(Shh!) Don’t Tell Anyone About These 23 Secret Beaches in Mexico
Mexico is famous for beautiful beaches and bustling seaside cities with luxury resorts and boutique hotels.
However, some travelers prefer off the beaten path places — and for this, only the secret and hidden beaches of Mexico will do
Though travelers flock to Cancun, Tulum and Los Cabos, there is another side to the beaches of Mexico many don’t know about.
If you know where to look, you can find this simpler, more authentic side of beach towns throughout the country.
This article highlights the 23 best hidden beaches of Mexico, so you can find all the Mexican beaches that need to be on your bucket list.
1. Playa Maroma Beach, Quintana Roo
Playa Maroma Mexico has been voted one of the Best Beaches in the World by the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel.
It’s located in Quintana Roo State, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is on the Mexican Caribbean Coast, so expect gorgeous, crystal clear waters in every shade of blue.
Playa Maroma Beach has soft white sand and calm waters. This makes it the ideal place for overwater bungalows — and this is exactly where you’ll find all the best overwater bungalows in Mexico.
It also has some great coral reefs for snorkeling just off-shore.
Head to the southern end of the beach, called Punta Maroma (Maroma Point) near the stunning Chablé Maroma Resort, which is the best place to go snorkeling at Playa Maroma.
🎟 Playa Maroma Tip: Buy a Day Pass
Though all beaches in Mexico are public, not all beaches have public access. Playa Maroma falls into this category.
Unless you’re staying at a resort like El Dorado Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, the easiest way to access Playa Maroma is with a day pass from Maroma Adventures and Beach Club.
The day pass costs $40 USD per person.
2. Islas Marietas: Mexico Hidden Beach
The Marietas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about two hours from Puerto Vallarta and one hours from Sayulita, Mexico by boat.
The islands are part of Islas Marietas National Park, which is a protected natural area.📍 If you need a visual, this is the Hidden Beach Mexico location on Google Maps
The Hidden Beach at Marietas Islands is a Mexico bucket list trip. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but once you arrive, you’ll see it was worth it.
The Hidden Beach is super exclusive, so you’ll feel like a VIP for even being there.
In an effort to preserve this beach, the Mexican government limits the number of people who can go each day.
They only allow about 125 or so people to go each day, and the boat tours always sell out in advance.
The only way to visit is on a boat tour, and there are two types of tours: One where you swim in the waters around the Marietas Islands Mexico (like this one), and one that takes you to the Hidden Beach, like these.
3. Costa Careyes, Jalisco
Costa Careyes is a luxury hidden gem in Mexico on the coast of Jalisco state.
It was discovered in 1968 by Italian banker, Gian Franco Brignone, who flew over the area and immediately decided to purchase thousands of acres.
Located between the beach destinations of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Colima, Careyes is all about relaxation, art and architecture.
Its pristine coastline was actually designed to look just like the colorful Italian coast.
Don’t expect to see humongous luxury resorts here. Even though Careyes, Mexico thrives on being a high-end destination, the Careyes accommodation options are all about casitas (little houses) and villa-style homes and resorts.
Gian Francos’s son, Filippo, currently owns the town and vows to never overdevelop it.
He’s committed to keeping the spirit of Careyes, and ensuring the exclusivity of this Pacific Coast jewel — one of the best places to vacation in Mexico.
Careyes has perfect white-sand beaches, surrounded by lush green jungles and mangroves.
It has been a favorite getaway for international jet setters for decades, and people like Mick Jagger and Naomi Campbell have all vacationed here.
4. Playa Balandra Beach, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Balandra Beach is located about one hour from La Paz, Mexico.
It is in Baja California Sur State, one of the two states that make up Mexico’s Baja Peninsula on the west coast of the country.
Playa Balandra is located in the Puerto Bahía Balandra (Balandra Bay).
This is a sheltered area in the Gulf of California that sits just across from Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If Playa Maroma (#1 on the list) is the best beach on the east coast of Mexico, Balandra Beach is the best beach in Mexico on the west coast.
The waters are bright blue and calm, perfect for swimming.
💡 Playa Balandra Tips for Visiting
1. Get There Early: Thanks to Instagram and YouTube, Playa Balandra is now a must see Mexico destination, and one of the best things to do in La Paz.
When you go to Balandra Beach, arrive early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.
