Mexico’s Beaches: Where to Go?
Aquas frescas or aqua waters. A garland of color from herbs, flowers, and the fabrics around you. Mayan sites and tropical sensations.
As summer turns to autumn, you might be preparing for a winter getaway sometime. And if beaches of the western hemisphere speak to you, consider the range in Mexico.
Here I compare Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Cozumel, all noteworthy places to venture to in Mexico for the beaches, the scene, and the food and drink.
(Cover Image by Emma Dau)
*This site contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you make a booking through us.
Puerto Vallarta
Wonderful Diverse Beaches
View overlooking Puerto Vallarta, Image by Chris McQueen
Puerto Vallarta, is on the Pacific coast and known for its vibrant culture alongside its vibrant beaches. Playa del los Muertos is one of its most notable beaches in the center of Puerto Vallarta. The town and area around have a vivacious atmosphere that’s upbeat. While its other surrounding beaches are diverse, some are rocky, and some are crisp silky sand. Some have boisterous waters, and some are more tame. Overall, there’s an adventurousness about Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta, a resort town, has not resorts of all-inclusive make, as well as an array of local homestays that make beach life more personable and locally infused. It’s also more diverse when it comes to things to do beyond beaching and partying, Puerto Vallarta continues to excite those who want to both immerse and have a relaxed beach time.
Where to Stay? Ochos Cascadas
Ochos Cascadas is situated on a cliff comprised of nine villas that have an open-air concept, Mexican interiors, plush amenities, and beach views.
Thoroughfare of cafes and eateries, Image by Nicole Herrero
*Safety tip
Be cautious in some of the more wavy of Vallarta’s beaches, the undertow and waves can be strong.
Cancun
White Sand Beaches & Energetic Scene
Image by Alex Person
I think most people connote the notion of white-sand beaches with the notoriety of Cancun, and its beaches are just that. Most well-known is the Hotel Zone, a 14-mile stretch of beach which is home to resorts and hotels that take full advantage of its beach allure. The typical sports are offered in full such as snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, and parasailing.
One huge draw of Cancun is how easy it is to get there and with a reputable party culture. Aside from the beaches, Mayan ruins are nearby, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of archeological make, one of the newest Seven Wonders of the World.
Where to Stay? Grand by Kempinski Cancun
Kempinski hotels are reliable. They’re well-furnished, the service is top-notch, and the amenities provide a comforting lived-in atmosphere. Grand by Kempinski in Cancun doesn’t diverge and provides a base for indulging in the white sand beach, pools, and under the Cancun sun.
Image by Alex Azabache
What do Do? The Mayan Site Chichen Itza!
Chichen Itza is a remnant architecture of a Mayan city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once a central component of Mayan community. Estimated from before 600 AD the knowledge in the design of the detailed space shows how advanced the Mayan civilization was. The pyramid, El Castillo, is a pinnacle view of the Mayan architecture of Mexico and is thoroughly impressive to witness still standing today. I suggest a tour to really delve into the area.
Tulum
Boho Vibe & Local Attractions
Tulum has often been considered a little sibling or younger cousin to Cancun mostly for the closeness, the two are an hour and a half apart. However, Tulum is much less built-up, quite smaller, than the larger and more vivacious Cancun. It has huts-on-the-beach vibe rather than resorts on the beach and has been compared to the Mexican version of Bali.
Likewise, on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is known as much for its beaches as the attraction of Mayan archeological ruins. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the biggest protected areas of Mexico inclusive of thriving tropical forests, biodiversity, and Mexico’s iconic mangroves.
Where to Stay? Playa Papaya
Individual villas are right off the waters and individual pools are on the roof. Restaurants, a bar, bicycles, and yoga are also on-site.
Image by Kayleigh Foley
Image by Jonatas Tinoco
What to Do? Cenotes Excursion
A part of the draw of the area is the proximity to the cenotes, which are natural water holes that are almost otherworldly. They’re surrounded by limestone rock, stalactites, and brilliant water, and are a noteworthy day-trip if you stay in the area.
Playa Del Carmen
Vibrant Town
Located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is within the Quintana Roo state as well as the two aforementioned and is one of its largest cities. It’s smack in the middle of northern Cancun and southern Tulum and is a combination perhaps of the two.
Playa Del Carmen is a good place for families or for groups. Not as bohemian-rich as Tulum, and not as party-central as Cancun, people go for the beaches, and the real estate of the city. Playa Del Carmen also hosts the same beach beauty as its north and southern neighbors with close proximity to Mayan ruins, natural cenotes, and water sports.
Image by Conor Luddy
The tours to experience Mayan culture in Playa Del Carmen are a must if you visit. You can experience traditions and the celebrations that the culture practiced. Some fascinating experiences can be had of material relics from that time as well as stories and legends that give them meaning.
Where to Stay? Posada Mariposa Boutique
Close to the beach, this boutique is a prime location, and charmingly chic. The centrality yet quietness of the hotel is an idyllic combination of things, especially since some of Playa Del Carmen is larger-scale.
What to Do? Xcaret Mayan Site Day Trip
Xcaret Park is a concentrated dose of interactive attractions in the area. Think Disneyworld of Mexico with the opportunity to swim in underground rivers, and behold Mayan remnants, as well as a bounty of wildlife. The park also includes an orchid garden, flamingos and butterfly sanctuary, manatees, and a turtle sanctuary.
Image by Pablo Pola Damonte
Cozumel
A Picturesque Island of Underwater Beauty
Image by Fernando Jorge
Image by Eileen Byrne
Cozumel is a 30-minute ferry ride island off of Playa Del Carmen. It’s situated in the Caribbean Sea still within the Quintana Roo state. Cozumel is known most for its host of marine life, being a popular diving and snorkeling spot. It’s also home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, one of the greatest, and second-largest coral reef systems in the entire world.
There’s a swath of life in these reefs, an inspiring place for both divers as well as more casual snorkelers looking to marvel at the underwater sea world. Alternatively, on the southwestern coast of this island is the Palancar Reef which is likewise a site for diving. More known for underwater caves, here, there’s plenty to explore as well.
Some of Cozumel’s most popular beaches are Playa San Francisco, Playa Palancar, and Paradise Beach. Additionally, eco-parks and nature reserves also sit on the island and feature a crocodile habitat and botanical gardens in the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park respectively.
Where to Stay? Xiknal Cozumel
Just the right flourishes to provide unique and homestyle comfort. Close to nearby attractions, the hotel features a pool, lovely courtyard, and balconies. There are times that Cozumel can get overwhelmed by cruise ships and port crowds, and for this reason, I think the smaller scale is the way to go.
*Safety tip
Note cruise porting is November to April and when the island gets most crowded.
Bottom lines
Mexico is a place to go to more than once in a lifetime. Frankly, the scope in-land is worthy as much as its beach scenes. However, for those winterers who crave a beach dose, Mexico beachside is a sure sun-infusion and warmth. The waters are gorgeous, and the sites are awesome. It has the history of Mayan culture and diving areas, and its beaches from west to east are there for you.
There are a lot of similarities and a lot of differences in the above locations. For the most part, you can be guaranteed sun and beach time, particularly during winter, though the heat in the summer can often be off the charts. The distinctions are in the particularity of stays as well as the surrounding vistas, tours, and the nuances of the vibe of each environment.
The bottom line is that Mexico is almost always like a pinata: of sweetness and versatility for many sorts of travel festivities.
