Mexico Beach Hotels and Beaches

With almost 6,000 miles (9,500 km) of coastline, Mexico has an incredible and diverse selection of beaches. From the archetypal white tropical beaches of the Caribbean Coast to the rugged coastline of the central Pacific Coast with its dramatic breakers. Mexico's beach hotels are equally diverse from simple beach cabanas on half-deserted palm fringed shores to the most luxurious hotels in some of Mexico's most popular resorts. Whether you're looking to explore coral reefs in the azure waters of the Caribbean, go whale watching off the Pacific coast, or simply to relax underneath a shady palm on a perfect beach, you can find it here.

Caribbean Coast Beaches

The Caribbean Coast of Mexico is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday with some wonderful beach hotels. This area of Mexico has some of the most beautiful soft white sand beaches which are fringed by tropical palm trees and edged by gentle turquoise water. Even along this coastline there is a varied range of places to stay, from the more cosmopolitan Cancun and Playa del Carmen with their stunning beaches to the more remote and tranquil beaches of Tulum and Xpu Ha.

The calm water makes this a great area for swimming and snorkeling. The great Maya Reef stretches for approximately 600 miles and is home to hundreds of varities of exotic fish, as well four species of endangered turtles. On some stretches of the coast the coral extends into the shallow waters and it is possible to snorkel right off the beach. In other areas the shallows have a soft sandy floor and for good snorkeling it is best to take a boat out to the reef.

The coral also makes this a fantastic place for diving, there are also shipwrecks to explore. There are diving schools in all of the major resorts offering diving tours and PADI certification.

From May to October turtles nest and baby turtles hatch on the beaches of Mexico's Caribbean Coast. Loggerhead and Green turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches. At night you may be lucky enough to see one of these amazing creatures shuffling out of the surf and dragging itself over the sand to dig a nest to lay its eggs. They can lay anywhere between 70 and 200 eggs.

The CEA is a non-profit organization set up to conserve the turtles and their habitat. During nesting season you will see them patroling the beaches in search of new nests. On the less busy tourist beaches, the nests are often left is situ, marked out by sticks and string. In busier tourist areas the eggs are removed and taken to a hachery. Once the baby turtles hach, they are taken back to their nest areas and released.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, kite-surfing could be the thing. This sport has become very popular in Tulum and there are now several kite-surfing schools renting equipment and providing lessons.

Here is a quick guide to some of the beaches along Mexico's Caribbean Coast:

• Cancun

  Although quite highly developed with large hotels, Cancun's hotel zone has some of the most beautiful beaches. The sea here is the most amazing turquoise blue. There has been some beach errosion in this area and most stretches of beach are fairly narrow but certainly wide enough for sunbeds to laze on and room to wander along the waters edge. The beach here is lined by larger hotels so they are busier.

  There are many places to arrange snorkeling, fishing and diving tours. There are motorized activities including jet skis and parasailing.

• Puerto Morelos

  Located approximately 30 minutes south of Cancun Airport. Puerto Morelos is a traditional fishing town. The town has grown in recent years and there are hotels, villas, shops and restaurants. Hotels here tend to be smaller and the beaches are less busy than those in Cancun. There does tend to be some seaweed on in the shallows and on the beaches in this area. Many of the hotels clean the beach in the morning, so there isn't really an issue. From here you can arrange snorkeling and diving tours to the reef just off the shore and fishing tours.

• Maroma Beach

  This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches along this coastline and was in fact it has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world and it is easy to understand why. A wide stretch of powder white sand washed by crystal azul waters. There are only a few hotels sharing this beach and it does feel very quiet and peaceful. Maroma was the first hotel to be built here and remains the place to stay.

• Xcalacoco

  This quiet area of beach is located approximately 5 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. There are approximately 5 hotels along this stretch of beach. From here it is possible to walk along the water's edge into Playa. The beach is lovely but the sand a little coarser than the powder sand of Maroma. In the shallows there is coral, although there are plenty sandy accesses into the water too. This makes it perfect for snorkeling. Many of the hotels will provide water shoes and snorkeling equipment. There a multitude of tropical fish just meters out. One of the larger hotels does have a couple of jet skis but for the most part the beach is tranquil and unspoilt.

• Playa del Carmen

  Playa has become a busy town with lots of hotels, restaurants and bars. The development however has not been on the same scale as Cancun and hotels have been kept small and low-rise. The main beach in town is nice with soft sand and deep turquoise sea. There are several beach clubs with sunbeds and a snack and drink service for those staying in hotels in town. The beach here can get quite busy. From here you can arrange snorkeling, diving and fishing tours.

