The 16 Finest Beaches in Mexico

With coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean and seemingly endless stretches of sand, compiling a list of Mexico's best beaches is no easy feat. The variety of shoreline experiences—from riding the waves in Puerto Escondido to unwinding in the azure waters of Puerto Vallarta—ensures that there's an exotic beach perfect for anyone wanting to feel the sand between their toes.

On the Pacific Coast, popular local favorites in Mexico feature cozy coves adorned with fresh fish taco stalls. Searching for the top beaches in Cancun? Venture to the Caribbean, where calm, turquoise waters await, perfect for snorkeling, fishing, and boating. Explore the area’s rich history, Mayan ruins, delightful cuisine, and beachfront accommodations. The best beaches in Mexico also include secluded spots in Baja California, where you can embrace the beach bum lifestyle in a camper van and occasionally spot a gray whale.

At Dinogo Planet, we cherish every type of beach day, so we’ve curated a list of the very best, whether you prefer to escape the crowds, seek adventure, or dive into the festivities.

Bahía Concepción

This series of secluded coves south of Mulegé in Baja California Sur boasts some of the most breathtaking coastline in Baja, if not all of Mexico. Bahía Concepción attracts adventurous road trippers who often linger for weeks. The milky blue-green waters, unique rock formations, and diverse marine life make it a prime destination for kayakers, while the sheltered coves offer excellent swimming conditions.

Numerous budget-friendly waterfront camping spots are scattered throughout the coves, and we suggest setting up camp before sunset if you plan to stay for a while.

If you're seeking a truly remote getaway but require accommodations, consider Todos Santos Eco Adventures (TOSEA). They offer three glamping options nestled away so discreetly that you might forget the outside world. Camp Cecil de la Isla is situated in a protected cove on Espiritu Santo, featuring luxurious glamping tents, an exceptional chef, and endless opportunities for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. You can even swim with sea lions—an unforgettable experience—while learning about the island’s ecology from a certified naturalist and guide.

You can relax knowing that TOSEA is dedicated to creating sustainable experiences for its guests. Collaborating with naturalists, conservationists, and local residents of Baja California, they have successfully reduced plastic pollution in Todos Santos while offering a glamping experience where the principle of 'leave no trace' is strictly followed.

Tulum

While Mexico boasts numerous tourist beaches, each with its own appeal, Tulum stands out as our favorite. Many visitors bike or stroll the 3-mile (4 km) paved path from downtown to the beach, including Playa Paraiso, which is among the finest beaches in Tulum. With its stunning coastline featuring powdery sands, vibrant blue waters, and gentle breezes, it ranks as one of the best beaches in Mexico. And where else can you enjoy all this alongside a breathtakingly situated Mayan Ruin?

Relax in lush accommodations and enjoy meals at chic restaurants with Instagram-worthy views, particularly along the sandy stretch known as Playa Paraiso. There are also numerous activities available if you decide to leave your rented lounge chair for the day.

You can opt to stay near the beach, where prices may be higher, but for those on a budget, there are hotels close to the old town. For our preference, we recommend the eco-friendly La Posada del Sol near the beach. A hot tip – visit Taquería Honorio for the best traditional cochinita pibil, a mouthwatering roasted pork dish in a rich marinade.

Playa Salchi

Oaxaca’s stunning Pacific coast boasts a variety of laid-back beach destinations and an almost deserted shoreline featuring long stretches of golden sand and lagoons teeming with wildlife. Playa Salchi, situated between the western edge of Parque Nacional Huatulco and Puerto Ángel, showcases some of Oaxaca's most precious coastline.

While the main beach can have rough waters, there are several nearby beaches that are safe for swimming. The town of Huatulco, developed in the late 1980s with an ecological focus, offers over 100 dive sites and 45 hectares of coral reefs, making it an ideal low-key getaway for underwater enthusiasts. Dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales frequently traverse this coastline.

For the best tours, visit Huatulco Salvaje, a team of certified local guides. Many belong to families displaced by the establishment of Parque Nacional Huatulco in the 1990s and are well-versed in nature tours.

Yelapa 

While Puerto Vallarta lost some appeal as Cancún gained popularity, this alluring coastal city stretches around the stunning blue Bahía de Banderas, flanked by lush palm-covered mountains. Known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous LGBT-friendly venues, it has emerged as the gay beach capital of Mexico.

