Find the most amazing beaches of Mexico here for sunbathing on the sand and splashing in the waves. Below are the best beaches in Mexico to consider for your next beach travel destination. Taken into consideration are factors such as scenery, water clarity, crowd congestion and nearby amenities. I’ve come up with the best beaches from the Yucatán to Baja del Sur. Let me know which beach you will want to drop your towel and flip flops on!
Playa del Amor, Baja California Sur
Playa del Amor, Baja California SurThis famous stretch of golden sand lies on a small peninsula southeast of Cabo’s downtown and is easily reached by water taxi from the marina. While the waves here are very gentle and the sand is sun-baked, keep in mind that you should only swim on this side of the peninsula. (The opposite side, often referred to as “Divorce Beach,” is known for its choppy, rough surf and strong undercurrent. Playa del Amor changes in size throughout the year due to tides and was reduced considerably following Hurricane Odile, but it´s the location and contrasts that make this spot special.
Playa Sisal, Yucatan
Playa Sisal, YucatanWith its famous mix of resorts, nightlife, and historical sites, the state of Quintana Roo has long drawn the lion’s share of visitors to Mexico. For travelers in search of something more understated, however, the neighboring state of Yucatán offers a worthwhile alternative. While less-visited than Cancún or Riviera Maya, Yucatán has spectacular beaches with powder-soft sands and calm waters. Just an hour’s drive northwest from the state capital, Mérida, Playa Sisal has bone-white sand, crystal clear water, and a quiet charm all its own — don’t expect more than a few beachside palapas and quaint al fresco seafood restaurants.
Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca
Playa Carrizalillo, OaxacaA longtime favorite for locals, it sits at the bottom of more than 160 steps. Those who make the trip down are rewarded with turquoise-colored water and a crescent-shaped beach ringed by swaying palm trees. This is also a beach that is beloved by beginner surfers, and locals are always on hand to book a quick lesson. Beyond that, you’ll find a row of laid-back, barefoot casual beach shacks and snack bars.
Playa Delfines, Quintana Roo
Playa Delfines, Quintana RooCancún’s Playa Delfines is visited by locals and visitors alike for its wide stretch of powdery sand, electric blue water, and relatively quiet atmosphere. It’s the only beach in the Hotel Zone without a high-rise hotel looming over it and also happens to be one of the rare surfing spots along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The vibe here is just different—it truly feels like a local beach in one of the most touristy spots in the world. If you’re not staying in an oceanfront hotel in Cancun, Playa Delfines is where you’ll want to go to enjoy those iconic blue waters and white sands.
Playa Mayto, Jalisco
Playa Mayto, JaliscoThis secluded stretch is a roughly two-hour drive south from Puerto Vallarta, on the coast of Cabo Corrientes. To reach the beach, travelers must brave a dusty road that branches off from federal highway 200 in the small town of El Tuito. Once you get there, you’ll find nearly seven miles of relatively untouched sand, a handful of hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the beach, and most notably, one of Jalisco’s largest sea turtle protection camps, which has been leading research and conservation projects in the area.
Playa Troncones, Guerrero
Playa Troncones, GuerreroPlaya Troncone is about as low profile as it gets, usually occupied by surfers looking to ride some of the best waves off the southern Pacific coast. But this quiet town is home to one of the best beaches in Mexico. Visitors here are rewarded with a three-mile stretch of pristine golden sand, cobalt-colored waves, and that laid-back lifestyle that attracted them to Mexico in the first place.
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Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur
Playa Balandra, Baja California SurAbout a half-hour drive north of La Paz, is Playa Balandra. Its simply jaw-dropping, and far off the tourist trail. This postcard-perfect crescent of sand overlooks a bay masquerading as a lagoon, with calm, turquoise waters gently lapping against the sugary shores. If you want to explore marine life, this is the destination for you. The Sea of Cortez is one of the most magnificent snorkeling spots in the world, and Playa Balandra is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some amazing creatures.
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Puerto Progreso, Yucatan
Puerto Progreso, YucatanWhile checking out the historic city of Mérida, you ought to take in some time to head north and check out the beach town of Progreso. Here, cruise passengers disembark onto the world’s longest shipping pier — an astounding four miles — before exploring the shops, snack bars, and restaurants that line the Malécon, the town’s beachfront promenade. Kick off your sandals and tuck into some fresh ceviche under one of the palapas on the beach while enjoying views of the Gulf of Mexico — and perhaps a pink flamingo or two.
Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Playa Mujeres, Quintana RooUp until a few years ago, Playa Mujeres had a collection of hotels that you could count on one hand. This area, just north of Cancún’s Hotel Zone, was a bit of a secret spot, beloved for its fine white sand and relative seclusion away from more raucous sections of the city. While the scene has certainly changed as more and more hotels have opened, the beach’s original charm and beauty remain. You can still find peace and tranquillity with your special someone the couples-only resorts here.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Isla Holbox, Quintana RooIsla Holbox is located just off the northern coast of Quintana Roo in the Gulf of Mexico. Once a must on the backpacker trail, the island has recently become a hotbed of Boho luxury. This dressed-down beach destination begs for bare feet and cold beer. Bring your yoga mat (and plenty of bug repellent) and listen to the faint sound of steel drums from Raíces, a seafood restaurant dishing out serious Caribbean vibes.
Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo
Playa Maroma, Quintana RooAsk anyone about the best beaches in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Playa Maroma would definitely be onthe list. This exclusive stretch is occupied by a few select hotels, whose guests enjoy the pearly white sand and calm, brilliant blue water. This is also the only place in Mexico where you can find a hotel with over-water bungalows.
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Playa El Medano, Baja California Sur
Playa El Medano, Baja California SurWhile many Los Cabos beaches are not safe for swimming, Medano Beach is one of the few that are. In fact, this is the main beach in Cabo San Lucas, as it’s two-and-a-half miles long and has some of the gentler waves in this part of the Baja. It also happens to be one of the more popular beaches, so you may have to compete for space at the bars and restaurants that line the beach. It’s for good reason, as this is the place to be. The energy here is palpable, and you’re never far from a frosty cocktail or five-star resort.
Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca
Playa Tangolunda, OaxacaHuatulco, located in southern Oaxaca, is know for its nine picturesque bays, and the many beaches and gorgeous sunset views that go along with them. Most of the beaches here are in protected areas, so they’re free of development. At Playa Tangolunda, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty, as well as opportunities for sailing, and scuba diving, luxury resorts, an 18-hole golf course, and plenty of shopping and dining in the neighboring town of La Crucecita.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana RooA UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a protected area of 1.3 million acres just south of Tulum. Here, you’ll find undeveloped, white-sand beaches, swaying palms, thick mangrove forests, and beautiful crystal clear waters. Pack your camera — this is where you’ll see some of the best wildlife in the Mexican Caribbean, including dolphins, whales, spider monkeys, jaguars, and ocelots, among other creatures.
This website is amazing!!! Great info and straight to the point. I went to Mexico in 2010 and stayed in Riviera Maya, an absolutely stunning place and I want to go back. The last time I went it was mid august and was extremely hot, a little to hot. When would be a cooler time to go and obvs not in hurricane season?
Hi Anthony, November and December are probably the best months to go. It will not be nearly as hot as August, and not rainy neither. This is really the best time of the year for travel to Mazatlán. Thank you for taking the time to leave me some comments. Glad you enjoyed visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
I love your website. It is very informative, yet straight to the point. I was actually going to go this afternoon to see a travel agent about booking a trip to Riveria Maya for my 40th Birthday in February, but you mentioned here that January through March are the busiest months? I didn’t know that. Do you think it is too busy, and I should reconsider?
A few years ago I accidentally went on a Mexico/Caribbean cruise during spring break. I still had a good time, but I never would do it again. We couldn’t even get in any of the pools it was so overrun with 18-22 year olds. They were all drunk and crazy, one girl even fell down the stairs and broke her leg really bad. It was wild.
I know the feeling. I planned a trip to South Padre Island in Texas during Spring Break. I will never travel to a destination again during Spring Break that is popular for spring breakers. As you say, you cannot use any of the facilities because everything is overrun by drinking college students. No fun at all! Thanks for visiting!
Hi Leahrae –
I really appreciate this post! My girlfriend and I are going to be riding motorcycles through Latin America so having this as a road map will be work for us. I SCUBA dive and she loves to hang out on the beach. We are planning on doing an extensive trip, so this is a great review of the different beaches, and it will be of great use for sure! We are really looking forward to staying in Cabo San Lucas. My girlfriend would also like to see the whales. When is the best time of the year to experience this?
Wow, you will have a blast for sure. I have been many times to Cabo, about 15 lol, and I have seen the whales. They are quite a site to experience and the best time is going to be around the middle of November to the end of November. Please let me know if you have any other questions, and thank you for visiting!
can i ask a question i need because i was assign to report about the country of mexico what is the tourist policy need to avoid please..cristianreymucho@gmail.com send the answer to my email
Hi Cristian,
What kind of information on Mexico beaches are you looking for? I would love to help you. You can email me as well at Leahrae@beachtraveldestinations.com
Thanks for all the info, looking to go to riviera maya this year normally we go to the dominican republic.It’s great to here its popular and safe is there much for kids?
Oh yes, eco parks, ruins, zoos, beach activities, and tours that are kid friendly as well. They would have a blast!
Hello, Leahrae!
Mexico is on my travel list, and you have done more than a superb job reviewing the most beautiful & famous beaches! I find helpful that you posted links to the trusted sites like “hotels.com” or “priceline.com” for planning a successful vacation.
In the past, I used others websites for scheduling my holidays, but I will use now your recommendations, thanks for the tips!
