Reviewed · LA PAZ & WHALE SHARKS
Private experience from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz: (Balandra beach)
A long day, packed with Baja’s best. This is a private Cabo San Lucas to La Paz day trip that links small-town charm with big beach scenery, all with a local guide who keeps things relaxed and personal. I like how the plan hits multiple places without feeling rushed, and how the included meal at La Garita turns the day into more than just sightseeing.
You’ll be on the road most of the day, though, so it helps to be the type who’s happy to trade a slow morning for a full sweep of Baja California Sur. Also note that beach basics like towels, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear are not included, so you’ll want to pack smart before you go.
In This Review
- Key reasons people love this Cabo to La Paz private day
- A comfortable private ride with real pickup options
- Todos Santos: art, history, and a chance to walk at your own speed
- Breakfast at La Garita: one of the best parts of the whole route
- La Paz promenade time: get your bearings before the beaches
- Balandra Beach: why the logistics matter as much as the view
- Playa Cerritos sunset: surfer meeting point with serious ocean energy
- Price and what $151 per person really covers
- What it feels like with a guide who acts like a local friend
- Who should book this Cabo to La Paz private route
- What to pack so the beach days stay easy
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private Cabo San Lucas to La Paz tour?
- Where is pickup in Cabo San Lucas?
- What stops are included during the day?
- What’s included in the price?
- What should I bring since it’s not included?
- Is this experience private or shared?
- What language will the guide speak?
- Is there free cancellation?
- Can I reserve now and pay later?
Key reasons people love this Cabo to La Paz private day

- Private pacing: you get a guide who adjusts to you instead of marching to the beat of a big group.
- Todos Santos + La Paz in one day: art-town wandering, then sea-and-city time in La Paz.
- Included La Garita breakfast (open menu) with drinks: you eat well without scrambling for a place to go.
- Balandra comfort setup: chairs and shade help make the beach time actually easy.
- Sunset at Playa Cerritos: waves, surfers, and a classic Baja finish.
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A comfortable private ride with real pickup options

This trip runs for about 13 hours, and it starts with pickup at one of two easy meeting points: Plaza Amelia Wilkes or Costco Wholesale Los Cabos. That matters because you’re not stuck guessing where to meet or whether your ride can find your resort gate.
Your transportation is described as new and comfortable, and that’s a big deal on a long route. The goal here is simple: get you out of the Cabo resort zone and across Baja with less stress, while your guide handles the driving and the timing.
Todos Santos: art, history, and a chance to walk at your own speed

The day begins by driving to Todos Santos (about an hour on the way). Then you get a walking stretch through the town’s center, the kind of place where murals, small history points, and local creativity are the main attractions.
What I like about this stop is the balance. You’re not locked into a lecture, and you’re not stuck following a line of people either. You get time to wander, browse, and soak up the feel of a town that’s more about culture than resort life.
A practical note: since this is a quick taste of Todos Santos, wear shoes you don’t mind walking in. This isn’t a sit-and-stare photo stop.
Breakfast at La Garita: one of the best parts of the whole route

At the La Garita restaurant, you’ll enjoy an open menu breakfast plus drinks throughout the journey. It’s positioned as a regional food moment, not a rushed grab-and-go.
Why this matters: when you do a long day like this, breakfast sets the tone. Instead of spending part of your precious beach time hunting down something decent, you get fed early in the route by a place that clearly has local pull.
In the experiences shared, the food gets specific praise, including quesadillas, and even people talking about great hot chocolate from places the guide stops at along the way. Even if the exact details vary a bit with the day, the core idea stays the same: plan a meal that feels like Baja, not a compromise.
La Paz promenade time: get your bearings before the beaches

After breakfast, you head into La Paz for a relaxed walk along the promenade, where sea and city meet. This is where the trip shifts from “drive and stop” into “move slowly and look around.”
This part is valuable because it gives you context. You’re not just arriving at beaches as a checklist item—you’re seeing the city’s rhythm first. If you’ve only experienced Cabo’s energy, La Paz feels like a different character of Baja: more local feel, more day-to-day life, and more room to notice small details.
A handful more around Los Cabos we would happily send a friend to
Balandra Beach: why the logistics matter as much as the view