The top beach near Puerto Vallarta is Yelapa. Located the furthest south from town, it nestles into a secluded, cherished bay. The small fishing community operates off the pier, and although it can get busy with day-trippers, it quiets down in the afternoons, offering several cozy accommodations for those seeking peaceful evenings. 

Playa Las Islitas

Riviera Nayarit has become a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Punta Mita and Sayulita are delightful surf towns featuring crystal-clear aquamarine waters, pristine white sands, delicious food, and plenty of wildlife adventures in the breathtaking jungle mountains. For a more tranquil experience, visit the sleepy charm of San Blas. 

The beaches here, including Playa Los Cocos, Playa Miramar, and our top pick, Playa Las Islitas, are well-known for surfing. They offer palapas for lounging while sipping fresh coconut water. Playa Las Islitas boasts gentle waves, making it ideal for beginner swimmers. 

If you’re after serious surf, check out Troncones, where world-class waves have drawn ex-pats in recent years. The area also offers excellent mountain biking in the hills, along with day trips to see petroglyphs in nearby caves and a local hot spring for soothing tired surfer muscles.

El Cielo

Cozumel is Mexico's top location for diving and snorkeling, thanks to its globally renowned reefs. The astonishing diversity of marine life is visible year-round, featuring spotted eagle rays, moray eels, groupers, barracudas, turtles, sharks, brain coral, and large sponges. 

The beach at El Cielo truly lives up to its heavenly name, offering shallow turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming alongside starfish, stingrays, and vibrant small fish. Accessible only by boat, numerous tour operators can take you on the short half-mile journey from Cozumel. Consider booking a trip with Aldora Divers, one of the finest dive shops on the island. They will navigate to the windward side during inclement weather on the western side and offer full-day excursions to caves where sleeping sharks reside. The best diving conditions are typically found in September and October.

Laguna Bacalar

Stretching over 60km with a base of sparkling white sand, the crystal-clear Laguna Bacalar provides ample opportunities for camping, swimming, kayaking, and simply relaxing in a mesmerizing blend of blues, greens, and shimmering whites — it's like stepping into a picture-perfect dreamscape. 

This quaint, tranquil town offers just enough tourism to provide activities and dining options, but honestly, the real allure is the chance to immerse yourself in its stunning natural beauty. 

To fulfill your cabana-over-turquoise-water fantasies, visit Rancho Encantado. A day here means waking up to breakfast by the lagoon, kayaking or swimming in calm, clear waters, followed by a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi.

Playa Los Algodones

Located near the hidden beach gem of San Carlos in Sonora, Playa Los Algodones is arguably the most stunning beach in northern Mexico. With its fine white sand, tranquil blue waters, and a backdrop of striking mountains, it’s a true paradise.

The laid-back San Carlos is dominated by the impressive twin peaks of Cerro Tetakawi, which radiate a beautiful reddish hue at sunset. While lounging on the beach is popular, visitors can also enjoy kayaking, mountain hikes, and horseback riding through the desert.

Northern Mexico often flies under the radar for travelers with foreign passports, yet it can get busy with weekend visitors from nearby Hermosillo. Nonetheless, Sonora attracts far fewer tourists, particularly from abroad, despite its breathtaking beauty and numerous attractions.

Playa Zipolite

The beach at Zipolite stretches a remarkable 1.5 kilometers, offering powerful waves. It's renowned for its nudist culture, so you’ll frequently see people swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the shoreline without clothes, particularly in the western coves and at Playa del Amor.

Zipolite town features a relaxed atmosphere with palapas, beach shacks, and rustic boutique hotels. As the largest of the three coastal towns west of Puerto Angel, it’s celebrated for surfing, a laid-back vibe, and a hint of bohemian charm.

The charm of Zipolite lies in its unstructured environment, making it the perfect spot for lounging and taking it easy. However, dining is essential, so be sure to visit La Providencia, an exceptional contemporary Mexican restaurant with a delightful open-air setting.

Puerto Escondido

Ahhh, Puerto Escondido. Is this the surfers' paradise? While many beaches claim to be the best for surfing, Playa Zicatela—with its kilometers of golden sand and powerful waves—frequently ranks among the top choices for wave riders. The Mexico Pipeline at the northern end is the epicenter of the action. For those eager to learn from the best, Playa Carrizalillo is the place to go.

This picturesque, sheltered cove just west of the center is a gem among Mexico’s beaches, perfect for hanging out, swimming, and embracing the surfer lifestyle. It’s particularly great for beginner surfers; book a lesson here, and you might just make a splash or two. Afterward, unwind at the laid-back palapa beach bars lining the shore.

