Baja California Sur
La Paz has perfect weather, with a favorable wind. As a result, La Paz is a year-round sailing destination. The first one of the most beautiful Mexican beaches is the well-known Baja California. Baja California offers a broad range of activities and attractions, either for relaxation or adventure. For example, you can find comfortable beaches, charming magical towns, restaurants with wide gastronomic variety, desert flora, unique cave paintings, old missions, and first-class tourist infrastructure cities. Furthermore, an abundance of fishing possibilities, ecotourism, diving, extreme sports, and intriguing prehistoric and colonial traces. Also, you'll be astonished by nature's duality, as Baja California Sur has a tropical oasis and borders a desert, a unique mix. As well as the union of the grandiose Pacific Ocean, with the calm Sea of Cortez.
Loreto
A Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO and located in the heart of the Peninsula of Baja California Sur. Loreto is one of the local's and foreigner's favorite destinations for its cultural and recreational tourism. This magical town offers festivals throughout the year, culture, diverse marine life, fishing, and the surf. As well as it is one of the best places for diving, especially from February through April, since sometimes even blue whales may be spotted, making the diving experience as one to not forget.
Also, at San Juanico Bay, you'll find high swells and excellent wind conditions for surfing. San Juanico is located approximately 39 miles northeast of Loreto. It is one of the best spots in the world to practice surfing because of the environmental conditions that allow the waves to reach the heights necessary for the sport. Visiting San Juanico Bay is a must for anyone who loves adventures. You don't necessarily need to know how to surf. You'll find surf schools that give beginners classes so the inexperienced can also have fun!
Cabo San Lucas
The southern part of the peninsula has the cosmopolitan city of La Paz. As well as, small seaside towns and villages, and the popular resorts of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, better known as ‘Los Cabos.' Cabo San Lucas is one of the most exclusive places in Mexico. Besides that, it has 380 marinas that can accommodate ships up to 200 ft with a maximum draft of 12 ft. Additionally, features the highest quality services expected in a marina. Furthermore, there are many activities you can do here just like snorkeling, jet-skiing, kite surfing, diving, banana boating, and fishing. Of course, you cannot miss the astonishing arch which is part of a formation known as the Three Friars.
On one side, there's the Pacific Ocean, and on the other side begins the Sea of Cortez. You'll be able to spot sea lions and pelicans. Also, once you are in Los Cabos, you should at least experience the nightlife once. You'll find people of all ages having fun at night. There is a place for everyone. There's this famous place called El Squid Roe, which is popular amongst tourists since it's full of life, fun, and music. There's no way you'll be bored in Los Cabos!
Todos Santos
This magical city is located about an hour's drive north of Cabo San Lucas and an hour's drive southwest from La Paz. However, you can also get there by boat as there is an anchorage on the eastern side of the town. This anchorage has room for about 10 medium-sized ships with a bottom of sand, rock, and kelp. Here you can see Mexico as Hollywood movies portrayed it, with big mountains, fantastic nature, and an incredible long desert. Todos Santos (All Saints) is the perfect place if you want to have a short escape from the tourist areas, and you want to experience something more typical. With a bohemian vibe, Todos Santos is the house of crystal clear beaches, fantastic landscapes, beautiful art shops, delicious restaurants, and the iconic Hotel California. Yes, that Hotel California. Indeed, you cannot miss it!
Playa Balandra
Only 25km from La Paz, Balandra's beach has the most stunning crystal clear sea. It's like a natural pool for its gentle waves. You can come here to relax entirely on its soft sand while admiring the different shades of blue that the sea offers you. You can even walk up to 500m into the water because it's is only 1.2 meters deep! There is marine life here, so if you want, you can bring your snorkel. However, you'll not really need it because the water is so clear you'll see everything with or without a snorkel.
This is a place where you won't see any commerce nor restaurants, so you have to bring your own snacks and keep the trash with you until the next stop because this place is unbelievable clean due to people that take care of it. Once you are there, you'll fall in love and wish to stay there forever. Believe me, many people have had the same thought.
