This guide gives the potential visitor a glimpse at the various beaches along Mexico's Pacific, Carribean and Gulf coastlines.
Mexican beaches are known for their diversity. Mexico's beaches grace the Pacific, the Sea of Cortez, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico's coastlines. The beachgoer's challenge in Mexico lies not in finding a good beach, but in trying to decide which one to go to!
Sea of Cortez
One of the most remote, yet most beautiful beaches is located in Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. This beach is called Lover's Beach, or "Playa del Amour." This beach is the one you imagine when you picture the perfect beach. It features white sand, an uncrowded atmosphere and beautiful clear water. What makes this beach so special is that since it is at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, it gives you the experience of the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, while only a few yards away; the water turns to the calm tranquility of the Sea of Cortez. What more can you ask for? Cabo San Lucas, the only city of any size on the peninsula, also has other beaches, ranging from the large playground of the Playa Medano to small isolated coves, but Lover's Beach is the one you absolutely must experience.
Pacific Coast
Mazatlan is a fisherman's paradise. Known as "The Pearl of the Pacific," sailfish and marlin are abundant. Mazatlan's beaches offer long stretches of uninterrupted beauty and consistently warm temperatures year-round. If you are seeking calm and tranquility, try the Playa los Cerritos. Surfers should go to the Playa Olas Altas, which as its name implies, offers high waves. While you are visiting Mazatlan, be sure to visit El Faro, the second tallest lighthouse in the world, second only to Gibraltar.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the best-known beach resort cities on the Pacific Coast. Two of its beaches, Playa de los Muertos and Playa Olas Altas, are located in the city proper, and are very popular. One can always find lots of action on these beaches. People watching, dancing, sports and sunning are very popular. However, people with quieter tastes might enjoy one of the smaller beaches. After all, Banderas Bay has over 25 miles of coastline! About ten miles from the city center is the Boca de Tomatlan, which is a peaceful small cove, where the river meets the sea in a jungle environment. For parasailing, try the Yelapa beach, which has an ample supply of parasailing operators.
Manzanillo is a destination of choice for Mexican tourists in the summer. An affordable destination, this town of 80,000 offers many beautiful beaches, in addition to deep-sea fishing. Bird watchers also enjoy Manzanillo. Instead of sticking to Playa de San Pedrito, which is the closest beach to town, try heading a short bit out to Playa Azul, which is the beginning of a strip of very nice beaches accompanied by resort hotels.
With a population of over half a million, and a bustling tourist trade, Acapulco is not the most tranquil destination. However, it does offer several very nice beaches. The popular beaches are Playa Hornos, Playa Hornitos, Playa Icacos and Playa Condesa. Two smaller beaches are Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla. These beaches offer calm water, and are a fantastic choice for families. You will find that the beaches in Acapulco offer much more than sunbathing. You can go for speedboat rides, ski, rent a water bicycle and go scuba diving, in addition to a plethora of other water-related activities.
The Oaxaca Coast is one of the best places to go if you are seeking a relaxing beach experience. If you visit the towns of Puerto Escondito and Puerto Angel, you will find numerous small beaches that lack the high-rises of many of the other beach towns. Bahias de Hualtulco is a growing tourist destination, and offers more tourist amenities. In Puerto Angel, it is worth going just for the opportunity to lay eyes on a sea turtle or dolphin. This area is a nature lover's paradise. Surfers will enjoy Puerto Escondito the best.
Caribbean Coast
Known as the "Mayan Rivera," the Caribbean coast is the home of Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen. All of these beach resorts have steadily gained in popularity over the years, and are very popular cruise ship destinations. Beach lovers will want to go to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, where the sparkling white sands and blue waters are absolutely enchanting. Most of the beaches in these locations are located directly along the hotel zone. For a more secluded experience in Cancun, go to the southern tip of the peninsula. Whatever you do, make sure to bring plenty of sun block! The beaches in this area are generally crowded, but every possible amenity is offered.
Cozumel is known primarily for its spectacular diving in its crystal clear waters; however, it also has very nice beaches. One of the very best white sand beaches is the Playa San Francisco. If you visit Cozumel in November or December, you may even get to see sea turtles hatching and heading out to sea. Cozumel is a good beach destination for families or groups who have some members who want to dive, and others who prefer to sit back and catch some rays.
Gulf Coast
A bit off of the beaten path, Campeche has miles and miles of undeveloped beach. This is due to protections put in place for the sea turtle. A popular beach in the city of Campeche is the Playa Bonita, where you can hang a hammock and relax. Up and down this Yucatan coastline lie many other beaches, whose primary allure is the wildlife surrounding them. You can find dolphins, pelicans, manatees, carey turtles and many dozens of species of birds. These are the beaches for the wildlife explorer!
Veracruz beaches are not known for especially outstanding sand and water. However, they can become packed with visitors enjoying Carnaval or the Festival de Caribe. If you enjoy crowds and parties, Veracruz may be your destination. However, Veracruz is most likely not the place you want to go if visiting a fine beach is your main priority. If you find yourself in this grand city, and wish to go to the nicest beach, try traveling down the coastline to the cleaner Costa del Oro.
If you find yourself in Cuidad Madero, north of Veracruz on the Gulf Coast, you may want to check out the Playa Miramar. It is a beach with five miles of uninterrupted coastline, and the waters are reasonably clear. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and have a relaxing day in the sun.
Overall, if you are seeking a superb beach vacation, decide what it is you and the members of your group are looking for. Choose your beach based on its water; diving, surfing, and other water activities; wildlife observation or degree of tranquility, and you are likely to be pleased with your customized beach vacation.
