La Paz, Balandra and Todos Santos from CABO and San Jose

If you’re eyeing a full-day adventure to see some of the most stunning sights Baja California Sur has to offer, this tour from Cabo comes highly recommended. It promises a chance to relax on picture-perfect beaches, explore a colorful town, and enjoy regional cuisine—all in one long but rewarding trip.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances natural beauty with cultural stops, giving a well-rounded taste of the peninsula. The visits to Balandra Beach and Coromuel Beach highlight the incredible coastlines, while La Paz offers a snapshot of local life, and Todos Santos adds a dash of charming architecture and history.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves quite a bit of driving—roughly 2 to 3 hours each way—so it’s a commitment for a long day. If you’re someone who enjoys sightseeing that mixes nature, town exploration, and good food, this could be a great fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind a lengthy day out and want a curated experience without the hassle of planning each stop.

Key Points

• Natural beauty: Balandra Beach’s crystal waters and scenic viewpoints are the tour’s highlight, perfect for photos and relaxing.
• Cultural stops: La Paz and Todos Santos offer a taste of local and artistic life, with the latter featuring the famous Hotel California.
• Long day: Expect a total of 11-14 hours, including travel time, so prepare for an early start and a full schedule.
• Group size: The tour operates with a maximum of 40 travelers, which helps keep things manageable but still lively.
• Value for money: With transportation, lunch, and beach entrance included at around $105, it’s generally seen as a good deal for the experience.
• Guide experience: Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the long day more enjoyable.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is designed for those eager to cover a lot in one day, emphasizing the breathtaking landscapes of Baja and a taste of its towns and beaches. Starting early, around 4 am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and whisked away in an air-conditioned van. The early start is essential for fitting everything in, especially since the drive to Balandra Beach takes around 2-3 hours.

The Drive and First Stop: Transpeninsular Highway & Balandra Beach

As you set off, the scenery along the Transpeninsular Highway is a treat—mountains, desert, and ocean views that steadily build anticipation for what’s to come. We loved the way the guide explains the landscape’s significance, making the long drive feel like part of the adventure rather than a chore.

When you arrive at Balandra Beach, the real magic begins. With its famously crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, it’s a perfect spot for relaxing or wading in the shallow bay. The tour includes entrance fees, so you can just unwind without worrying about extra costs. Many reviews highlight how breathtaking Balandra is—”gorgeous” and “spectacular” are words critics frequently use.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, which is enough time to climb to the viewpoint for panoramic shots, swim, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Bring your own towels, snacks, and sun protection—since Balandra is a protected area, there are no vendors or restaurants nearby. One traveler mentioned bringing lemonade, guacamole, and chips to enjoy by the water, which is a smart idea.

The Second Beach: Coromuel

Next up is Playa El Coromuel, a quieter spot to dip your toes in crystal waters and take in more coastal views. This beach offers another two hours of laid-back relaxation, and reviewers have appreciated the less crowded, natural setting. It’s a good chance to cool off and capture some more photos.

Lunch in La Paz

After the beaches, the tour heads to La Paz for a regional lunch. The menu options include regional favorites like breaded steak, chicken fajitas, and vegetarian dishes, often served with rice and greens. The included meal is a real highlight for many—”delicious” and “great food selections” are common praise.

One traveler commented, “Our guide was very informative,” which makes the meal feel more connected to the local culture. The lunch stop lasts about 2 hours, giving you a chance to relax, stretch, and enjoy authentic flavors.

Exploring Todos Santos

The last major stop is Todos Santos, a vibrant, artsy town full of colorful shops, galleries, and historic buildings. You’ll visit the famous Hotel California, a favorite for photos and legendary tales, and have about an hour to explore the town’s streets, shops, and atmosphere.

Many reviews emphasize how charming and picturesque Toda Santos is—”a must-see” and “full of history and culture” are common descriptions. It’s a great way to wind down the day with some leisurely wandering before heading back.

Return Journey

The trip back takes roughly 1-2 hours, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or accommodation in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. While some reviews mention the drive as long, others praise the comfort of the vehicle and the professionalism of the guides, especially those who kept everyone informed and comfortable throughout.

