This publish was written by Emily Becker, who’s a Mexico-based freelance author for BMTM.
Having lived in Mexico for 2 years, I’ve been to my justifiable share of fantastic seashores. With hundreds of miles of shoreline on the Pacific facet, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean, there’s loads of selection right here, too. There’s actually a seashore for everybody, starting from the mega-tourism of the Riviera Maya to the crashing waves of Oaxaca.
Listed below are my picks for the very best seashores in Mexico, from north to south:
1. Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur
On the decrease half of the Baja California Peninsula, only a quick boat journey away from La Paz, is Isla Espíritu Santo. This paradise is strictly the form of place you dream of once you consider the right island vacation spot. It’s uninhabited, so you’ll be able to’t really keep on it, although, however you’ll be able to go to through the day whereas staying in La Paz.
The radiant, white-sand seashores and contrasting pink rocks of the island are a few of the many issues that make this seashore so lovely. It’s additionally house to some unique wildlife, which is what many individuals come to see. Particularly, there’s an abundance of sea lions close by. A snorkeling journey like this one is a good way to understand them.
- The place to remain: Similar to Balandra Seashore (beneath), the very best place to remain so as to go to Isla Espirítu Santo is La Paz. You’ll discover a great deal of great choices there, like this super affordable loft Airbnb!
- The right way to get there: The one strategy to get to the island is by boat with a certified tour operator. The abovementioned tour is a superb choice, however you can too discover loads of others in La Paz, equivalent to Club Cantamar.
2. Balandra Seashore, La Paz, Baja California Sur
That is a kind of locations the place I’ve to cease and ask myself, Is that this even actual? Balandra Seashore is so breathtaking that elements of it really feel surreal in individual. Between the pristine, shallow waters on the smooth, white sand and the reddish, rocky mountains within the background, this seashore was one of many best so as to add to this record.
Balandra is close to the town of La Paz, in Baja California Sur. For the reason that pandemic, authorities have been imposing a capability restrict on the seashore, so that you’ll must get there early to realize entry.
From October to Could, La Paz is a superb place to seek out whale sharks, so that you’ll have an important view of them breaching whales through the season.
Among the best methods to take in the great thing about Balandra Seashore is to snorkel in its pristine waters and take a peek on the number of glittering fish and different sea creatures. This tour features a cease at Balandra and in addition passes by the lighthouse at San Rafaelito.
- The place to remain: In La Paz, the closest level to Balandra Seashore the place you’ll be able to keep, Hotel Catedral is among the greatest choices, with an incredible rooftop.
- The right way to get there: To get to Balandra, you will want to have a car or take a taxi. One other strategy to get there’s to take a ship or jet-ski from a neighboring seashore, equivalent to Pichilingue; you’ll be able to organize for a ship to select you again up in a number of hours, after having fun with the seashore. It ought to value round 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) per individual, round-trip.
3. Islas Marietas, Nayarit
Simply off the coast of Sayulita within the state of Nayarit are the Marietas Islands. Small and uninhabited, they’re house to sea caves, virgin seashores, and extremely clear water.
There’s a rumor that Islas Marietas was as soon as a bomb-testing website, which is one notably sinister rationalization for the gaping gap you’ll discover on the well-known Playa del Amor (a hidden paradise), which appears to be like like a large skylight above the seashore.
This small group of islands is thought for its biodiversity and unbelievable snorkeling. Wildmex provides half-day snorkel excursions, that are among the finest methods to take pleasure in all the pieces the islands have to supply.
This seashore vacation spot is actually among the finest in Mexico, so don’t miss out on a go to in case you’re ever within the Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta space!
- The place to remain: The very best place to remain is Sayulita, which has a ton of nice lodging choices. Aurinko Bungalows, a favourite amongst solo vacationers, has rooms for round $70-80 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: If flying into Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be able to attain Sayulita by non-public automobile, public bus, and even Uber! From there, you’ll must e-book a tour like this one or from an organization in Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta to get to the islands.
