Mexico › Best Beach Destinations
Updated: April 8, 2026
See Also
- Where to Stay in Cancun
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
- Where to Stay in Los Cabos
Tulum, Mexico.
What First-Time Visitors Often Get Wrong
• Sargassum (Seaweed): On the Caribbean side, sargassum is usually most likely from spring into summer, but severity varies week to week and beach to beach. Conditions can be perfect one week and messy the next. Early 2026 monitoring shows many clear stretches, but it is never a guarantee.
• The Swimming Reality: Just because a beach is beautiful does not mean it is safe for swimming. Many Pacific coast beaches have dangerous shore breaks and rip currents.
• Transfer Logistics: A short flight can still result in a long travel day once you account for ground transfers and ferries.
Best Fits by Travel Style
• Best for calm swimming water: Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos.
• Best without renting a car: Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres.
• Best for food and culture: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Tulum.
• Best for luxury without the nightlife: Huatulco or the Cabo Corridor.
• Best for a short trip: Puerto Vallarta or Cabo.
• Best if you want a real town (not a resort zone): Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Zihuatanejo.
For most first-timers, the smartest choice is not necessarily the most famous destination, but the one whose trade-offs fit your style. If calm, swimmable water matters most, choose differently than if you want nightlife, food, surfing, or a real city.
1. Tulum
Ahau Hotel on Tulum Beach.
Tulum is Mexico’s most stylish beach destination, but it’s a specific taste. It works best for travelers who prioritize exceptional food, design-forward boutique hotels, and a bohemian atmosphere over easy logistics or affordability. Even with the new airport making access easier, the local “town vs. beach” divide still requires effort to navigate. It remains my favorite single beach town in Mexico, provided you know what you’re signing up for.
Best for: Boutique hotel lovers, nightlife seekers, and foodies.
Skip if: You’re on a strict budget or don’t like people from Brooklyn.
Swimming: Beach-specific. Excellent when clear; unusable when sargassum is high.
Food Scene: The authentic scene is centered in the Pueblo, where Antojitos La Chiapaneca is my fave for al pastor tacos carved fresh from the spit. The upscale scene is a mix of wood-fired “barefoot luxury” dining and innovative menus that highlight regional ingredients in a jungle setting.
Direct flights from: NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LAX, Toronto, Montreal.
Airport Transfer: The new Tulum airport (TQO) is about 35 minutes from the Pueblo and 40 to 60 minutes from the Beach Zone hotels. Book a private transfer ahead of time to avoid the airport taxi stands. The ADO bus is a solid budget option that drops you in the town center, but you will still need a local taxi to reach the beach. If you are staying at the far south end of the hotel zone, give yourself at least 90 minutes for the return trip to the airport to account for the unpredictable traffic.
Best area to stay: Beach Road for the scene; Pueblo for value and local food.
2. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta feels like a real city, not just a resort strip. It is one of the most reliable choices for a first trip because the infrastructure is excellent and the food is world-class.
Best for: Foodies and culture seekers.
Skip if: You insist on Caribbean-style white sand and bright turquoise water.
Swimming: Mixed. The water is clean but darker than the Caribbean. Waves are generally manageable.
Food Scene: The authentic scene is best explored through street carts in local neighborhoods, serving Jalisco staples like birria and fresh ceviche. The upscale dining scene is one of the most sophisticated in the country, featuring a mix of long-standing institutions and newer, chef-driven kitchens that elevate traditional Mexican recipes with modern touches.
Direct flights from: NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LAX, SFO, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto.
Airport Transfer: Very easy. 10 to 15 minutes to most hotels.
Best area to stay: Zona Romantica for charm and walkability.
3. Sayulita
The social surf town. And great for beginners wanting surf lessons. It’s vibrant and colorful but can feel congested.
Best for: Solo travelers, beginner surfers, and people looking for a party vibe.
Skip if: You are sensitive to noise or want a quiet, secluded retreat.
Swimming: Water quality issues can occur, particularly after heavy rains. The main beach is lively and convenient, but for a quieter beach day head to nearby San Pancho.
Food Scene: Most of the authentic scene is found around the central plaza, where family-run kitchens serve straightforward, affordable Mexican staples like tacos al pastor and fresh seafood. The social scene is dominated by “hippie-chic” and international fusion, with wood-fired pizza spots, health-conscious smoothie bars, and locally-roasted coffee houses.