Sinaloa
We present to you the next beach of the most beautiful Mexican beaches - Sinaloa. Sinaloa is the balance between the sea and the Sierra Madre Occidental. All its regions have access to the coast by the West, and to the mountains by the East. Here is where the Pacific becomes the Sea of Cortez, so the wealth of fishing and coastal natural resources is also incredible. The state has one of the largest fishing fleets in the country, an astonishing variety of beaches and islands, as well as an enormous diversity of terrestrial and marine animal species. By sky, sea, and land, the state and 18 municipalities are connected through 3 international airports located in Mazatlán, Culiacán, and Los Mochis; two large ports like Topolobambo and Mazatlán, and the excellent road network that connects Mazatlán to Guadalajara and Durango.
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is the only beach destination on the Mexican Pacific coast where visitors have the opportunity to walk through streets and alleys that are vibrant roads to a tour of its astonishing historical past. This dazzling destination combines the traditional architecture of the historic center, known as Old Mazatlan - with the modern hotels and restaurants that make up the spectacular Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), endowed with more than 10 kilometers of beautiful beaches. Such as Playa Norte (North Beach), Playa Gaviotas (Seagull's Beach), and Playa Venados (Deer's Beach). The mazatleca's wealth is also appreciated in its crystalline waters, where a variety of fish and sea life abounds. There are many sporting events and other activities organized that will make your visit to Mazatlán an unforgettable experience!
Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit, one of the most attractive destinations in Mexico. The area extends about 300 kilometers along the coast, preceded by mountainous jungle and beautiful islands. For those who want to know the more rural and rustic side of Mexico, the Riviera has a vast open space for it. Along the Nayarit coast, there are beaches for all tastes, some with exclusive hotel complexes for those looking for luxury, others less crowded for those who want to relax with high waves for surfers. To the charms of this region are added the Marietas Islands, beaches that are hidden like a treasure in a small volcanic archipelago protected by the UNESCO.
Islas Marietas
The Marietas Islands are located in Banderas Bay, 8 km from Punta Mita, and 27 km from Nuevo Vallarta. The most especial beach is the hidden beach, better known as "Love Beach." This beach is one of the main attractions of the Marietas Islands. To get there, you have to walk through a tunnel of about 45 meters. This beach, like the whole place, is a protected natural area, so we must help to preserve it so that it can remain beautiful and majestic for everyone. On your next visit to the Riviera Nayarit, do not forget to take a trip around this incredible gift of nature!
Guadalajara
Better known as the land of mariachi and tequila. Guadalajara is the second biggest city in Mexico and the eighth-best city to visit in Latin America. Guadalajara has a more peaceful lifestyle than in Mexico City. However, Guadalajara can’t match the intimacy and coziness of smaller colonial cities, though its historic core is incredibly attractive, anchored by the twin wonders of the cathedral and the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guadalajara has managed to make tradition and modernity coexist as one because it preserves culture and practice such as charrería, folklore dance, jarabe tapatío, and tequila. Moreover, it is also the primary producer of technology and software in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta
Much of Vallarta’s popularity stems from its location smack in the middle of the beautiful Banderas Bay. This bay is one of the largest on the continent. Mountain ridges fade into a blue haze as you gaze south, each extending a bit further into the ocean. There are plenty of activities at Puerto Vallarta that include boat trips, horseback rides, diving trips, and a pumping nightlife. You can appreciate the white sand beaches and rocky cliffs jetting from the coastline when sailing in Banderas Bay. Depending on the season that you are sailing, you can encounter stingrays, humpback whales, and dolphins!
Moreover, you can enter the arches islands. There, you'll find caves, tunnels, and coral reefs that were shaped over the course of millions of years. The islands are home to colorful tropical fish, eels, sea turtles, octopuses, and other marine life, making it the ideal spot for snorkeling.
If you wish to sail more to the south, Yelapa is highly recommended. One of Puerto Vallarta’s most beloved bays, and home to a small fishing community. It is one of its kind and a place where you would like to relax and watch the sunset after a day full of adventures.
Colima
Despite its small size, Colima is full of natural gems such as green forests, fantastic beaches, and mountains. Here you will also find El Volcán de Fuego (Fire Volcano) that is visible 30km to the north, and El Nevado de Colima, which is perfect for hiking. Colima is also known as the "City of Palms" that offers incredible beaches such as Salahua, La Audiencia, Santiago, Miramar, La Boquita, and Chupadero, providing all kinds of aquatic activities.
