Mexico, with its endless stretches of coastline, turquoise waters, and warm sunshine, is a haven for beach lovers around the world. From the tranquil Pacific beaches to the vibrant Caribbean shores, the country is home to some of the most stunning and diverse beach destinations.
In this guide, we explore 12 of the most spectacular beaches in Mexico, providing essential details to help you plan your perfect beach getaway.
1. Playa del Carmen
Nestled along the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen blends the best of tropical beach life with cosmopolitan flair. Its wide, sandy coastline and calm Caribbean waters invite travelers to relax by day and party by night.
The beach is lined with stylish resorts, beach clubs, and palm trees swaying in sync with the ocean breeze.
- Address: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- How to Reach: Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), then drive or take an ADO bus/taxi about 1 hour south.
- Things to Do: Snorkeling, scuba diving, beach clubs, shopping
- Places to eat: Alux, El Fogón, La Cueva del Chango
- Places to stay: Mahekal Beach Resort, The Reef 28
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2. Tulum Beach
Tulum Beach is a vision of natural serenity fused with bohemian elegance. Framed by palm trees and dotted with rustic-chic hotels and eco-resorts, the beach is perfect for disconnecting from the rush of daily life.
Its turquoise waters lap against soft sands beneath the gaze of ancient Mayan ruins perched on the cliffs above.
- Address: Tulum, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- How to Reach: Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) and drive/take a bus south (~2 hours).
- Things to Do: Yoga, beach lounging, cenote tours
- Places to eat: Raw Love, Hartwood, Taqueria Honorio
- Places to stay: Ahau Tulum, Be Tulum
3. Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)
Playa Norte, on Isla Mujeres, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world—and with good reason.
Unlike its bustling neighbor, Cancun, Playa Norte moves at a leisurely pace. Palapa-shaded bars, hammocks, and unforgettable sunsets make it a dreamy getaway just a short ferry ride away.
- Address: Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: December to May
- How to Reach: Fly to Cancún, then take a taxi to Puerto Juárez and board a 20-minute ferry to Isla Mujeres.
- Things to Do: Swimming, kayaking, sunset watching
- Places to eat: Mango Café, Mar-Bella Fish Market
- Places to stay: Ixchel Beach Hotel, Privilege Aluxes
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4. Playa Balandra
A hidden gem in Baja California Sur, Playa Balandra looks like a desert mirage. Its shallow, lagoon-like waters are so calm and clear they resemble a giant natural pool.
The beach is surrounded by ochre-colored hills and salt flats, creating a spectacular contrast against the turquoise sea. Ideal for paddleboarding and wading, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Mexico.
- Address: La Paz, Baja California Sur
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
- Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists)
- How to Reach: Fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP), then drive or taxi 30 minutes north to Balandra.
- Things to Do: Paddleboarding, hiking, photography
- Places to eat: Bismarkcito, Harker Board Co.
- Places to stay: Hotel Catedral, Costa Baja Resort
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5. Puerto Escondido (Zicatela Beach)
Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido is legendary among surfers for its massive waves and thrilling surf breaks. Known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” it’s the perfect place to ride the Pacific swells or just watch the experts in awe.
The beach town itself is laid-back and artsy, attracting bohemian travelers, backpackers, and those seeking a vibrant mix of culture and surf.
- Address: Oaxaca, Pacific Coast
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: December to April
- How to Reach: Fly into Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) or take a flight to Oaxaca City and a long bus/taxi ride (7-10 hours).
- Things to Do: Surfing, yoga, nightlife
- Places to eat: Almoraduz, El Cafecito, Fish Shack
- Places to stay: Hotel Santa Fe, Selina Puerto Escondido
6. Playa Akumal
Famous for its friendly sea turtles, Playa Akumal offers one of the most magical underwater experiences in Mexico. The name “Akumal” means “place of the turtles” in Mayan, and this beach lives up to it.
- Address: Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Quintana Roo
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Best Time to Visit: December to May
- How to Reach: Fly to Cancún, drive 1.5 hours south, or take a collectivo/bus from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
- Things to Do: Snorkeling, swimming with turtles
- Places to eat: Turtle Bay Café, La Buena Vida
- Places to stay: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort,Secrets Akumal
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7. Playa Maroma
If you’re searching for serenity and sophistication, Playa Maroma delivers. Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, it boasts powder-soft sand and uncrowded waters.
- Address: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours (access through hotels or beach clubs)
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (sunny skies and low humidity)
- How to Reach: Fly into Cancún, then take a 40-minute drive south to the beach through a resort or club entrance.
- Things to Do: Jet skiing, snorkeling, horseback riding
- Places to eat:Papito’s
- Places to stay: El Dorado Maroma, Secrets Maroma Beach
8. Playa Las Animas
Accessible only by boat, Playa Las Animas offers an adventure before you even hit the sand. Departing from Puerto Vallarta, the boat ride takes you past jungle-covered mountains and into a hidden bay.
