White Beaches in Mexico- Best 21 for Sun, Surf, Swim
The clear blue waters of Mexico’s white beaches beckon travelers from near and far. The powdery sand is soothing to the touch and the pristine beauty of the landscape is breathtaking. People come from around the world to experience the relaxation and tranquility of Mexico’s white beaches. From the Caribbean to the Pacific, each beach has its own unique beauty and charm. This makes me wonder, what are the best white sand beaches in Mexico?
So, what are the best white beaches in Mexico? They are: 1. Tulum, 2. Akumal Beach, 3. Playa Las Gatas, 4. Playa del Amor, 5. Puerto Vallarta, Beach 6. Cancun Beach, 7. Sayulita, 8. Zipolite, 9. Playa del Amor, 10. Playa de Tecolote, 11. Balandra Beach, 12. Playa Carrizalillo, 13. Yelapa Beach, 14. Paamul Beach, 15. Isla Holbox, 16. Playa Las Gatas, 17. Cabo Corrientes, 18. Playa Canalan, 19. Playa del Amor, 20. Playa Las Palmas, and 21. Zihuatanejo
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- — Mexico has 9,330 kilometers (5797 miles) of coastline and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches.
- — Popular destinations include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Akumal Beach on the Yucatan Peninsula.
- — Activities such as surfing, snorkeling & scuba diving are popular amongst beachgoers while zipolite provides a laid-back atmosphere for relaxation.
- — Safety depends on location and time of year with November through March being recommended for best weather conditions & lower precipitation levels.
- — Puerto Vallarta Beach offers deep blue waters perfect for swimming or fishing while Playa Del Amor in Baja California features crystal clear blue waters & white sand making it one of Mexico’s prettiest beaches.
- — Snorkeling spots like Cozumel offer colorful coral reefs full of fish life while Isla Mujeres invites visitors to explore its ancient Mayan ruins located off its coastlines.
Let’s take a look as some statistics about the white beaches in Mexico.
– Statistics: Mexico has 9,330 kilometers (5797 miles) of coastline (Source)
– Statistics: The most popular white beaches in Mexico are located in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
– Statistics: The tropical storm season lasts from May to December, the rainy season extends into January with peak precipitation in October. February to early May tend to be drier with only occasional scattered showers. (Source)
The white beaches of Mexico are one of the most unique places on earth. The white beaches of Mexico are located on the Yucatan Peninsula and are bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon of Xcalak in the north. The beaches are surrounded by palm trees and numerous resorts offering various services to tourists. The beaches have crystal clear waters and ideal places to snorkel or scuba dive.
I’ll cover 21 of the best white beaches in Mexico and also topics about activities you can do, what to see in the beach areas and a whole lot more. Carry on reading and stick around, it’ll be worth your while!
The 21 Best White Beaches in Mexico
1. Tulum
Tulum, Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a great white beach destination. It offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, pristine white sand, and ancient Mayan ruins that take you back in time. The nearby limestone pools provide the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, while the beach hotels offer luxurious amenities and comfortable accommodations.
–The reef at Tulum is full of colorful fish and coral.
–When snorkeling in Tulum, you can swim out to see the reef.
–There are many beaches at Tulum where you can snorkel.
–The town center at Tulum offers vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
2. Akumal Beach
The Mexican Riviera Maya’s Akumal Beach is renowned for its white sand and is the perfect spot for viewing the local sea turtles coming to lay their eggs. There are several great bays within walking distance of the beach, as well as bars, restaurants, and hotels for those looking to spend more time in this natural paradise.
Akumal Beach has some of the best white beaches in Mexico. You can snorkel or scuba dive and see beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish. You can also swim with dolphins or sea turtles. Akumal Beach also offers amazing sunsets and great food at one of the local restaurants.
3. Playa Las Gatas
Las Gatas Beach in Baja California is a great white beach for many reasons. Located just 3 miles south of Zihuatanejo, the beach is accessible by boat or a steep pathway and has long stretches of white sand. The beach is sheltered from strong winds and currents, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Plus, it is close to the lighthouse, which offers breathtaking coastline views. The nearby restaurants serve amazing seafood, like the famous coconut shrimp at Otilia. All in all, Las Gatas Beach offers a picturesque and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great destination for beach-goers looking for a tranquil getaway.
4. Playa del Amor
The beach of Playa del Amor in Cabo San Lucas is located between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This beach is known for its soft sand which is more than 2 km long.
