With nearly 9,330km of coastline, Mexico has no shortage of beaches. But not all are worth your time. From Pacific surf towns to Caribbean islands, the best Mexico beaches combine clean water, dramatic settings, and a strong local feel. This list highlights Mexico beaches that stand apart. Come to swim, surf, snorkel, or just spend a day by the sea.
A good Mexico itinerary often includes time on the coast. With beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean, the country offers everything from quiet bays to wild surf towns. The best beaches to visit in Mexico aren’t just about sand and sea – they stand out for their atmosphere, location, and what you can do once you’re there.
On the Caribbean side, you’ll find calm water, white sand, and easy access. Spots like Playa Norte, Playa Paraiso, and the shores of Isla Holbox are popular for a reason. Further south, the beaches around Mahahual stay quieter, even in peak season.
The Pacific coast is better for surf and sunsets. Puerto Escondido, Zihuatanejo, and Huatulco still keep a strong local feel, with fewer resorts and better food. Up in Baja California, beaches near La Paz combine desert landscapes with shallow, swimmable water.
The best time to visit Mexico’s beaches is between December and April. Conditions are dry, sunny, and warm, though prices and crowds peak around holidays. May to October is wetter and hotter, but less busy. Some areas see heavy rain, while others just get afternoon showers.
The beach isn’t the only reason to visit Mexico, but it’s a good one. Just make sure it fits the kind of trip you want.
Cozumel island El Mirador beach in Riviera Maya of Mexico © Shutterstock
Perched on a cliff above the sea, the Tulum ruins are among the most photographed archaeological sites in Mexico – and for good reason. The mix of stone temples and turquoise water is unforgettable, especially when seen from the beach below. Playa Ruinas itself is small, but the setting is hard to beat.
After exploring the site (an hour is usually enough), follow the wooden stairs down to the sand. The water is calm, clear, and ideal for swimming, although the beach can get crowded. You’ll likely share it with iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, and the occasional snorkeler drifting past the reef.
Tulum is also a good base for visiting Yucatan cenotes, with several within cycling distance. After a swim, head into town for some of the best tacos in Yucatan, from street stands to sit-down taquerías.
Tulum is about two hours south of Cancún by car or bus. The ruins are a short drive or bike ride from Tulum town. You’ll need to pay a small entry fee to access the archaeological site, which includes access to the beach.
Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and the tour bus crowds. Dry season, from December to April, offers the best weather for both beach time and exploring the ruins. Arrive on a sunny day for the full blue-water effect.
Tulum Mayan ruins on the sea in Yucatan, Mexico © Shutterstock
Playa del Carmen sits in the heart of the Riviera Maya and remains one of the most popular Mexico beaches for visitors looking to mix beach time with late nights. The shoreline is central and easily accessible, although beach erosion and seaweed can impact conditions.
What keeps Playa on the map is the nightlife. It’s the more relaxed, trend-aware alternative to Cancún. You’ll find rooftop bars, mezcalerías, and beach clubs that go late – or all night. Alux, set inside a real cave, offers candlelit dining and cocktails. Coco Maya pulls in DJs from across Mexico and beyond, with full-moon parties and open-air dancing steps from the sea.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Mexico while staying here, Playa works well as a base. Ferries to Cozumel, tours to cenotes, or trips to Mayan ruins are easy to arrange, though the town itself can feel hectic, especially in peak season.
Playa is about an hour south of Cancún by bus, car, or colectivo. The ADO bus terminal is centrally located, and most of the town is walkable.
December to April offers the driest weather and the best swimming conditions. Expect big crowds around Christmas, New Year, and Easter. The rainy season (May to October) is quieter but more humid, with occasional storms.
Beach on Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mexico © Shutterstock
Playa Balandra is one of the best beaches in Mexico for calm, shallow water. Set in a protected bay just outside La Paz, it’s backed by rust-red hills and dotted with giant Cardon cacti – the tallest cactus species in the world. The contrast between desert and sea is part of what makes this place so striking.
The water stays waist-deep far from shore, making it ideal for paddling, kayaking, or just floating. There are no waves, no loud bars, and no crowds if you time it right. Because of its calm conditions and quiet setting, Balandra is a solid pick for anyone exploring Mexico with kids.
To preserve the area, local authorities now limit access to two daily time slots. There are no shops or food stalls on the beach, so bring water, shade, and anything else you need for the day.
Playa Balandra is about 30 minutes from La Paz by car or taxi. There’s limited parking, and access is first-come, first-served. It’s also possible to reach the beach by kayak or boat from nearby Playa Tecolote.
Go early in the day to avoid crowds and secure entry. October to April brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer months can be extremely hot, with higher humidity and more locals on the beach.
Balandra Beach, Mexico © Shutterstock
Often named among the best places to visit in Mexico, Playa Norte is one of the standout beaches in the Yucatán. It’s known for calm, shallow water, soft white sand, and palm trees that provide shade. The sea here is usually glass-flat, making it ideal for swimming or floating just offshore.
It’s a popular spot, especially in high season, but still manages to hold onto its laid-back feel. Snorkeling just off the beach is easy, and there are plenty of beach bars nearby for lunch or a cold beer.
Catch a ferry from Puerto Juárez in Cancún – the ride takes around 20 minutes. Once on the island, Playa Norte is a short walk or golf cart ride from the main ferry terminal.
Dry season (December to April) offers the best conditions for swimming and visibility in the water. Mornings are quieter, especially if cruise ships or day tours are expected later in the day. Sunsets here are worth sticking around for.
Isla Mujeres – a quiet option near Cancun © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
Playa La Ropa is one of the most relaxed vacation spots in Mexico if you want resort comfort without the high-rise chaos. The beach stretches along Zihuatanejo Bay, lined with small hotels, beach bars, and seafood restaurants. It’s walkable, swimmable, and more laid-back than most all-inclusive destinations.
This isn’t Cancún – service is slower, and that’s part of the appeal. You can rent a lounger, order food and drinks from the shade, or take a paddleboard out into the bay. The surf is usually gentle, making it a good choice for families or less confident swimmers.
While there are a few larger hotels nearby, Playa La Ropa still feels local. It’s not just for package tourists, and you don’t need to stay at a resort to enjoy the beach.
Zihuatanejo is about 20 minutes by car from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. Playa La Ropa is a five-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk from the town center.
December to March brings the driest weather and calmer seas. This is also peak season, so book ahead if you're visiting during holidays. The rainy season runs from June to September, but often means afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.
Beautiful Mexico beach — Playa La Ropa © Shutterstock
Tucked between dramatic rock formations at Land’s End, Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is one of the most iconic beaches in Cabo San Lucas. You can’t get here by road – a water taxi or glass-bottom boat is the only way in. The short ride gives you a good look at the local sea life and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
The beach itself is small but striking, with golden sand and calm water on the bay side. On the other side, you’ll find Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), where rough Pacific waves crash against the rocks. It’s a short walk across, but swimming there isn’t safe.
If you’re weighing up Cancun or Cabo for your trip, Cabo tends to be drier, with dramatic desert landscapes and rougher seas. Playa del Amor offers a quieter alternative to the party beaches nearby, especially early in the morning before the tour boats arrive.
Take a water taxi from Cabo San Lucas Marina. Rides are short and frequent, and some include glass-bottom boats for viewing marine life along the way. There’s no dock, so be prepared to wade ashore.
Visit between November and April for the clearest skies and calmest seas. Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during cruise ship season. Afternoon winds can pick up and make the return trip choppy.
Lover's Beach, or Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas © Shutterstock
Puerto Vallarta’s main beach isn’t the quietest, but it delivers on scenery. Backed by the Sierra Madre mountains and fronted by the wide Bahía de Banderas, this stretch of coastline is known for fiery sunsets and reliable whale sightings in winter. While it doesn’t always make the top lists, it deserves a place among the best beaches in Mexico for its atmosphere alone.
The water is swimmable in calm conditions, and the Malecón (waterfront promenade) is perfect for people-watching or grabbing street tacos. From November to March, keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching just offshore – boats offer close-up tours, but you can often spot them from land.
Puerto Vallarta itself has a strong local identity. It’s known for its welcoming vibe, excellent food scene, and growing LGBTQ+ community, especially around the Zona Romántica. Raicilla, the local agave spirit, is worth a try – best sampled at a backstreet bar with a view of the water.
The beach runs along the front of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. The city is served by an international airport, with direct connections from major cities in Mexico, the US, and Canada. From the airport, it’s a 20-30 minute drive to the main beach area.
December to April is dry season, with cooler nights and ideal beach weather. Whale watching is best between January and March. Summers bring heat, humidity, and afternoon showers, but fewer crowds.
View of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta © Ferenz/Shutterstock
Cancún Beach runs for over 20km along the edge of the Hotel Zone – a long, straight strip of soft white sand backed by high-rise resorts and all-day noise. It’s not for everyone, but if you're after full-service comfort and easy access to the sea, it's hard to beat.
Most visitors stick to this stretch when planning a Cancun itinerary, and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Jet-skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing are all on offer. The water is warm and usually clear, though currents can be strong. For gentler waves, head to Playa Delfines or Playa Langosta.
Many of the best places to stay in Cancun are found along this beachfront strip – from massive all-inclusives with endless pools to smaller boutique hotels tucked between the big names. Whether you want nightlife, daybeds, or direct beach access, you’ll find something that fits.
The wider Riviera Maya extends south toward Playa del Carmen and Tulum, offering calmer beaches, cenotes, and family-friendly resorts. While Cancún leans into scale and spectacle – think all-inclusive hotels, rooftop bars, and open-air clubs – there are quieter corners if you know where to look.
Cancún International Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi or shuttle from the Hotel Zone. Most resorts offer direct transfers. Buses and colectivos also connect Cancún with the rest of the Riviera Maya.
Dry season (December to April) is the most popular time, with warm days and less seaweed. July to October sees more rain and humidity, along with the chance of storms, but also lower prices and fewer crowds.
Cancun beaches are some of the best beaches in Mexico © Pixabay
Sheltered by a man-made reef, Playa Las Gatas is one of the best beaches in Mexico for calm-water diving and snorkeling. The reef creates a natural break that keeps the water glassy, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a low-key underwater experience.
You’ll find coral formations, small rays, and plenty of reef fish – and no surf to fight against. The beach is also good for just floating in the shallows or grabbing lunch at one of the simple seafood restaurants right on the sand. It’s quieter than Playa La Ropa, but still sees day-trippers in high season.
The name “Las Gatas” (Cat Beach) comes from wildcats that reportedly lived here centuries ago. Whether the story holds up or not, it adds to the local charm.
Take a small boat (panga) from the main pier in Zihuatanejo. The ride takes about 10 minutes. You can also hike a coastal path from Playa La Ropa, though it’s rocky and best avoided in the midday heat.
Dry season (December to April) offers the clearest water and best conditions for diving. Weekdays are quieter, especially in the mornings. The beach can fill up on weekends and holidays with locals and tour groups.
Las Gatas Beach Zihuatanejo, Mexico © Shutterstock
Playa Paraíso is one of the most photogenic stretches of sand in Tulum – and that's saying something. Set just south of the Tulum ruins, this long, open beach has soft white sand, clear water, and a more relaxed vibe than the trendier hotel zone further south.
It’s popular, but still feels spacious, especially on weekdays. The water is swimmable most of the year, and local seafood spots line the beach behind the palms. For a shaded lounger and a cold drink, head to Playa Paraíso Beach Club, one of the better-value setups in the area.
While it's no secret, Playa Paraíso still earns its place among the top Mexico beaches for the simple fact that it delivers easy access, warm water, and no need to overthink it.
The beach is about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bike ride from Tulum town. If you're visiting the Tulum ruins, it’s a short walk south along the coast. Taxis are available, but agree on the fare before you go.
Early mornings are quietest, especially during peak season (December to April). Seaweed (sargassum) can appear from May to October, though conditions vary year to year. Weekdays tend to be more relaxed than weekends.
Pristine beaches of Tulum, Mexico © Shutterstock
Playa Zicatela is one of the best beaches in Mexico for surfing, and easily the most intense. This long stretch of golden sand on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast is home to the legendary Mexican Pipeline, known for powerful, barreling waves that can hit 20 feet in peak season. It’s not for beginners. The surf here is fast, heavy, and unforgiving.
If you’re not paddling out, the beach is still worth visiting for the scene. You’ll find a laid-back crowd, beach bars, and a mix of locals and surfers watching the action from the shore.
Just inland, Puerto Escondido keeps things casual. The town has grown in popularity but still feels low-key, with open-air restaurants, surf shops, and yoga studios lining the streets.
Puerto Escondido has a small airport with domestic flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca. Playa Zicatela is just a few minutes by taxi or colectivo from the airport or town center.
Surf season runs from May to September, with the biggest swells in summer. The dry season (November to April) has smaller waves and better conditions for swimming further down the coast. Mornings are best for surfing before the winds pick up.
Puerto Escondido's Playa Zicatela is reportedly one of the finer surfing beaches in southwestern Mexico © Shutterstock
Tucked into one of Huatulco’s nine bays, Playa La Entrega is the best beach in the area for snorkeling. Sheltered from currents and boat traffic, the water here stays calm and clear – ideal for spotting reef fish close to shore. Visibility is usually good, especially in the morning.
The beach is lined with simple restaurants serving fresh seafood, cold drinks, and classic Mexican food like grilled fish, ceviche, and tlayudas. Bring cash, as many places don’t accept cards. It’s quieter than some of Huatulco’s other beaches, particularly midweek, and stays busy mostly with locals.
Stick around for sunset or take a boat tour to explore the other bays. Inland, it’s also worth visiting the nearby waterfalls and small coffee farms that dot the Sierra Madre foothills.
La Entrega is a 10-minute taxi ride from La Crucecita, Huatulco’s main town. It’s also accessible by boat from Santa Cruz Marina, or as part of a day tour that visits multiple beaches.
Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best snorkeling conditions. Water clarity is highest in the mornings before waves or wind stir things up. The beach is busiest on weekends and holidays – go early or on a weekday for more space.
This hidden beach is one of the best beaches in Mexico © Shutterstock
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico and want to learn to surf without battling heavy waves or crowded breaks, Punta de Mita is a solid choice. The main beach at Playa Anclote has long, gentle waves, shallow entry points, and soft sand – all ideal conditions for beginners.
The town itself is more polished than nearby Bucerías, with a mix of local seafood spots and hotel-front beach clubs. Development has ramped up in recent years, but Punta de Mita still feels more relaxed than bigger names like Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta.
There are also boat tours to the nearby Marietas Islands – known for snorkeling, kayaking, and the so-called “Hidden Beach” – though visitor numbers are now strictly limited.
Punta de Mita is about an hour’s drive north of Puerto Vallarta. You can reach it by rental car, taxi, or local bus from the city’s northern terminal. The main beach is walkable from most hotels in town.
December to April brings the best surf conditions for beginners and dry, sunny weather. It’s also whale-watching season. May to October is quieter and more humid, with higher chances of rain and fewer crowds on the beach.
Boats in Punta Mita (Nayarit, Mexico) © Irra/Shutterstock
Mahahual has changed in recent years, especially on cruise ship days, but it still delivers for those after relaxing vacations and a quieter stretch of coast. The main beach runs alongside a small pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and dive shops. On busy days, expect souvenir stalls and jet-ski noise. On others, it’s nearly empty.
To experience what puts Mahahual among the best beaches in Mexico, head south along the bumpy beach road beyond the town center. The farther you go, the quieter it gets. There are no big resorts here, just basic cabanas, hammocks, and a slower pace. The water stays calm, shallow, and clear – great for a swim or just floating.
If you’re into diving or snorkeling, this part of the coast is right on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, with tours available to nearby coral gardens.
Mahahual is about 1.5 hours south of Bacalar by car. If you're coming from the cruise port at Puerto Costa Maya, it's a short taxi ride into town. There’s no public transport along the coast road – you'll need a bike, golf cart, or 4x4 to explore farther south.
Visit between December and April for the driest weather and best sea conditions. Avoid cruise ship days if possible – the town feels entirely different when there’s no ship in port.
Mahahual beach, Costa Maya, Mexico © lunamarina/Shutterstock
Off the northeastern tip of the Yucatán, Isla Holbox has become one of the most distinctive beaches in Mexico, not for wild nightlife or bright coral reefs, but for space, peace, and warm, shallow sea.
The island (technically a sandbar connected by wetlands) is car-free, slow-paced, and largely undeveloped. You’ll find sandy streets, wooden houses, and long stretches of coastline where you can walk for hours without seeing much beyond a pelican. The water here is part of the Gulf, not the Caribbean, so it’s less clear – but it’s warm, shallow, and ideal for a cooling swim.
Holbox is also known for bioluminescence, flamingos, and seasonal whale shark tours. That said, development is increasing fast, so go soon if you want to see it while it still feels off the grid.
Drive or take a bus to the port village of Chiquilá (about two hours from Cancún or three from Valladolid), then take a ferry across – crossings run regularly and take around 25 minutes. On the island, rent a bike or use golf cart taxis to get around.
The dry season (December to April) is best for beach time. Whale sharks arrive from June to September. The rainy season can bring seaweed, mosquitoes, and flooding, but also lower prices and fewer people.
Tropical beach setting on Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico © Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 07.08.2025
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