What Are the Best Beaches in Mexico?
Mexico has nearly 7,000 miles of coastline and is bordered by several bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, meaning there are plenty of beaches to explore. Whether you’re looking for a party scene, a family spot, or a place to relax, we’ve got you covered.
In our brief virtual journey around the Mexican shores, we’ll be taking a look at five of our favorite beaches for you to visit on your big vacation. From Cancun’s sunny shores to Tulum’s secluded coves, here are the five best beaches in Mexico.
At High Tide Los Cabos, we’re lucky enough to call Baja California Sur home. We love the awesome natural beauty of the coastline and basically live on the beach! If you’re looking for snorkeling tours or surf lessons in Los Cabos, you couldn’t ask for better professional guides.
Always feel free to contact us if you have questions about our adventures or Los Cabos in general. We’re here to help you enjoy Baja California Sur to the fullest on your vacation, whether you partake in a group or private tour across the desert hills or amongst the marine life.
1. Enjoy Cancún’s Incredible Nightlife When You Visit Mexico
While Cancún may get a bad reputation for its popularity with Spring Breakers, it is a frequently visited beach destination for a reason! This coastal area is located in the Yucatán Peninsula and is known for its abundance of white sandy beaches and laid-back attitude.
This is a perfect vacation spot for families or groups of friends, as there are plenty of age-appropriate activities to do on and around the beach. If you’re a night owl looking for the best party scene, check out Coco Bongo (one of the area’s most famous clubs) and La Vaquita (a newer rival).
For families, there are plenty of aquatic activities to enjoy. From surf lessons and speed boat rides to the Extreme Adventure Park and city aquarium, it’s easy to keep your little explorers entertained here. Parents, don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail on the beach and unwind!
2. Puerto Escondido is a Surfer’s Paradise in Mexico
Our next best beach is located in the region of Oaxaca and is an ocean lover’s dream. Visitors to this tropical fishing village can look forward to releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean, viewing the bioluminescence at night in Laguna de Manialtepec, and catching towering waves as they surf by day.
Literally meaning ‘hidden port’, Puerto Escondido offers plenty of activities on the sand, too. If you’ve ever wanted to try horseback riding in a beautiful location, this is a perfect place! You can also just enjoy walking along the beach or birdwatching. All in all, this is one of our favorite places to unwind.
3. Yelapa is a Peaceful, Beautiful Beach in Mexico
Situated near the popular Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa is one of the lesser-known beaches on our list. The nearby Bahía de Banderas is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world and is also considered an LGBT+ capital across Mexico. Pride is always a huge event here!
Nearby, Yelapa is nestled in a secluded bay where the views speak for themselves. This small fishing community is welcoming to tourists, who flock to the beach during the day. By night, things quiet down and you can enjoy the waves lapping against the shore in peace.
There are plenty of activities to do in this area, whether you’re a foodie or a history enthusiast. Keep your eyes peeled for local museums and delicious seafood restaurants.
Yelapa Beach (Source | License)
4. Tourist Favorite Tulum is One of Mexico’s Best Beaches
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy beach destination, Tulum is your answer. The area is bursting with natural beauty, from crystal clear water and sandy beaches to the intriguing cenotes (large open water pools) that dot the area.
The cenotes can be found in the dense jungle landscape and are safe for swimming. Some are more popular than others, but still worth visiting. These water sources were once used by the ancient Maya for water supplies and are now enjoyed as unique diving and swimming spots by tourists.
Speaking of ancient history, Tulum is also located near the Tulum Ruins. Sat above seaside cliffs, these tall walled ruins look out over the turquoise waters. These ruins also have a beach!
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza is also close by and is a must-see on any Mexico bucket list.
5. Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is a Must-Visit in Mexico
Our final destination is a little closer to home! Medano Beach is located across from our famed Los Cabos Arch and its clear waters and clean beach are a must-visit. If you’d like to get to know what’s beneath the waves, check out our Cabo San Lucas Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour.
Medano Beach is a great place to sample local restaurants, many of which offer fresh seafood, with a great view. You can also try out various water-based activities while you’re here. We’re big fans of surfing and paddle boarding here at High Tide, and will be happy to show you the ropes (or boards!).
Which of these five best beaches in Mexico do you want to visit? While this is only a flavor of the hundreds of beaches dotted along our country’s coastline, we hope you will enjoy trying out some of these popular and lesser-known beaches.
If your heart is set on Los Cabos or visiting Baja California Sur, get in touch with our local team! Whether you want an oceanic experience or a land-based adventure our professional guides are here to make your vacation one to remember.