–Playa del Amor is one of the best beaches in Mexico.
–The water is clear as crystal so you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
–The sand is white as snow and the water is warm.
The beach is visited by thousands of tourists yearly due to its high popularity. The Pacific Ocean here provides the perfect waves for surfing.
5. Puerto Vallarta Beach
Puerto Vallarta Beach is one of the best white beaches in Mexico and it is easy to see why. Located on the Pacific Coast and backed by the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta Beach offers a long stretch of golden sand and deep blue waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the sheltered coves.
Heading off the shoreline, Puerto Vallarta offers a host of aquatic activities like sailing, deep sea fishing and whale watching. You’ll also find an old town featuring cobblestone streets, various stores and eateries with just as much charm.
6. Cancun Beach
Located in the Riviera Maya, Cancun Beach is a 14-mile long stretch of amazing white sand and clear turquoise waters that make it one of the best beaches in Mexico. This stunning beach is popular due to its convenience since all along the Zona Hotelera are a variety of high rise hotels, restaurants, and water sport amenities.
— Cancun beach is beautiful with white sand and crystal blue water.
— The waters are calm and perfect for swimming.
— Cancun beach offers a variety of water sports to enjoy!
7. Sayulita
Sayulita is a Mexican coastal town with beautiful beaches and views. In Sayulita, you can surf, swim, sail, snorkel and even scuba dive. Sayulita has some of the best white beaches in Mexico and the water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom.
Visitors to Sayulita, in Riviera Nayarit, will enjoy a surfer’s paradise with its long sandy beach flanked by the magnificent Occidental Mountains. Great surfing conditions and excellent surfing schools make this beach a great spot for those who love catching some waves.
8. Zipolite
Zipolite is an excellent white beach in Mexico for several reasons. Firstly, the sand here is incredibly soft, boasting a beautiful tan color that is inviting for visitors. The coastline is also quite stunning, comprising of tiny hills, rocks, and palm trees that provide a unique vista. Additionally, the water is safe for swimming close to shore, making it perfect for families, while the deeper water is great for surfing.
Beyond its natural beauty, Zipolite is also a cultural hotspot. Originally a hippie destination, Zipolite is now a popular yoga and surfing spot.
9. Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor is a unique white beach located on the Marieta Islands archipelago off the coast of Puerto Vallarta and is only accessible by an eighty-foot tunnel that is linked to the Pacific Ocean. This captivating natural wonder is surrounded by towering rock formations and endless ocean views, making it a stunning and dramatic setting. The beach is divided into two parts, the Pacific Ocean side with its rough waves and the Sea of Cortez side with its tranquil waves.
10. Playa de Tecolote
Tecolote Beach is a great white beach in Mexico due to its stunning views of the uninhabited island of EspÃritu Santo, its close proximity to other popular beaches like Balandra Beach, and its basic facilities such as showers and toilets.
-The beach is great for swimming.
-The beach is also great for soaking up the sun.
-The beach is a good place to enjoy a fresh seafood meal.
-El Tecolote Restaurant and Bar offers fresh seafood dishes.
11. Balandra Beach
Balandra beach in Baja California Sur is beautiful with fine white sand. It is popular for water sports such as surfing and swimming. Local restaurants include La Palapa and El Balandra Bar.
Balandra Beach is the best white beaches in Mexico. In Balandra Beach you can do many different activities. You can snorkel in the deep ocean water. You can swim with dolphins or swim with whale sharks. You can ride a jet ski or surf in the waves. Balandra Beach is the best place in Mexico for enjoying water sports and fun in the sun.
12. Playa Carrizalillo
Carrizalillo Beach in Oaxaca is one of the best white beaches in Mexico and a great destination for beach lovers. Located in the popular beach town of Puerto Escondido, this beach is only accessible via more than 150 steps down from the top of the cliff, making it one of the most secluded spots.
The beach is crescent-shaped and surrounded by swaying palm trees, with turquoise-colored water and fine white sand.
13. Yelapa Beach
Yelapa Beach in Jalisco, Mexico is a great white beach that offers stunningly beautiful views and a variety of activities for all ages.
Located about 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by water taxi and 45 minutes by boat from the city, it is an unspoiled paradise surrounded by lush rainforests and jungle-covered mountains. It is situated on the crescent-shaped sand of Bahia de Bandaeras and fronts the world’s seventh-largest bay. This beach is the perfect spot for a getaway and offers something for everyone.