2. Check out Mushroom Rock: When visiting, don’t miss the famous mushroom rock.
This is one of the coolest rock formations you’ll ever see, and located on the north side of the beach.
5. San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit
Located a few miles north of Sayulita on the Pacific Coast, San Pancho is a laid-back, cozy beach town in Nayarit state.
It is a hidden gem that offers the best of what the Riviera Nayarit has to offer.
While the town’s name is actually San Francisco, Nayarit, everyone calls it San Pancho. Despite its small size, there’s plenty of things to do in San Pancho.
This eclectic beach town is popular with surfers, yogis and artists — because it has something for everyone.
Of course, foodies will love it here too, and there’s a wide variety of eateries and restaurants to suit every taste, from Mexican food to international dishes.
Even though the Pacific Coast of Mexico doesn’t have the same bright blue water as the Mexican Caribbean side, there’s still great snorkeling in San Pancho.
You can also enjoy fishing and surfing here. In fact, the waves on Mexico’s Pacific Coast are excellent for surfing.
This has made places like San Pancho a mecca for surfers all around the world — and it’s one of the best surf towns in Mexico.
Being on the west coast of Mexico, sunsets in San Pancho are truly a sight to behold.
When visiting, you can join the locals who congregate at the beach every evening to watch the sun sinking into the horizon.
San Pancho, like many destinations on the Nayarit Riviera, offers some of the best nature spectacles ever: Whale watching and turtle nesting.
Humpback whales can be seen from November to March, while turtles nest on the beach from June to February.
6. Isla Holbox Island, Quintana Roo
Isla Holbox, Mexico is an island located in the Caribbean Sea.
The easiest way to get there is to fly into Cancun Airport, then head to the small pueblo of Chiquila, and take the ferry to Holbox.
This Cancun to Holbox Island travel guide will explain how to get to Isla Holbox — and once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.
Though Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh, not hole-box) is near Cancun, it feels like it’s a world away.
The island is a tranquil tropical paradise with hammocks in the water and seafood restaurants in the sand.
7. Playa Mermejita Beach, Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte is one of the 177 or so Mexico pueblos magicos, meaning magic towns.
It is located about midway between Puerto Escondido and Bahías de Huatulco, the two best Oaxaca beach towns.
Mazunte has relatively untouched beaches, so they are all beautiful and peaceful — and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
There are four beaches in Mazunte: Playa Mazunte, Playa Cometa, Playa Rinconcito and Playa Mermejita Beach.
🏝 Playa Mermejita Mazunte
Many say Playa Mermejita is the best beach in Mazunte, and anyone seeking out the hidden beaches in Mexico will surely agree.
Playa Mermejita is a virgin beach with long stretches of golden sand — and pretty much nothing else.
There’s no restaurants, restrooms or services on this beach, and usually, no people either. It takes a bit of effort to hike to Playa Mermejita, but having a private (or near-private) beach will be a great reward.
🪨 Punta Cometa
Punta Cometa (AKA Cerro Sagrada, or Sacred Hill) was used in pre-Hispanic times as a ceremonial center.
Today, it is a gathering place by Mazunte visitors and locals alike, and the best spot in town to see the epic Mazunte sunsets.
Punta Cometa Mazunte is a point of land that juts into the Pacific Ocean.
Given its unique geographic position at the southernmost point in Oaxaca state, visitors get to enjoy 180° views of the Playa Mermejita and the Pacific Ocean just below you.
8. Bahia Concepcion, Baja California Sur
Bahía Concepción (Bay of Conception) is a true hidden paradise, with miles of beautiful beaches sprinkled with white sand and decorated with palm and date trees.
This bay is surrounded by calm blue-green waters and tall desert cacti.
This giant bay, one of the largest bays in the Baja California Peninsula, is located about 20 miles (32 km) south of the town of Mulegé (pronounced moo-lay-he).
This is a very natural area, popular with those who want to camp under the stars. There are numerous beaches with the Bahía Concepcion, which spans more than 50 miles (80 km).
The best beaches in Bahía Concepcion include:
- Playa Santispac
- Playa El Coyote
- Playa El Burro
- Playa Armenta
- Playa Los Naranjos
- Playa El Requeson
9. Punta Allen, Quintana Roo (Tulum Secret Beach)
If you’re looking for a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, Punta Allen will do the trick.
