White sand, crystal clear water and palm-shaded stretches: There’s a reason Mexico is a popular beach destination. I found Mexico’s best beaches on the Yucatan peninsula, which is engulfed by the Caribbean Sea and hoards of green sea turtles and whale sharks (during the right season).
From the lively Playa del Carmen to the secluded Tulum, this whole area is a beach heaven and it can be difficult to track down the best. I’ve made an attempt nonetheless.
MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS: GET MAPS, ITINERARIES AND SPANISH PHRASES
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WHERE TO FIND MEXICO’S BEST BEACHES
Beach lovers like myself find that the beaches (or playa in Spanish) are reason enough to visit Mexico. I mean, those crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are extraordinarily beautiful! I went to several beaches along the Mexican Rivera, but the ones on this list were the most memorable.
Here is the lowdown on Mexico’s best beaches and a map of where to find them. To use the map, simply click on the pins to see which beach they mark. You zoom with the + and – sign in the right corner.
1. PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Powdery white sand and crystal clear waters gently lap away in the background – what’s not to like? Playa del Carmen – once a sleepy fishermen’s town – is now one of the trendiest cities on the Rivera. The waters aren’t as clear as those of Cancun or Tulum, and the sand isn’t quite as soft as further north, but it’s still a strikingly beautiful seaside escape.
2. CANCUN (EAST-SIDE BEACHES)
You might know Cancun as a party scene for Americans on spring break, or maybe a tourist trap filled with ticky-tacky shops and hotel zones. And while rumors are not completely false, there’s more to Cancun than that!
Located in the heart of the hotel zone and lapped by cool, clear waters, Playa Forum in Cancun feels like a slice of paradise. Hands down, Cancun has some of Mexico’s best beaches.
Playa Forum
Thomas and I came to the city just three days after 80.000 visitors had been evacuated due to a tropical storm alert. The storm was a no-show, and we ended up having the beach all to ourselves.
The hotel zone in Cancun
3. AKUMAL “LAND OF TURTLES”
This small town on the Yucatan peninsula lies right between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Akumal, the “Land of the Turtles”, is home to sea turtles, and beneath the crystal clear waters you’ll find a reef, making it the perfect beach for diving and snorkeling.
Snorkeling with sea turtles
4. ISLA MUJERES “ISLAND OF WOMEN”
Imagine calm, turquoise waters, great steaks and folks getting around by golf cart. That’s Isla Mujeres. While the beaches on mainland Mexico are lovely, Isla Mujeres “The island of women” is generally quieter and more affordable. Plus, it has an amazing beach!
Crystal clear waters and white, powdery sand make this easily one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.
Playa Norte
Sea Turtles and Whale sharks are two of the most popular species to see here. For $90 or so, you can swim with the whale sharks and it’s such a fun experience! Just remember to bring seasickness pills (everyone in our boat ended up throwing up, including the guide).
Garrafon National Reef Park
5. TULUM AND THE MAYA RUINS
Ah, Tulum. Apart from the fact that we got ridiculously sunburned on the first day and couldn’t move for two days straight, I loved the calm waves and intense turquoise waters at Tulum beach. The city itself has little to offer really, but near the beach you’ll find the popular Maya ruins, which are also worth a visit.
Playa Paraíso – literally named: ‘Paradise Beach’
Tulum was rated Mexico’s best beach and one of the top five beaches in the world in 2011 and 2012 by TripAdvisor.
My two cents? I agree!
Where’s your favorite beach?
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Cancun has never appealed to me but the photos do look great. Isn’t it Tulum where there is the ruins along from the beach, and the temples? I’m surprised you didn’t think that there was much to do there.
Darren, you’re absolutely right. I didn’t know of them when I visited so I’ll correct it. Thanks!
Beautiful photos Miriam! I wish I was sitting by the beach in Mexico right now! I really enjoyed Isla Mujeres – we spent the day there driving around on the golf buggy to all of the different beaches on the island 🙂 I really wish I had made it down to Tulum when I was there, the furthest down we went was Playa del Carmen!
We rented a golf car, too! It was such a fun way to see the whole island. I could picture myself on a beach in Mexico right now as well, Kelly. The stormy weather in Denmark isn’t really that appealing. Here’s to hoping we both get our wish soon 🙂
Been to all of those beaches..all amazing and unforgettable in their own ways..tulum I think is the best..
The beach at Tulum is gorgeous, and the Mayan ruins there are really interesting to tour. The Caribbean water was so clear, especially compared to the beaches I saw in the Riviera Maya region. The beaches were nice in Riviera Maya, but I saw a lot of seaweed on the beach when I was there last spring.
That’s a shame, but it might have something to do with the season. I experienced the same in The Philippines at a beach that is normally one of the most popular destinations. I hope Tulum beach is a beautiful as it was when I last visited – it was truly amazing.
Tulum still is..was just there..march 2020
Mexico isn’t in Central America it’s in North America. The north coast and Ixtapa have much nicer beaches. Cancun is a man made beach.
Right, thanks for pointing it out. I’ll have to check out the north coast and Ixtapa as you suggested, good tip!
I suppose you refer to Yucatan as the Yucatan peninsula cause in reality the state where these beaches are is called Quintana Roo. For me the absolute best beach in that parte of the country is called Mahahual. Its a really small village but the sea is really like a pool and just a few meters you can find a coral reef, one of the most important in Mexico.
Mahahual sounds like heaven! I’ll remember that next time I go to Mexico!
Hi Miriam, thanks for the great travel tips, the reviews, and the hints, including the Yucatan peninsula area.
Pictures are really excellent also.
It certainly helps when we can read a blog such as yours, and be guided by it. Many adventures to be had by all.
Cheers Sharon…
Glad you found it helpful, Sharon! Come back any time 🙂
Hello,
this blog is very nice and helping information for best travel tour and famous beaches in Mexico is fantastic.
Thank you for share us
You’re welcome, Kyle. I’m glad you liked it.