A complete day in a Private Tour to Balandra Beach.

Traveling to Cabo San Lucas and looking for a way to explore beyond the usual beaches? This private tour to Balandra Beach offers a carefully curated experience that promises a good mix of natural beauty, local culture, and relaxed sightseeing. While it’s not perfect for everyone—considering the price and the limited spots at Balandra—it’s a solid choice for those who want a personalized day with some of the best sights around Cabo.

What we really like about this experience is the personalized service—since it’s a private tour, you won’t be part of a crowded group, and the guide can tailor parts of the day to your interests. Also, the inclusion of water, towels, and umbrellas makes it easy to just relax and enjoy the scenery without extra planning or spending. A possible snag is the cost, which might seem high for some travelers, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But for many, the convenience and tailored approach make it worth it.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a leisurely, flexible day, want to visit several spots without the hassle of planning every detail, and appreciate having a guide to share insights and recommendations along the way. It might be less ideal for those traveling solo or looking for a budget-friendly option, but if you’re after a private, curated experience, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Private Tour Advantage: You and your group get a personalized experience with a dedicated guide.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Water, towels, umbrellas, and transport are taken care of, making the day stress-free.
• Limited Access to Balandra: Entry is restricted and quotas are in place, so early booking and pickup times are crucial.
• Varied Stops: The day includes beach visits, a charming town, and a local market, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: The guide can adapt to weather or your preferences, like visiting Tecolote Beach if Balandra is closed.
• Cost Consideration: At around $490 for up to four people, it’s a pricier option but aims to deliver a seamless, private day out.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This private day trip from Cabo San Lucas is designed to give you a taste of some of the most photogenic and culturally interesting spots nearby. You’ll start very early, heading to Balandra Beach, often praised for being one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. Many reviewers highlight how early access is key to beating the crowds and securing a good spot, which is why the tour adjusts pickup times accordingly. The beach itself is famed for its calm waters and scenic mountain backdrop, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or climbing up the mountain for views.

After soaking in the scenery at Balandra, the tour continues to Todos Santos, a lovely town with a sleepy charm and a sense of history. You’ll get time for a walk along the streets, visit the iconic Church of Todos Santos, and explore the Bazar Bésame Mucho, a colorful market with local crafts and a romantic spot called The Lovers Tree—a popular place for locking your love and creating memories. Reviewers often mention how guides recommend local eateries and reveal fun facts, adding to the experience.

The Bazar Bésame Mucho is more than just shopping; it’s a place to connect with local culture and maybe even leave a lock as a keepsake. The entire visit here usually lasts about an hour, enough to enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Next, the tour takes you to Playa Cerritos, a lively yet relaxed beach with plenty of space to unwind, have a drink, or just listen to the waves. The included umbrellas and towels make it straightforward to lounge comfortably and enjoy the ocean breeze. Reviewers point out that this spot is ideal for families or anyone wanting a laid-back end to the day.

Throughout the trip, your guide’s knowledge and friendliness shine through, as many reviewers mention Ricardo’s excellent service and local insights. His ability to accommodate your preferences, suggest good local restaurants, and ensure timely pickups and returns makes the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Balandra Beach (Approx. 5 hours)

The first stop is Balandra, where the access is limited—many travelers note the importance of arriving early to secure a good spot, as there’s a quota system in place. Our sources and reviews confirm that the early bird gets the best views and the least crowded experience. The water here is shallow, making it perfect for swimming and wading, and the climb up the mountain offers panoramic views that are well worth the effort.

If Balandra is closed or overcrowded, the guide is flexible and will take you to Tecolote Beach instead, which also boasts calm waters and food vendors. Many reviews praise this substitution, emphasizing how accommodating the guide is in adapting to the day’s conditions.

Todos Santos (Approx. 3 hours)

Next stop is the artsy, peaceful town of Todos Santos. Walking through its streets, you’ll see the Church of Todos Santos and the vibrant market, Bazar Bésame Mucho. Here, visitors can browse stalls, pick up unique souvenirs, and take part in local legend by locking a padlock on the Lovers Tree. This spot is especially popular with couples and those wanting a picture-perfect moment.