This is pretty rare in a place so close to Tulum, so make sure to take note if you’re traveling through the Riviera Maya!
Punta Allen Beach is only 35 miles (56 km) from Tulum, but it usually takes more than an hour to get there because it’s on a bumpy dirt road.
If you’re renting a car in Tulum, make sure you get a 4X4 or SUV for this drive.
However, once you arrive, leaving the hustle and bustle of Tulum behind, you’ll see it was worth the effort.
Aside from unspoiled beauty and tranquility, Punta Allen is the gateway to access the ocean side of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
This is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sian Ka’an is also the best place in the Mayan Riviera to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Dolphins, turtles, stingrays, occasional manatees, tropical fish and birds inhabit the area, which makes it a prime snorkeling spot and wildlife spotting area.
10. Cabo Corrientes, Costalegre, Jalisco
Cabo Corrientes is part of the Costalegre (sometimes spelled Costa Alegre, and meaning Coast of Joy).
It is located on the Pacific Ocean, on the western coast of Jalisco State, between Puerto Vallarta and the city of Manzanillo in Colima State.
The Costalegre has some of the best beaches in Mexico for those who like venturing off the beaten path.
There are seven different beaches, capes and bays in Cabo Corrientes, each one somehow more beautiful than the next.
The best way to explore Cabo Corrientes is by renting a car in Puerto Vallarta and doing a road trip. From end to end, the route is 45-miles (72 km).
🏩 I recommend booking at Xinalani Retreat on Playa Quimixto to use as your home base.
Xinalani Retreat Mexico is one of the best places to stay on the entire Costalegre — which has unspoiled beaches and little else! You’re also within one hour of the best beaches in Cabo Corrientes, including these:
- Playa Las Animas Beach
- Playa Colomitos Beach
- Playa Corrales Beach
- Playa Quimixto Beach
- Playa Mayto Beach Mexico — Which hosts the annual Hidden Beach Festival (also called the Conexion Beach Festival)
11. Yelapa, Jalisco
A secret gem on the coast of Jalisco state, Yelapa is one of the prettiest and most casual beach towns in Mexico.
It’s the perfect place to escape the world for a little while, and located only about 15 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta.
Even if you only have one day, don’t miss taking one of these amazing Yelapa tours — which are also among the best Puerto Vallarta day trips.
To get to Yelapa, you’ll take the water taxi from Puerto Vallarta.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by golden sand beaches and deep blue waters, all while being surrounded by lush mountains in the background.
For those looking to spend a few days in a quiet beach town, there are several rustic hotels spread all over.
Although they are somewhat simple, the Yelapa hotels do provide beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and a tranquil atmosphere.
Just off the beach, there’s the famous Yelapa Waterfall, which cascades from the mountainside into a water pool below that you can swim in.
The hike to the waterfalls through the jungle is also quite beautiful, and if you love nature, that alone makes visiting Yelapa Mexico worth it.
12. Bahía Cacaluta Bay, Huatulco, Oaxaca
Las Bahías de Huatulco (usually just called Huatulco) is one of the lesser-known beach towns in Mexico.
However, for travelers in the know, this picturesque coastal community has some of the best beaches in Oaxaca state.
There are nine bays and 36 beaches in Huatulco — so you’d never run out of beaches to explore.
Since this is an article about the beachfront hidden gems in Mexico, the one you might want to skip is Playa Santa Cruz, the most crowded beach in town.
Some Huatulco beaches are easier to access than others, but if you want the most unspoiled and beautiful beaches in Huatulco, take a boat tour to Bahía de Cacaluta.
Fans of the 2001 Mexican film, Y Tu Mamá También, may recognize Bahía de Cacaluta.
Several scenes from the film were shot here because it’s quite beautiful, so even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ll love Cacaluta Bay.
13. Isla Cocinas Beach, Punta Perula, Jalisco
Playa Cocinas Beach, located on Isla Cocinas Island, is a true hidden gem. In my opinion, it is one of the best beaches in Mexico, and most visitors don’t even know it’s there — maybe because it’s not near very much else.
Cocinas is a small island located in Punta Perula, Jalisco state. It is about a two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta.
As far as beautiful beaches go, Playa Punta Pérula is another must-visit before you even head to Isla Cocinas.
To get to Isla Cocinas (which means Kitchen’s Island), you’ll board a boat in Punta Perula.
