10 Best Beaches In Mexico You Need To Visit

Mexico’s coastline runs over 5,500 miles, which means one thing: it’s got beach days for days.

Whether you’re floating with sea turtles in Akumal, relaxing under the ruins in Tulum, or chasing waves in Los Cabos, there’s a beach here with your name on it.

Here’s a quick hit list of the best beaches in Mexico, each one worth the sandy feet and salty hair.

10 Best Beaches in Mexico

These beaches have one thing in common: They’re all absolutely stunning. Which one is perfect for you?

1. Playa Maroma, Riviera Maya

A peaceful beach scene at Playa Maroma in Mexico, featuring a thatched-roof wooden pavilion built over the water. The turquoise sea gently laps against the white sand shoreline, while sailboats and a marina are visible in the distance under a vibrant blue sky.

Roughly 12 miles from Playa del Carmen, Playa Maroma’s soft white sand and calm waters make it one of those “how is this not packed?” kind of beaches.

You can swim, snorkel, or just zone out under the sun. If you’re planning to snorkel away from shore, stick with local guides. They know what’s safe and what’s not.

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

A tropical beach scene at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The photo captures turquoise waters lapping gently onto soft white sand, with palm trees and beach umbrellas lining the shore under a bright blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds.

Just off the coast of Cancun, Playa Norte is basically a giant natural pool with boats pulling up like it’s a scene from a beachy Instagram reel.

The water is calm, the sand’s easy on your feet, and the beach fills up fast. Go early, bring water, and watch for boats cruising too close to shore.

3. Akumal Beach

A sea turtle swimming gracefully through the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Akumal, Mexico. The turtle’s detailed shell glistens under the sun as a lush coastline and resorts stretch out in the background beneath a sky full of fluffy clouds.

If swimming with turtles is on your list, Akumal’s your spot. This family-friendly beach has calm, clear water and wild sea turtles cruising the bay.

Go early if you want a good look because they’re most active in the morning. And don’t be that person chasing them around. Hands off, eyes only.

4. Tulum Beach

The stunning coastline of Tulum, with ancient Mayan ruins sitting atop a rocky cliff overlooking the turquoise ocean. The white sandy beach is framed by lush green vegetation, and the calm sea contrasts beautifully with the clear, blue sky above.

The beach right under Tulum’s Mayan ruins is one of the few places where you can float in the sea while staring up at ancient history.

It gets busy midday, so mornings are your best bet. Watch for strong currents, though. This one’s got a wild side. Swim where it’s marked safe.

5. Los Cabos

A serene beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with clear, shallow turquoise water meeting soft golden sand. Elegant beachfront resorts line the shore, backed by arid, rugged hills under a bright blue sky.

Down at the tip of Baja, Los Cabos brings major drama with its cliffs, golden sand, and crashing waves.

Not every beach here is swimmable, so if you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to calmer coves or marked areas. Surfers? This is your playground.

6. Playa del Carmen

Long sandy beach with hotels facing the Caribbean Sea.

This beach town hits the sweet spot between touristy and cool. Grab a beachside taco, stroll Fifth Avenue, then take a dip. Just be sure to watch the current.

Crowds are constant, so keep your stuff close. A waterproof pouch or locker rental is worth it.

7. Cancun Beach

View of Cancun from above with hotels and the Caribbean Sea.

The Hotel Zone is Cancun at full volume with resorts, beach clubs, and turquoise water that doesn’t look real.

It’s great for water sports, people-watching, or plopping down with a cold drink. Purple flags mean jellyfish, so keep an eye on the lifeguard stations before diving in.

8. Playa Paraiso, Tulum

Serene beach with turquoise waters, white sand, and palm trees under a sunny sky, perfect for relaxation.

Tucked into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Playa Paraiso lives up to its name.

It’s quieter than Tulum’s main beaches, with soft white sand that stretches for miles. Pack your own shade and lots of sunscreen because there’s not much cover.

9. Playa Delfines, Cancun

Playa Delfines in Cancún, with wide sandy shores, scattered palapas, and a lifeguard tower on the right. Turquoise waves crash under a moody, overcast sky, while visitors stroll, sit, or take in the ocean view along the beach.

Want a Cancun beach that feels a little more local? Playa Delfines is one of the few Hotel Zone beaches without high-rises blocking your view.

It’s wide, breezy, and known for big waves. Respect the flag warnings here. Red means stay out. Sunrise is stunning from the lookout point.

10. Puerto Vallarta Beach

An aerial shot captures the bustling Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta, featuring the iconic pier with its sail-like structure, surrounded by azure waters, colorful beach umbrellas, and nestled at the foot of the verdant Sierra Madre mountains.

Golden sand, mellow waves, and a town full of galleries and taco joints? Yep, that’s Puerto Vallarta.

It’s swimmable almost year-round, especially in the morning when the ocean’s calm. Drop your stuff in a rental locker, then hit the beach bar when you’re done.

Quick Safety Tips

Use reef-safe SPF 30+ and reapply. A lot.
Avoid swimming alone or outside lifeguard zones.
Red flag = dangerous water. Yellow = caution. Green = you’re good.
Skip the flashy jewelry and carry cash and your phone in a waterproof pouch.
Hydrate like you mean it. Mexico’s sun doesn’t mess around.

Planning a Beachy Escape?

Most of these beaches are close to airports, so weekend getaways are totally doable. Shoulder season (April–May and October–November) gets you fewer crowds but still good weather.

Skip the rental car if you’re staying near town. Local transport usually does the trick.

Bottom Line: Find Your Beach

There’s no “best beach in Mexico”—just the best beach for you. Want calm, clear water and sea turtles? Akumal. Surf and scenery? Los Cabos. A little history with your sunbathing? Tulum’s got you.

Bring your sunscreen, stay smart in the water, and get ready to fall in love with at least one of these shores.

Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips

Do I need travel insurance?

YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.

You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.

What do I pack for Mexico?

My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.

What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.

10 Best Beaches in Mexico You Need to Visit