4. Costa Careyes, Jalisco
Situated within the Bay of Banderas, Costa Careyes is a lesser-known paradise with virgin seashores, thick forests, and tons of wildlife. Though builders are simply starting to place up luxurious resorts within the surrounding Cabo Corrientes space, Costa Careyes has principally prevented the mega-construction of many different seashore locations.
Costa Careyes is house to rugged nature and small villages, with little else alongside this a part of the coast, making it the best seashore vacation spot for vacationers who’re on the lookout for each an adventurous and peaceable expertise. The time to go to is now, as plans to construct extra infrastructure and resorts are underway and can doubtless result in an enormous increase in tourism to the world.
The shining star of this space is the Selva de Cuitzmala, which is true in Costa Careyes’s again yard. With its unbelievable ocean views paired with the picturesque jungle, this is among the most idyllic locations you’ll discover in Jalisco. It feels a world away from the craziness of Puerto Vallarta.
- The place to remain: Airbnb has a ton of nice picks for mid-priced lodging, like this one-bedroom casita with an ocean view. One other nice choice is that this boutique villa, which incorporates breakfast and an airport shuttle from Puerto Vallarta.
- The right way to get there: Costa Careyes is a couple of three-hour drive from the airport in Puerto Vallarta or a one-hour drive from the airport in Manzanillo. You may take a taxi from both of those airports for anyplace between $40 and $200 USD, or you’ll be able to take public transport. When you determine to do the latter, simply ask the place the parada de combis is and discover the combi going to Costa Careyes. You may let the motive force know that you may be stopping there.
5. Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
You might have heard of Acapulco, which is one among Mexico’s most well-known — and for my part, overrated — seashores within the nation. Skip the craziness there and as a substitute head a bit additional north, to Zihuatanejo. This laid-back surf city has some killer waves and one of the attractive seashores in Mexico.
There are 4 seashores in Zihuatanejo, probably the most distant and greatest one by far being Playa Las Gatas. The dreamy turquoise water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the chilliness environment makes it simply the correct place to get away from the stresses of life and absolutely loosen up. I can’t consider one other seashore that has such a serene environment as Playa Las Gatas.
The coast of Zihuatanejo has rocky cliffs, thick mangroves, and towering mountains, along with picturesque seashores. If the great thing about this a part of Mexico wasn’t romantic sufficient, take a look at this horseback-riding tour that will be a brilliant date together with your accomplice, and even solo!
- The place to remain: In case you are looking for luxurious and serenity, look no additional than La Casa Que Canta (“The Home That Sings”). This place is totally attractive! Rooms begin at round $300 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: Attending to Zihuatanejo is pretty simple, as a result of it has an airport with day by day flights from Mexico Metropolis. To get to Playa Las Gatas, you’ll be able to take a water taxi from the pier at Playa la Ropa in Zihuatanejo.
6. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is a surfer’s dream, identified for having the very best waves in all of Mexico. The city itself is definitely fairly massive, and there are a number of totally different seashores to select from. Each has its personal spirit, from the get together scene at Playa Manzanillo to the no-fuss vibe of Playa Bacocho. There’s a seashore in Puerto Escondido for everybody.
I feel Playa Carrizalillo, near the middle of city, is the very best seashore right here. It’s a small cove, and the waves there are nice for browsing, however you can too swim and snorkel. To get there, it’s a must to go down a number of steps, on which you’ll take within the attractive views of the ocean alongside the way in which.
La Punta is probably the most hip and touristy a part of Puerto Escondido and it strains Playa Zicatela, the mecca of browsing. On this space you’ll discover candy cafés, surf shacks the place you’ll be able to join classes, a great deal of eating places, and Puerto’s vibrant nightlife. You may’t go away Puerto Escondido with out testing La Punta.
Discover all the pieces it’s essential to find out about visiting Puerto Escondido here.
- The place to remain: You’ll find all the pieces from backpacker hostels to luxurious motels in Puerto Escondido. That mentioned, yow will discover locations which have plenty of worth for reasonable, just like the Bikini Beach House, which has breezy seaside rooms for round $40 USD an evening.
