Mexico has more than 11,000 km of coastline stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This means, a beach getaway in Mexico can look very different depending on where you go, from turquoise waters and coral reefs, volcanic black sand, world-class surfing, or a secluded bay you can access only by boat. This guide takes you to some of Mexico’s most remarkable beaches by region, explains what makes each one special and tells you how to travel there using your Royal Holiday membership.
🌊 THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN: THE TURQUOISE WATERS YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF
PLAYA PARAÍSO, TULUM
Tulum is known for its turquoise waters and spectacular Mayan ruins perched above the coastline, creating a very unique setting in the Caribbean. Playa Paraíso, near the archaeological site, is famous for its soft white sand and beautiful blue water. It has been named one of the best beaches in the world. Access to the beach is included with admission to the archaeological site, allowing visitors to swim with a view of the ancient Mayan ruins.
PLAYA NORTE, ISLA MUJERES
Playa Norte is famous for its calm, shallow waters, which can feel like a natural swimming pool. The island’s sheltered coastline creates a beautiful bay with emerald-blue water, without waves. It is also one of Mexico’s most acclaimed beaches in international travel rankings.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND PLAYA MAMITAS
About 40 minutes south of Cancún, Playa del Carmen combines a vibrant dining scene with beautiful public beaches in the Riviera Maya. Playa Mamitas (Mamitas Beach) is one of the area’s best-known beach spots, offering turquoise waters to relax and easy access to the famous Quinta Avenida.
🌺THE NORTHERN PACIFIC: BAJA CALIFORNIA AND LOS CABOS
PLAYA BALANDRA, LA PAZ
Baja California Sur is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Sea of Cortez, a region Jacques Cousteau famously described as the “aquarium of the world.” Playa Balandra (Balandra Beach) is known for its turquoise waters, shallow natural lagoon, and its iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation. Access is free for everyone but regulated to help protect this remarkable natural environment.
PLAYA DEL AMOR, LOS CABOS
Accessible only by boat from the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) sits near the meeting point of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. On the Sea of Cortez side, the water is generally calmer with great swimming conditions, while the Pacific side can have powerful waves. Being able to see two different bodies of water from the same beach is a rare and unforgettable experience found in very few places around the world.
🌴THE CENTRAL PACIFIC: NAYARIT AND JALISCO
SAYULITA, NAYARIT
Sayulita is a charming Mexican beach town known for its colorful streets, artisan markets, surf culture, and a vibrant dining scene that brings together the best independent chefs from across the region. Its main beach is popular with surfers of all experience levels, and local surf schools offer lessons for beginners all year long.
PLAYA LAS ÁNIMAS, PUERTO VALLARTA
Las Ánimas is a beautiful beach only accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta, offering clear waters and a more peaceful setting than you’ll typically find at urban beaches. Bahia Banderas (Banderas Bay) region is rich in marine life, with easy opportunities to spot dolphins and whales. The boat ride is part of the experience, after 45 minutes you arrive, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beach and its seaside restaurants. Discover Mexico’s best beachfront destinations.
🐚THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC: OAXACA
MAZUNTE AND ZIPOLITE, OAXACA
The coast of Oaxaca offers a completely different atmosphere from the Mexican Caribbean and Los Cabos. Mazunte is known for its white sand beaches, palm trees, and its famous Sea Turtle Sanctuary, where visitors may have the opportunity to witness hatchling releases between July and December season. Just a short distance away, Zipolite is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and is Mexico’s only legal designated nudist beach. It attracts travelers looking for a more relaxed, alternative coastal experience.
HUATULCO
Huatulco is known for its nine bays formed by 36 beaches, many within a protected marine national park where scuba diving and snorkeling can offer visibility of up to 20 meters. Many of the more secluded beaches can be reached by boat from Santa Cruz, with some offering basic restaurant services along the shore. It’s one of the few destinations along Mexico’s Pacific coast where coral reefs are actively protected.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO’S BEACHES WITH YOUR ROYAL HOLIDAY MEMBERSHIP
Royal Holiday offers hotels in some of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations, including Cancún, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, among others. Use your Holiday Credits toward your accommodation and build your trip around the experiences that make each destination unique, from boat trips to Las Ánimas and whale-watching excursions in La Paz to surfing lessons in Sayulita.
For destinations not available through your membership’s standard options, such as Tulum or Mazunte, Travel Xtra, the exclusive platform for Royal Holiday members available through our website, may offer additional options and member-only rates or discounts.
Your Holiday Advisor can help you choose a destination based on the time of year when you want to travel, the type of experience you’re looking for, and can explain how to combine multiple beach destinations into one itinerary.
Explore our website and visit TravelXtra to find exclusive offers or contact your Holiday Advisor to start planning your next Mexican getaway. 🏖️