Airport Transfer: 1 hour from the Puerto Vallarta airport.
Best area to stay: North End for a slightly quieter but still walkable experience.
4. Los Cabos
Our room at the Cabo Surf hotel just outside of San Jose del Cabo.
Cabo has an endless string of high-end beach resorts. Beautiful desert-meets-the-sea aesthetic. The best for a quick trip.
Best for: Luxury splurge trips, nightlife, and deep-sea fishing.
Skip if: You want an authentic Mexican village feel or universal swimmability.
Swimming: Highly beach-specific. Do not assume your hotel beach is swimmable just because it is beautiful. Medano, Chileno, Santa María, and Palmilla are the main safe spots.
Food Scene: The most authentic spots are in the backstreets of San José del Cabo at traditional taquerias famous for arrachera and battered fish tacos. The luxury dining scene is home to Michelin-recognized restaurants and high-end kitchens that do contemporary takes on regional Mexican favorites.
Direct flights from: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Jose, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Chicago, New York City, Newark, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal.
Airport Transfer: 25 minutes to San Jose del Cabo; 40 minutes to Cabo San Lucas from SJD airport.
Best area to stay: Medano Beach if you want to swim; The Corridor for secluded luxury resorts; San Jose del Cabo for galleries and trendy dining.
5. Isla Mujeres
A small island that offers a more relaxed pace than the mainland. The ultimate spot for a pure vacation vibe.
Best for: Families with young kids and anyone seeking calm, shallow water.
Skip if: You want long hiking trails, big shopping malls, or hate golf carts.
Swimming: Great. Playa Norte is waist-deep for 100 yards and rarely has waves.
Food Scene: The best authentic options are found at small local spots away from the main tourist strip, serving island flavors and fresh daily catches in the southern residential neighborhoods. The town center is convenient, lively, and walkable but with a few exceptions it’s not terribly exciting.
Airport Transfer from Cancun: Multi-step day involving a taxi to the ferry terminal and a 20 minute ferry.
Best area to stay: North End near the town center and Playa Norte.
6. Huatulco (The Eco-Preservation Choice)
The private pool at Quinta Bella Hotel in Huatulco.
Huatulco is organized, clean, and quiet. It was planned to preserve the surrounding national park and nine bays.
Best for: Nature lovers and families who want a quiet, hassle-free experience.
Skip if: You want a high-energy party town or don’t like Canadians.
Swimming: Great. Several protected bays that have some of the calmest water on the west coast of Mexico.
Food Scene: The authentic scene is the real highlight, rooted in Oaxacan tradition. In La Crucecita, look for outdoor local spots serving tlayudas, mole, al pastor, and grilled seafood. The broader tourist scene can feel a bit unexciting with its reliance on competent but generic comfort food like pizza and pasta.
Direct flights from: Dallas, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton. The Huatulco airport is clean, modern, and a delight to use.
Airport Transfer: Very easy; 15 to 20 minutes.
Best area to stay: Tangolunda Bay for resorts; Santa Cruz for boat access to the bays.
7. Playa del Carmen
Playa is a convenient hub, but I treat it as a base for exploring the region rather than a pure beach winner.
Best for: Travelers who want to see cenotes, ruins, and theme parks.
Skip if: You want a quiet, pristine beach. The central beaches are often crowded and narrow.
Swimming: Mixed. Very dependent on seasonal sargassum and local erosion.
Food Scene: Avenida 30 is one of the best places to go for local tacos, especially al pastor, away from the main tourist walk. The international scene is concentrated on the north end near Calle 38; here you will find modern kitchens that highlight regional ingredients through beach club atmospheres. Lots of pub grub too.
Airport Transfer: 45 to 60 minutes from Cancun or Tulum airports.
Best area to stay: North end (near Calle 38) for a more sophisticated atmosphere.
8. Zihuatanejo
A traditional fishing village that has retained its charm. It’s a sophisticated, quiet alternative to the high-rise resorts of nearby Ixtapa.
Best for: Couples, retirees, and those seeking a quiet romantic town.
Skip if: You want massive clubs or a high-energy “spring break” atmosphere.
Swimming: Great. The protected bay keeps Playa La Ropa calm.
Food Scene: The heart of the food scene is the Paseo del Pescador, where family-run stalls and beach shacks grill the catch of the day over charcoal.
Direct flights from: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, LAX, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal.