Reviewers highlight how guides are knowledgeable about the town’s history and recommend great local eateries, making the stop more than just a walk—it’s a chance to connect with local culture and history.

Bésame Mucho Bazar (Approx. 1 hour)

The market itself feels like a colorful, lively house filled with homemade goods, textiles, and local crafts. Many guests enjoy taking a moment to relax here, enjoy some snacks, or simply soak up the local vibe. The Locks of Love tradition adds a fun, romantic touch, with many couples leaving a lock as a symbol of their affection.

Playa Cerritos (Approx. 2 hours)

The final stop is a popular beach spot, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning. With umbrellas, towels, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can hang out with family or friends, enjoy the surf, or simply rest with a cold drink in hand. Many reviews praise the beach’s clean, calm waters, and the laid-back vibe makes it a favorite for travelers wanting to end their day on a high note.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers the essentials: air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, towels, and umbrellas. This is convenient, especially if you’re coming from a hotel or cruise ship, as it takes the hassle out of transportation planning. The included drinks—both bottled water and alcoholic beverages—are a nice touch for those wanting to toast the scenery.

However, the private transportation is an optional add-on costing around $300 USD, payable directly to the driver. If you prefer a more private experience, this might be worth considering, but the standard package includes the private guide and vehicle.

It’s worth noting that entrance to Balandra Beach is free, but the quota system means getting there early is essential to avoid missing out. Once there, the experience is all about enjoying nature—swimming, hiking, or simply taking photos.

What Past Guests Say

Many reviews rave about the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, especially Ricardo, who seems to consistently receive praise. Travelers mention how the guides go out of their way to ensure a flexible, enjoyable day—whether it’s adjusting the schedule or offering local recommendations. One reviewer called Ricardo “fantastic,” and many others echoed this sentiment.

The beauty of the tour lies in the timing and exclusivity: arriving early at Balandra guarantees a great spot, and the guide’s efforts to secure this show their commitment. Some guests appreciated the substitution of Tecolote Beach when Balandra was closed, describing it as equally relaxing and scenic.

While the cost might seem high for some, many felt the ease of having everything arranged—transport, water, towels, and guided visits—justified the price. It’s a day that maximizes comfort and scenery without the usual logistical headaches.

The Sum Up

This private tour to Balandra Beach and surrounding sights offers a carefully curated, intimate way to experience some of the best spots near Cabo San Lucas. With a knowledgeable guide, flexible itinerary, and all the logistics handled, it’s a comfortable and scenic way to explore without the stress of planning.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value privacy and personalized service, and who want to see a mix of natural beauty and local culture in one day. If you’re traveling with a small group or couple and are willing to invest a bit more for convenience and exclusivity, this trip delivers.

However, those on tighter budgets or seeking a more spontaneous experience might find it pricier than they’d like. Also, since Balandra’s limit is strictly enforced, booking early and adjusting your schedule accordingly is a must. Overall, it’s an experience that combines stunning views, cultural insight, and comfort—ideal for those wanting a relaxed, memorable day.

FAQs

How many people can join this tour?
It’s designed for small groups of up to four people, making it very personal and relaxed.

Is transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the ride enjoyable even during hot days.

What if Balandra Beach is closed or overcrowded?
If Balandra is unavailable, guides tend to take you to Tecolote Beach or other nearby calmer spots, ensuring you still get a great experience.

Can I buy additional drinks during the trip?
The tour includes bottled water and alcoholic beverages, but if you want more or specific drinks, you might want to bring them along or purchase at stops.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the relaxed pace and gentle beaches make it suitable for travelers with children who are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Booking approximately 21 days in advance is recommended, especially since spots at Balandra are limited and early access is crucial.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, giving you flexibility if needed.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic day with a knowledgeable guide and all the comforts taken care of, this private tour could be a fantastic choice. Just remember to plan ahead for the early start and enjoy everything this beautiful part of Baja has to offer.