20 best beaches in Mexico โ list, photo, description, map
Any person wants to see the mysterious country, calling to itself for rest, travel, acquaintance with its ancient history. The shores, washed by the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the waters of the mighty Pacific Ocean, hide cozy bays, endless coastal recreation areas. Mexico owns a real paradise ensemble of islands scattered in the surrounding waters. On them you can find a secluded place for a relaxing pastime, diving, fun water activities.
Maroma
This is the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are a large number of beaches and all as one โ with white sand and clear water. I would like to single out Maroma from all this multitude, firstly, it is fenced off from the hustle and bustle of the jungle, secondly, it is almost deserted there, well, and thirdly, the beach there is without pebbles and algae thrown out by the sea.
It is also notable for the presence of a resort complex โ Secrets Maroma Resorts 5. Here guests have everything for a comfortable stay โ swimming pools, restaurants serving delicious dishes, bars with a wide selection of drinks, and an excellent number of rooms. Finding Maroma Beach is easy โ it is 24 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, 48 from Cancun.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres got its name because of the large number of statues. It is located near Cancun. The southern coast is unsuitable for recreation, because there are only rocks, but the northern part of the island is all beaches, with their amazing sand and clear water. Isla Mujeres, by the way, has been recognized as a national park and is under state protection.
A small part of the island is located on a coral reef, which is part of the general system of the Mesoamerican reefs (no one gives an exact estimate, but on average their approximate age was calculated โ 125 thousand years). Tourists are attracted to these beaches not only by their beauty, but you can meet a large number of divers diving in search of mythical Mayan treasures.
But if you are fond of diving, then you will like the underwater museum located in the waters of the marine park, where you can see many statues at the bottom. In general, there are quite a lot of all kinds of entertainment on the island โ for example, you can rent a moped, go for a bike, and ride, or go kayaking, or visit a turtle farm.
There are many beaches on the island itself โ and almost all of them are popular and there are quite a lot of vacationers, for example, Playa Norte, but there are many other places where there are not so many tourists, but you can relax just as beautifully and just as great โ Playa Indios, Playa Paraiso and others.
Akumal
Among the resorts in Mexico, most often in advertisements they show a โturtle placeโ among the white sand, the azure sea, and shaggy palm trees. This is Akumal or a small town that has become the first center for tourists in the country on the coastal expanses of the sea. A large white bridge leads vacationers to the place of acquaintance with the main attraction of the place โ peace-loving turtles. You can swim with them, look at the peculiarities of life during an excursion to the underwater kingdom.
Moreover, interesting places are located in the northern part of the beach next to the coral reef. On the beach area of โโAkumal, three sites are conditionally distinguished (Akumal Bay Beach, Wellness Resort). Or central, northern and Jade, which lurks on the shore of a small lagoon. Lovers of a relaxing holiday in a cozy solitude come here.
Restaurants, cafes, shops are located near the central part of the recreation area. The main part of the infrastructure elements is also located here: umbrellas, sun loungers, rental of boats, masks, sports equipment. The toilet is offered to use on the territory of restaurants, in the diving center. Address: Akumal pueblo.
View prices for tours to Akumal
Tulum
From November to April, the high holiday season began in a cozy paradise on the Caribbean coast near the resort town of Tulum. There are several public beach areas on the coastal strip: Santa Fe, Pescadores, Paraiso, Las Palmas, Maya. From the road, the beach ensemble is closed by a large strip of green spaces.
Among flowering trees, palms, shrubs, complementing the spicy aroma of the sea atmosphere, bungalows with roofs made of palm leaves are comfortably hiding. Vacationers are accommodated in interesting ecological housing. High sea waves here rarely run far ashore. The entrance to the sea is gentle, safe for children. Changing rooms and toilets are located along the road and are marked with signs.
There are several free parking lots. Restaurants, numerous entertainment centers are located in the town. Many guests choose this place to stay because of the easy opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Tulum (the ruins of the ancient Mayan city), the Sian Kaan reserve. The beach area is one of the best places to relax and is located at: Zona Hotelera Tulum.