14. Paamul Beach
Paamul Beach is one of the best white beaches in Mexico for a number of reasons. Firstly, the beach is a mix of sand and limestone, making it more unique than other beaches in the Riviera Maya.
Secondly, there is great snorkeling in the reefs just off-shore, as well as kayak rentals and inexpensive taco and ceviche restaurants in the sand. The beach is also quite secluded and peaceful, meaning there are fewer crowds than at other nearby beaches. Finally, the calm water year-round makes it an ideal spot for swimming.
15. Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox is a great white beach in Mexico mainly due to its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Located off the northern coast of Quintana Roo, this small island is right at the meeting of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and soaking up the sun.
It is lined with palm trees, white sand beaches that look like powdered sugar, and crystal-clear waters.
16. Playa Las Gatas
Las Gatas Beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico is a great white beach for many reasons. It is a protected beach that is sheltered from winds and currents, making it a perfect spot for families to take the kids and enjoy swimming in the calm waters.
It is also popular for its excellent outdoor snorkeling opportunities with strong currents and rocky coves. If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants with delicious seafood and a stunning view from the lighthouse on a cliff near the beach.
17. Cabo Corrientes
Cabo Corrientes, located in the Costalegre region of Jalisco, is one of the best beaches in Mexico for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
-This stunning area of the coast is home to unspoiled beaches with golden sand, cool rock formations and thick forests in the Sierra Madre mountains, as well as small pueblos.
-Only accessible by a Puerto Vallarta boat tour, making it a great destination for those looking for a secluded getaway.
The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, and if you look out to the sea, you can catch sight of the iconic El Arco rock formation.
18. Playa Canalan
Playa Canalan in Mexico is a stunning, untouched beach of powdery-soft sand and crystal clear waters with cliffs covered in thick jungle. The two-mile beach is part of the Catalonia all-inclusive resort and has retained its natural beauty despite the openings of nearby One&Only resort and Mandarina master-planned community.
19. Playa del Amor
Off the Mexican Pacific coast, the pristine white-sand beaches of Playa del Amor and Punta Mita perfectly blend serenity with grandeur, especially where the tranquil Sea of Cortez meets the mighty Pacific.
Stupendous rock formations border it, offering a fanciful sight of the sea. Immersion in this beach is a requirement. Punta Mita has lavish resorts and golf courses, and its stretchy sands are flawless for lolling in the sun, surfing, and various other activities.
20. Playa Las Palmas
Las Palmas Beach in Tulum is one of the best white beaches to visit in Mexico. Located at the southern end of a long, sugary white stretch, this beach offers stunning views and a tranquil setting. It is the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tulum, as it is one of the quietest beaches in the area. The beach is surrounded by stunning rocky outcrops, making it a perfect spot to sit and take in the area’s beauty. The beach’s seclusion only adds to its beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy it in peace and quiet.
21. Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo, also known as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, is a great white beach to visit due to its natural beauty, unique beach selection, and relative remoteness compared to other popular Mexican destinations. Playa Blanca, located outside of town near the airport, offers endless stretches of undeveloped beach. Las Gatas is ideal for snorkeling, and is easily accessible by water taxi from the Municipal Pier.
More Information About White Beaches Mexico
What Activities Can I Do at The Beaches in Mexico?
Beachgoers may enjoy a variety of activities on Mexico’s beaches.
Surfing on the Pacific Ocean is available in Oaxaca, while snorkeling and scuba diving are available in the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya.
Zipolite is ideal for people seeking a laid-back beach vacation, while those seeking a more lively experience can visit Cancun or Acapulco, which have active nightlife and fancy boutiques.
For a more cultural experience, visit the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum or the island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Yucatan.
Deep sea fishing is a common pastime on the islands and along the shore.
There’s also the option of visiting Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, where you may explore beautiful scenery and discover lots of whale-watching chances.
Are the Beaches in Mexico Safe?
Are the beaches in Mexico safe?
The safety of the beaches in Mexico depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, the popular tourist spots like Cancun and Tulum tend to be the safest beaches, since they have more security measures in place.
Also, most beaches in Mexico are far away from shipyards or large city centers, and that can contribute to clearer water and better security.
Aside from the location, it’s also important to consider the time of year you are visiting. The best time to visit Mexico is from November through March, since there’s little rain and higher temperatures. This can also be the busiest time for tourism though, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
Are There Any Surfing Spots at The Beaches in Mexico?
