Mexico is filled with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White powdery sand and the colorful Caribbean water towards the east make for picturesque locations.
Whilst I haven’t been to every beach in Mexico, I made my way around Mexico for over 4 weeks and found the best beaches seemed to be between Cancun and Tulum on the eastern side of Mexico. This list is based on my personal opinion, but would love to hear others thoughts on some beaches I didn’t include! So without further a due, here’s my top 5.
5. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen is a popular beach destination just over an hour from Cancun. When compared to the upscale, resort style of Cancun, Playa has a much more relaxed vibe. The beach stretches for miles, so it’s less crowded and the main strip with all restaurants, shops and bars beats the scattered out layout of Cancun. It’s also great for young party animals, as it has all of the same clubs that Cancun has.
TIP: Senor Frogs (next to the Cozumel Ferry dock) offers free lounge chairs and day beds on the beach so long as you buy a drink or a meal. It is also the less crowded part of the beach.
4. Cancun Beach, Zona Hotelera
The water and sand combination in Cancun is remarkably stunning, but because of the major crowds it can get I had to bump it down the list. The top left photo was taken mid-week and it didn’t seem to be as busy, but by Sunday (top right) all the crowds had flooded in.
TIP: Head to Blue Bar for amazing views (top left) and delicious, well priced food (the fish and chips are to-die-for). It is located on the top level inside the Plaza behind Coco Bongo.
3. Playa Santa Fe, Tulum
Amazing! A short walk from the Tulum Ruins and you will find this beautiful, quiet beach. Most tourists flock to the tiny beach area inside the ruins, so this long stretch of beach is remarkably peaceful.
TIP: If your interested in snorkeling, book a cheap trip at a tour desk in the shopping area before walking down to the ruins. For around $20 USD you can get a small tour which also goes past one ruin only visible by boat.
2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
I stopped here for lunch after swimming with Whale Sharks. The boat captain cooked us ceviche and we hoped out of the boat in waist deep water, drinking Corona’s and taking in this view. It was one of the best experience’s I’ve ever had. This beach is breathtaking.
TIP: For backpackers wanting to party, Isla Mujeres is a great place to try! It’s a quick ferry ride from Cancun and the Poc-na Hostel hosts their own beach party every night. Plus you get a free drink token upon check in. Bonus!
1. X-Puha, Quintana Roo
I met some locals in the nearby town of Puerto Adventuras who took me to this hidden gem. A local mini van (used as a public bus) picked us up and dropped us off on the other side of the highway to where the entrance was. After running across the highway and down a dirt track through what seemed to be a forest, this was awaiting. Away from the major tourist crowds, but there are still small resorts along this area meaning we had to pay a fee of $5 USD. But boy was it worth it. Powder white sand, the bluest water I’d ever seen and a lot of water sports to keep anyone entertained.
TIP: Hire a set of snorkels and paddle out to some cute little reefs scattered not far from shore.