Balandra Beach & Todos Santos Tour: Small Groups, Bilingual Guide

Swim, walk and photograph three stops without feeling rushed through them

A 12-hour small-group tour from Los Cabos to Balandra Beach, the La Paz Malecón and Todos Santos village, with bilingual guide, hotel pickup and lunch included. The itinerary builds in time to swim in shallow turquoise water, photograph natural landmarks and explore local craft shops and galleries without the pace of a larger tour. Light breakfast on board and bottled water are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Balandra Beach2h · entry included
2. Malecón1h

Tour Balandra and Todos Santos highlights

• Panoramic tour from Los Cabos to La Paz
• Relax and swim at Playa Balandra
• Photograph Fungus of Balandra
• Visit natural viewpoints of the bay
• Walk along the beach and discover photo spots
• Observe local fauna and coastal beauty
• Stroll the Malecón and admire sculptures
• Enjoy cafes and shops by the sea
• Tour historic center of Todos Santos
• Visit Hotel California and take photos
• Explore local art galleries and murals

The experience

The drive from Los Cabos to Balandra takes you through desert and along the Sea of Cortez coast, and the beach itself is the centerpiece: turquoise, shallow water where you can actually swim, not just wade. The famous Fungus rock formation sits in the bay and frames photographs from multiple angles along the shoreline. You get time to walk the beach, find natural photo spots and watch local wildlife without being herded back to the bus on a schedule.

After Balandra, the tour moves to La Paz's Malecón, a waterfront promenade lined with sculptures and urban art reflecting the region's culture. You walk at your own pace, stop at cafes if you want, and take in views of the Sea of Cortez. The bilingual guide points out the stories and details most visitors miss. Lunch happens at one of the city's better restaurants, not a tourist trap, and is included in the price.

Todos Santos comes last, a historic village with colorful facades, craft workshops and galleries. The Hotel California, famous for its musical history, sits in the center and gives you time to photograph it and explore the surrounding area. The guide knows the local art scene and can point you toward murals and artisan shops that reflect the village's identity. Groups stay between 12 and 15 people, which means you're not anonymous but you're not alone either.

What’s included

• Hotel or central pickup in Los Cabos.
• light breakfast on board.
• lunch at a local restaurant in La Paz.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• government and parking fees.
• bilingual guide for the full 12 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (3 to 80 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ma Tours Los Cabos

Is this one for you?The 12-hour length means you leave early and return late, which rules out a second activity that day but gives you real time at each stop (Balandra for swimming and photos, the Malecón for a walk and a meal, Todos Santos for exploring galleries and craft shops) instead of a quick pass through all three.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Fungus of Balandra that everyone photographs?

The Fungus of Balandra is a natural rock formation in the bay at Balandra Beach that has become an iconic symbol of the region. It sits in the shallow turquoise water and is visible from multiple spots along the shoreline, making it a natural focal point for photographs.

How much time do I actually get to swim at Balandra Beach?

The tour is designed with planned stops that don't feel rushed, so you have time to relax in the shallow, calm waters of Balandra, walk along the beach and find natural photo spots without being hurried back to the bus.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Yes, lunch is included at one of the best restaurants in La Paz. The meal is part of the tour price and happens during the Malecón stop.

What's included in the tour price besides transport and lunch?

The tour includes light breakfast on board, bottled water, government fees and parking fees. Hotel or central pickup in Los Cabos is also included. Gratuities for the guide are not included.

How long is the drive from Los Cabos to Balandra?

The tour is 12 hours total. The panoramic drive from Los Cabos to La Paz takes up a portion of that time, with the rest divided between Balandra Beach, the Malecón in La Paz and Todos Santos village.