Make a splash with your family and friends on the best beaches in Mexico. With beaches bordering both the calm Caribbean Sea and the powerful Pacific Ocean, you’ll be able to decide whether you want a gentle paddle or a surfing extravaganza. Offering ideal conditions for swimmers of all levels, a beach holiday in Mexico is as fun for young children as it is for watersports fans. Read on to see our top tips for beaches in this beautiful country.
Best beaches in Mexico: Yucatan Peninsula
One of the most iconic parts of the Mexican coastline, the Yucatan Peninsula doesn’t disappoint. Ideal for families with kids, these beaches tend to offer shallow and calm waters.
Tulum, Riviera Maya
If you’re after a beach holiday in Mexico, then Tulum should be high up on your list. Around a 2-hour drive from Cancun, this white-sand beach is ideal for families, friends, and romantics. Boasting crystal-clear waters, it’s backed by a jungle containing 13th-century Mayan ruins. Sports lovers will also be able to get their fix, with kitesurfing being a popular activity along the coast.
Akumal Beach, Riviera Maya
Another beach in Tulum is Akumal Beach, which also possesses beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. One of the advantages of this beach compared to others on the Riviera Maya is that it’s less touristy. This is the ideal beach to visit if you’re an animal lover too, as large sea turtles lay their eggs here. So, if you visit during the nesting season, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see a turtle floating around.
The beach itself is ideal for families, with the waters being calm for all levels of swimmer. In addition, there is a coral reef offshore, which is perfect for snorkellers and scuba divers. You can get to Akumal Beach in about 30 minutes by car from Tulum.
Cancun Beach, Riviera Maya
Cancun, Mexico, beaches are some of the most famous beaches in the country, with the golden sands stretching an impressive 14 miles. This beach is the perfect place to visit with a group of friends, as the city itself is very developed and known for its tourism and nightlife. This area of Mexico is also well known for its Mayan temples and ruins, so you can take a day trip to several historical sites with ease.
Back on the beach, you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Fans of water sports can make the most of the wide offering of activities available, whilst divers and snorkellers can check out the coral reef that’s just offshore. You can get to the beach easily on foot from the city of Cancun, making it convenient for families too.
Isla Holbox
If you’re after a vacation in Mexico that is quieter than other resorts in the Yucatan Peninsula, then you should check out Isla Holbox. Compared to its more famous neighboring islands, such as Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, this island is more low-key. Located around 3 hours north of Cancun, you can get a roughly 30-minute ferry from Chiquila to the island. There is also the possibility of taking a private flight, but this is more expensive.
This island’s beaches are the perfect place for travelers that are looking to get off the beaten track. There are deserted beaches across the island, which give you a selection of places to explore. On the north side, you’ll find a white coral beach, which offers particularly great windsurfing conditions. The sea is also calm and shallow on the southern part of the island, which makes great swimming conditions for all levels.
Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
One of the best beach resorts in Mexico is Playa del Carmen, which is located about a 1-hour drive from Cancun. It’s a popular place for tourists and locals, so you can expect it to be busy. With a lively town connected to the beach, it’s ideal for families, friends, and couples. The white, powdery sand and turquoise waters will help you feel like you’ve found your own corner of paradise.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
Another of the most popular Mexican island beaches is Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. You can reach the island by ferry in around 1 hour from Cancun. Considered one of the prettiest beaches in Mexico, the shallow turquoise water offers the perfect environment for young children to enjoy a swim. You will also be able to make the most of the coral reefs which surround the island, with scuba diving and snorkeling being popular activities.
If water sports aren’t your thing, then you can find a palm tree on the white sand and pitch up for the afternoon with a good book. Isla Mujeres is perfect for a day trip too, if you don’t want to spend any longer on the island. It caters well to tourists, with there being plenty of shops and restaurants in the main town.
Explore the best beaches in the Baja California Sur peninsula
On the Pacific Coast, the Baja California Sur peninsula offers a more rough and ready beach climate. Boasting amazing scenery and a range of water sports, this is the ideal area for those that want to make the most of the ocean.
Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas
On the Pacific Coast, there are also great beaches, with Playa del Amor being one of our favorites. Located around a 2h 30min drive south of La Paz, you’ll find it in the city of Cabo San Lucas. The topography of this part of Mexico is particularly impressive, with the desert spanning the width from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Cortez. There are also giant cacti and sublime sand dunes to boot, making for breathtaking scenery.
Whilst Playa del Amor is on the mainland, you can only reach it by water taxi. Another fascinating aspect of this beach is that it has openings to both the ocean and the sea, so you can either ride the waves of the Pacific or have a more gentle paddle in the sea. The iconic rock formation of El Arco is also visible from this beach, making it great for photographers. Playa del Amor has golden sands and is ideal for a range of groups, from families and friends to romantics and sports lovers.
Balandra Beach, La Paz
Located about a 35-minute drive north of Le Paz is Balandra Beach. It’s an ideal location for those that want to get off the beaten track, and the beach offers white sand and resembles a lagoon. The waters are shallow, so it’s the perfect place for families with young children to visit. Add to that superb snorkeling and diving in the nearby reef and you’ve got a beach for all occasions.
Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas
Another beach close to Cabo San Lucas is Medano Beach, which can be reached on foot in around 20 minutes. This beach boasts golden sands that stretch along the coast, which makes it great for walking. Whilst the currents can be strong in this region, there is a safe swimming area for those that want to enjoy a paddle.
One of the main attractions of this beach is the variety of water sports on offer. From banana boats to jet skis to boat hire, there’s something for everyone. The beach is also backed by a range of restaurants and bars, meaning you can settle in for the day.
Catch a wave with the best surf beach in Nayarit
Staying on the Pacific coastline, Nayarit beaches offer the perfect escape for surfers. A great place to learn as well as perfect your skills, it’s suitable for all.
Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit
If surfing is your sport, then Sayulita Beach is one of the best beaches in Mexico. Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, it’s around a 55-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta. This beach offers wide golden sands and is backed by the village of Sayulita. Beyond that, the Occidental Mountains are an impressive spectacle.
With a range of surfing schools located on the beach, it’s the perfect place to go if you are new to the sport too. There are plenty of restaurants and bars inside the village too, making it a great place to visit for a few days.
Check out the best beaches in Mexico: Oaxaca
For more surfing vibes, head to Oaxaca, where you can enjoy a range of great beaches. There’s also loads to do for non-surfers, making it the ideal location for groups of friends.
Puerto Escondido
Another of the best beaches in Mexico for surfing is Puerto Escondido, which is located on the Pacific coastline. You can get to the beach easily on foot from the town center, making it convenient for all. This beach boasts golden sands and rough and ready waters, so it’s only suitable for swimmers with experience. One of the best things about this area is that it’s not been overly developed, so it’s still relatively cheap.
With waves reaching 10 feet at times and annual surfing competitions being held, this is somewhat of a paradise for those that want to hone their surf skills. The town also offers some great food options at reasonable prices, so it’s well worth a visit.
Zipolite Beach
Another beach in Oaxaca State is Zipolite Beach, which is also known for its surfing. Set between two rocky headlands and backed by hills and trees, it makes for a great photo. The current on this beach can get quite strong, so only swim in the designated safe areas where the lifeguards are patrolling.
The beach is only a short walk from the town, which boasts an array of bars and restaurants. There is also the Mexican Turtle Center in nearby Mazunte Beach, should you want to find out more about the fascinating sea turtle.
Make the most of the best beaches in Mexico: Jalisco
For idyllic beaches that offer activities for all ages, look no further than Jalisco. From whale-watching to snorkeling, it’s got it all.
Puerto Vallarta Beach
Staying on the Pacific side of Mexico, we head to Puerto Vallarta, which is a popular resort town. The beach offers a long stretch of golden sand and is backed by the Sierra Madre mountains. The water here can get quite deep, so you should ensure you stay in the safe swimming zone.
Snorkellers and divers can also enjoy a range of nearby coves. Add to that a selection of excursions, such as whale-watching and deep-sea fishing, and there’s something for all.
You can reach the beach easily on foot from the town, which also makes it great for families with young kids. A large choice of restaurants also means your little one won’t get hungry throughout the day.
Yelapa Beach
Yelapa Beach is located next to a small fishing village, which gives it a very underdeveloped and natural feel. It can be reached in about 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta using a water taxi. Boasting golden sands that encircle a large bay, this is the perfect location for romantics, as it’s relatively peaceful. Activities include kayaking and paddle boarding, whilst snorkeling here is also great fun.
Best beaches in Mexico: Guerrero
Guerrero offers Pacific beaches that are suitable for families. So if you’re longing to go for a paddle with your child but have been put off by the large swells, check out this area.
Playa Las Gatas, Zihuatanejo
Last but certainly not least is Playa Las Gatas, which is about a 10-minute drive from Zihuatanejo. This white-sand beach is great for families, as it’s protected from the currents and wind, so everyone can swim. Add to that some great snorkeling around the nearby coves and a selection of local restaurants, and it’s the perfect place for a fun-filled day out. There is also Las Gatas Lighthouse nearby, which offers spectacular views along the coastline.
Best beaches in Mexico: FAQs
When’s the best time to visit Mexico?
The best time to visit Mexico for beach weather is during the dry season, which is between December and April. The weather averages around 82°F during these months, with there being little to no rain.
Where are the best beaches in Mexico without seaweed?
Whilst we can never guarantee that you won’t encounter seaweed during your swim, you will certainly have a better chance of avoiding it if you visit beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula rather than the Pacific. For example, Isla Mujeres and Cancun Beach are great examples of beaches that tend to not have seaweed.
Which are the best and safest beaches in Mexico?
There are some great beaches for families in Mexico. In general, those in the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Tulum Beach, offer safe and shallow waters for you to swim. However, you should always look to see if a beach has a safe swimming zone before you enter. On the Pacific coastline, the seas tend to be rougher, with it being a top surf spot. That being said, you will find beaches like Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo ideal for safe swimming.
What side of Mexico has the best beaches?
Which side of Mexico has the best beaches purely depends on what it is that you’re looking for. If you want an idyllic setting akin to a desert island, then the east coast provides a selection of pristine beaches. Alternatively, if it’s water sports you’re after, then the west coast is the clear winner.
Find out about other great beach destinations with our article on the best beaches in Australia.