The port of Manzanillo is one of the leading tourist destinations thanks to its modern hotel infrastructure and its golf courses, as well as being the Mecca for fishing.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo, it's the Mexican Pacific's major seaport; it has 355 days of sunshine on its beaches. Because of its location, Manzanillo offers magnificent landscapes, unrepeatable sunsets, fabulous beaches matched up with beautiful golden sands, and an incredible view of the twin bays. You could sail to the beautiful Navidad Island, a paradisiacal place bordered by small coves and a lagoon. There you could go jet skiing, surfing, water skiing, or kayaking. You can also dive into the sea and participate in a sailfish fishing competition!
If you want to rest for a bit, you could also walk on the Avenue and stop at the bazaars and stalls, where you'll find a great variety of handicrafts, authentic works of art carved from wood and unique embroideries. At Navidad Islands, you could also enjoy an exclusive spa with relaxing hot stones massage, or a bath in aromatic herbs.
Veracruz
Veracruz is one of the country's major shipping ports and is located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its location, the city has a tropical climate that is popular amongst locals and tourists. Veracruz has a steady supply of charms that goes from beautiful sandy beaches to famous colonial towns and magic villages. Such as Papantla, Coscomatepec and the coffee-growing center of Xico.
Veracruz has a couple of beaches, which are along with the Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho. Villa del Mar beach is within walking distance of the famous Acuario de Veracruz, one of Mexico's largest aquariums, and further south is Playon de Hornos. These beaches are not explicitly designed for tourists, so if you are interested in something more touristic, head to the south to one of the other nearby beaches.
Boca del Rio has more than 8 1/2 miles of beach frontage, and it's only 15 minutes drive from the south of the city. Boca del Rio has excellent services for tourists and has an average annual temperature of 25 º C. The most famous beaches of Boca del Rio include Playa Santa Ana, Playa Pirata, Anton Lizardo, Playa Pelicano, Playa Mocambo, and Playa Penacho. The city's beaches have hotels, restaurants, and shopping places nearby. At Boca del Rio's beaches, you could go jet skiing, swimming, and horseback riding.
Guerrero
Guerrero’s tourism is concentrated among the municipalities of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Taxco. The state promotes these three as “Triángulo del Sol” (Triangle of the Sun). Acapulco and Zihuatanejo are by far the most important of the three.
Acapulco
Known as one of the most wonderful Mexican beaches, because of its spectacular shores, great nightlife, and its unique tropical weather. Acapulco offers attractions for all ages. Acapulco has perfect conditions for sailing.
When going to Acapulco, you should not miss La Quebrada, a rock formation of 35 meters height over the seashore. There you can see the cliff divers’ performance, at night lighted with torches. Moreover, don't forget to ride a banana boat or a jet ski and splash through the waves feeling the breeze on your body. Enjoy the incredible view of the bay from a parachute and feel like a bird for a day. Behold the magnificence of the sea at Condesa beach, where the best swimmers test their strength with nature, and let the wind propel your windsurfing longboat, parasailing board or sailboat.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Better known as a fishermen village where you can enjoy clear and peaceful waters. The main attraction is its beautiful and highly protected bay that is just a few kilometers from the hotel zone. Here you'll enjoy a very traditional atmosphere and a relaxed environment that several beaches offer you.
Most of Zihuatanejo has become quite touristy, especially when cruise ships are in town. However, most parts have retained their historic charm. The narrow cobblestone streets of downtown hide excellent local restaurants, bars, boutiques, and artisan studios.
You could also visit Ixtapa's Island, the island has three beaches you can reach by walk. The Varadero and Cuachalalate beaches have calm waters where you can swim, and Coral Beach on the back of the island is a perfect place to snorkel.
Oaxaca
One of Mexico’s most captivating cities because of its historical and culinary richness. Oaxaca has top-class museums, fascinating markets, incredible sightseeing, and its own superb version of Mexican cuisine. Oaxaca is a city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as it provides abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, sailing, and cultural trips.
Fluorescent lagoons, lush mountains, archaeological sites, colonial treasures, culture, crafts, gastronomy, folklore, parties, and much more great experiences will make Oaxaca the place you want to visit more than once. Notably, it is the third best city in Central and South America, according to Travel and Leisure magazine!