• Xpu Ha

  This stunning little beach is located midway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There just five hotels that share this bay. Beautiful white sand and clear waters make this the perfect place for those that want to relax by the water's edge and swim. There is a dive shop and you can arrange diving and snorkeling trips to the reef just off shore. Although there are a few rocks in the shallower water which makes for some interesting snorkeling right off the beach.

• Akumal

  Akumal Beach is a series of six bays. Although most have fine sand beaches there are rocks and coral in the shallow waters which makes this a good area for snorkeling right off the beach. There is a dive shop and diving trips can be arranged. The beaches in Akumal are a popular nesting group for turtles.

• Tulum

  To the south Tulum boasts a long stretch of wide sand which is all you would imagine of a tropical beach. A palm fringed white beach edged by the crystal waters of the Caribbean. The hotels here are small and fairly primitive; most can scarcely be seen from the beach; so it has a real desert island feel. To the north, Tulum has some smaller beaches protected by rocky headlands. There are several dive shops arranging diving and snorkeling tours. Kite-surfing is the big craze here and there are a few schools offer lessons and equipment rental. There are no motorized sports in this area.

Gulf Coast Beaches

The Gulf Coast Beaches of Mexico are very different to those on the Caribbean Coast. This entire area is less touristy and therefore the beaches here remain very tranquil and undeveloped. They are typified by their fine white sand mingled with thousands of tiny sea shells and clear emerald green sea. Tropical vegetation can often be seen along the sand. The water here is calm and perfect for swimming but not so good for diving and snorkeling.

Beach combing is a popular way to while away the days along this coastline. Long stretches of deserted beaches make this great for leisurely walks. There are so many beautiful sea shells to find and admire.

There is good fishing in the waters and many fishing towns line the coast, from small communities like Celestun to cities like Veracruz that are renowned for their fresh fish dishes. Red Snapper, Sword Fish, Grouper, Shrimp and Squid are just a few of the fish that can be found here.

The wetlands and mangroves that are found along this coast are home to many species of exotic and rare birds. Including hummingbirds, herons, egrets, ibises, kingfishers, frigate birds, sandpipers and roadrunners. There are also endemic birds such as the Black-throated Bobwhite and Yucatan Wren.

Here is a quick guide to just a few of the beaches along Mexico's Gulf Coast:

• Celestun

  Located just 60 minutes drive from Merida, Celestun is a small fishing town. The beach is long and quiet and perfect for long walks. From here it is possible to take a boat down the Inlet where there is a diverse range of wildlife, including the magical pink flamingos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birds.

• Progresso

  This once sleepy fishing town is now a bustling holiday resort. Its white beaches are edged by palms. The water here is very calm and ideal for swimming, wind surfing and jet skis. There are a good selection of restaurants lining the beach.

• Isla Holbox

  Although not on the Gulf Coast, Isla Holbox, approximately 3 hours north east of Cancun, does have many of the attributes of the Gulf Coast. White sand beaches and emerald sea; Holbox is still quite undeveloped. Visitors come to the island for rest and relaxation, as well as fishing and bird watching. From June to September you can swim with the whale sharks.

Southern Pacific Coast Beaches

The beaches of the Southern Pacific Coast are varied and offer a mix of experiences from the resort town of Huatulco to the isolated but beautiful beaches of Costa Chica which as yet remains quite undiscovered. The coastline here is more rugged and wilder than the Caribbean and Gulf coastlines. There are long stretches of deserted beaches with crashing waves, as well as pretty little bays which are perfect for swimming.

The large breakers common to this coast mean that there are some good surfing spots. Playa Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido is one of the top ten surfing beaches in the world. There are surfing schools and shops with equipment rental.

Many of the resorts have developed from small fishing villages and fishing is still important to the local economy. Tuna, dorado, marlin and grouper are just a few of the fish found in the waters along this coast. Most towns have companies that can arrange fishing tours or charters.

The coast has many excellent dive sites and good snorkeling opportunities. There are underwater rock formations and coral patches, walls and shipwrecks. There are dive shops offering tours and diving courses. Most also offer snorkeling trips.

Here is a quick guide to just a few of the beaches along Mexico's Southern Pacific Coast:

• Acapulco

  There are many beaches in Acapulco offering many different experiences. The beaches in the center of town can get very busy; here it is possible to arrange a variety of water activities including jet ski and parasailing. Beaches like Playa Hornitos have calm waters and are perfect for swimming. There is surfing at La Bonfil. For those wanting to escape the crowds Playa Diamante and Playa Revolcadero are a good choice. A variety of water activities can be arranged including scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing trips and sailing.