The main beach stretch is Balandra Beach in the La Paz area, with about 2.5 hours for sightseeing and time at the sand. If you’ve heard Balandra described as calm, that’s part of the appeal. The day here is less about chaos and more about lingering.
One standout detail from past experiences: the guide setup helps. People mention that chairs and an umbrella were provided for the beach stop, plus shade/tent-style comfort. That small thing turns “we’re at the beach” into “we can actually enjoy the beach.”
You’ll also want to plan for walking on the beach and around the shoreline edges. Bring water shoes or sturdy footwear, and take sunscreen seriously. A lot of the enjoyment at Balandra comes from staying put long enough to notice birds and the way the coastline behaves in different light.
Playa Cerritos sunset: surfer meeting point with serious ocean energy

The day ends at Playa Cerritos for about 2 hours, timed for sunset. This spot is known as a top meeting place for surfers and nature lovers, and the vibe fits the hour: ocean activity, big-sky color changes, and a crowd that’s there for the view rather than the show.
In the experiences shared, the sunset gets described as breathtaking, and people also note the ocean’s energy—waves strong enough that you’ll see surfers working the conditions. It’s a great way to finish because the beach time feels like a payoff, not a quick endcap.
Tip from the practical side: don’t pack away the cameras too early. The sky shift near the end is when people tend to start feeling grateful they chose the longer day trip instead of a shorter one.
Price and what $151 per person really covers
This private experience costs $151 per person and runs about 13 hours, which sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included.
You’re paying for:
- Private transport for a long Cabo-to-La Paz day
- A live guide in English and Spanish
- Pickup and drop-off at set meeting points
- Breakfast at La Garita (open menu) plus drinks
- Comfortable, new transportation and a structured route
What you’re not paying for:
- Towels and sunscreen
- Snorkeling equipment (if you want it)
- Any afternoon food
So the value question comes down to this: would you rather do the drive and logistics yourself, or pay to have it handled with a guide who knows where the good time blocks are? For most people, $151 feels fair once you count the included meal, drinks, and the fact that you’re covering Todos Santos, La Paz, Balandra, and Cerritos without needing a second plan.
What it feels like with a guide who acts like a local friend

A big part of why this works is how the guide shows up. Many people describe the guide—often Eduardo—as patient, kind, and attentive, with a style that makes you feel comfortable rather than managed.
A few guide behaviors that repeatedly matter in a day like this:
- Not rushing: you get time in each place without constant time pressure
- Freedom to explore: you can wander in towns and beach areas instead of only stopping at pre-planned photo corners
- Safety and driving confidence: a long day feels better when you trust the driver
- Thoughtful comfort touches: chairs/shade at Balandra are the kind of details you feel immediately
And yes, one of the biggest recommendations is basically this: skip the touristy add-ons that don’t match the pace. This is the kind of trip where the real value is the places, the timing, and the calm, local feel.
Who should book this Cabo to La Paz private route

This one fits best if you:
- Want to get out of the Cabo resort strip and see more of Baja California Sur
- Like private pacing and having a guide who can explain what you’re seeing
- Prefer a day that includes real food, not just stops for photos
- Are comfortable with a long day and a lot of driving
It’s also a good option for couples and small groups who want a guide’s eyes on the route, but still want flexibility once you arrive.
What to pack so the beach days stay easy
Because some basics are not included, don’t show up empty-handed. Bring:
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Snorkeling equipment only if you plan to use it
- Afternoon food if you think you’ll want it later
Also bring water shoes or runners, since shoreline walking and slick edges are part of how these beaches work in real life. The goal is comfort, not suffering.
Should you book this tour?
Book it if you want a real day in Baja, with time in Todos Santos, La Paz promenade strolling, a comfortable Balandra beach stop, and a sunset payoff at Playa Cerritos. The included breakfast at La Garita and the practical comfort extras at Balandra make it feel like money spent on the experience—not just transportation.
Skip it if you strongly prefer short drives and low-effort days. This is a long, full itinerary, and it’s best for people who enjoy seeing several sides of Baja in one go.
FAQ
How long is the private Cabo San Lucas to La Paz tour?
It’s 13 hours.
Where is pickup in Cabo San Lucas?
Pickup is available at Plaza Amelia Wilkes or Costco Wholesale Los Cabos.
What stops are included during the day?
You’ll have time for Todos Santos, breakfast at La Garita, Balandra Beach, and Playa Cerritos for sunset.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a live guide (Spanish and English), pickup and drop-off, transportation, and an open menu breakfast at La Garita plus drinks throughout the journey.
What should I bring since it’s not included?
You should bring personal toiletries like towels and sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel. Afternoon food is not included.
Is this experience private or shared?
It’s a private group experience.
What language will the guide speak?
The guide speaks Spanish and English.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can I reserve now and pay later?
Yes. It offers Reserve now & pay later, so you can book and pay nothing today.
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