9 Stunning Beaches in Mexico That Will Leave You Spellbound

17.06.2024.

One of the reasons to put Mexico high on your bucket list is because of its breathtaking beaches. The turquoise charm of Rivera Maya with the famous Playa Paraiso in Tulum leads your itinerary.

With incredible food and cheerful vibes, Mexico will offer you the moments to remember and be eager to return. The treasure of fantastic beaches in Mexico is numerous with all the diversity it brings.

From the heavenly Caribbean coast to the wild shine of the Pacific, here are the 8 astonishing beaches to visit in Mexico. Thanks to the amazing travel bloggers who helped me to create this collection and hopefully you can include some of them next time in Mexico.

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Playa Paraiso, Tulum- contributed by myself

Playa Paraiso in Tulum represents the throne of numerous Mexican beaches, the popular destination that will astonish you. Its turquoise colours will inspire you to a heavenly vacation in some of the fabulous beach hotels in Tulum. Choosing life in your bubble is not only what Tulum offers as it might seem firsthand.

The delightful shine of Playa Paraiso will seduce you with its incredible colours where relaxing mood prevails. You’ll wonder when you will see such beach again that will enchant you as no other.

The ancient Mayan ruins signify life as it was once in Tulum and charming historical heritage next to the beach. Offering stunning views of the crystal clear waters at Playa Paraiso, the Tulum Archeological Site is unmissable in the city.

Seeing plenty of algues at the beaches is a common problem in this idyllic atmosphere.

How to reach & where to stay

Taking place a bit far from the central Tulum is what gives Playa Paraiso the exclusive feeling of tranquility. The best way to reach this fabulous beach is by bike and enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Tulum. Tulum is only 2h bus drive away from Cancun.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, I would recommend Mayan Monkey Hostel– read more about it here. It will delight you with its coziness and design. For something more exclusive, choose Coco Tulum Beach Hotel. It’s an affordable place in Zona Hotelera where eco concept blends with the stunning design.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres- contributed by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico is hidden on the island of Isla Mujeres. With powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, North Beach, or Playa Norte, is a heaven for beach lovers. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Both families and adventure seekers tend to enjoy its tranquil shine.

One of the unique features of North Beach is its breathtaking sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. Creating a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or a relaxing day in paradise, it’s a fantastic option to retreat yourself.

Around Playa Norte, you’ll find a variety of charming beachfront bars and restaurants offering delicious seafood and refreshing cocktails. For those interested in exploring further, the nearby Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is an awesome experience for snorkelers and scuba diving. The beach is also where tours to go snorkeling with whale sharks depart from

How to reach & where to stay

Getting to Isla Mujeres is straightforward. From Cancún, you can take a ferry from Puerto Juárez, which is a scenic 20-minute ride. Once on the island, North Beach is easily accessible by foot, golf cart, or taxi, making it convenient to reach and enjoy this stunning destination.

Isla Mujeres is a relatively small island, making it easy to get to Playa Norte from anywhere. However, for nearby accommodation, check out Hotel Secreto at the north end of the island.

Playa XPU- HA, Riviera Maya- contributed by Imee Magbag from Journey To Mexico

Playa Xpu-Ha, located in the Riviera Maya, is a picturesque beach that offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist spots in Mexico.

Renowned for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Xpu-Ha is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers.

What makes Playa Xpu-Ha special is its relatively untouched natural beauty, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families and swimmer beginners.

The beach is also less crowded than nearby Playa del Carmen and Tulum, providing a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Around Xpu-Ha, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the stunning Cenote Azul, an enchanting freshwater sinkhole perfect for diving and snorkeling. Also, the ecological park Kantun-Chi offers a blend of nature and adventure with its caves and cenotes.

How to reach & where to stay

Getting to Playa Xpu-Ha is straightforward. From Cancun International Airport, it’s about an hour’s drive south via Highway 307.

Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use the local ADO bus service for a more economical option.

For an exceptional stay, consider the Serenity Eco Luxury Tented Camp. Blending the comfort with eco-friendly practices, it provides a unique glamping experience amid nature.

