Balandra Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico—C.Helbig
Picture a tranquil bay with intensely turquoise water and golden swaths of sand, all embraced by stark, copper-hued mountains. Imagine the absence of resorts, restaurants, golf courses and jet-skis. Welcome to Balandra Bay, in Mexico’s Baja California Sur, the most stunningly beautiful beach area I have ever visited. Only a 40 minute drive from La Paz, a city of over a quarter million, and just a few hours from the mega-resorts of Cabo San Lucas, Balandra remains undeveloped. My hat goes off to the residents and local government of La Paz who have resisted the lure of tourism dollars and fought for years to protect their beloved Balandra. In 2012, the Mexican government made Balandra Bay an Area of Flora and Fauna Protection. Continue reading