Xi'an-Qaan
This is one of the main protected areas in Mexico. It has existed for almost 4 centuries. The territory of more than 5 thousand km 2 is occupied by impenetrable jungle. They approach the shores of the Caribbean Sea. It is often difficult to find your way to the sandy strip of its coasts. About 30 years ago, the local Sian Kaan beach was included in the UNESCO heritage lists. It stretches for 120 km. There are no amenities here. It is recommended to take everything you need with you.
But there is pristine silence, natural comfort, fine white sand. Unusually the sea, changing color from an azure hue off the coast, to the color of turquoise and emeralds above the sea depths. The sandy strip is protected from waves by a coral reef. It is proposed to explore them together with a group of divers during the arrival of organized groups.
Puerto Morelos
It is easy to find out the recreation area on the coastal strip of interest by two lighthouses and a pier. Damaged by the 1967 hurricane, the old lighthouse remained in its original place and became a real attraction of the fishing village. The place is increasingly chosen by lovers of underwater travel.
The famous Barrier Reef is located at a depth of about 2 m. This allows you to explore it in a normal snorkel mask. Unusual thickets of corals are located from the sea. Harmless turtles, peaceful barracudas, mysterious rays and reef sharks can be found in clear, azure water. The reef protects the shore. In the coastal zone, waves appear very rarely. The main proposals for the infrastructure of the beach area are located next to large hotels.
A small promenade with restaurants and shops runs along the main beach of the town. On it itself there are sun loungers, umbrellas, bars. As entertainment, boat trips, hiking in the surroundings, for example, to a crocodile farm, Delphinus Puerto Morelos dolphinarium, are offered. It invites you to swim with the cheerful inhabitants.
Playa del Amor
Love Beach, Playa del Amor, Love Beach is the name of the recreation area under the roof of a hinged cave. This is not a specific miracle of nature, but an accident that appeared after military tests in the 1900s of the last century. Controlled explosions, further natural forces changed the surrounding landscape and created numerous caves, rock formations of complex shape.
Turquoise waves penetrated the territory of the caves, a shore covered with snow-white coral sand was formed. At the same time, the mystery, the mystery of a romantic place, was preserved. The path to it was found not very long ago. You can overcome it on a sightseeing boat or boat with its owner through a small tunnel surrounded by rocks. The number of visitors to the fairy grotto is limited and allowed by special permission. The recreation area belongs to the possessions of the biosphere reserve.
Therefore, only snorkeling along the reefs, kayaking are allowed here. Fishing and all types of hunting are prohibited. Violators face heavy fines. Young, loving couples tend to come here. The hidden love beach is located near the coast of a desert island near the city of Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta).
Sikatela
The waves of the Pacific Ocean seem to be having fun in its open spaces and create a real kingdom for those who like to ride on snow-white peaks in the area of โโโโSicatela beach, starting from the Marinero rocks. Surfing championships are held here twice a year. Ordinary vacationers hesitate to swim in water with such waves. Most often, vacationers walk along the long ocean coast (almost 3 km).
Feet buried in soft sand are constantly washed by the waves. They are fast, slow, but always raging very close to the coast. On the coast of Puerto Escondido, the beach area is considered the most popular in the country. It expresses the extraordinary spirit of freedom, born in the vast, boundless ocean. Address: Puerto Escondilo, Oaxaca.
Playa Norte
In the northern part of the country is a small island of women (Isla Mujeres). The popular recreation area of โโthe Yucatan Peninsula reigns here. At a distance of about 13 km begins the famous resort of Mexico Cancun. Any coast of the island, like a pearl necklace, is surrounded by snow-white coastal stripes. Playa Norte, 500 m long, is considered the best of them on the island. It is convenient to relax here with small children.
