There are many stretches of secret beaches in Mexico that have pristine stretches of palm-fringed sand, crystal-clear cenotes, and, perhaps best of all, not a college vacationer in sight. These are our seven favorite beaches in Mexico.
Holbox Island, Quintana Roo
A two-hour drive north and a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun will put you well away from the party-goers and Senor Frog-filled Yucatan Peninsula. Here everything boils down to a relaxed beach atmosphere and lazy afternoons napping in a hammock on the coral sand. The pristine island is largely an ecological reserve of pristine lagoons and palm-fringed shorelines, protecting the resident wildlife of flamingos, dolphins, white pelicans and even whale sharks (if you go between May and September you can swim with them). What you can explore on land (such as towns full of palapa-roofed houses and private beaches) you will have to explore by bike or on foot, since the island does not allow cars.
For the ultimate rest, leave your bags (and your worries) behind at Casa Las Tortugas, a boutique hotel of boho-chic bungalows overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While you’re here, visit the on-site Agua Spa to pamper yourself with a lemon body treatment, inspired by 4,000-year-old Yucatan traditions.
San Agustin Beach, Oaxaca
The Pacific coast next to Oaxaca has always attracted the tanned and beautiful, but if you’re interested in more low-key spots, skip the famous nude beach and hippie town of Zipolite and head to pristine Playa San Agustin. Just 75 minutes to the east, a neglected dirt road will take you to a secret cove bordered by the Huatulco National Park. One of Huatulco’s nine bays, this curving 1.6 km street attracts surfers with its perfect channels and uncrowded beaches. On calm days, strap on your fins to snorkel around a large coral reef, which teems with tropical fish and turtles, then relax at one of the beachfront seafood restaurants for fresh ceviche and angling snapper.
Cape Corrientes, Jalisco
Sometimes the best treasures are hidden in plain sight. This is the case of Cabo Corrientes, a coastline 72 km southwest of Puerto Vallarta. Hugging the Bay of Banderas, this rugged expanse features jagged mountains, lush forests, and a series of wild, windy beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. It begins at Playa Las Animas and is based at Hotelito Mio, a group of eight open-air vacation residences nestled on a private beach. Nearby, Yelapa is the section with the most crowds, but if you keep going along the coast you’ll find Playa Corrales, with its century-old lighthouse marking the tip of the region. Further south is Playa Mayto, a romantic arc of golden sands lined by palm trees and soft Pacific breezes, as well as Tehuamixtle, a quiet fishing village. Adventurers will want to end up at Villa Del Mar, the last pearl in the chain, for horseback riding across the cobalt blue waters.
La Paz, Baja California Sur
At first glance, La Paz does not offer the typical image of a beach getaway. Surrounded by arid desert and spiny cacti, this tranquil oasis on the Baja California Peninsula almost seems like a vision, especially when compared to its more intense neighbor, Cabo San Lucas. Colonial buildings, Mexican-style murals, and the Malecon promenade add a colorful flair to Baja’s capital. Its main attraction, however, is Balandra Beach, a small inlet just outside California Bay with sculpted rock formations and a shallow pool of turquoise waters that mirror the cloudless sky. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding equipment to explore the glass-like bay (just make sure you go at high tide or you could run aground). At the end of the day,
Troncones, Guerrero
If you really want to disconnect, without seeing a single tourist, Troncones is the most isolated you will find. In the state of Guerrero, north of Oaxaca, this sparsely developed beachfront community of 500 people is a secret haven for yogis and surfers alike. Connect with nature (and your inner self) at Present Moment, an oceanfront wellness retreat offering morning meditation, qigong, yoga, dance classes and Thai massages, plus spacious thatched-roof bungalows for relaxing moments. inactivity. You’ll share this 3-mile beach with local riders and surfers who hang out at Manzanillo Bay or La Saladita, which was nicknamed “The Wave Machine” for its incredible waves. The most intrepid can make excursions in pine forests,
Akumal Beach, Quintana Roo
Precisely between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Akumal beach is pleasantly surprising since it is not overrun with annoying tourists with flip flops. Because of this, the wildlife (turtles, stingrays and tropical fish) did not run away in fright and can still be seen snorkeling around its thriving coral reef. In fact, the community fiercely protects the animals and has taken conservation measures, so some areas are only accessible with specialized nature guides. Check out the Akumal Dive Shop to book a scuba expedition, sunset cruise or swim with sharks.
Xcalac, Costa Maya
Xcalak is so far down the southern tip of Mexico’s Costa Maya that it’s practically in Belize. This small town is centered around the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak in the Mesoamerican Reef System. Although you could easily spend your days stretched out on the white-sand beaches, we suggest spending more time in the water, as the area is known for world-class diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. You should definitely not miss exploring the island of birds and the dense mangroves in a transparent bottom kayak.