Airport Transfer: Easy 15 to 20 minute drive.
Best area to stay: Playa La Ropa for the best beach access.
9. Puerto Escondido
The view of the beach from the breakfast room at Puerto Escondido Hotel.
A collection of distinct neighborhoods that feels much less commercial than other top destinations.
Best for: Surfers, backpackers, and travelers seeking an authentic vibe.
Skip if: You want high-end all-inclusive resorts or easy swimming on every beach.
Swimming: Limited. Zicatela is for pro surfers only and is dangerous for swimmers. Head to Carrizalillo for a safe, calm bay (160+ stairs required).
Food Scene: The authentic scene centers on Oaxacan staples like tlayudas and tamales. The contemporary scene is split between the beach vibes of La Punta and the more residential Rinconada, with a mix of traditional Oaxacan cooking and fresh seafood.
Direct flights from: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto.
Airport Transfer: Very easy; the airport is in the town.
10. Puerto Morelos
A fishing village that has resisted mega-resort development. A low-key alternative to Playa del Carmen.
Best for: Snorkelers, families, and those wanting a quiet Riviera Maya base.
Skip if: You want late-night clubs.
Swimming: Great. The reef keeps the water calmer, but parts of the shoreline can be less postcard-perfect than other Riviera Maya destinations.
Food Scene: The town’s fishing village roots shows with small stands near the main square serving fresh shrimp and ceviche. The dining scene is surprisingly strong for a town this size, offering polished, high-quality menus that emphasize creative presentation and fresh-off-the-boat ingredients.
Direct flights from: NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LAX, SFO, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto.
Airport Transfer: Very convenient; only 20 minutes from Cancun airport.
11. Cozumel
Cozumel is a marine destination first and a classic sandy-beach destination second. It is the top choice for diving and snorkeling.
Best for: Divers, snorkelers, and repeatable easy beach days.
Skip if: Your dream is walking for miles on a continuous sandy beach.
Swimming: Beach-specific. The west side has calm, clear water perfect for swimming from piers or small sandy pockets.
Food Scene: Most authentic spots are located inland from the cruise piers, known for classic al pastor tacos and local empanadas. The upscale scene focuses on fresh island catches in more polished settings.
Direct flights from: NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Toronto, Montreal.
Airport Transfer: Easy if flying direct; more complex if coming via Cancun and ferry.
Best area to stay: San Miguel for food; the South Zone for reef access.
12. Mazatlán
A large, working port city with a stunning historic district. It offers the best value for money of any destination on this list.
Best for: Value-focused travelers, history lovers, and seafood fans.
Skip if: You want a quiet, tropical resort enclave. This is a loud, busy city.
Swimming: Mixed. Wide beaches with Pacific swells. Always check for flags indicating rip currents.
Food Scene: The authentic scene is centered on the city’s famous shrimp and seafood street carts found along the Malecón. The innovative regional scene is centered in the historic district, highlighting traditional Sinaloan flavors inside beautifully restored colonial buildings.
Direct flights from: Dallas, LAX, SFO, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto.
Airport Transfer: 30 minutes to the historic center.
Best area to stay: Centro Historico for culture; Zona Dorada for the main beach stretch.
Cancun (The First-Timer Beach Trip)
Garza Hotel in Cancun.
Cancun is not one of my favorite places – it is loud, commercial, and often feels like a concrete version of Las Vegas on the sea – but it is the most popular first destination in Mexico for a reason. It is exceptionally easy to visit and serves as a highly efficient hub for the rest of the Yucatan.
Who this is best for: First-time travelers, families with young kids, and anyone who wants a massive resort experience with zero friction.
Skip if: You want quiet, boutique charm or a destination that feels like “real” Mexico without the high-rise hotels.
The Reality: Still, Cancun works extremely well for a certain kind of trip. It has some of the strongest family-resort infrastructure anywhere in Mexico and a massive range of accommodation from budget hostels downtown to high-end luxury in Costa Mujeres. For better value and more local flavor, I suggest eating at least a few meals in Centro rather than staying entirely in the Hotel Zone.
Swimming: Very beach-specific. The North Hotel Zone (like Playa Langosta and Playa Caracol) has calmer, shallower water that works well for families. The more exposed Caribbean-facing stretches farther down the Hotel Zone are more dramatic and beautiful, but waves and undertow can be much stronger.