The depth of warm (its temperature is almost always + 26 ยฐ C), clear water near a separate part of the coast is small, which is convenient for kids and resembles a safe bath. In the neighborhood begins the deep places of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. They are chosen by lovers of swimming, diving. Throughout the year, here the air temperature during the day is about 30 ยฐ C, at night about + 20 ยฐ C.
During the rest it is proposed to use the services of modern infrastructure. Fans of active recreation are offered a wide range of water activities. Among them are swimming with dolphins, diving. Underwater lovers will be happy to look at a small coral reef (part of the famous Barrier Reef). Its age is 125,000 years.
Hotels, cafes, restaurants are located on the shore. The island is small, so visiting its main attractions is not difficult. Among them: Hacienda Mundaka National Park, which appeared thanks to a slave trader, a pirate. The highest point of the Yucatรกn at Cape Puncta Sur. Fragments of the ancient temple of the goddess Ixchel. Together with the first rays of the sun, the inhabitants of the island celebrate the New Year here.
Nearby is a sculpture park of interesting images of Maya representatives, residents of other countries. You can arrive by ferry, breaking about 10 km of the waters of the Strait of Mujares.
Karakol
A cozy, small strip along the warm sea waves is not immediately noticeable to a โfreshโ tourist who has stopped in the Cancun resort area. It is closed by fashionable hotels where wealthy Europeans and Americans try to stay. Excellent infrastructure allows us to consider the beach the best in the resort. Fine white sand, turquoise sea with gradually increasing depth, a beautiful wooden pier attract many people here. But preference is given to hotel residents.
Sun loungers, umbrellas, comfortable seats, as well as hospitable hotel restaurants belong to their official guests. Despite the fact that the recreation area has the status of โpublicโ. Other vacationers are provided with retail outlets (Terramar Plaza, Plaza Caracol, Chadraui supermarket) on Kukulkan Boulevard. All day long, guests can take part in water activities, quietly doze off in the white sand.
Ride a boat to the area of โโthe Crocodile Farm, look at the stalactite caves. In the evening, visit restaurants, cafes, the famous disco โCoco Bongoโ. Make an excursion to the mysterious pyramids of Chichen Itza, to the archaeological zone of Xcaret, the city of Tulum, where the Mayans lived. Or see the ancient karst lakes of Shel-Kha.
Linda
The Kalinda Bridge connects Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. For the sake of interesting viewpoints, guests of Cancun often come here. You can admire the huge ships, an amazing natural phenomenon, when the direction of movement and the color of the water in the channel changes twice a day, while relaxing on Playa Linda (โBeautiful Beachโ).
It is located next to the bridge. The coastal area is protected from large waves and is popular for families with children. Modern conditions allow outdoor enthusiasts to visit this place. Parasailing, kayaking, exploring the secrets of the bottom of the Caribbean in a mask, diving equipment, sleepy rest on a lounger. You can play for a long time on the golf course, sports grounds.
Nearby are cafes, restaurants, bars, interesting places behind the pier. Among them are the observation tower โLaTorre Cancunโ (the highest point of the city), a show on the ship โJolly Rogerโ. The recreation area is often referred to as El Embarcadero, as the marina. Cruise liners and ferries to neighboring islands start from it.
Tortugas
You can relax surrounded by Mexicans on the shores of the turquoise sea on one of the most popular beaches in the northern part of the Cancun resort. Locals often come here. And this means that there are a lot of people here, cheerful music sounds, the bungee tower invites you to overcome your fear.
Isla Mujeres reliably protects the coastal strip from high waves. This creates a safe, comfortable environment for families with children. There is a boat station with a rental point for water skis, any equipment for entertainment on the water. There is a pier near the Turtle Beach. This increases interest in the recreation area, as ferries with sightseers often depart from it.
The main nearby attractions are El Garrafon National Park and the Dolphinarium. You can choose a souvenir at a flea market not far from your favorite part of the coastal strip.
