Mexico offers many types of beaches, including calm Caribbean paradises.
With more than 5,000 miles of coastline, Mexico often comes to mind when travelers think of beach vacations. There are many different beach options, including tranquil Caribbean Sea beaches and high-intensity Pacific Ocean beaches. No matter what type of beach vacation you desire, from romance to adventure, Mexico offers ideal beach settings.
Party Beaches
In Spanish, "playa" means "beach," and most spring breakers know that Cancun has many beaches perfect for playing and partying. Set in the Yucatan Peninsula, this coastal town offers miles of beaches, and some of the most popular ones can be found in the busy hotel zone. Playa Tortugas, Playa Las Perlas and Playa Caracol offer sand volleyball, and are lined with restaurants and bars to fuel the party spirit.
Just down the coastline, the village town of Playa Del Carmen offers a different type of party beach--one recognized as one of the "World's Sexiest Beaches" by the Travel Channel. Most of the beaches in this area are clothing optional and are places to see and be seen. The European lounge atmosphere of the town, with various DJs playing house music in many establishments, flows down to the beach areas. Many beaches there have bed loungers and beach wait service to keep up the overall party vibe.
Family Beaches
When traveling with children, many people prefer a more low-key beach. Playa Norte at Isla de Mujeres offers just that, along with lots of shallow water areas and plenty of sand. The Caribbean Sea is very calm in this area without dangerous undertows, and the small island atmosphere is very conducive to family time. Puerto Vallarta offers families calm Pacific waters in the Bahia de Banderas, an area with many all-inclusive beach resorts.
Recreational Beaches
Travelers who want an adrenaline rush at the beach have many options in Mexico. The Caribbean side offers Playa Delfines, which means the "Dolphin Beach." Travelers can actually see dolphins swimming in the area. For avid surfers, the Pacific Ocean features several hot spots in Acapulco, including Bahia de Puerto Marques. This beach also has many restaurants that serve fresh seafood. Punta de Mita in Puerto Vallarta is ideal for walk-in diving and snorkeling.
Zen Beaches
If romance or meditation is on your must-have list, there are many beaches that offer quiet, peaceful atmospheres with breathtaking ocean views. Tulum features striking Mayan ruins on a cliff, along with white sand beaches and calm turquoise water. Travelers who desire a remote location can go to several spots in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, which has not been commercially developed. These beaches feature hammocks, fresh fish and palapas, as well as beach-side fires in the evenings. Some popular beaches in this area include Playa Manzunte and Puerto Angel.
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