East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.
While the entire area has great beaches, there is definitely a difference in the types of beaches contained in each area. The ocean water in Cancun tends to have more waves and surf rolling in, while the waters in the Riviera Maya are often calmer thanks to the natural barrier reef that protects this area.
While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.
Where It Is: Los Cabos is the strip of coast between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, in Baja California. Playa Cemeterio, Playa Santa Maria, and Playa Costa Azul are all located close to downtown Cabo San Lucas. Playa Costa Azul and Los Cerritos are favorites with the surfing crowd.
If you want to go to a Mexican beach and be 100% confident that the water is pristine, your best bets are on the Pacific coast. Two of the top-10 (all tying with the same score) cleanest beaches in Mexico were in Campeche. One was in Quintana Roo, but far to the south.
If you want an all-inclusive vacation in a party town with sugar-sand beaches and ruins to explore, then Cancún is the way to go. Or, if you prefer a more luxurious getaway full of deep-sea fishing and fine dining, then book a ticket to Los Cabos.
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.
Wrapping around the northern nose of Isla Mujeres, this beautiful stretch of beach has some of the clearest turquoise water to be found anywhere in the world.
Cancun is considered to be the heart of the Mexican Caribbean and year on year thousands of visitors who come to the Yucatan Peninsula end up right here! The gorgeous beaches, great weather, and amazingly clear and clean waters are huge pulls for many tourists, but Cancun has much more to offer than just this.
Meanwhile, travelers in search of striking turquoise waters, boat tour options and superb snorkeling and kayaking opportunities will love visiting Playa El Cielo and Playa Palancar. However, Cozumel's sandy shores suffer from one big downside: thick crowds.
If your answer is none, Isla Contoy could be at the top of your list - book now! ¿Cuántas islas vírgenes has visitado este año? Si tu respuesta es ninguna, Isla Contoy podría ser la primera de tu lista. ¡Reserva ya!
Like many other travelers, you've probably already heard about the seaweed or sargassum problem along the Quintana Roo coastline. Get to know more about Playa Mujeres: A Sargassum-Free Haven in Cancun, and prepare to enjoy a spectacular Caribbean getaway!
Sargassum seaweed is a type of macroalgae that forms over the Atlantic Ocean each year in large quantities. The foul-smelling but harmless seaweed is a perennial issue for Caribbean destinations like Cancun, which see huge quantities of the macroalgae wash up on their shores yearly.
Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.
If you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience, Playa del Carmen might be the better choice for your family. Both Playa del Carmen and Cancun have beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
Compared to Cancun, Playa del Carmen is known for its more laid-back and intimate nightlife scene. It's perfect for those who prefer a relaxed night out, sipping cocktails at beachfront bars, and listening to live music. That being said, Playa del Carmen also has its fair share of clubs and late-night hotspots.