Marlin
The territory of Cancun is divided into two parts: the city itself and the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). The well-maintained part of the Marlin coastal strip is one of the โbeaches with wavesโ and stretches from 9 to 20 km in relation to Kukulkan Boulevard. In the area of โโ12-13 km there is a section with a strong reverse current in coastal waters. Swimming is allowed only near the shore.
Usually the situation on the beach is determined by the color of the warning flags on the shore: when a black or red flag appears, it is forbidden to enter the water. Lifeguards on duty are constantly monitoring from the height of the coastal tower. Among the expanses of the sea next to the recreation area, barracudas, whale sharks, and jellyfish often frolic. To the shore, they do not approach.
Turtles come here once a year to lay their eggs in the soft sand. Along the entire coast are snow-white hotel buildings. You can go to the beach with a comfortable infrastructure, everything you need for entertainment, through the entrance located near the Kukulkan Mall.
Vacationers should know that showers, toilets, restaurants, shops for โoutsidersโ and not hotel guests are located in this center. During the rest, you can see the ruins of two Mayan temples (Ruk and Scorpio). It is easy to get here from the city by shuttle bus 1, 2, etc.
Delfines
The coastal zone is considered the longest and widest in this part of the Caribbean. Dolphins often swim close to the shore. Vacationers watch their fun game. You can do this around the clock, without paying an entrance fee. Light yellow sand, a gentle entrance to a relatively calm (without waves) sea, chosen by the elderly, families with children. It is easy to find the beach by large multi-colored letters at the entrance.
A wooden staircase leads to it. Hotels, restaurants, shops do not come close to the sea, so you can always find a secluded place on the sandy spit, despite the large number of local residents. There are few offers for water activities. In the distance there is a kiteboarding school. Across the road are the ruins of El Rey from buildings from the Mayan civilization. The bus ride from the city center takes about an hour.
Langosta
Opposite Kukulkan Boulevard in the area with the Asta Bandera Monumental flagpole, there is a quiet recreation area with white sand, calm sea, beautiful surroundings. Cold wind does not fly here, high waves do not rage. The wide coastal zone is divided by a wooden deck into two parts covered with coral sand.
It is very small, snow-white, resembles powdered sugar and does not heat up much under the hot sun. It is convenient to walk on it barefoot even for small children. The infrastructure of the beach area includes a shower, a toilet (which many places of rest do not have), sun loungers, umbrellas. The safe navigation area is marked with buoys. Arbors made of wood are installed, playgrounds are equipped.
There is a bar, cafe, ATM. Free car parking is provided. Every vacationer can use the services, and not just hotel guests.
Paradise
It is located in the young resort area of โโthe Riviera Maya. On the Yucatan Peninsula, it occupies about 100 km of the coastal strip. The center of Cancun is 45 km away and the main town of Playa del Carmen is 22 km away. Opposite it is the famous island of Cozumel. Here Jacques Cousteau explored the legendary Papancar reef.
The resort complex was created under the joint program of Guatemala. Belize, Mexico. Guests can choose to stay in an interesting hotel complex in the form of three-story bungalows or a modern room in a large hotel. There are five of them here. Each has its own pools. The beauty of the Caribbean Sea will not allow you to use only them. The coastal strip with soft white sand, on which there are multi-colored umbrellas, sun loungers, calls for a visit in the first place.
The barrier reef, hidden in the waters along the entire coast, helped in organizing various options for exploring it. Together with a quiet rest on the sand, there was an opportunity to make exciting scuba diving, to take part in the activities of divers. There are almost no clubs for nightlife, and the recreation area has become popular with diving enthusiasts.
Shpu Ha
Ideal for relaxation, a tropical place with a length of 2 km is located between the resorts of Playa del Carmen and Akumal of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is distinguished by the color of the sand, which is not just snow-white, but with a pink tint. Against the backdrop of turquoise expanses, it looks especially bewitching. Being a guest in an amazing place, enjoying its beauty is offered throughout the year (with payment of 50 pesos) from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
Purely conventionally, the beach area is divided into two parts: an active area with bars, sports grounds, water entertainment. And a quiet place that gives you the opportunity to soak up the beautiful sand, admire the nature of the surroundings. Nearby there are many hotels, restaurants, shops, a beach club. With it, weddings, family holidays with the use of theatrical performances based on the ancient rites of the Indians.
