Which side of Mexico has better beaches?

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.



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Here's our list of Mexico's best beaches to help you plan your next getaway.
  • Playa del Amor, Baja California Sur.
  • Playa Sisal, Yucatán.
  • Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca.
  • Playa Delfines, Quintana Roo.
  • Playa Mayto, Jalisco.
  • Playa Troncones, Guerrero.
  • Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur.
  • Puerto Progreso, Yucatán.


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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.

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In Cabo, the tides are strong (which creates the wonderful crashing waves it's known for), but it makes the water a little less swimmable. The Verdict: The picturesque Caribbean beaches feel more exotic, but Pacific beaches have more personality.

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Cancun is recognized worldwide for its spectacular beaches of fine white sand, its fascinating turquoise blue sea and unparalleled weather, as well as excellent air and land connectivity, and a first-class hotel infrastructure that places it as one of the best destinations for tourists throughout the world thanks to ...

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Though both vacation destinations stack up pretty even when it comes to beaches, Hawaii offers mountain views, a more outdoor atmosphere, historic surfing, and a variety of different colored sand beaches that Mexico does not. Hawaiian beaches: White, black, red, and green sand beaches. Legendary surf.

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Mexico's coastal hot spots, like Cancun and Los Cabos, offer warmth and sun almost year-round, while high-elevation Mexico City boasts consistently mild temperatures and plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when the rainy season hits.

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Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach City Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico. While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts, you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.

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Many beaches are closed to swimmers because they aren't safe—steep ocean floor drop-offs close to shore create strong waves and undercurrents, making it dangerous to enter the water. These beaches are clearly marked with red flags, warning swimmers to stay away.

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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.

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24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico
  • 01 of 24. El Pescadero, Baja California Sur. ...
  • 02 of 24. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur. ...
  • 03 of 24. Oaxaca City, Oaxaca. ...
  • 04 of 24. La Paz and Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur. ...
  • 05 of 24. Mexico City, State of Mexico. ...
  • 06 of 24. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo. ...
  • 07 of 24. Merida, Yucatán. ...
  • 08 of 24.


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Most Beautiful Places in Mexico
  • Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon) ...
  • Hierve el Agua. ...
  • El Castillo, Chichen Itza. ...
  • Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City. ...
  • Pico de Orizaba. ...
  • Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Oaxaca City. ...
  • Isla Mujeres. ...
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch, Cabo San Lucas.


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Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Summers have less wave action and the water is clearer.

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Puerto Vallarta also boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, featuring delicious traditional Mexican cuisine as well as international fare. The city's vibrant nightlife includes some of Latin America's best clubs, fiestas, and music festivals. The area's natural beauty is unparalleled.

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Inevitably, Caribbean beaches have a bit of an edge over Pacific beaches. If you want flawless beach photos for Instagram, then Cancun is the place to be. The beaches around Puerto Vallarta are smaller and some are rockier. But there are excellent beaches in PV: Los Muertos and Playa Camarones are the most popular.

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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.

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Shaped like a number “7,” the Hotel Zone can be roughly divided into three areas: the North Hotel Zone (the top, horizontal part of the “7”) has the softest sand and gentlest surf and is near great dining and nightlife, the Middle Hotel Zone (the upper half of the vertical part of the “7”) offers great beaches, family- ...

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With 360 days of sunshine a year, Puerto Vallarta's beautiful beaches are worth a visit in any season. Most of them are great for swimming. Some are better suited for water sports and adventure activities. Or just relax listening to the soothing sounds of waves breaking on Mexico's Pacific coast.

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