6 Best Beaches in Mexico: Discover Azure Seas, White Sand, and a Natural Treasure Hidden in a Crater

Mexico will enchant you with its rich Mayan and Aztec culture, natural diversity, and tequila. From white sand and turquoise waters to picturesque bays and stunning sunsets, we’ve prepared a list of the 6 best beaches in Mexico, including a natural treasure to top it off. 

1. Playa Delfines—A Mexican Beach in Cancun 

Playa Delfines is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cancun. It is one of the free public beaches in the city, offering fine white sand, turquoise water, and excellent conditions for surfing. From the Mirador viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and have a unique chance to spot dolphins. 

2. Beaches in Tulum 

Tulum is renowned for its rich history and archaeological sites. The beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water are surrounded by cliffs and jungle with ancient Mayan ruins. To the north, you’ll find Playa Ruinas, which offers a direct view of these ruins. To the south, South Playa features white sand and excellent spots for kitesurfing. 

3. Puerto Vallarta 

This Pacific coast resort is popular for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of activities such as zip-lining and whale watching. On the beach in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be captivated by sunsets framed on one side by deep blue water and on the other by the Sierra Madre mountains. 

4. Playa Balandra 

Playa Balandra, located near the city of La Paz, is among the best beaches in Mexico. It is famous for its distinctive rock formation, Diamond Rock, but its charm goes beyond that. The beach is protected on all sides, providing safe conditions for swimming and exploring the underwater world. It features calm waters, shallow lagoons, and beautiful scenery. Additionally, you can visit this Mexican beach as part of a boat tour that also takes you to a spot where you can see sea lions.  

5. Playa Maroma 

Playa Maroma is considered one of the most exclusive beaches on the Mayan Riviera. To access it, you must book a stay at one of the luxury resorts along the beach, as Maroma is part of a gated community. This way, you can avoid crowded beaches and enjoy only divine tranquility and aquamarine waters. 

6. Playa Escondida 

Finally, we have a tip that is definitely worth it. This beach is hidden inside a crater and is accessible only by swimming through a tunnel (don’t worry, it’s not entirely underwater). You could consider it a natural wonder until you learn that the crater was allegedly formed as a result of bomb attacks. This hidden beach in Mexico is located beneath the surface of the island on the Mexican coast, known as Islas Marietas, and you can reach it through boat tours. 

We’ve only mentioned 6 Mexican beaches, but if you look at a map of the Mexican coast, you will find many more. Mexico boasts over 9,000 kilometers (5,590 mi) of coastline dotted with more than 450 beaches.