10 Most Beautiful Beaches In Mexico

1. Akumal Beach, Cancún

Akumal Beach lies in the heart of the Yucatan, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. According to the Mayans, before there was a tourist area known as Cancun, there was a magical paradise. This paradise was known as Akumal or “place of the turtles”. Akumal Beach consists of long stretches of soft, white-sand beaches and clear azure sea. It is not uncommon to see green sea turtles swimming offshore, or coming up on the beach at night to lay their eggs.

Akumal Beach, Cancún

Address: Akumal, Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Xpu-Ha Beach, Chacalal

Xpu-Ha Beach lies between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It is not as well known as many of Mexico’s beaches, and this makes it ideal for those who want to avoid the usual tourist traps. Like many beaches on the list, it features beautiful turquoise water rolling up on the powder-soft beach. Lounge chairs are available for relaxing in, or out of the sun. Xpu-Ha is a great place for snorkeling since the water is so clear it is easy to discover all the marine life there. You will also find a number of tasty eateries located across the street.

Xpu-Ha Beach, Chacalal

Address: México 307 107, Chacalal, Q.R., Mexico

Website: Xpu-Ha Beach, Chacalal

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte, or North Beach, lies just off the coast of Cancun, on Isla Mujeres. You can reach the beach by one of two ferries that leave from Cancun. The white sand beach is lined with lounge chairs, bright umbrellas, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Most folks just pick a spot that is close to the ferry drop off. But, if you would prefer something less crowded, then head on over to the east end of the beach. Here, you can relax in relative peace and quiet as you soak up the sun. Or enjoy an afternoon snack and margarita at the Green Demon Beach Club located right on the beach.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Address: Rueda Medina 130, SM 001, Centro, 77506 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Playa Pescadores, Tulum

Playa Pescadores is located on the Mexican Riviera, just south of Tulum. The picturesque beach has a more rustic feel than some of the usual tourist traps. Although they work hard to try and keep the seaweed cleaned up, you are likely to see some during your visit. Playa Pescadores has some great snorkeling along the reef. If you are very lucky, you will get to swim with the local sea turtles. You can also book a boat tour that will take you along the coast as your guide points out local marine life and regales you with stories of the area.

Playa Pescadores, Tulum

Address: 109, 77780 Q.R., Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

5. Paamul Beach, Paa Mul

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Paa Mul is a small community that lies in the heart of the Mexican Riviera Maya. Translated, the name roughly means “a hill destroyed”. The area is mostly known for the calm waters of its bay. Paamul Beach is nestled between soft, sand beaches and lush, tropical jungle. The area was once a Mayan settlement and some of the structures can still be seen. Today, the little town is largely a residential community and a turtle sanctuary.

Paamul Beach, Paa Mul

Address: Carr. Cancún - Tulum, Paa Mul, Q.R., Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Los Muertos Beach, Jalisco

Los Muertos Beach, or Deadman’s Beach, is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta. If non-stop action is what you are looking for, this is the place to be. Don’t let the dark name put you off. The beach is a bright and sunny, if not crowded, place for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the day. While Playa Los Muertos is a long strip of soft sandy beach, the majority of the action happens near the pier. When visiting, you will find plenty of places to rent snorkeling gear, boogie boards, and jet skis. Or just grab a beer at one of the many beach clubs and enjoy it while relaxing with your toes in the sand.

Los Muertos Beach

Address: El Centro (Off Calle Olas Atlas), Puerto Vallarta 48380, Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca

Playa Zipolite is a 2-mile (3.2-km) strip of coastland on the southern coast of Oaxaca. This beach is also the only nudist beach in Mexico. Besides free-spirited nudists, the beach has plenty to see. Surfers fighting to catch the perfect wave compete with the rustic-boutique style shops that line the sand. The feeling is one of tranquility as this beach has not been taken over by crowds of tourists or big real estate developers. If being naked in public is not your thing, that’s okay; Playa Zipolite is a clothing-optional beach for everyone.

Playa Zipolite

Address: Zipolite 70904, Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Playa Tortugas, Quintana Roo

Playa Tortugas, or Turtle Beach, is one of the most popular public beaches in Cancun. The pier is nice and long, so boats don’t come close to shore. The shallow water is ideal for kids and folks who enjoy swimming. Adventure lovers will enjoy bungee jumping off the tall tower overlooking the beach. You can also catch a ferry from Playa Tortugas that will take you to Isla Mujeres. Lounge chairs and beach umbrellas are ready for you when you arrive.

Playa Tortugas, Quintana Roo

Address: Cancun, Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Paradise Beach, Playa Paraiso

Paradise Beach, Playa Paraiso is located south of Tulum. The wide, sandy beach makes for a great place to relax after exploring the nearby ruins. This beach was not considered much of a tourist hot spot until the Beach Club opened up. For a fee of about 13 USD, you can have access to the club’s amenities. Some of these include lounge chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling, and scuba gear. The beach club also features a cafe with a full bar.

Paradise Beach, Playa Paraiso

Address: Carretera Boca Paila Tulum KM 1.5, Tulum 77780, Mexico

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

10. Playa Gemelas, Puerto Vallarta

Playa Gemelas, or Twin Beach, is located about five miles south of Puerto Vallarta. It is a lovely stretch of soft sand and clear turquoise water. It is not overly crowded and for those who know about it, an ideal place for snorkeling. The two beaches are separated by a high, rock wall. The north end of the beach is easy to reach. To see the sound end, you will need to either swim around or climb over the wall. While the beaches are not as popular as many in Mexico, their small size tends to make them feel crowded during the summer.

Playa Gemelas, Puerto Vallarta

Address: Cihuatlán - Puerto Vallarta, Aguacate, Jal., Mexico

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

Beaches to appeal to every visitor

Mexico has plenty of beaches to appeal to every visitor. Folks who love action and fun will find beaches where the party goes on day and night. Almost all of these popular beaches feature plenty of watersports and beach bars to keep you busy and buzzing all day. If you prefer something more rustic and less touristy, don’t worry. Many of Mexico’s beaches are still fairly secluded, just a soft strip of sand between tropical jungle and azure water. So you can kick back and relax as you watch the waves roll in.