Does Mexico have beach surfing? Absolutely! Surfers adore Mexico’s beautiful coastline and many bodies of water. Zicatela Beach, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, has the greatest surfing.
In late spring or summer, professional surfers may ride enormous waves from the Mexican Pipeline on the 3.5 kilometers of beach. To escape the surf, the beach includes several pubs, restaurants, and stores.
Playa Carrizalillo and La Punta provide beginner-friendly surfing waves. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, has 10-foot waves for surfing. Mexico’s beaches and surf provide something for everyone.
What Makes Mexico a Great Destination for Beach Lovers?
Over 500 beaches on four bodies of water make Mexico a terrific beach vacation. Secluded rainforest beaches, sandy coasts, calm seas for swimming, and surfing beaches are all available.
Near Tulum and Cancun are attractive tiny villages, bigger resort areas with nightlife, and ancient Mayan Ruins. The Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Sea of Cortez have brilliant blues and greens. Mexico has enough for beach lovers to do and see.
What Is the Prettiest Beach in Mexico?
The prettiest beach in Mexico is said to be Playa Del Amor in Baja, California. It is located near Cabo San Lucas and features crystal clear blue waters, white sand, and spectacular views. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing beach vacation.
What Part of Mexico Has White Sand?
The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches. The region includes the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche, and is home to some of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Which Beach Has the Clearest Water in Mexico?
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) in Cabo San Lucas is the beach with the clearest water in Mexico. The beach is located in the Sea of Cortez, known for its crystal clear waters. It is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking due to the visibility of its waters.
Which Side of Mexico Has the Best Beaches?
The best beaches in Mexico can be found on the Pacific Coast side. This side of Mexico offers some of the most beautiful white sand beaches with crystal clear waters and some of the best surf spots for experienced and beginner surfers.
What Are Some Isolated Beaches in Mexico – Snippet
Some of the most beautiful, isolated beaches in Mexico can be found along the Yucatan Peninsula, including Akumal Beach, Barceló Maya Beach, and Tulum Beach. These beaches are known for their pristine white sand and crystalline waters, providing a great place for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
Where Can You Go Snorkeling on Mexico Beaches? – Snippet
Mexico’s beaches are a great place to go snorkeling. The Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean Coast both offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling. Popular spots include the Bay of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Akumal.
In The News Recently…
According to Cancun Sun (website), Cancun’s visitor will be increasing in 2023. There is still concern for other beach areas in Mexico regarding safety. “Despite the alarming reality elsewhere, Cancun will be one of the safest cities in Mexico for travelers in 2023. Over 30 million travelers flocked to the Mexican Caribbean last year, setting a new all-time record for international arrivals.” (Source)
My Private Thoughts and Experiences With White Sand Beaches in Mexico
Beach sand is to a certain degree a debatable point. On the one hand, it can be appealing when you watch it at the coast or sense its texture when strolling along the shoreline. Its lighter shade increases its attractiveness. You often recall voyages to beaches with larger grain sand, pebbles, and stones.
This fine white sand, with its finely-grained texture that can make walking a pleasant experience, unfortunately has an annoying way of sticking to whatever is near it. Clothing, towels, sports equipment–it’s so frustrating to find this sand stubbornly stuck and requiring extra effort to get rid of.
I’ve been to the Mexican beaches of Ensenada and Rosarito many times as they were the closest beaches once crossing the border into Mexico from San Diego. I have great memories of visiting there. I still want to travel to Cancun, Chiapas, and even Tulum to experience the white Caribbean beach sand. It is only a matter of time before I get there. White sand beaches in Mexico, here I come.
Parting Shot
Mexico offers an array of dazzling white beaches.
From Tulum, the beloved beach of Mexico, to Los Cabos, the ‘Magic Land’, and Akumal, the ‘Land of Turtles’ – each inviting shoreline beckons travelers to explore its unique beauty. Isla Mujeres is home to Ixchel and Playa del Carmen provides a secluded escape.
A visit to Playa del Amor can be a fun-filled fantasy while Cozumel is known as a Caribbean Jewel. Cancun is the Yucatan’s finest destination and Costa Maya invites visitors to where the jungle meets the sea.
With so many remarkable beaches from which to choose, Mexico’s white sand shores offer something for everyone; no matter what type of beach experience one desires, it can be found in this stunning country. Thus, if you are looking for a beach vacation that will bring out your wildest dreams, Mexico is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that will leave you with beautiful memories for years to come.