Punta Mosquito, Isla Holbox- contributed by Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides

Isla Holbox is on the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula about 2 hours from Cancun. Compared to other Yucatan islands, Holbox is known for maintaining its unique, laidback charm year-round. It is a popular destination for those wanting to swim with whale sharks. Whale sharks can be found in the area between June and September each year. For those that want the paradise-like experience of the Yucatan peninsula without the crowds, it’s a perfect destination.

Punta Mosquito is by far the most beautiful beach on Isla Holbox. A sandbank that stretches along the northern part of the island, its blindingly white sand and crystal-clear waters look straight from a postcard. The water is calm and never more than waist-deep making it perfect for people of all swimming abilities.

How to reach & where to stay

Punta Mosquito can be accessed by walking from the shore at low-tide. Bring a dry bag because you need to wade out to the sandbank in knee high water from the beach. Alternatively, Punta Mosquito is often included in popular boat trips on the island. The area is famous for unique and impressive birdlife so keep your eyes open for the majestic pink flamingo.

There are plenty of accommodation options on the island to suit all budgets. The best place to stay on Isla Holbox is Casa Cat Ba Beachfront Boutique Hotel. 

Progreso Beach, Yucatan- contributed by Ryan from Across Every Border

Usually, the Mexican Riviera of Quintana Roo commands the most attention – think Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun. But the fact that so many people skip the north of the Yucatan peninsula, we believe makes Progreso a hidden gem.

Expect a huge stretch of white sand that curves off into the distance, dotted with cabanas and beach loungers. In addition, a couple of beach clubs line the beach if you’re more partial to nightlife.

The ocean? Perfectly warm and refreshing!

For the adrenaline junkies, windy days can make Progreso the perfect place for windsurfing or kiteboarding.

Attractions of the Progreso Beach

As we explored the city, we felt immersed in a local vibe that’s not been too tarnished by tourism. With a multitude of restaurant and cafe options for every budget, we were spoiled for choice in the food department.

One of the most unique attractions to Progreso is the 6.5km pier that disappears towards the horizon. Thanks to a limestone shelf, the ocean around Progreso is super shallow, which allowed for the construction of this concrete monster.

How to reach & where to stay

We believe the best place to stay is nearby in the city of Merida, which is the largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula. From Merida, it’s simply a 50-minute bus ride to Progreso. We made this journey a few times, with it only setting us back about $3.50 for a return ticket each.

Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido- contributed by Ashlea from She Roams About

One of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico is Playa Carrizalillo, the hidden beach in the surfer town of Puerto Escondido.

Soft sand and lapping turquoise waves make this the perfect place to cool off on a hot Puerto Escondido day. The horseshoe cove is protected from the stronger waves of the Pacific Ocean making this the perfect place to go for a swim. Although Puerto Escondido is known for world-class surfing most of the beaches are too rough for rookies. Playa Carrizalillo’s wrap around arms make this location ideal for beginner surfers to take a lesson with the local pros.

In between dips in the water, pop into one of the beachfront spots where vendors offer fresh snacks and cold drinks. This stunning beach has everything you need for a relaxing day in the sand so there’s no need to climb the stairs until you’re ready for home.

How to reach & where to stay

A short walk between a small strip of restaurants on the Rinconada opens to a stunning view of the gorgeous bay below. 157 steps lead the way through lush green brush down to the sandy beach. Situated in the north end of town, away from the bustle of Zicatela and La Punta, this local favourite is often missed by tourists.

There are lots of relaxing accommodations in this area but Aldea del Bazar is the most picture perfect. Bringing Arabian style to coastal Mexico, this gorgeous boutique hotel features a cool swimming pool, restaurant, and air conditioning, a must in this area.