- Address: South of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
- Timings: Daylight hours
- How to Reach: From Puerto Vallarta, take a taxi or bus to Boca de Tomatlán, then a water taxi (~20 minutes) to Playa Las Animas.
- Things to Do: Banana boat rides, snorkeling, lounging
- Places to eat: Restaurante La Troza, El Coral
- Places to stay: Hotel Mousai, Garza Blanca Preserve
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9. Playa Holbox
Playa Holbox is where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This peaceful island beach is known for its soft sands, shallow turquoise waters, and glowing bioluminescence at night.
With hammocks suspended over the sea and flamingos strolling nearby, Holbox feels like a secret escape into paradise.
- Address: Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: March to June (for bioluminescence); Whale shark season: June to September
- How to Reach: Fly into Cancún, drive/bus 2–3 hours to Chiquilá, then take a 20-minute ferry to Holbox.
- Things to Do: Kayaking, bioluminescence tours, hammock lounging
- Places to eat: Luuma, Viva Zapata
- Places to stay: Casa Las Tortugas, Villas Flamingos
10. Playa Sayulita
Colorful, creative, and full of life, Sayulita is a beach with soul. Surfers flock to its consistent waves, while its eclectic streets offer artisan shops, yoga studios, and vibrant nightlife.
- Address: Nayarit, Pacific Coast
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (sunny and dry with great surf conditions)
- How to Reach: Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), then take a 1-hour drive north to Sayulita via bus, rental car, or taxi.
- Things to Do: Surfing, paddleboarding, artisan markets
- Places to eat: La Rustica, Mary’s, Don Pedro’s
- Nearby Hotels:Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas, Petit Hotel Hafa
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11. Playa Carrizalillo
Carrizalillo is a postcard-perfect beach tucked into a small cove and accessible via a steep staircase.
This beach is ideal for beginner surfers and swimmers, with gentle waves and a protected bay. It’s less crowded and exudes an intimate, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
- Address: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (ideal for swimming and less rain)
- How to Reach: Fly directly to Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM). Carrizalillo is just a short 10-minute drive or taxi ride away.
- Things to Do: Swimming, beginner surf lessons, sunbathing
- Places to eat: Espadín, Café del Mar
- Places to stay: Villas Carrizalillo, Hotel Paraiso Escondido
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12. Playa Mujeres
One of the most sophisticated and secluded beaches in Mexico, Playa Mujeres lies just north of Cancun yet feels worlds away. With wide, white beaches and a backdrop of luxury all-inclusive resorts, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxing retreat.
Visitors come here to unwind in serenity, tee off at beachfront golf courses, and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views.
- Address: North of Cancun, Quintana Roo
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Best Time to Visit: December to April (cooler, dry weather is perfect for luxury retreats)
- How to Reach: Fly into Cancún, then take a 30-minute drive north to the Playa Mujeres resort zone.
- Things to Do: Golfing, sunbathing, snorkeling
- Places to eat: Flamingos Seafood Kitchen, The Grill
- Places to stay: Atelier Playa Mujeres, Finest Playa Mujeres
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Tips for Visiting Beaches in Mexico
- Always wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and coral reefs.
- Bring cash (pesos) for beach clubs, food stands, or boat rides, as not all places accept cards.
- Watch out for red flags on the beach; they signal dangerous swimming conditions.
- Avoid swimming in isolated or unsupervised areas, especially during rough tides.
- Keep an eye on your belongings; don’t leave valuables unattended on the sand.
- Stay hydrated and wear a hat or rash guard to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
- Be respectful of wildlife – avoid touching sea turtles, fish, or coral.
- Don’t remove shells or natural souvenirs from beaches, especially in protected areas.
- Tipping (10–15%) is customary at beachside restaurants, bars, and for services.
- Many beaches have limited shade, so consider bringing a portable umbrella or beach tent.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit beaches in Mexico?
The best time is between November and April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. Avoid hurricane season (June to October) for Caribbean beaches.
2. Are Mexican beaches safe for tourists?
Yes, most beaches are safe, especially in popular tourist zones. Always check local advisories and stay aware of surroundings.
3. Do I need to speak Spanish to visit these beaches?
While basic Spanish helps, most tourist areas have English-speaking staff at hotels, restaurants, and beach resorts.
4. Are there beaches in Mexico that are good for families with kids?
Yes! Playa Norte, Playa Balandra, and Playa Akumal are great family-friendly options with calm waters and safe surroundings.
5. What should I pack for a beach trip to Mexico?
Essentials include sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, insect repellent, water shoes (for rocky areas), and lightweight clothing.
6. Can I camp on beaches in Mexico?
Some beaches in Mexico allow camping (like certain parts of Baja California), but always check regulations. It’s safer and more comfortable to camp in designated areas.