Food Scene: The best authentic food is found downtown in Parque Las Palapas, where you can graze on local street snacks like marquesitas and cochinita pibil tortas alongside local families. The upscale scene in the Hotel Zone is defined by theatrical, high-energy restaurants specializing in everything from molecular gastronomy to grilled meats and seafood.
Direct flights from: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Harlingen, Houston Intercontinental, Houston Hobby, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Nashville, New Orleans, New York JFK, Newark, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington Dulles, Calgary, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Edmonton, Fredericton, Gander, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, Kitchener/Waterloo, London (Ontario), Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Windsor, and Winnipeg.
Airport Transfer: Very easy but requires a plan. Private transfers remain the most reliable.
Best area to stay: Costa Mujeres for quieter resorts and often calmer conditions; North Hotel Zone for calmer swimming; Downtown (Centro) for value and better local food.
Our Favorite Beaches in Mexico
1. Tulum
The Best Beach in Mexico: Tulum is roughly a 2-hour drive south of Cancun, but it is now only 40 minutes from the new Tulum International Airport (TQO). I love the wonderful atmosphere here, with small boutique hotels steps from the water and top-tier restaurants in both the town and the Beach Zone. Be sure to rent bikes to navigate the narrow beach road and the distance between the pueblo and the sand.
2. Sayulita
Sayulita is a fantastic and fun beach town on the Pacific coast. It has a relaxed surfer vibe and is the best place in the region to take surf lessons. There are plenty of good restaurants and a handful of cool bars, but be warned that Sayulita has become incredibly popular and the small town center can feel very crowded during high season.
3. Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is the best kid-friendly beach in Mexico due to its shallow, calm water. The town is walkable, friendly, and relaxed. While it feels idyllic, the trade-off is a lack of deep local culture in the tourist areas. You often have to head to the southern half of the island to find truly authentic Mexican food. (Above, my son jumps into the ocean at Playa Norte.)
4. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a lively city with a beautiful beachfront that blends golden sand with the Malecon, a mile-long walkable promenade. I find this to be the best spot for those who want a mix of real Mexican city life and easy beach access. The sunsets over Banderas Bay are some of the best in the country.
5. Yelapa
A sleepy beach town accessible only by boat, located about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta. The beach is wonderful for a day trip or a quiet overnight stay. There are a half-dozen very good beachfront restaurants where you can eat with your toes in the sand.
6. Huatulco
Santa Cruz beach in Huatulco. A fantastic swimming spot with great sand.
7. Bucerias
Bucerias is a quiet beach town in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. It is popular with expats and has a great selection of local restaurants. It is much more low-key than PV, making it a great choice for those who want a relaxed beach pace with fewer crowds.
8. Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is home to Medano Beach, the main swimmable beach in the area. San Jose del Cabo is the more traditional town with funky shops and excellent dining. If you have a week, I recommend splitting your time between the two to experience both the high-energy marina and the quiet historic center.
9. Cancun
The Cancun Hotel Zone features stunning white sand and turquoise water lined with luxury resorts. It is the best base for those who want safe swimming and world-class amenities. It is also the perfect starting point for day trips to Chichen Itza and various Mayan ruins throughout the Yucatan.
10. Mismaloya
Mismaloya is a cool little fishing village and cove located 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. It is much more authentic than the main hotel zones and is a great spot to find local food and escape the heavy tourist crowds.
11. Ixtapa
Ixtapa is a purpose-built resort area with high-end hotels and water sports. Nearby Zihuatanejo maintains a low-key, authentic Mexican vibe. Both offer excellent beaches, but I find the contrast between the two makes for a perfect balanced vacation.
12. Playa del Carmen
PDC is a mid-sized town with a top-notch food scene and a lot of energy. The beach is beautiful, though the water is often more choppy than in Cancun. This is the main hub for catching the ferry to Cozumel and is perfectly situated for day trips to nearby cenotes.
