Long stretches of light golden sand, waters as blue as the clear sky and soul warming sunshine. Everyone loves a day at the beach but with hundreds to choose from along Mexico’s vast coastline it can be difficult to know how to get the best from the experience. Luckily there are some tried and tested favorites that top rankings around the world as places to have an enjoyable day in a clean, relaxing environment.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco is situated by Mexico’s largest natural bay. Banderas Bay is sixty miles of coast line stretching from Punta Mita to Cabo Corrientes. The bay spans the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Walk the Malecon (seaside promenade) to view sculptures and see street performers, eat at a fine dining restaurant, visit the Isla Marietas for bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking. A short walk brings you to the popular and lively Los Muertos Beach.
Cancún
If crowds are a plus rather than a problem then the famous white sand beaches of Cancún in Quintana Roo could be a good candidate for your Mexico vacation. Cancun is one of the most well known and most visited resorts of Mexico. Beautiful beaches, a coral reef, amenities, nightlife and water sports make this the highlight of the Mayan Riviera. Cruise ships dock in Cozumel and visitors take a short ferry ride to reach Cancun. Elsewhere along the Riviera beach parties and good diving sites can be found at Playa del Carmen. For snorkeling and kayaking head to Half Moon Bay. Punta Bete is a good option for those wishing for a quieter time.
Near to Cancun are the Mayan ruins named Tulum. The ruins are situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Hike the jungle and climb the ruins of temples before taking a cooling dip in the turquoise blue waters. This unique beach is not a well kept secret when it comes to Mexico travel so to avoid large crowds it is best visited early in the day.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a popular tourist resort located in Baja California Sur which has experienced a surge in touristic popularity over the last thirty years. The two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and the area between them are known as the “corridor” or “tourist corridor”. The beaches along the twenty mile corridor are a major draw for visitors. From Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas up through the corridor to San Jose and the East Cape tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Medano beach or Playa el Medano is popular for safe swimming but is busier than many other places, Bahia Chileno is known for snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Oaxaca
The Huatulco Bays in Oaxaca is an area made up of nine bays and thirty six pristine beaches. The coastline is surrounded by a lowland jungle backdrop which attracts nature lovers drawn by the biodiversity and everyone else for the sheer beauty of the landscape. The combination of landscape with beaches and amenities makes this resort a popular choice and keeps the cruise port of Santa Cruz busy. The beaches are generally mild with blue-green waters and light colored sands. There are some beaches such as Playa Chahue which are recommended for experienced swimmers only unlike the mild waves of Playa Tangolunda. With so many interconnected areas to explore finding something to suit is a pleasure and not a chore. Dine on Mexican seafood and Oaxacan cuisine, enjoy a swim, boat tour or snorkeling session.
Some areas can cater to Mexico tours with contrasting requirements; Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca has the family friendly beaches of Bahia Principal and Puerto Angelito as well as Zicatela Beach a.k.a the Mexican Pipeline which draws experienced surfers who want to test their skills.
Acapulco
Acapulco in Guerrero has been a famous beach destination for years. Recent efforts have been made to improve the area which is famous for the La Quebrada cliff divers who stun onlookers with their death defying dives, only taking the plunge after praying at the shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe. Acapulco is known for sunbathing and nightlife and attracts a large amount of visitors every year.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.