10 Best Beaches in Mexico, it is a highly sought-after destination for various reasons. It boasts magnificent ancient ruins, a rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and, above all, stunning beaches. In fact, beach enthusiasts often find the allure of Mexico’s beaches reason enough to visit the country. With extensive coastlines that stretch along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west, Mexico offers a diverse range of beach experiences.
The beaches and the surrounding waters vary depending on the region of Mexico you choose to explore. Additionally, the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the country showcase distinct species of whales, turtles, and other remarkable marine creatures. To help you navigate the plethora of options, here is a comprehensive guide to the finest beaches in Mexico.
Zipolite is one of the 10 Best Beaches in Mexico
During the hippie era, this beach was a hub for free love and counterculture movements from the 60s to the 80s. It was also one of the few nude beaches in Mexico, although most visitors still prefer to wear clothes. Nowadays, the beach attracts a diverse group of sun worshippers, including shirtless yoga enthusiasts and surfers from all over the world. While there are still affordable accommodations available, the west end of the village now boasts a range of mid-range hotels and upscale restaurants. The stunning rocky headlands and red-tiled round architecture provide a breathtaking backdrop, and the powerful waves make it an ideal spot for more adventurous water sports.
Puerto Vallarta Beach[SEE MAP]
This charming resort town on the Pacific coast is nestled along a series of beautiful beaches that cater to a wide range of visitors. With its protected coves, it offers excellent snorkeling spots and thrilling opportunities for whale watching and deep-sea fishing. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after resort towns in Mexico, as the stunning coastline speaks for itself.
The town itself presents an intriguing blend of expansive resort areas and a central Zona Romantica, where you’ll find the old town, charming shops, and smaller hotels. The Zona Romantica is home to much of the town’s historic architecture and old-world charm, bordered by larger, more modern resort regions and the residential area known as “Gringo Gulch,” where you’ll find impressive homes owned by foreigners.
Playa La Ropa[SEE MAP]
The reason behind the name of the “Beach of Clothing” is due to the occurrence of a Spanish galleon wreck, which resulted in the washing ashore of its cargo of vibrant fabrics on this beach. Presently, this beach is the primary destination for water sports in Ixtapa. Visitors can rent parasailing, jet skis, and hobie cats here, and there are numerous restaurants to relish after a fun-filled day on the water. However, it is advisable to avoid swimming in the river at one end of the beach as it is known to be infested with crocodiles.
Cancun Beach[SEE MAP]
Cancun, a popular vacation spot, is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. This stretch of land along the Gulf of Mexico is brimming with numerous resorts, eateries, and shops, providing excellent options for accommodation and entertainment.
Similar to the bustling Vegas strip, the resorts in Cancun are conveniently situated in close proximity to one another, forming a continuous line along the coast. Surrounding these resorts are vast stretches of sandy beaches, spanning for miles. Additionally, there are twelve nearby beaches worth exploring, offering opportunities to witness turtles, engage in whale watching, snorkeling, and a plethora of other exciting activities.
Playa del Amor[SEE MAP]
Situated at the convergence of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, lies the secluded and enchanting Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), renowned as one of Mexico’s most renowned beaches. Accessible by water boat from Cabo San Lucas’ marina, this beach is a must-visit destination. Its allure lies in the majestic Land’s End rock formations, breathtaking vistas of the boundless ocean, and exceptional snorkeling opportunities on the Sea of Cortez side. However, it is important for travelers to be cautious as the tides can become treacherous on the Pacific end.
Playa Norte[SEE MAP]
Isla Mujeres, located off the coast of Cancun, is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for observing wildlife. Among the most sought-after species to encounter are Sea Turtles and Whale sharks. Playa Norte, situated at the northern tip of the island, boasts a vast expanse of sandy beach adorned with palm trees, as well as a selection of beachfront restaurants and bars.
While many visitors come to Isla Mujeres to escape the bustling spring break scene in Cancun, it doesn’t mean that this island is devoid of connectivity. In fact, it offers an ideal setting for both partygoers and nature enthusiasts, all within a short distance from the mainland.
Tulum[SEE MAP]
The renowned Tulum Mayan ruins cast a historical aura over this beach, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. However, the beach itself has garnered its own reputation for its expansive sandy shores. Nestled at the southern tip of the Riviera Maya, Tulum beach boasts immaculate white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering the idyllic beach getaway that one envisions on a wintry day. Positioned approximately two hours south of Cancun, this area is home to excellent beachfront hotels where visitors can unwind and bask in the beauty of the beaches.
Playa de Akumal[SEE MAP]
This incredible snorkeling area close to Playa Del Carmen features a coral reef that extends from 20 to 300 feet away from the shore, providing breathtaking views suitable for swimmers of all skill levels. Turtles, tropical fish, and various other marine creatures are frequently spotted in this region, while the water remains tranquil and secure, making it an ideal spot for young snorkelers to revel in. Moreover, if snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, the pristine white sand and waveless water create a serene environment perfect for swimming and unwinding.
Bahia Balandra[SEE MAP]
This beach in the Baja region of La Paz is widely regarded as the top choice for families. Its main attraction is the stunning rock formation known as Diamond rock. Bahia Balandra offers a unique combination of sandy shores and exquisite wind and water-carved rock formations.
The beach is well-protected from various directions, making it a safe spot for swimming. Moreover, the water here warms up quickly due to its shallow depth, despite the cool temperatures of the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other nearby beaches, Bahia Balandra is not as crowded, mainly because there are no amenities directly on the beach.
Playa del Carmen[SEE MAP]
For those seeking tranquility, the beach in this area is truly delightful. The sand is pristine and the water remains serene, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Despite being frequently crowded with European tourists, Playa del Carmen manages to retain its quaint charm reminiscent of its humble origins as a fishing village.
This destination offers a blend of expansive resorts and cozy hotels, attracting visitors from cruise ships. Additionally, it provides convenient access to Cozumel and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef through easily accessible boat rides. This makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to explore other ports while still indulging in the finest Mexican beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm hospitality.
