Written by Cecilia Otero on October 17, 2020
Anybody searching for the perfect vacation is no stranger to the fact that Mexico boasts hundreds of the most exquisite beaches on Earth along its coastline. Tourists from all over the world travel to places like Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Cancún, and Oaxaca year-round to experience the legendary Mexican sun and surf. If you’re on the prowl for your next sabbatical location, here are 7 of the top beaches to visit in Mexico.
Puerto Balandra
LOCATION: La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Puerto Balandra contains eight secluded beaches and is popular for its unique landscape, featuring delicate white sands juxtaposed with beautiful turquoise water. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and cacti, Puerto Balandra might just be the desert oasis of your dreams. The glassy sea is warm to the touch and fairly shallow, making it a great place for families. The lack of beachside amenities means the beaches here don’t tend to get very crowded.
Playa La Bocana
Photo by Claudia Morcueto on Pixabay
LOCATION: Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
This hidden gem is no doubt one of the top beaches to visit if you ever find yourself in Oaxaca. The beach itself is tranquil in terms of crowds, but the robust waves make it an excellent travel destination for surfing. Playa La Bocana welcomes tourists and locals alike with quaint local eateries, soft sands, and amazing rock formations. It’s also popular for its legendary mud baths, a ritual that involves being covered in detoxifying mud from a nearby lagoon.
Islas Marietas
Photo by Ernesto Norman on Unsplash
LOCATION: Nayarit, Mexico
Ok, so this isn’t technically a beach, but it’s too amazing not to mention. Las Islas Marietas are a small group of uninhabited islands southwest of Punta Mita in Nayarit. The islands are actually a national park, meaning that they are protected by the Mexican government from fishing and hunting. This has resulted in a sprawling population marine life, making it an excellent snorkeling destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The popular hidden beach, Playa del Amor, is located here.
Playa Ruinas
Photo by Anonymous Traveller on Pixabay
LOCATION: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Just a two hour drive from Cancún, Playa Ruinas makes an ideal travel-spot for beach bums and history buffs alike. The view here is nothing short of picturesque, with crystal blue waters and fine white sand surrounded by swaying palm trees. The beach is overlooked by ancient Mayan ruins sitting atop towering cliffs, making for a breathtaking scene. Note that Playa Ruinas is a popular destination, so you should aim to arrive as early in the morning as possible to avoid crowds.
Playa Zicatela
Photo by Cristina Cerda on Unsplash
LOCATION: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Playa Zicatela is without a doubt one of the top beaches to visit if you’re passionate about surfing. It’s the site of the “Mexican Pipeline”, legendary for its colossal waves. This makes Zicatela an incredibly popular destination for pro surfers from around the world. Keep in mind that the undercurrent here is very strong, so less experienced surfers might want to stay out of the water. If that’s the case, don’t worry- You can still kick back and watch the glorious sunset from the beach. Just don’t forget your beer.
Isla Holbox
Photo by Rodrigo_Souza on Pixabay.
LOCATION: Yucatán Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Isla Holbox is a small island just north of the Yucatán peninsula and a perfect getaway if you need a break from the bustle of the crowded resort beaches of Riviera Maya. The island itself is so secluded that it’s only reachable by boat. Most people take a ferry out of Chiquila, which is about a three-hour drive from Cancún. This journey is more than worth it. Holbox boasts a series of isolated beaches that are known for their warm, tranquil waters and peaceful atmosphere.
Playa Las Gatas
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash.
LOCATION: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
The sparkling azure shores at Playa Las Gatas, named for the whiskered nurse sharks that once inhabited its waters, are dense with beautiful beds of coral and other stunning marine life. It’s now a popular family destination famed for its snorkeling opportunities. The beach is protected from winds and currents, making it a safe swimming spot for children and adults alike.