Balandra Beach, located in the tranquil Bay of La Paz in Baja California Sur, has just been awarded the prestigious Platinum Beach Certification — the highest recognition granted to beaches in Mexico for meeting the most rigorous standards of cleanliness, safety, environmental education, infrastructure, and sustainability.
This honor, awarded by the Mexican Institute for Standardization and Certification (IMNC), places Balandra among the best-kept and most ecologically respected beaches in the nation. For travelers seeking natural beauty without compromising sustainability, Balandra just became a must-see destination.
The Platinum Beach Certification (Playa Platino) is the elite tier of recognition issued under Mexican regulation EPPR13-00, as outlined by the IMEEC. This certification goes far beyond visual beauty — it involves meeting a robust checklist of:
Environmental protection
Coastal and marine conservation
Infrastructure that is both safe and eco-friendly
Community engagement in tourism practices
Ongoing environmental education programs
To earn this certification, beaches must comply with standards across 8 key categories and pass inspection from a qualified team of environmental professionals and engineers.
Balandra is not just a beach — it’s an ecosystem. A mix of soft white sand dunes, shallow aquamarine waters, and protected mangrove forests makes it a haven for marine life and migratory birds. It’s also one of the most photographed beaches in Mexico, thanks to its famous “hongo” (mushroom rock).
Here, nature is not only preserved — it is celebrated. Visitors must follow strict conservation rules, including limited parking, no alcohol or loud music, and a daily cap on visitors. This controlled access is part of what helped Balandra meet the Platinum standard.
The certification was formally awarded on April 7th, 2024, in a ceremony led by Milena Quiroga Romero, the mayor of La Paz. Also in attendance were representatives from Mexico’s top environmental institutions and tourism officials, highlighting the cooperative nature of this achievement.
Alongside Balandra, four additional beaches in the La Paz region received the same recognition:
El Coromuel
Balandra II
El Saltito
El Saltito Original
This speaks volumes about the region’s commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development.
It’s not just officials who made this possible. The award also recognized 27 dedicated workers from ZOFEMAT (Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone), who maintain the beach daily and ensure it remains clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors and wildlife alike.
These unsung heroes are at the heart of what makes Platinum certification possible — working under the sun, collecting trash, maintaining walkways, and educating tourists.
For guests of YachtsMX, visiting Balandra is more than a beach day — it’s a chance to experience a model of responsible tourism. From aboard one of our luxury yachts, you can enjoy a private anchorage near Balandra and arrive by tender to explore its clear, calm waters, kayak through mangroves, or simply sunbathe knowing you’re in one of the cleanest and most sustainable beaches in Mexico.
With its new title as a Platinum Beach, Balandra is now officially part of the elite destinations in Mexico that represent the best balance between luxury, nature, and responsibility.
Balandra is just a short journey from the La Paz Marina, where several of our charter yachts are based. Ask us about:
Half-day or full-day yacht charters to Balandra
Multi-day packages that include Balandra and Espíritu Santo Island
Sustainable beach experiences with kayak, paddle boards, and local guides
The Platinum certification of Balandra Beach is not just an award — it’s a call to action. It shows that conservation and tourism can coexist when communities, governments, and private companies work together. At YachtsMX, we’re proud to support this vision and help our guests experience this extraordinary beach the right way.
Let’s keep Balandra beautiful.
Let’s sail responsibly.
📞 Contact Us to book your yacht to Balandra or learn more about our eco-conscious travel packages.
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