• Zihuatanejo

  The Bay of Zihuatanejo has several beaches. Playa La Ropa is one of the nicest beaches and is perfect for those wanting to swim. Playa Madera is closer to town and can get quite busy. The water here is very calm. In town diving, snorkeling and fishing trips can be arranged.

• Puerto Escondido

  Puerto Escondido's Playa Zicatela is one of the top ten surfing beaches in the world. From April to October is the best time for large waves. There are two International surfing competitions held here each year. Fishing tours can be arranged; tuna, marlin, sailfish and dorado are the main catch. Just south of Puerto Escondido, it is possible to arrange bird watching tours. The hotels in Puerto Escondido are small and the town and beaches are peaceful and relaxed.

• Costa Chica

  The "Costa Chica" runs from south of Acapulco to Puerto Angel and has miles of beautiful, quiet beaches. Tourists are most likely to visit the little resort towns of Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Puerto Angel. San Agustinillo is one of the best family beaches and there are a few small cabana hotels there. The ocean is generally calm enough for swimming in the sheltered coves, but there can also be stretches of of coast with powerful surf.

• Huatulco

  Huatulco is a collection of nine bays which have beautiful sandy beaches and clear water. Most of the bays are perfect for swimming and snorkeling; snorkeling equipment is available for rental. Sailing is also popular around this area and allows visitors to explore the bays; cruises and charters can be arranged. There is also a variety of dive sites which include coral plates, rock formations and walls.

Central Pacific Coast Beaches

The Central Pacific Coast of Mexico has some wonderful long stretches of remote and deserted beaches. In larger resorts like Puerto Vallarta the beaches are busier; there are also some small bays which are only accessible by boat which make the perfect romantic escape.

There are many scuba dive and snorkeling sites along this stretch of coast and many dive shops that can rent equipment, arrange tours and offer lessons.

From December to April visitors may have the chance to see the Grey Whales migrating. Dolphins can also be seen all year round.

The wildness of some of these beaches with their crashing waves makes them ideal for surfing. There are some very good surfing beaches to the north of Puerto Vallarta and few along the Costa Alegre

• Puerto Vallarta

  There are some wonderful golden sand beaches near to Puerto Vallarta. The beaches in town can get quite busy but it is easy to escape the crowds by heading a little further south to one of the remote little bay like Majahuitas or north to Bucerias. There are some good dive sites including Los Arcos and the reef at Marietas Island. Snorkeling is also good around this area. There are several good dive shops in town offering tours and snorkeling trips. Jet skis are available on some of the beaches in town. Sailing and kayaking offer a good way to explore the coastline.

• Costa Alegre

  The Costa Alegre is a long stretch of mostly deserted coastline which comprises of some beautiful little bays and long streches of rugged beaches. There are some surfing beaches along this coast at Barra de Navidad, Playa Cuastecomate and Playa Majahuas. There is good fishing at Barra de Navidad, Bahia de Tenacatita, La Manzanilla and Careyes. Diving and snorkeling is good at Bahia de Tenacatita, Barra de Navidad and Chamela

• Riviera Nayarit

  This area of coast has some excellent surfing beaches, Sayulita, Punta de Mita and Destiladeras all have generally very good surf conditions. Sport fishing is good around this coast with tuna, marlin, snapper and wahoo. Charters are available for rent.

Baja California Beaches

The coastline of Baja California is rugged, dramatic and stunning. Sandy beaches, rocky bays and clear blue sea are edged by desert and cactus. This peninsula is very different to the landscape of other areas of Mexico.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular along this coast. The Sea of Cortes has an abundance of fish and wildlife including whales, manta rays, hammerheads and whale sharks. Tours can be arranged at most of the resorts.

From December to April it is possible to see grey whales during their annual migration. You may be lucky enough to spot them from the shore. Alternatively there are boat tours and short cruises available that will take you to secluded bays popular with these magnificent creatures.

The rich waters around Baja make it a great place for sport fishing. Tuna, dorado, sailfish and marlin and plentiful here, as well as many other species. Charters can be arranged in most resorts.

• Los Cabos Corridor

  This is a rugged stretch of coast but very beautiful with golden sand and clear blue sea. Many of the beaches are not suitable for swimming because of the surging waves and dangerous undertows. One of the nicest swimming beaches is near to the One and Only Palmilla. There is good surfing, and even a surf school, on the pretty beach Playa Acapulquito by the hotel Cabo Surf. Sport fishing charters can be arranged in most resort hotels.

• East Cape

  The East Cape beaches edge the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. These waters are home to a huge variety of fish and wildlife. Sport fishing is a poplar pastime and there are many places to arrange tours and charters. The coast is very different from the corridor, the beaches are quieter and the water much calmer. The conditions are perfect for snorkeling and diving.

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