The Rinconada area is becoming a culinary hotspot, while the beach bars in Zicatela offer lively dance parties for nighttime fun.

Playa del Caballo

Playa del Caballo lies next to Playa las Ánimas, a favored beach escape for locals from Puerto Vallarta, easily reached by water taxi.

The bustling shores of Playa las Ánimas feature rows of beach chairs and busy bars. However, a short stroll north along a path behind some quaint bungalows leads you to Playa del Caballo. This true paradise boasts electric blue waters and towering palm trees, making it feel like your own private haven, where playful crabs are your main companions on the shore.

Playa Delfines

If you ask any local for the top beach in Cancún, Playa Delfines will surely be mentioned. Located just south of the Zona Hotelera and across from Cancún's key archaeological site – El Rey – Playa Delfines is one of the few beaches in the area that isn’t overshadowed by large resorts.

While this beach is very popular, there's ample soft sand for everyone to enjoy. Known as one of Cancún's rare surfing spots, you can bring your board or simply splash in the waves. It offers plenty of parking, public restrooms, lifeguards, free thatch-roofed palapas, and even a playground, making it perfect for families. Don’t miss the delicious churros and mango-on-a-stick from local vendors.

Playa Mujeres

Once a hidden gem, Playa Mujeres has been discovered by visitors to Cancún, located north of the Zona Hotelera. It features several adults-only resorts and the Playa Mujeres Golf Club, attracting a mature and affluent crowd seeking relaxation. The area remains tranquil and less frequented, with no loud beach clubs or large mega-resorts, just chic boutique hotels and miles of untouched sand.

Holbox

Nestled on Holbox Island, just north of the Yucatán Peninsula within the Yum Balam nature reserve, Holbox beach (hol-bosh) is celebrated for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant Caribbean architecture.

Translating to “black hole” in Mayan, several areas around Holbox are great for exploration, including Bird Island (Isla Pájaros), Passion Island (Isla Pasión), and the Yalahau freshwater spring.

Playa Norte

Located ten miles off the Cancún coast, Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is renowned for being home to the largest population of whale sharks in the world.

In contrast to Cancún, Playa Norte is much more tranquil, with both locals and visitors utilizing golf carts, bicycles, and scooters to navigate the beach and island. Once you set foot on Playa Norte, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Melaque

Melaque, Jalisco is a quintessential Mexican beach town where doors are left open to welcome cool breezes, and local shops brim with tropical fruits, glass bottle sodas, and portable coolers filled with freshly made tortillas.

Just a short walk from the charming cobblestone streets lies a five-mile bay lined with whitewashed buildings and swaying palm trees. The surf draws in boogie boarders, while the sandy shores remain blissfully quiet for most of the year. It’s a favored nesting site for sea turtles, and snorkeling and fishing are popular activities nearby. For beachfront dining, there’s a cluster of thatched-roof eateries on the north side of the bay serving freshly caught fish by the kilo, fried whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which region of Mexico boasts the finest beaches?

With a variety of beaches catering to all preferences—from secluded islands to romantic bays and family-friendly resorts—it's challenging to pinpoint a single area with the best beaches in Mexico. However, many find themselves drawn to the soft, sugar-white sands and stunning blue waters of the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo.

Which beach in Mexico boasts the clearest waters?

Mexico's extensive coastline features countless beaches with stunningly clear, turquoise waters. If we had to select the top three for exceptional water clarity, they would be Tulum, Playa Norte, and Isla Mujeres.

What is the safest beach destination in Mexico?

While there is no official safety rating for Mexico's beaches, the US State Department currently has no travel advisories for Puerto Vallarta. Mexico's coastlines offer numerous safe destinations. As with any travel, it’s wise to use common sense, remain aware of your surroundings, and steer clear of risky activities.

What is the most desirable area in Mexico for a vacation?

Whether it’s discovering jungle wildlife, climbing ancient Mayan ruins, wandering along secluded sandy paths, or diving into vibrant cultures and crafts, Mexico offers a myriad of vacation destinations to fulfill everyone’s ideal getaway.

Which coast offers a better experience in Mexico?

Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, along with the Sea of Cortez, boast enchanting beach destinations filled with diverse activities on land and in the sea. Your choice depends on your preferences. For amazing snorkeling and diving alongside stunning beaches, many opt for the Caribbean, while the cooler waters and beautiful sands of the Pacific attract a loyal following. Each coast also provides chances to explore charming towns that embody Mexico’s rich history and culture.

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