The best beaches of Mexico

Straddled between the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico is the ultimate beach destination. The sheer diversity of its coastline – alongside a multifaceted culture, unmatched culinary scene and captivating sites of Mayan history – makes ‘a day at the beach’ in Mexico one punctuated with wonder and adventure. Read on for our six favorite beaches of Mexico that you should visit on a customised trip. We’ve focused on beaches that are close to the country’s most scintillating sights, offering amenities along with a sense of space and solitude. 

Punta Cocos, Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is known as a ‘quieter’ option for those trying to beat the crowds of Cancun, and though it’s definitely popular, it lives up to that promise. This 26-mile island has no cars, is part of the protected Yum Balam Nature Reserve, and is separated from the mainland by the scenic, shallow waters of the Yalahau Lagoon.

You’ll find pristine, white-sand beaches galore on Isla Holbox. Though rustic, there is plenty to entertain in the local town, awash with cafes, food shacks, beach bungalows, market stalls, and places to prop up with a beer. Colorful murals adorn the buildings and a chilled, welcoming mood lingers in the air, as people pass by via bike or golf buggy.

As you’d expect of an island within a nature reserve, the beaches are primed for wildlife-watching. Flamingos, frigatebirds and pelicans frolic in the water, while the calm seas are home to whale sharks, turtles and manta rays. Round off your day at Punta Cocos – the farthest beach from Holbox town – to watch the sky blush with the colors of sunset. It’s one of the most peaceful points on the island, so you might even have it to yourself.

Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca

Oaxaca (pronounced ‘Wa-ha-ca’) is an unmissable stop in Mexico, bursting with cultural arts, stunning colonial architecture and a divine culinary scene. You won’t be short of distractions when you’re in this area; Oaxaca is the home of ‘mole’, the trademark Mexican sauce, and its old towns and local food markets are multi-sensory and memorable.

When you’re ready to slow down the pace and find some coastal relaxation, Playa Zipolite is a sanctuary that radiates bohemian personality. A favorite for hippy backpackers back in the 60s and 70s, this beach is now a hub for travelers and nudists – but rest assured, many wear bathing suits – and it has bags of charm to draw the short-term tourist, too.

Here you’ll find beachfront yoga classes, laid-back cafes, waves that are just perfect for beginner surfers, and a welcoming air of inclusivity. Neighboring Mazunte Beach has a similar vibe, and is a prime spot for watching the turtle nesting and hatching that occur between June and January. In November, the Mazunte Jazz Festival brings a jivey atmosphere.

Playa Las Palmas, Tulum

Gorgeous Tulum is a major tourist site in Mexico due to its captivating Mayan ruins. You may have seen the iconic scene of the Tulum Archaeological Site atop a cliff, overlooking the azure ocean at Playa Ruinas. This spot is popular for a reason; Tulum’s beaches are truly incomparable to many in Mexico.

Beaches such as Playa Ruinas and Playa Paraiso are stunning, with enticing seas that are fantastic for swimming, and smooth crescents of sand to bury your toes into. These spots tend to capture the overspill of tourists visiting the ruins, and emanate a fun-loving energy due to a plethora of beachfront bars and restaurants.

For a more peaceful escape to wind down after your archaeological visit, head north up the beach road to find Playa Las Palmas via an opening in the palm trees. This spot has a more serene atmosphere due to its seclusion – there isn’t much to do but swim, watch the waves and relax on the sand (thus its appeal!), so bring your own provisions.

Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur

Over on Mexico’s east coast is La Paz, a vibrant coastal city overlooking the Sea of Cortez. This laid-back stop is an authentic slice of Mexico with top-notch seafood, and about an hour’s drive away, Playa Balandra is one of the most beautiful beaches around.

A sheltered crescent beach with calm, shallow waters and interesting rock formations, Balandra is the perfect place to feel far away from the hustle and bustle of the usual Mexico tourist routes. This is an ecotourism haven, as much effort has been made to protect the pristine natural environment here. Boat tours to spot whale sharks aren’t to be missed, and neither is El Hongo (the Mushroom) – a particularly bizarre rock with a very narrow base and large top. 

Seven beaches actually make up Balandra Bay in total, so stroll around the headlands to enjoy the breathtaking views. Across the water, the island of Espiritu Santo is also a secluded spot for wild, seaside relaxation. 

Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park, Cozumel

Some excellent dive sites pepper the Mexican coast. Experienced divers can spot humpback whales and sea lions in the Sea of Cortez; explore the intricate underwater cave systems of Yucatán; and plunge into an array of magical cenotes – natural sinkholes with still, clear waters and their own unique ecosystems. 

Most would agree, however, that the best diving spot in Mexico is on Cozumel. Located near to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the sites around Cozumel grant glorious water clarity and an immense diversity of marine life (think manta rays, a rainbow of small and large fish, eels, turtles, and a plethora of corals).

When you return to dry land, most of the beaches on Cozumel are world-class, with soft sand and pastel-blue ocean. Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park is a small eco-reserve with gorgeous swimmable lagoons, scenic walking trails, and a lighthouse you can climb to the top of. As it’s a wildlife reserve, you can also spot crocodiles, turtles and a host of birdlife (from a safe distance, of course). There’s a small fee to access the beach here, but it’s worth it for the sense of escape and privacy after a day of sensational snorkeling or diving. 

Isla Mujeres, Cancun

Cancun is the hub of global tourism in Mexico, and certainly the place to be if you love luxury resorts, sunny rounds of golf, a high-end culinary scene, and great nightlife on your doorstep. For a slice of relative serenity, however, you might want to hop on a boat to Isla Mujeres.

Though it receives a fair share of visitors, it is justified – there’s no denying the beaches on Isla Mujeres are superb. The four-mile-long island includes beaches such as Playa Norte, Playa Sol and others, where the white, velvety sand is lapped by waves of aquamarine and backed by swathes of tropical vegetation. 

Whether you want to explore the crystal waters with a snorkel or by kayak, or sit back on a sun lounger with a book and a beer, everywhere offers accessible amenities to suit your needs. The Downtown Isla Mujeres area is also nearby if you want to browse markets and shop for souvenirs.

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