Evening folklore performances in the form of shows of magicians and sorcerers enjoy special delight. Together with swimming with dolphins, among cave rivers, fishing, hiking surrounded by colorful butterflies, getting to know majestic flamingos, this creates the impression of a fantastic paradise. Complementing an interesting vacation is a visit to the ancient Mayan cities. There are no direct bus connections here. It is best to come by taxi.
Mahaual
Near the village of Mahahual there are pristine places created by nature in the form of lagoons protected by ancient rocks. On their shores, it is especially pleasant to burrow into the snow-white sand, plunge into silence, calmness and quietly think and relax. The water in the lagoons has different shades of blue. A small fishing village is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the middle of the Costa Maya.
Its infrastructure, necessary for a comfortable stay, has been created in the central part of the city. Hospitable villas are located near the village along the shores of the lagoons. You can come to coastal places on rented bicycles offered for rent by hotel owners. Often foreign guests come to these places to see an interesting creation of nature. This is a fresh lake, lost among the rocks in the Caribbean Sea.
It appeared at a distance of about 30 km from the coast and became a home for turtles and crocodiles. It is proposed to see it during the tour. Fishing on the high seas often catch rare species of fish: tarpon, marlin, sailfish, robalo. Divers explore the secrets of the underwater world of reefs. Nearby are restaurants, bars, souvenir shops with low prices. Separate areas for wealthy people are equipped. Sun loungers, umbrellas are at a respectful distance from each other. Address: Mexico, Mahahual village.
Playacar
Among the most beautiful recreational areas of the Playa del Carmen resort is the coastal strip, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Rivira Maya. It stretches in a long strip between Tulum and Cancun. Routes to the sights of the country begin from this place: the city of the pyramids of Chichen Itza, the ruins of Coba, the island of Cozumel.
Modern hotels, spacious golf courses, tennis courts are protected from the rays of the hot sun by luxurious thickets of coconut palms and tropical plants. Among them, not afraid of people, pelicans roam, iguanas, small lizards frolic. Sometimes ordinary, well-known hares wander. The coastal strip is covered with very soft, warm sand. It is pleasant to walk barefoot on it.
Buildings of modern hotels rise along the coast. Guests are welcomed by the owners of luxurious villas and apartments. Entrance to the place of rest does not require payment. Everyone finds sports entertainment here according to their desires and interests. Several diving centers organize underwater excursions to coral reefs.
Here you can also rent fins, snorkel masks, a boat for a walk on the sea. In the period from November to March, it does not rain here, and the air and water warm up to +27ยฐC. Stormy wind, rains most often visit these places from May to October. In the many shops of the main promenade on Fifth Avenue, you can find the most unique souvenir from the country.
Punta Sur Eco Beach
In the southern part of the island of Cozumel there is a special recreation area. The high demands made by environmental services form special receptions when visiting the beautiful, cozy beach of the island. Even the use of sunscreen is not allowed here. Nothing should disturb the pristine world created by nature.
It is believed that almost 90% of the green paradise off the coast of the Caribbean Sea is not developed and does not keep the presence of careless visitors. Among the impenetrable jungle of Cozumel there are no roads, abandoned and prosperous settlements. The coastal strip is a single zone that can provide a beach holiday. The largest island in Mexico has one city, San Miguel. It has few shops, cafes, areas for visiting passengers from cruise ships.
There are beach areas on either side of the island. Well equipped are located in the southern part of the island. Entrance to them requires a specific payment. The most interesting entertainment in the Punta Sur Eco Beach recreation area is diving along the longest reef in the world and visiting historical sites of the center of pre-Columbian life of the Indians.