In just 20 short minutes, you’ll step onto this uninhabited island paradise which has crystal-clear water, soft white sand and virgin beaches.
14. Troncones, Guerrero
Playa Troncones Beach is in the town of Troncones, a relatively undeveloped and uncrowded pueblo on the coast of Guerrero State.
It has small hotels on the beach, shoes-optional seafood restaurants, and little else.
As it’s definitely off the beaten track, Troncones Beach is a pristine, quiet, and clean beach.
Located about 20 miles northwest of Zihuatanejo, you’ll want a rental car to visit this beach, as there’s no reliable public transport.
Playa Troncones has a long shoreline, with great waves for splashing around and boogie boarding.
Other parts have giant waves ideal for surfers, making Playa Troncones one of the best surfing spots in Mexico 🏄♀️
15. Mahahual, Quintana Roo
Located on the southern tip of Quintana Roo state is what’s known as the Costa Maya (Mayan Coast).
Mahahual (pronounced ma-ha-wall) is a former fishing village that still remains relatively unknown among the Yucatan Peninsula beaches.
While Mahahual is pretty much just a shoreline strip facing the stunning Caribbean waters, it does offer plenty for visitors.
During your visit, you’ll be treated to an array of restaurant and bar options, all of which come with gorgeous ocean vistas.
The town does get quite busy when cruise ships make a stop and tourists swarm down for some shopping and sightseeing. However, it quickly quiets down again when they leave.
🚢 Note: Check here to see the Mahahual cruise schedule. If you want to avoid the town when it’s crowded, plan your visit for a time when there’s no shop docked.
16. Zipolite, Oaxaca (Mexico Nude Beach)
Situated between Huatulco and Mazunte on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, Zipolite is a dreamy destination.
It has a small-town Mexican charm that has been attracting hippies, eco-tourists, LGBTQ+ travelers, backpackers and nudists for decades.
That’s right — this is the only legal nude beach in Mexico, though nudity is tolerated at other beaches. 🏳️🌈 It’s also one of the most gay-friendly travel destinations in Mexico.
Note: While all beaches in Zipolite are nude beaches, most people actually remain clothed.
Playa del Amor, a small beach cove away from Playa Zipolite, the main beach, is the best place to go if you don’t want any tan lines.
Playa Zipolite has golden sand beaches, bright blue ocean waters, and several seaside restaurants and bars to make sure your stay is a relaxing one.
There are plenty of hotels in Zipolite for all budgets, from backpackers to luxury travelers.
The main streets in town, which are only steps away from the beach, also have great local mercados (markets) selling everything from fresh fruit to artisan jewelry.
Being in Oaxaca, there’s of course, plenty of mezcal for sale as well.
17. Playa del Carmen Secret Beach, Quintana Roo
The Secret Beach in Playa del Carmen is one of the best hidden beaches in Mexico, and a nice escape town.
This virgin beach is located at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, about a one-hour walk from town — and accessible only by foot.
You’ll find it here on the map. Though labeled as Playa Nudista (Nude Beach), most people there are clothed.
However, in recent years, it has become a place where nudists do go from time to time.
To get there, head to the south end of Playa del Carmen near Parque Los Fundadores, where you take the ferry to Cozumel Island.
Walk south on the beach, passing all the resorts in Playacar. Keep walking for 15 more minutes, and you’re there.
18. Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur
Nestled between the mountains and the Sea of Cortez, Santa Rosalía, Mexico is a beautiful port town with a long and fascinating history.
It is located in the central part of the Baja California Peninsula, about one hour north of Mulége (pronounced moo-lay-he).
Founded in 1884 as a mining town by the owners of the French El Boleo copper mining company, Santa Rosalia still harbors reminders of those days.
The mine and smelter were a thriving part of the local economy up until 1954, when they closed down.
💡 Fun Fact: Rosalia was the second city in Mexico to acquire electricity, right behind Mexico City.
As strange as it may sound, this quaint town will make you feel like you’re in France.
The entire town has beautiful French architecture, which you’ll see in houses, shops, and restaurants, all well-preserved from its mining days.
You can learn all about the town’s history at the Santa Rosalia Museum of Mining History. You’ll also find landmarks all over town, including old locomotive cars and smelting pots.
One of the highlights in Santa Rosalia is the Santa Barbara Church. The locals love to brag that it was designed by Gustave Eiffel — who also designed the Eiffel Tower!