Hi Dave, thank you for the post! You seem to know Mexico very well, I hope I can pick your brain a little. Two years ago I attended a wedding in Tulum and absolutely loved the place. I loved the pristine white sand, eco chic flavor, combination of luxury and hippie vibes. Since then, I’ve always pictured my wedding there. So my wedding will take place next year, and in July of this year we went to Tulum for a little getaway and to look at some venues but were shocked with the amounts of sargassum seaweed everywhere. The entire Caribbean coast of Mexico seems to be swamped by it, and it looks like nobody, not even scientists can predict if its a temporary phenomenon or there to stay. For now, its been there for half a year or more. Needless to say, I would want to avoid having seagrass on my wedding pictures. Also, I love swimming in the ocean and so do a lot of our friends, so I wouldn’t want to disappoint people and have a sub-par experience knowing about this in advance. I am now researching an alternative for Tulum. Is it Sayulita in your opinion? If so, what would you picture as the drawbacks of Sayulita based on what I have described as my likes of Tulum?
Elena
In some ways, Sayulita and Tulum have a similar vibe – a laid-back hippie feel. In other ways they’re very different. Sayulita is a bit rougher around the edges and can feel like a little Mexican village by the beach. When you’re at the beach in Tulum you feel like you’re in an idyllic bubble, not so much in Sayulita. In Sayulita there’s more going on, both at the beach and in the town. Perhaps it comes down to the fact that the beach and town are separated by a few miles in Tulum. In Sayulita they’re pretty much one and the same. The beach is nice in Sayulita but not as nice as Tulum. On the plus side there’s good surfing in Sayulita for everyone from beginners (you can take courses that are very fun) up to intermediate (and advanced if you want to hop in a car); the food is probably a tiny bit better in Tulum. In Tulum you’re surrounded by some wonderful day trips. In Sayulita you can make a trip into Puerto Vallarta (or spend a few nights there) and it’s a great place. Both are worth a visit and many times more interesting than Cancun. I will mention one other place south of P.V. called Yelapa. It has the beautiful beach like Tulum with a few restaurants. There’s a town perched above it that has a couple really good restaurants but is very small. I think there’s one market, one cafe, one ice cream shop. Not much else. Almost no nightlife. You get there by boat from either P.V. or Mismaloya. It’s a very cool place if you’re looking to chill and relax.
Hi
We are a family of 4 (2 children, 5 months and 5 years old) from Australia and we are planning a trip to Mexico in April. I have been reading your posts and very confused as to where to go and stay. We will be flying in from LA and want a family friendly resort with kids club and some babysitting, nice beach (no seaweed) and dont have to travel to far once we get to Mexico for the kids sake. Where would you recommend as we are open to all places and the choices are making me confused.
Thanks in advance.
Clare Passlow
Cancun is not my favorite place in Mexico but for what you’re looking for it’s probably best. Lots of resort with kids clubs. Most are all-inclusives.
I have been to Cancun a couple of times the area where we stayed the water was very rough and not enjoyable. What are the best swimming beaches in the Cancun area?
Jerri McDonald
Playa Tortugas and Playa Langosta are both good for swimming. Cancun beach is shaped like a 7 and these beaches are located along the top of the 7 and thus are somewhat protected from the intense direct waves of the ocean.
David, we are planning a trip (our first to Mexico) right around Thanksgiving. We have 3 kids (8, 5 and 2 yo). What would be the best/calmest beach that you would recommend, any good kid friendly resorts you would recommend? Thanks for the input.
Hercules
The most kid-friendly beach in Mexico is the North Beach on Isla Mujeres (a short ferry ride from Cancun). There are some nice low-key hotels there, but no large resorts – for those you need to go to Cancun but the beach there is more exposed and not so kid-friendly.
How do you feel about Puerto Vallarta? For a relaxing couples getaway…
Is the beach nice?
I wanted to go to Cancun because the water is warmer but wanted to avoid spring breakers… I was told puerto Vallarta is a nice relaxing trip. Please let me know your thoughts.
Nic
Puerta Vallarta is great and the town has a real Mexican vibe (unlike Cancun which is just a strip of big resorts). The beach is good in town but not wow, incredible. For the best beach near Puerto Vallarta take a boat to Yelapa (from the pier in Puerto Vallarta). You can do this as a day trip or stay at a hotel there right on the beach – idyllic and very quiet. As far as spring break parties, neither Puerto Vallarta nor Cancun get big spring break crowds like some places used to.
Hi! This is a fabulous list, thanks.
We’re looking for a beach town that isn’t too far of a trip for a weekend, out of Tijuana. We’ll be flying but don’t want to fly too far. We have two kids, 2.5 yo and 7 mos. We want a nice beach of course and will be going the first week of February. Would Sayulita fit the bill? Also, we are hoping to find an AirBnb place, any particular neighborhoods to target or stay clear of?