Punta Mita Beach, Jalisco- contributed by Ossama Alnuwaiser from At Awesome Traveler

Punta de Mita is a white sandy beach that is vibrant and lively during the day and night. It is for sure one of the most beautiful and fun places to visit in Mexico. During the day, you can enjoy walking barefoot or rent a horse to enjoy horseback back riding on the beach. There are many other activities that you can enjoy at the beach. Keep on reading to find out more. 

You can simply relax and lay down to tan. watching the sunset or sunrise are another rewarding activities at beach. You should bring your camera because you may want to capture the moment. In addition, the Punta Mita beach is a good place for surfing, snorkeling, and Whale watching. You can cruise with one of their local companies to watch Humpback whales jumping and vocalizing as they welcome you to their home. 

How to reach & where to stay

To get to the beach, you should fly to Puerto Vallarta International Airport in Jalisco state, and then head down to the scenic route in the north, which will take you to public beach Punta Mita. The whole drive takes around 45 minutes with rewarding sceneries.  

You should stay at ST. Regis Punta Mita Resort because it is one of the most luxurious resorts in the areas. This 1,500 acres of land, surrounded by lush tropical flora and white sandy beaches. It is a few minutes away from Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The golf course is surrounded by Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Thus, you are granted a beautiful view in one side and a fun 36 hole golf course on the other side. 

Playa Sayulita, contributed by Jessica from The Uprooted Traveler

The town of Sayulita, located along the Pacific coastline of Mexico, is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Located about an hour north of the glitzy resort town of Puerto Vallarta, this pueblo magico has colorful streets that are perfect for wandering down and some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico. 

One of the most popular things to do in Sayulita is to enjoy its namesake beach, which is located in the heart of its downtown. Playa Sayulita offers a stretch of white sand, surrounded by dense palm trees and lush mountains. 

Surfing- the most popular activity in Sayulita

Sayulita initially rose to popularity, due to the world-class surfing—it’s actually home to upwards of 15 surf breaks! Accordingly, one of the best things to do on Playa Sayulita is to take advantage of its consistent waves and sign up for a surf lesson. Not only is taking a surf lesson at Playa Sayulita much more affordable than at most of the other popular surf spots on the planet, but the waves here are also gentle and perfect for beginners. 

Not interested in surfing? Playa Sayulita’s proximity to the town’s buzzing downtown area is perfect for those looking to enjoy some party vibes. Many of the restaurants and bars that line the beach’s shores have happy hours or live music that keep the atmosphere lively all day (and night!) long. 

Where to stay

While you’re in town, stay at the Aurinko Bungalows. This hotel offers all of the boho-chic staples you’d expect in Sayulita, like complimentary yoga classes and a on-site pool, but also focuses on sustainability and has a killer location in the downtown area.

Balandra Beach, La Paz- contributed by Annie from Your Friend The Nomad

Many people have called Balandra Beach the most beautiful beach in Mexico, and it’s difficult to disagree. Protected by the Sea of Cortez and Balandra Bay, Playa Balandra features calm, shallow waters. The several shades of blue perfectly intertwine with the striking desert landscapes. 
The beach is large and vast, with lots to explore, including the nearby mangroves, desert cliff sides, and famous ‘mushroom rock’. One of the best ways to explore Balandra Beach is to rent a kayak and paddle through the turquoise waters and mangroves. Since it is so shallow, wading through the water is also popular, but watch out for stingrays buried in the sand!

How to reach & where to stay

Balandra Beach is just north of La Paz, Baja California Sur’s capital city. It is only two hours away from Los Cabos, and is certainly worth a visit. However, there are strict limitations on how many people can visit each day, so it’s best to show up early to ensure you get in.

Balandra Beach is free to visit for all. 
There are several other beautiful beaches in the area that have less restrictions, such as nearby Playa El Tesoro. El Tesoro Beach is smaller, with a local feel and a great lowkey bar that will serve you cold drinks on the beach.

The city of La Paz is also a lovely place to explore for a few hours, especially if you walk along the La Paz Malecon (waterfront boardwalk). 

One of the best places to stay near Balandra Beach is La Concha Beach Hotel & Club in La Paz with its waterfront restaurant, lovely pools and views.

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