What Travelers Say: The Pros and Cons

Most travelers agree that the highlights—Balandra Beach in particular—are well worth the early start and long hours. Many reviews mention how stunning the beaches are and how well-organized the trip is, with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.

One reviewer, Bryan_G, appreciated the energy of the guide Kafaya (Daniel), who made everyone feel included despite language barriers. The included lunch and the views at Balandra received praise as “amazing” and “spectacular.”

On the flip side, a few reviews point out some less-than-ideal aspects. One traveler expressed disappointment about the length of the day and the amount of time spent at Coromuel Beach and La Paz, suggesting the tour could be shorter or more efficiently scheduled.

Another guest’s experience was quite different—complaining about a lack of guidance, poor communication, and a stressful drive back. It’s clear that the quality of the experience can vary depending on the guide and the day’s circumstances, so managing expectations and understanding what the tour includes is essential.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At roughly $105.95 per person, including transportation, a substantial lunch, and entrance to Balandra Beach, many find this to be good value. The price covers not just the scenic spots but also the comfort of a guided group, which takes the stress out of planning logistics and driving.

The experience offers a comprehensive look at Baja California Sur’s natural beauty and local culture—a worthwhile investment if you want to see highlights without the hassle of travel arrangements. Keep in mind that the long day might be tiring, but for those eager to pack in as much as possible in a single outing, it’s a solid choice.

Practical Tips for the Best Experience

• Bring sun protection, snacks, and a towel. Since Balandra is a protected area with no vendors, these essentials will make your beach time more enjoyable.
• Dress comfortably and be prepared for a long day. Early mornings and extended travel mean layers and hydration are key.
• Consider your energy levels. If long drives and early mornings aren’t your thing, this might be a bit too much.
• Listen to your guide. They often provide valuable insights and ensure everyone stays together.
• Check the weather. Since the tour relies on good weather, be aware that bad weather could lead to cancellations or changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 11 to 14 hours, including travel time to and from Cabo San Lucas.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch at a restaurant, entrance to Balandra Beach, and bottled water.

Are there options for children?
Yes, children aged 5-10 are accepted, but babies (0-5 years) do not include lunch or a seat. The tour is recommended primarily for adults due to its length.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, snacks, and a towel. Since Balandra is a protected area, there are no vendors, so packing your essentials is wise.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The itinerary involves some walking, especially at viewpoints and town exploration, so it may not be ideal for guests with mobility challenges.

How is the guide?
Most reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and effort to make everyone comfortable. However, experiences can vary, so it’s worth noting that some travelers have had less positive interactions.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a group tour, customization options are limited. But you can ask guides about specific interests or needs during the trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a full-day, well-rounded experience of Baja’s coastlines, towns, and beaches without the hassle of organizing transport and logistics themselves. It suits those who are comfortable with a long day—early start, multiple stops, and plenty of driving—and who want to see some of the most photogenic spots in the region.

It’s especially good for those interested in breathtaking beaches like Balandra, local culture in La Paz and Todos Santos, and delicious regional food. If you’re traveling with friends or a couple, it’s a chance to share a day of sightseeing while making some great memories.

While families with younger children might want to consider the length and activity level, older kids or teens who enjoy beaches, scenic drives, and exploring charming towns will find this tour engaging.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a genuine chance to experience the highlights of Baja California Sur in one day, with some truly unforgettable vistas and cultural moments. The included food, the guides’ friendliness, and the striking scenery make it a worthwhile outing, especially if you’re craving a mix of nature and town.

Yes, it’s a lengthy day, and the drive can be tiring, but for many travelers, the payoff is well worth it. If you’re prepared for the early start and long hours, you’ll likely come away feeling you’ve seen a good slice of Baja’s soul—beautiful beaches, charming towns, and friendly faces all along the way.

In summary, this tour is best suited for those who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal fuss, especially if you appreciate good guides and scenic stops. For travelers seeking a relaxed, shorter day, or more personalized options, it might be worth exploring other ways to experience Baja’s coast and towns. But for a well-organized, all-in-one adventure, this one delivers a lot of value—just be ready for the long haul.