Built in 1886, the Hotel Francés, is another highlight, as well as El Boleo Bakery.
This bakery has been rolling out freshly-baked French and Mexican pastries since 1901.
People enter the place to grab a few delicious pieces of bread, but also to take a peek at the huge brick ovens and wooden racks where they are baked and kept.
19. Playa Xpu-Ha, Quintana Roo
Looking for the most beautiful beach in Mexico on the Caribbean Coast? Depending on who you ask, they might say it’s Xpu-Ha Beach.
Xpu-Ha Beach is located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico — one of three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is about 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and about 45 minutes from both Cancun and Tulum by rental car.
It ranks as one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya, yet it’s still mostly off the beaten path.
Here, you’ll get the same crystal clear water, white sands and palm trees you would in any other popular destination nearby, but not the crowds.
20. Bucerias, Nayarit
Bucerias can is a colorful, artsy beach town with traditional Mexican flavor.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Bucerias has gained notoriety in the last few years for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, art galleries, great surfing, and beaches.
The beaches at Bucerias are very clean and beautiful, as the residents take great care of them.
Once a haven for retirees and Canadian expats in Mexico, Bucerias has become popular with young digital nomads in Mexico in the last few years.
Located on Banderas Bay in Nayarit state, Bucerias is the perfect spot if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of nearby Puerto Vallarta.
However, you’re still close enough that you can jump in your rental car and visit if you’d like.
Some of the best things to do in Bucerias include visiting the Nuestra Señora de la Paz Church and the lively Bucerias Flea Market.
Here, you’ll find all kinds of artisan handicrafts, locally-made products, Mexico gifts and more.
There’s also Plaza Bucerías Park in downtown.
This is where you’ll find the Bucerias letters sign, as well as a typical Mexican kiosko (gazebo) and some beachfront benches where you can have ice cream and enjoy the perfect sunset.
As for wining and dining, there are a good amount of restaurants in Bucerias to choose from.
An international town, you have a lot of international options, as well as seafood restaurants — but there’s plenty of Mexican taco shops too.
You’ll also find bars with live music and mariachi bands.
21. Xcalak, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo
Xcalak (pronounced esh-kah-lack) sits on the very southern tip of Mexico’s Costa Maya, only a few miles from Belize.
It is located about 1.5 hours south of Mahahual by car, and home to some of the best virgin beaches on the coast.
The small town of Xcalak, Mexico is centered around Xcalak National Reef Park, which is a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA Great Maya Reef).
This is the second largest coral reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Though the white-sand beaches of Xcalak are beautiful, this place is clearly a mecca for diving and snorkeling, as well as deep sea fishing.
Back on land, don’t pass up the chance to visit Bird Island, one of the best places for birdwatching in Mexico.
22. Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
This beach offers a bit of everything — gorgeous turquoise waters for swimming, manageable waves for surfing (perfect for beginners), and healthy reefs just off-shore for snorkeling.
There’s even a few restaurants on Playa Carrizalillo Beach.
Exploring the beaches is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, and this one is a must-visit.
In fact, you’ll likely never see a list of the Best Puerto Escondido Beaches that doesn’t have Carrizalillo in its #1 spot.
23. Playa Akumal, Quintana Roo
Akumal is located in the state of Quintana Roo, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
It is south of Cancun, and in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
In the Maya language, the word akumal means “place of the turtle.” Playa Akumal Beach is known as the best place to swim with the sea turtles in Mexico.
They love the warm water here, and feed on the grassy bottom, so you can see them all the time.
🐢 Note: A few years back, the Mexican government put restrictions in place to limit the number of daily visitors — so you must now book a tour to swim with the turtles in Akumal, Mexico.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Hidden Beaches of Mexico
Mexico is surrounded by four bodies of water — the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Sea of Cortez and Caribbean Sea — and has an astounding 5,800 miles of coastline (9,330 km).
With those numbers, it’s not surprising this country is known for its beaches. However, not all beaches are created equal, and not all beaches resonate with all travelers.
This list highlighted the best beaches for those who don’t need all the glitz and glamor of a beach resort — for whom just gorgeous nature will do.
Whether your aim is to have a whole beach vacation away from tourist crowds or you simply want to escape the busier beach destinations for a day or two, the 23 small beach towns in Mexico on this list will do just the trick.