You are welcome Cristina. Really it is best to only book with the trusted sites….from lots of experience 🙂
This is more of a ‘to-do list’ than reviews i’d love to visit all these places! Never been abroad yet but finally getting some money together and after reading this i’m thinking cancun 😀 or akumal! ahh so many great options!! got a heatwave here in the UK ATM so after reading all this i want to be on one of those beaches even more!
Yes, I’m with you. They are sort of my bucket list LOL. I have been to many of the beaches I have reviewed, but there are those I have not been to….but looking forward to going to. Thanks for reading and commenting Kyle!
Oh wow, I live on the sunny island of Barbados but now i’m thinking of going to mexico on my next vacation. We don’t have private beaches here on our island as we have a great culture and respect towards tourist but I want to go to mexico now lol.
Wow, is right. How nice to live on the island of Barbados! You are lucky! But, Mexico is a great beach destination. I have been many, many times 🙂
Hi Leahrae, wow! What a detailed article. Akumal sounded like the beach resort for us as it seemed the most secluded. We live in Sunny South Africa and our beaches are also magnificent.
We’ve been spoilt in the last few years, with the privilege of living on a golf estate with access to an almost private beach. It’s like a slice of heaven. Now I can’t imagine enjoying a crowded beach again.
Have you ever visited South Africa? If so, how do you feel our beaches compare?
No, I have not and did not know actually about the beaches in South Africa. I have been to the Canary Island of the coast of Africa and I found the beaches there amazing! So, I am betting yours are the same. Wow, to live close to an almost private beach…yes I do believe that would be like a slice of heaven 😀
Beautiful photographs of Mexico- I never realized Mexico has such beautiful beaches and scenery before reading your article and coming on your website. It is also very reassuring to know it is safe to go to these places in Mexico- it is quite scary how people are becoming missing in some places today on vacations.
Thank you for a very informative and interesting article- have you yourself ever been to Mexico?
Thank you so much for your kind comments. And, yes I have probably been to Mexico at least 15 times. After all, I do love beaches!! Thanks for visiting!!
Hello:
I love going to the beaches in Mexico… I used to go to Puerto Vallarta every winter. I have also been to Mazatlan, Cancun and Cozumel.
This is a great site to visit if you are wanting to travel to one of these destinations or if you want to research the best places to go.
I also like the layout of your site. Nice pics and great articles.
Thanks for sharing and I will remember your site the next time I am wanting to go to a beach in Mexico.
Dan
Thanks for reading Dan…I love the beaches as well! …as if anyone could not tell 🙂
Thanks for the article! I always like going on a pleasant vacation to the beach, because its relaxing waves always calm my nerves.
I really liked the way you ranked the beaches and explained why they’re ranked the way they are. This way, it sounds less like an opinion and more of an explanation.
I’ll keep this article in mind next time I go out this summer!
Thank you Mate for visiting!
Wow! Great post as always, Leahrae! It is amazing how many great beaches we can visit in Mexico! Gorgeous photos, clean beautiful waters! They all look like amazing destinations to visit but I think I would unfortunately worry about the safety of getting to these places and staying there.
Your safety of course would be first priority, and these resort towns have went to great lengths to make them safe as to not hurt the tourism there. Same with cruise ships…..they want to make sure the ports are safe. If you stay in resort towns, there are no worries. I have been many times, more than 10, to Mexico with my son and we have had no issues. Thanks for the great comments 🙂
Aloha!
I am so impressed with your site. My is so green compared to yours. I love the way your page just continues instead of separate pages. I love your pictures WOW!!! I wouldn’t change a thing. Lots of luck with it. If you can give me any I mean ANY advise I sure would appreciate it.
Mahalo.
Sharon
Thank you Sharon and you bet I will. Kind of a busy day today, but I promise to look at your site and give you some input. Thank you for the praise. This a passion of mine, so it’s fun and easy 🙂
Hi Leahrae!
I love your website!
This an awesome post! I have never been to Mexico, but your post makes me want to plan a trip!
My favorite place that I have visited is the Florida Keys. What part of Mexico is most like the Keys, with a coral reef and great fishing and diving?
Thanks,
John
Hands down John head to Cabo. I have been deep-sea fishing for Marlin and Tuna several times and always have a blast. There are also some amazing places to snorkel and to go diving. I’m not a big partier, but Cabo has a mixture of both…..tranquil for those who want that and then the party seen for those who want that. There is something for everyone in Cabo. Thanks for your kind comments 🙂
I really do appreciate you giving the information on whether Mexico is safe. I reside in Australia and all we ever hear is terrible stories about Mexico and it has stopped me from travelling there. However since reading your post my fear has been removed and I want to visit every beach that you mentioned!
Yes, Amber. It is only not safe in “mainland” Mexico. All the resort towns are safe. It would not be safe to drive, say from California down to the Baja. I’ve been numerous times with my son without incident. 🙂