Thanks!
Sayulita is awesome and yes, would definitely work for what you’re looking for. Lots of rentals there, just be sure you’re walking distance to downtown.
This is a great list with some very helpful insight! I am planning my daughter’s (5 years old) first international experience. We only have a week. She doesn’t swim by herself yet but loves the water. I’m trying to pick the best spot to have an easy beach vacation but also expose her to a unique cultural experience and have an opportunity to see some unique wildlife. Tulum sounds the best so far but do you have any other recommendations? Aaron Livingston
Tulum is awesome so yes, I’d highly recommend it. Great beach, great food, good cultural sights, and cenotes to swim in too.
Hi David
My husband and I are looking to visit in July. I’ve been looking at Riviera Maya but I’m confused on where to go after so many comments. We’re into the nightlife but like a nice beach ( no rocks or seaweed)) also local shopping. We enjoy authentic Mexican food. We don’t mind staying at resorts. Any help is appreciated. Thank you
Melinda Medina
Sounds like Tulum, for sure.
My wife and I visited Playa Del carmen for our honeymoon 2 years ago, and I was not impressed by the beach. I was expecting baby blue water and it was nothing like that. I’ve been reading that Tulum is the place to go for beautiful beaches in Mexico. What do you suggest? Rene
Tulum is wonderful and one of my favorite beaches in Mexico. Isla Mujeres also is great and probably even more idyllic with turquoise water.
Hi David! Great list – thank you for sharing. In your opinion, what is the safest beach that is family (2 children under the age of 5) friendly? We (like many other folks, I am sure) are planning a Christmas getaway. Thanks again! Amy D NY, NY
Isla Mujeres’s main beach (Playa Norte) is shallow, calm, beautiful, protected from the wind and waves, and great for kids.
Agree with Isla Holbox – great for quiet and solitude. My current love affair is with Xcalak, a small beach town way down the Yucatan peninsula. The sand on the beach is so-so, but the water is what blows me away – the barrier reef makes snorkeling super easy and the different blues in the water are spectacular. Tough to get to, and amazingly pristine.
Thanks for the feedback.
I do not know how you can qualify Los Cabo as a safe place to go swimming. The undertow there is incredibly unsafe and just about lost our lives, just walking on the sand. Diane
Hmmm. I don’t see where I recommended the Los Cabos beaches as great for swimming. I agree, there are many beach areas that have rough waves and are not ok for swimming (these are usually marked with red flags). There are some good areas, however. The stretch of beach immediately east of Cabo San Lucas has swimmable water.
Hi Dave
I had never been to Mexico until recently, but I’ve been fives times in the past three years to Tulum, Playa, Cancun and Isla Mujeres. I have been disappointed by the amount of seaweed each time except at Isla. I typically don’t mind seaweed as it’s a natural occurrence, but there have been days on my trips where the seaweed was 6-8 feet wide and multiple feet tall, making it difficult to climb over to get into the water and causing quite a smell. The reason I tend to stick to the Gulf side is that my children and mother like clear, calmer waters. Are there beaches you would recommend on the Pacific Coast that have soft sand and calm waters? I assume this would rid me of the gulf Sargassum problem. Or am I asking for an impossible Caribbean style beach outside of the Caribbean?
Thanks!
Yelapa is my favorite beach on the west coast for calm waters and great sand. It still isn’t like the Caribbean side but as close as you get on the west coast. It’s reachable only by boat and has several very good restaurants. Casas Garcia is right on the beach and a great place to stay in Yelapa.
HIgh David I am from Argentina travelling to Miami in late January, with my wife and two sons (10 and 13). Our plan is to fly to some destination in the Carribean area and spend most of our 15 days, I am looking for a nice beach with some waves for the kids to enjoy some boogieboarding. Can you recommend a place for us? Kind regards!
Tulum is my favorite beach on the Mexican Caribbean. Waves are decent for boogie boarding and body surfing. There are lots of Miami to Cancun flights and then it’s a 2 hour drive from there. I don’t think there are any Miami to Tulum direct flights yet, but expect that to change within a few years.
Hello
Looking for a beach spot that is not resort-style but with cultural value and true Mexican vibe. Can you please recommend. Flying in from Australia so connecting airports and transfers are important.
Try Isla Holbox (less developed) or Isla Mujeres (easier to get to).