Huatulco
A relaxed resort with a friendly atmosphere and relatively uncrowded, except at holiday times and when cruise ships dock in Bahía de Santa Cruz between October and May. The Huatulco bays are strung along the coast for 15 km west and 10 km east from the harbor at Santa Cruz Huatulco. The ‘downtown’ area is 1 km north of Santa Cruz, better known as La Crucecita, a funky little town that is five minutes from the beach by car. Here you’ll find budget hotels, shops, many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Organos and Maguey are twin bays that have a heart shape. The former is accessible only by boat or on a path that shoots off from the road from Santa Cruz. Both are gorgeous and nice for swimming and snorkeling. Furthermore, Chachacual and San Agustín bays are easily accessible by boat, although locals can show you how to get to some of the beaches on foot, jeep, bike, or even by donkey!
The Rabbits Bay has several pretty beaches ideal for fishing or swimming. La Bocana, near the mouth of the Copalito River, has two beachfront restaurants.
Apart from swimming, tanning, snorkeling, and snoozing at Huatulco’s beaches, the destination offers bay cruises, ATVs, and Jet Skis.
Puerto Escondido
The ideal place for surfers and any other beach lover is the next shore of the most wonderful Mexican beaches - Puerto Escondido. Puerto Escondido is one of the most delightful places on Mexico’s Pacific coast. By day, you can surf, snorkel, dive, swim, tan, go sportfishing or look for turtles, dolphins, and whales. By night, you can visit a cozy cafe or a delicious restaurant and end up in a bar with live music and a freewheeling nightlife. The port awaits you with many surprises if you wish to experience the adventure, the beauty and the sublime of life in just one place.
Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico's top destinations for nationals and foreigners. This patch of heaven in the Pacific Ocean is ideal for those who seek something majestic; featuring different exclusive beaches to find it. Puerto is a very desirable destination, with coastal lagoons, exotic birds, and several species of turtles, just the ideal place for your next holiday!
Quintana Roo
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula. Quintana Roo, home to the incredible Mayan ruins, sandy beaches, and underwater caverns. Here to the northeast, you'll find the resort city of Cancún that is very well known for its nightlife and long incredible beaches with coral reefs. Here you'll also find the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, and the towns of Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal; as well as, the ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchoben, Cobá, Kohunlich, Muyil, Tulum, Xel-Há, and Xcaret.
The mystical ruins will take you on an incredible journey back to the Mayan civilization. The archaeological zone of El Rey or El Templo del Alacrán (The temple of the scorpion) will take your breath away. If you are into nature, you’ll love Xel-Ha, a natural aquarium that will make you feel as if you are dreaming.
Moreover, the Secret River will take you closer to the Xibalbá, the Mayan underworld that you must not miss, and Xcaret, the most important eco-archaeological park in the country, will offer its magic so you can blend in with the jungle.
Playa del Carmen
The town is ideally located because it is close to Cancún’s international airport, but far enough south to allow easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Cobá, and other worthy destinations by boat. The reefs here are excellent for diving and snorkeling close by. Look for rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and a huge variety of corals that will surely amaze you.
When you stroll down by Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), you'll find different types of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Walkthrough the street party to buy local handicrafts or take a look at the various shops and boutiques that you can find here. Tired of walking? Then you can sit down and have a drink while admiring the place. Enjoy the atmosphere throughout the year, as well as its jazz and electronic music festivals.
Cozumel
Not far from Playa del Carmen by boat, Cozumel is a charming and less touristy island. At Cozumel, there’s spirited Caribbean energy, and of course, you can go diving to some of the best reefs in the world.
While diving and snorkeling are the main draws, the town square is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon, and it's highly gratifying to explore the less-visited parts of the island on a rented scooter or convertible bug. Twenty-two kilometers, extended in white beaches are not the only thing that will make you love the island. Follow the coastal road that leads to small Mayan ruins, and captivating scenery along the unforgettable windswept shore.
Tulum
The place that takes you to one of the most iconic historical Mayan gems and the most photogenic site in the region, and maybe the whole area. The view is breathtaking, as well as the story behind every pyramid. There’s also the Gran Cenote, which is famous for swimming, snorkeling, and cave-diving. Here you can see your reflection in the mirror-like pool. Go down to the wooden platform, feel the freshwater, and awaken your adventurous spirit. Discover the aquatic world and float in the caves filled with crystal clear water. Meet the turtles and be amazed by the groups of small fish that swim by.
If you are certified, you can dive deep down to the bottom, which is 30 ft deep! Add Tulum to your bucket list because it is a fantastic place to be!
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