks, and a meal. It’s an all-in-one package that takes the guesswork out of a day trip.

However, some things to keep in mind: tips for guides and drivers are not included, and extra food or drinks outside the provided meal are on you. You’ll also need to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, water shoes, and a waterproof camera, as well as clothing suitable for both sun and shade.

Travel tips:

• The early start means you should pack your overnight bag the night before, including essentials like sunglasses, hats, and water shoes.
• Since the tour is flexible, you can adapt your time at each stop — but it’s important to respect the total 12-hour window.
• Be prepared for some walking and outdoor activity; comfortable shoes are a must.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

While reviews highlight the professionalism of guides, many praise the stunning scenery as the main highlight. One guest mentions, “The views are truly spectacular — Balandra is even more beautiful than the pictures.” Others appreciate the opportunity to discover Todos Santos’ vibrant arts scene and colorful streets.

Some feedback hints at the importance of early mornings: “Waking up that early was tough, but it was worth it for the calm beaches and avoiding crowds,” a common sentiment among travelers who value capturing Baja’s natural beauty without throngs of travelers.

What makes this tour stand out?

• The knowledgeable guides help make each stop more meaningful.
• The flexibility to modify timing allows you to enjoy each location at your own pace.
• The delicious regional food enhances the authentic feel of the day.
• The beautiful scenery and relaxing beaches provide a perfect day escape.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Baja California Sur — combining the stunning natural landscapes of Balandra, the casual charm of Coromuel Beach, the vibrant energy of La Paz’s Malecón, and the artsy allure of Todos Santos. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a private experience with flexible scheduling, and who appreciate a mix of outdoor beauty, cultural discovery, and good food.

The thoughtful inclusion of permits, entrance bracelets, and a private guide makes it a hassle-free way to explore. Although the early start isn’t for everyone, it’s a small price to pay for the chance to enjoy Baja’s best spots with a relaxed, personalized touch.

If you’re after a full day of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and authentic Baja flavors, this tour deserves a serious look. It’s a perfect way to create a memorable, stress-free experience that truly captures the spirit of Baja California Sur.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is private and flexible, the early start and outdoor activities may not suit very young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best for families with older kids who enjoy beaches and walking.

How long do we spend at each location?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours at Balandra Beach, 1.5 hours at Coromuel Beach, time to walk and explore the Malecón, and about an hour in Todos Santos. The schedule can be adjusted, but total time cannot exceed 12 hours.

Is the meal included a full meal or just snacks?
The tour includes a substantial meal: options include sautéed fish, breaded fillet, chicken fajitas, or a hamburger, with a large glass of fruit water.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, towels, water shoes, waterproof camera, and any personal medications. Sunhat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen are highly recommended.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour allows you to modify the timing at each stop, giving you some control over how long you spend at each location.

Are there any restrictions for certain travelers?
Yes, pregnant women, those with back or mobility issues, heart or respiratory problems, and others with specific medical conditions should consult with the provider, as some activities or timings may not be suitable.

Is tipping included in the price?
No, tips for guides and drivers are not included and are appreciated if you feel the service was excellent.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making communication easy for most travelers.

Is the tour available year-round?
Availability depends on the provider’s schedule and weather, but generally, it can be booked year-round. Check current availability for your preferred dates.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, this private Baja tour offers a thoughtfully designed day trip that balances natural beauty, cultural sights, and comfort. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value personalized service and flexibility, and who wish to experience some of Baja’s most iconic spots without the hassle of logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here: