The Best Beaches in Mexico

The Baja California Peninsula is home to more than one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, but Playa Balandra deserves special mention. Located near the tranquil town of La Paz, this beach is set beside a bay and backed by rugged mountains. The water is crystal-clear, calm and shallow, making it a favourite for swimming and snorkelling.

Need to know: Don’t miss the gravity-defying rock formation known as ‘El Hongo’ (The Mushroom).

On Baja California’s southern end you’ll find the municipality of Los Cabos, encompassing San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The latter offers several incredible beaches, including the lively Playa El Médano and Playa Chileno. Playa Chileno is one of the few beaches in the region with calm, swimmable waters, making it a reliable choice for enjoying the sea.

Need to know: If you want to swim, stick to the Sea of Cortez on the eastern side of the cape, rather than the rougher waters on the Pacific side.

Although it’s part of Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is only accessible by sea. Famous for the impressive rock formations of Land’s End – especially El Arco (The Arch) – this golden strip of sand is a fantastic place to soak in the natural beauty that’s made the cape such a sought-after destination. During the right season (December to March), you can also spot humpback whales in the waters off Cabo San Lucas.

Need to know: Walk between the rocks to find the cleverly named Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), which is equally gorgeous but unsuitable for swimming.

Southern Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is where you’ll find many of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, including those of Isla Mujeres. Located a short boat trip away from Cancún, this small island promises a quieter vibe than the mainland. Playa Norte is its most beloved beach, with shallow, beginner-friendly snorkelling that’s great for families and plenty of beach bars.

Need to know: It’s also worth venturing beyond Playa Norte to explore the less crowded parts of the island, including its rocky eastern coast.

Isla Holbox, or Holbox Island, is an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the nearby beaches of Cancún. Its location within the protected reserve of Yum Balam means that environmental conservation is a priority here. Head to the main beach, Playa Holbox, to relax in a hammock hung right above the sea.

Need to know: Stay at Ser Casasandra for laid-back luxury, with spacious suites, an excellent art collection and menus built around fresh local seafood.

Not to be confused with Isla Mujeres, Playa Mujeres is technically part of Cancún – but it’s far less crowded than the city’s main beaches. Set right beside a protected marine area, this exclusive stretch of coastline boasts some of Mexico’s best beach resorts, offering privacy and calm waters, while remaining close to the cultural and leisure experiences of the city.

Need to know: Sargassum (a type of brown seaweed) can sometimes cover the coast of Cancún, but Playa Mujeres tends to be less affected than the beaches down south.

Set on the spectacular Mayan Riviera, Akumal is a fantastic alternative (or addition) to nearby spots like Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It’s an especially great choice if you’re hoping to spot sea turtles, which are present here in unusually large numbers. In fact, its name comes from the Yucatec Maya word for ‘turtle’: áak.

Need to know: Sea turtle nesting season in Akumal runs from May to October, with most eggs hatching from August onward.

Far from the tourist hotspots, Yelapa is a secluded sanctuary south of Puerto Vallarta. It’s set on the southern side of Bahía de Banderas, a beautiful bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast. If you want to combine the renowned beauty of Mexican beaches with a remote and authentic atmosphere, this is the place for you.

Need to know: Playa Yelapa sits next to the village of the same name, which is completely free of cars – you’ll have to take a boat from Puerto Vallarta to reach it.

The state of Oaxaca has much more to offer than its eponymous city, including a dazzling coastline along Mexico’s southern edge. It’s here that you’ll find Puerto Ángel, one of the towns on the ‘Oaxacan Riviera.’ In addition to the main beach (Playa Principal), we suggest visiting the nearby beaches of Estacahuite and Zipolite.

Need to know: The ideal season to visit Puerto Ángel coincides with the best time to go to Mexico for optimal beach weather: December–April.