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Mexico has long been a top tourist destination for beach lovers of all ages. From spring breakers to families to retirees, there is a beach for everyone in this beautiful country. In fact, there is so much beauty and variety in the beaches in Mexico, it can be difficult to settle on where to visit. Fear not, because we’ve done the research for you. Read on for our Top Beaches in Mexico.
Playa Del Carmen
No list of beaches in Mexico would be complete without Playa del Carmen. This resort town on the Yucatán Peninsula was once relatively quiet with a distinctly European flair. It is now one of the most popular beaches in Mexico.
It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with the picturesque white sand and turquoise blue waters. The water is a great temperature, and the size of the waves is just right for swimming. Coming here is like visiting a postcard, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular tourist destination.
When you want to take a break from the beach, check out La Quinta Avenida. It’s the main street in the town, and runs parallel to the shore of the beach. You can walk along taking in the view as you enjoy the splendors of the avenue. There are plenty of high-class restaurants here for your enjoyment, along with some excellent souvenir shops. And the bars on the avenue are great places for some tasty drinks and live local music.
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Tulum
Tulum is another one of the most popular beaches in Mexico. A beach town on the Yucatán Peninsula, many come here to enjoy all the beauty of the beach they could experience at Playa del Carmen, but in an area less impacted by tourism and population growth. Playa del Carmen’s population has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, at about 150,000 as of 2010. But Tulum has steadily remained below 20,000 inhabitants, giving visitors a more personal feel.
The distinct personality of Tulum is another big draw for visitors. Whereas Playa del Carmen is a more urban and luxurious destination, Tulum has a much more Bohemian and creative aura, it’s even home to one of the 6 Best Nudist Resorts in Mexico! You won’t find as much commercialization here — Tulum is filled with local business and restaurants that have not yet been wiped out by chain stores and restaurants.
The Tulum beach strip is a beloved feature of all visitors. Running the length of the beach, this is a great way to experience the unique feel of this town and its one-of-a-kind shops. And of course, visiting the Ruins of Tulum is a must-do here. This is one of the most visited archaeological sites in all of Mexico, and is equally renowned for its breathtaking views of the Caribbean.
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Cancun
Cancun is another one of the iconic locations in Mexico. Also located on the Yucatán Peninsula, the area is often identified with its party scene, but it has plenty to offer to all visitors.
The beaches themselves in Cancun offer a wide variety for beach-lovers of all kinds. Puerto Morelos is the antithesis of the party scene, a quiet fishing town that is a favorite of snorkelers and divers. Playa Delfines is beloved for its magnificent views, but without the sprawl of commercialization seen in other areas of Cancun. Playa Tortugas offers a fun party scene to those looking for that, as well as activities like scuba diving and bungee jumping.
Delphinus Dreams Cancun is another big hit with tourists here. Here they offer various programs that allow visitors to swim with dolphins. Various types of programs are offered to customers, such as “Trainer for a Day” which teaches visitors how to train a dolphin, and “The One” which gives you the opportunity to spend an hour with just you and the dolphin. Alternatively, embark on a turtle snorkeling adventure to get up close to the incredible sea creatures.
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Isla Mujeres
While often associated with Cancun due to its close proximity, Isla Mujeres belongs in a category of its own. It’s close to the party scene of Cancun, but when you’re here you feel like you’re a million miles away from it, and from everywhere else in civilization, for that matter.
Isla Mujeres is the kind of place where you could do nothing at all the entire day, or do just about anything you can imagine at a beach destination. Either way, you’ll come away satisfied. Isla Mujeres has some of the freshest seafood in the Caribbean, opportunities for shopping, diving, snorkeling, first-class yoga classes, even a natural wildlife reserve. Why not join a trimaran cruise to visit a secluded island and see the incredible beaches from the water?
Or you can kick back and enjoy the gorgeous views and atmosphere that can only be experienced at Isla Mujeres. No-one would blame you for relaxing in your locally-made hammock and drifting away. Alternatively, feel completely cleansed at a workshop at one of the Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico — many of which are beachside.
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Mazatlan
Located on the Pacific coast, Mazatlan was the Cancun of the mid-20th century. After falling somewhat out of favor over the decades, it has come back to again be one of the top beaches in Mexico.
Known as “Pearl of the Pacific”, Mazatlan is classic without being old-fashioned. Indeed, the style here has been described as “tropical neoclassical“, a special flavor that is hard to find anywhere else in the country, particularly in the more modern resorts on the beaches in Mexico.
The beach itself is one of the longest stretches of beach in the country. Measuring 12 miles in length, this is a beach where you can enjoy the beauty and really stretch out.
The massive length of the coast means that there is something for everyone here. Surfers love Playa Olas Altas, appropriately named for its big waves. Those looking for something a little calmer will enjoy Playa Los Cerritos, which is a particularly sparse area that still has plenty of great options for food and water sports activities. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush while in the country, check out these Best Spots to Go Cliff Diving in Mexico.
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Puerto Vallarta
The rapid commercial development of some beaches in Mexico can give them a soulless, inauthentic feel. That is definitely not Puerto Vallarta, which has been developing as a tourist destination since the 1950s and has never lost its style.
That’s not to say that Puerto Vallarta lacks the amenities or comfort of modern beach resorts. The oceanfront resorts here are some of the best in the entire country. The food here is as tasty as it is unique, particularly the “drowned sandwich” that is synonymous with the state of Jalisco where Puerto Vallarta resides.
The beach itself is on Banderas Bay, which is the 2nd largest bay in the world. There are over 40 beaches in total here, offering peace, quiet, and dazzling sunsets. And the climate here is comparable to that of Hawaii, in case you needed any other reason to visit.
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