- The right way to get there: Puerto Escondido is the simplest seashore to get to in Oaxaca from the States as a result of you’ll be able to simply fly into its airport. You’ll most definitely must make a connection in Mexico Metropolis, which is only a 40-minute flight away.
7. Mazunte, Oaxaca
Oh, Mazunte… I went there for the primary time final yr and fell in love instantly. Its chill environment, pleasant seafood, and crashing waves make for a calming and restorative seashore expertise. You may simply cowl the a comparatively small city, identified for its bohemian vibe, on foot, without having for transport when you get there. Its rocky shores provide a mixture of cactus-speckled landscapes and smooth, sandy seashores that appeal to tons of surfers and barefoot hippies.
It’s an important place for a hike, too. A well-liked spot to look at the sundown is Punta Cometa, only a 30-minute stroll from city. From there, you’ll be able to climb down a rocky path to get to a secret spot known as “the jacuzzi,” a preferred effervescent swimming gap.
There are plenty of attention-grabbing issues occurring in Mazunte on any given day. From yoga lessons to shamanic ceremonies and hearth dances, you’ll discover every kind of esoteric and religious choices. One of the best ways to seek out out what’s happening there’s to maintain a watch out for flyers posted round city.
- The place to remain: You get plenty of bang on your buck in Mazunte. For instance, you’ll be able to have this entire loft for simply $45 USD an evening! There are additionally loads of hostels with dorms and personal rooms, however I’ve had nice luck on Airbnb. Mazunte’s hospitality is unbelievable!
- The right way to get there: Mazunte is simply an hour south of Puerto Escondido, which has the closest giant airport. I like to recommend flying into Puerto Escondido after which taking a bus to Mazunte or renting a car. There are ADO buses, however the smaller combis go away faster and are simply as comfy.
8. Zipolite, Oaxaca
Zipolite is Mexico’s solely authorized nude seashore. Whether or not that’s your factor or not, this carefree city has a chill environment excellent for kicking again and having fun with the solar and sea. It’s one among my favourite locations in Mexico due to how open-minded the persons are there. Being on a nude seashore for the primary time was liberating for me, as a result of actually no one cares about what you or anyone else appears to be like like. It’s all about feeling good in your pores and skin, absorbing the solar, and having a phenomenal time.
Zipolite is simply east of Mazunte; you’ll be able to simply commute between them by way of taxi or scooter, which I like to recommend renting if you wish to see extra of the beaches in Oaxaca.
Don’t neglect to take a look at my publish on all the pieces to do in Zipolite earlier than you go!
- The place to remain: There are many backpacker hostels to select from, without having to e-book on-line forward of time. If you need one thing a bit of extra high-end, contemplate Hotel Descalzo. There you’ll discover lovely suites with ocean views and a pool, restaurant, and bar all on-site. Rooms begin round $100 USD an evening, relying on the season.
- The right way to get there: When you fly into Puerto Escondido, you’ll be able to simply take an ADO bus or colectivo to Zipolite. Nevertheless, I extremely advocate renting a automobile and driving alongside the coast, making stops in Mazunte, Zipolite, San Agustinillo, and Puerto Ángel alongside the way in which. This fashion, you’ll actually get the very best of the Oaxacan coast.
9. Huatulco, Oaxaca
Simply east of Mazunte is Huatulco, which is about 20 miles of sandy seashores with 9 bays in complete. The coast is thought for its smooth, golden sand and rocky bluffs towering over the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
On this giant space, there are 36 totally different seashores to select from, and every one has its personal character. It might be a disservice to the great thing about Huatulco to decide on only one for this record, so I’m itemizing all of them collectively, with a number of honorable mentions to my favorites: Playa Arrocito and Cacaluta.
Playa Arrocito is a tranquil patch of sandy seashore capped on each facet by cliffs, the best place to loosen up. You received’t see many individuals right here and facilities are slim, so contemplate packing a picnic and bringing your personal gear if you wish to snorkel.
