Discover Tranquil Beach Gems in Mexico

You don’t have to look too hard to find a beach in Mexico. In fact, Mexico boasts 5,800 miles of coastline, making it exceptionally easy to find stunning beaches. However, many popular beaches attract hordes of surfers, snorkelers, and sun worshipers, compromising the tranquility that many travelers seek.

While famous destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos offer convenience and an abundance of activities, several hidden beaches tucked away in calm coves remain Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Here are the top ones to visit for a chance to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Bahía San Agustín – Oaxaca

Huatulco is a charming port city on the coast of Oaxaca, known for its nine picturesque bays. Among them, Bahía San Agustín stands out as particularly breathtaking. This small fishing village, located approximately nine miles from Santa Cruz Huatulco, features a mile-long crescent beach with cobalt waters gently kissing golden sands.

This beach is characterized by family-run beach shacks serving irresistible ceviche, fish tacos, and guacamole, offering a taste of local cuisine. The relaxed atmosphere attracts mostly locals who come to snorkel in the calm waters and the occasional tourist lucky enough to learn the secret of this hidden paradise.

To reach Bahía San Agustín, consider taking a taxi from Santa Cruz or, for a more adventurous option, a bus from Huatulco to Pochutla, followed by a taxi from the roadside.

Xpu-Há – Quintana Roo

If you’re traveling south from Playa del Carmen towards Tulum, you might be unaware of a hidden treasure nestled between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum—Xpu-Há. Accessible via a dirt road off of main Highway 307, this stunning beach rewards visitors with white sands stretching along a serene bay.

Unlike the busier beaches nearby, Xpu-Há offers a tranquil ambiance with local eateries and abundant palm tree shade, making it ideal for picnicking. The calm waters here also provide excellent conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding.

Playa del Caballo – Jalisco

Just a short distance from the tourist-centric Playa las Ánimas, Playa del Caballo feels like a secret oasis. To reach it, take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán to the crowded Playa las Ánimas. However, a brief walk to the north, along a path behind a few bungalows, reveals Playa del Caballo.

This beach embodies paradise with its electric blue water and palm-fringed shoreline. The only company you will find are a few adventurous souls and the local crabs that scuttle across the sand.

It’s essential to carry everything you need for your day, as there are no vendors or beach bars; this seclusion adds to the appeal. Nevertheless, nearby Las Ánimas offers beach bars for those interested in refreshments.

Cabo Pulmo – Baja California Sur

Cabo Pulmo, a national park located sixty unpaved miles from Cabo San Lucas, is not the easiest beach to access, but this remoteness contributes to its secret charm. Visitors can skip the overpriced hotels and bustling nightlife of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in favor of a more secluded and bohemian atmosphere.

This tiny village, home to approximately 100 residents, draws divers, surfers, and nature lovers who are eager to explore its underwater richness as well as hiking trails nestled among breathtaking landscapes.

Lagunas de Chacahua – Oaxaca

The journey to Lagunas de Chacahua requires some dedication, making it one of Mexico’s hidden treasures. From Puerto Escondido, take an hour-long taxi ride to Zapotalito, followed by a water taxi that fights through mangroves leading to the sandy intersection of lagoon and sea in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.

This destination attracts a community of adventurous travelers, surfers, and those seeking a truly off-the-grid experience, with limited cell service and no Wi-Fi. Visitors can enjoy evenings mingling along “Restaurant Row,” where local restaurants serve Oaxacan specialties, including fish burgers and authentic tacos paired with locally crafted mezcal.

Celestún – Yucatán

Thanks to the arrival of Uber in Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, visiting areas beyond the city has never been easier. An hour-long Uber ride effortlessly transports travelers to Celestún, a quaint fishing village famed for its stunning cerulean waters and thatched beach shacks juxtaposed against a backdrop of flamingos in the Reserva de la Biósfera Ría.

In “downtown” Celestún, visitors will find a few local shops and convenience stores alongside friendly fishermen or locals seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

This article was originally published in August 2018 and updated in October 2020.