Beaches in Mexico

Long stretches of light golden sand, waters as blue as the clear sky and soul warming sunshine. Everyone loves a day at the beach but with hundreds to choose from along Mexico’s vast coastline it can be difficult to know how to get the best from the experience. Luckily there are some tried and tested favorites that top rankings around the world as places to have an enjoyable day in a clean, relaxing environment.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco is situated by Mexico’s largest natural bay. Banderas Bay is sixty miles of coast line stretching from Punta Mita to Cabo Corrientes. The bay spans the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Walk the Malecon (seaside promenade) to view sculptures and see street performers, eat at a fine dining restaurant, visit the Isla Marietas for bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking. A short walk brings you to the popular and lively Los Muertos Beach.

Cancún

If crowds are a plus rather than a problem then the famous white sand beaches of Cancún in Quintana Roo could be a good candidate for your Mexico vacation. Cancun is one of the most well known and most visited resorts of Mexico. Beautiful beaches, a coral reef, amenities, nightlife and water sports make this the highlight of the Mayan Riviera. Cruise ships dock in Cozumel and visitors take a short ferry ride to reach Cancun. Elsewhere along the Riviera beach parties and good diving sites can be found at Playa del Carmen. For snorkeling and kayaking head to Half Moon Bay. Punta Bete is a good option for those wishing for a quieter time.

Near to Cancun are the Mayan ruins named Tulum. The ruins are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Hike the jungle and climb the ruins of temples before taking a cooling dip in the turquoise blue waters. This unique beach is not a well kept secret when it comes to Mexico travel so to avoid large crowds it is best visited early in the day.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is a popular tourist resort located in Baja California Sur which has experienced a surge in touristic popularity over the last thirty years. The two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and the area between them are known as the “corridor” or “tourist corridor”. The beaches along the twenty mile corridor are a major draw for visitors. From Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas up through the corridor to San Jose and the East Cape tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Medano beach or Playa el Medano is popular for safe swimming but is busier than many other places, Bahia Chileno is known for snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Oaxaca

The Huatulco Bays in Oaxaca is an area made up of nine bays and thirty six pristine beaches. The coastline is surrounded by a lowland jungle backdrop which attracts nature lovers drawn by the biodiversity and everyone else for the sheer beauty of the landscape. The combination of landscape with beaches and amenities makes this resort a popular choice and keeps the cruise port of Santa Cruz busy. The beaches are generally mild with blue-green waters and light colored sands. There are some beaches such as Playa Chahue which are recommended for experienced swimmers only unlike the mild waves of Playa Tangolunda. With so many interconnected areas to explore finding something to suit is a pleasure and not a chore. Dine on Mexican seafood and Oaxacan cuisine, enjoy a swim, boat tour or snorkeling session.

Some areas can cater to Mexico tours with contrasting requirements; Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca has the family friendly beaches of Bahia Principal and Puerto Angelito as well as Zicatela Beach a.k.a the Mexican Pipeline which draws experienced surfers who want to test their skills.

Acapulco

Acapulco in Guerrero has been a famous beach destination for years. Recent efforts have been made to improve the area which is famous for the La Quebrada cliff divers who stun onlookers with their death defying dives, only taking the plunge after praying at the shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe. Acapulco is known for sunbathing and nightlife and attracts a large amount of visitors every year.