Mexico’s most blissful beaches

Jul 12, 2011 6:50:49 AM

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When people think Mexico, many see golden sand, blue water and green palms. Hundreds of beaches fit this bill: some near-empty with a few palm-thatched eateries and cabañas; others busy urban beaches. Most of the best are on the Pacific or the Caribbean coasts.

Right, got your bathers and a towel?

Playa del Carmen

The hippest town on the Yucatán Peninsula. Playa’s sands aren’t quite as powder-perfect as at some other Mexican Caribbean spots, and the waters aren’t quite so azure, but the beaches are jammed with the bronzed, blond and beautiful (and often – unusually for Mexico – topless). If crowds aren’t your thing, go north of Calle 38, where a few scrawny palms serve as shade. If it’s underwater thrills you’re seeking, there are some spectacular dive sites around Playa too.

Puerto Escondido

The Mexican Pipeline’s surf, a string of gentler beaches, coastal wildlife and Puerto’s traditional incarnations as fishing port and market town add up to a place that suits just about everyone. Playa Zicatella is a magnet for experienced surfers keen for a challenge, while the tranquil beaches of Bahía Principal and Bahía Puerto Angelito are tailor-made for sun worshippers and families. The accommodations and food here are getting even better, too.

Los Cerritos

This beach at Todos Santos has some of Baja California’s nicest surfing swells – powerful but great for beginners too. Or you can just hang out at sunset and watch the sun dip into the Pacific. Sea turtles lay here as well, and eagle rays glide through the water beneath the surfers; it’s an exquisitely mellow vibe. Go soon before development changes things too much.

Playa de los Muertos

One of several Mexican beaches with the same name (Beach of the Dead, but don’t let that deter you), this Puerto Vallarta beach is a quintessential people-watching spot. Mariachis stroll about looking for business, kids catch a free ride on the river as it enters the sea and drummer circles coalesce in the sweaty heat of the afternoon; this is one buzzing stretch of sand. Settle down with a coca fría and scan the horizon for whales.

Zipolite

A 2km strip of pale sand crashing Pacific breakers, Zipo is a legendary travelers’ hideout with a cosmic vibe, very little organized activity, and a great selection of places to stay and eat. Caution: the riptides and undertow are deadly. Head to nearby (and equally laidback) San Agustinillo for body-boarding and safer swimming conditions.

Isla Mujeres

Get away from it all on Isla Mujeres, where the beaches range from the blissful (Playa Norte) to the lively (Playa Lancheros), and offshore snorkeling and diving opportunities abound. Dive sites with evocative names like Barracuda, La Bandera, Manchones and El Jigueo will thrill you with their coral and marine critters.

Further reading: The return of Mexico’s national nectar – and no, it’s not tequila

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Comments

28 September 2009 8:16PM freakyjas Report this comment
Puerto Morelos was nice and relaxed, about a 30 min bus ride south of Cancun. Great if youre looking to get away from it all...
29 September 2009 5:47AM pdepril Report this comment
I second that. Puerto Morelos was wonderful! Lovely, nice, quiet and REAL- nothing overtouristy.
I you find yourself there: Go and have a meal & drink at John Gray's Kitchen. Fantastic restaurant, fresh food and lovely athmosphere.
Or just stroll around the pier and ask local fisherman to buy some lobster. They'll prepare it for you in no time and it's wonderful.
29 September 2009 11:59PM lariam Report this comment
In my opinion, playa escondida (Los Tuxtlas/Veracruz) is one of the most beautiful beaches ever, not well known, hard to get to, but incredibly beautiful. A deserted hotel up the hill including a deserted white-stoned terrace with a stunning view over the beach and hearing howler-monkeys in the background adds to the unforgettable experience. Wow, I wanna get back there..
4 February 2010 3:23AM iamtotal Report this comment
Just sent two wonderful days diving with Gilberto´s ¨Carey Dive centre on the Isla Mujeres near Cancun. The staff are great and the equipment is top ... The rumour I heard was that this is one of the best, if not THE best dive centre around, as they take divers the extra mile to make sure they get the best experience...and that is what I experienced. Definately recommend them...I have dived all over the world for 20 years and they are in my top ten. swimkit@hotmail.com to book...or just hang a left after leaving the ferry and walk 4 blocks to begining of MATRAMOROS. Poc Na, the rocking hostel is at the other end of this street.
6 April 2010 11:14AM 115banff Report this comment
Sayulita is just beautiful. Great Canadian influence there and the vibe is extremely tranquil. Its got great surf or secluded beaches without so much wave action. Amazing food, great views and a lovely town square that is always a hub of activity.
17 June 2010 5:44AM lagaviota Report this comment
Playa del Carmen is just awesome, the shining sun, the blue sky, the golden beaches, the azur color of the sea ... :) And relaxing beach clubs, amazing night life, great shopping!!!