The identical goes for Cacaluta, which is much more secluded. Actually, it’s a must to hike via the jungle to get there! From Huatulco heart, take a taxi to the doorway of Cacaluta (it ought to solely value about 60 pesos, or $3 USD) and use the indicators alongside the way in which to steer you to the seashore, which is a couple of 30-minute hike. There are not any eating places or facilities at this seashore, so go ready! The tranquility and chance of getting the seashore to your self make it value it, although.
If you wish to stick with the principle seashores in Huatulco, you’ll nonetheless have a beautiful time. Take a look at this guided tour, which is able to take you to seven of the world’s well-known bays!
- The place to remain: Huatulco is house to loads of massive motels and resorts, so I most popular Airbnb once I visited final yr. There are lots of reasonably priced choices within the central space of Playa Santa Cruz, like this whole condo at simply $60 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: Huatulco has its personal airport known as Bahías de Huatulco Worldwide Airport, which you may get to from Mexico Metropolis on a connecting flight. From there, you’ll be able to take a fast taxi to your lodging.
10. Boca del Cielo, Chiapas
If you end up in Chiapas, you’re in for the journey of a lifetime. Many individuals who come right here have a tendency to stay to Palenque and San Cristóbal de las Casas (my house!) and miss out on the underrated seashores. My favourite is Boca del Cielo, a bit of slice of heaven that’s nonetheless comparatively unknown to overseas tourism.
What makes Boca del Cielo so particular is that the seashore is on an isthmus. On one facet of it, there’s an enormous saltwater lagoon with mountains within the background. On the opposite is the ocean. Which means that you’ve got the choice of hanging out on the lagoon facet or seashore facet, that are solely about 100 meters (330 toes) aside. The lagoon is ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. The waves on the seashore facet are mild sufficient to swim in, plus you’ll be able to frequently see sea turtles being launched into the ocean.
- The place to remain: There are nonetheless only a few locations to remain in Boca del Cielo. My go-to is Entremares, a small co-op with a powerful dedication to sustainability. They’ve A-frame cabins which might be simply steps from the water, plus you’ll be able to camp there if you want. There’s even a geodesic dome inside an A-frame that you could hire for round $40 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: It may be difficult to get to Boca del Cielo in case you don’t have a automobile. From San Cristóbal de las Casas, it’s essential to take a colectivo to Tonalá by means of Tuxtla. From there, it’s a must to inform a taxi driver that you just wish to go to Boca del Cielo; they are going to take you to a small spot on the lagoon the place it’s a must to take a ship throughout. (When you e-book your lodging with Entremares, they provides you with an in depth rundown on find out how to get there.)
11. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
When you’ve learn our complete guide to Isla Holbox, you understand that that is one among my favourite seashores in Mexico. The calm, shallow waters on the seashores of Holbox make it an important place to kayak and paddleboard.
Isla Holbox is a protracted, skinny island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, with the ocean on one facet and a salty lagoon on the opposite. It’s one of many most beautiful places in Mexico and one of many high locations within the nation to see whale sharks and bioluminescence.
Past the plain gorgeous, white-sand seashores and wildlife sightings, Holbox has a number of cenotes close by and even some superior nature preserves. There are quite a few excursions on the island that may take you out on the water or to numerous places, equivalent to Punta Cocos to see the bioluminescent water at evening.
Holbox could also be booming with vacationers a lot of the yr, nevertheless it has maintained its attraction regardless and is a dreamy, colourful, enchanting place nonetheless. You’ll see that there are numerous events happening on the island on any given week, and it’s notably enjoyable to go to throughout carnaval in February to see the enduring parade.
- The place to remain: For an opulent keep, take a look at Villas Caracol, which isn’t solely breathtakingly lovely but in addition has breakfast included and a swimming pool. An incredible budget-friendly choice is that this cute rental unit on Airbnb, which has a extra genuine, native really feel.
- The right way to get there: To get to Isla Holbox, you’ll be able to take a ferry from the port at Chiquilá. When you’re coming from the Cancún airport, you’ll be able to both take a taxi or an ADO bus. When you’re renting a car, there’s loads of parking in Chiquilá; it solely prices about $4-5 USD per day to park. Vehicles aren’t allowed on Isla Holbox, so that you’ll have to go away it behind in Chiquilá.
12. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
You’ll discover that Cancún didn’t make this record, which is not any shade towards the Caribbean scorching spot. Though the seashores there are a few of the most visited within the nation, you’re positively lacking out in case you don’t enterprise to different locations close by, like Isla Mujeres. Whereas it’s is booming in recognition, with an increasing number of guests every year, it’s not with out purpose that so many wish to expertise its magnificence.
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is strictly the form of seashore you dream of within the useless of winter, once you haven’t seen the sunshine in weeks. With its powdery-soft white sand, clear shallow waters, and island breezes, this pretty island is like stepping right into a postcard.
Even throughout peak season, Playa Norte is sufficiently big to seize a quiet spot and loosen up the day away. Get there early within the morning to benefit from the tranquility earlier than different beachgoers arrive. Isla Mujeres is a well-liked kite-surfing vacation spot, so you’ll doubtless get to look at them as they fly within the distance.
- The place to remain: A candy factor about Isla Mujeres is that yow will discover reasonably priced lodging tremendous near the seashore, like this entire condo for lower than $50 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: You will get to Isla Mujeres simply by way of ferry from Cancún’s Puerto Juárez Maritime Terminal, situated only a few miles north of the Resort Zone.
13. Xpu-ha, Quintana Roo
You’ve heard all concerning the seashores of Cancún, Tulum, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta. Have you ever heard about Xpu-ha, although? This idyllic seashore is among the Riviera Maya‘s greatest stored secrets and techniques, and it’s one of many solely seashores within the space that isn’t overrun with vacationers throughout excessive season.
On any given day throughout any season, you’ll discover locals chilling out on Xpu-ha Seashore and soaking in its magnificence. The environment there’s laid-back and customarily uncrowded, which is a far cry from the busy seashores elsewhere. The powdery, smooth sand with cyan-colored water is nice for a swim, and there are many alternatives to snorkel and dive there as effectively. Pair that with a pair contemporary fish tacos and a chilly beer for the right beachy afternoon. What extra may a woman ask for?
- The place to remain: There are many pleasant choices on Airbnb for locations which might be simply steps from the seashore, like this adorable tiny house that’s actually proper on the shore.
- The right way to get there: Xpu-ha is extremely simple to get to from Cancún’s worldwide airport. There are ADO buses that go from Cancún to Tulum, making a cease in Xpu-ha. You can even discover taxis on the airport that may take you straight to your lodging.
14. Mahahual, Quintana Roo
Just like Xpu-ha, Playa Mahahual is a small seashore village that has principally prevented the mega-tourism of the area. Seeing a development but? Typically the very best seashores aren’t those with the flamboyant eating places and bars proper on them, and I are likely to favor these which might be frequented by locals and have a extra chill vibe.
Mahahual is simply north of Bacalar and is well-liked amongst divers due to its unbelievable reefs simply off the shore. Earlier than seashore motels started to pop up in Mahahual, it was a sleepy fishing village. Actually, a lot of the city has retained its unique attraction, and the touristy space is comparatively small.
- The place to remain: If you wish to keep proper on the seashore, it’s potential to take action affordably at Noah Beach Hotel & Suites. Rooms vary between $100 and $200 USD per evening.
- The right way to get there: You will get to Mahahual from Cancún’s worldwide airport, nevertheless it’s nearer to Chetumal’s nationwide airport. When you fly into Cancún, you’ll be able to catch a bus to Mahahual from the ADO terminal.
It’s no marvel why there’s a lot overlap between our most beautiful places in Mexico publish and this one. The seashores all through the nation are exceptional, and it completely is smart that so many individuals flock to Mexico’s shores every year. And the range! There are such a lot of totally different sorts of seashores, every with their very own aptitude. Whereas a few of these are massive vacationer scorching spots, many are literally hidden gems!
What number of of those seashores have you ever been to? Tell us which of them are your favorites.
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