In North America, Mexico is the place to go for those looking for a coastal destination with tons of choices for top-rated beaches. With thousands of miles of gorgeous coastline, there’s a spot for every ocean lover to choose from. It boasts shores boarding the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city, quiet fishing village or secluded island, consider Mexico for your next beach holiday.
Top Beaches and Coastal Towns in MEX
Officially named the United Mexican States, the country of Mexico is comprised of 32 states, a good number of which board some amazing seashores. States like Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Jalisco, and Baja California are among the most popular regions. They hold gems like Huatulco, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas, respectively. There are just too many beach towns and vacation hot spots to name.
Guide to Visiting the Beaches in Mexico
Even though colonial towns and Mayan ruins are what most people think of when they discuss Mexico, the country is also surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of tropical beaches to choose from since the coastline extends for a massive 9,330 kilometers (approximately 5,800 miles).
The Mexican coast is like a “choose your own adventure” book because there are many contrasting, exciting places and things to do. Cancun’s Caribbean and Gulf neighbors have busy resorts and wild nightlife, but the Pacific Coast is notable for quiet fishing towns with great waves.
Loreto and Isla Holbox are two examples of Mexico’s relaxed, quaint beach towns. While Puerto Vallarta and Cabo are vibrant, popular tourist destinations.
Mexico Coastal Climate
Temperatures in Mexico are consistently high due to the country’s tropical environment. Average annual highs are close to 90° F, with average lows in the 70s° F. The months of December through April are the peak period for tourism, and this is when you get the most hours of daylight and the least amount of rain. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 86° F.
There is a rainy and dry season in Mexico, as there is in other tropical locations. Rainfall is often brief and intense, so you may still enjoy lots of sunny days even in the rainy season. It rains most often in the late afternoons and evenings from June through October.
Sharks
The Gulf of Mexico is home to a variety of shark species. The bull shark, nurse shark, oceanic white tip, black tip, and shortfin mako are the most prevalent types of sharks around its coastline. Great white sharks are abundant in the waters off the coast of Baja California, especially around Guadalupe Island.
Tours specifically designed to see sharks are plentiful in the Cancun and Maya Riviera areas because they are often spotted there. Whale Shark trips are the most popular since the shark is docile, typically pleasant to divers, and simple to locate.
Activities
You can do just about everything you want on the Mexican shore that you would in other tropical locations. Enjoy the sun, waves, paddle boards, or simply a swim at these picturesque coastlines. Rent a boat or find a guide to take you out on the water for some deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, or scuba.
The waters on the west coast of Mexico are often cooler than those on the east coast, which may influence the kind of water sports you choose to do. Visitors across Mexico’s shoreline may rent boats, go snorkeling, and see exotic species.
Many places along the coast have thriving nightlife thanks to their proximity to the water and tourism. When you’re ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the resort town, travel to one of the quiet fishing towns to relax to the sound of the waves lapping at the coast. After you’ve had your fill of the ocean, it’s time to drive inland to see some of the real Mexico, complete with traditional Mexican food and old Mayan ruins.
Accommodations
There is a wide variety of places to stay along the coast of Mexico, from luxury resorts to little beach cottages. In many smaller cities, you may find cheap hotels and vacation apartments on the water. The larger towns of Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta cater specifically to beach enthusiasts by offering all-inclusive resorts.
When you’re ready for the perfect beach vacation with some of the warmest rays and bluest waters on earth, go down to the Mexican coast. Enjoy the delicious seafood, swim in the warm waves, and relax in the sun on either the west or east coast.