The 20 Safest Beaches in Mexico Where You Can Relax Without Worry
Looking for the safest beach in Mexico?
You’ve come to the right guide! I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and I’m going to highlight the 20 safest beaches in Mexico for tourists.
While many mislabel the entire country as unsafe, you’re about to see there are PLENTY of safe beaches in Mexico for travelers just like you.
The 20 safest beach towns in Mexico featured here range from posh resort towns to off the beaten path hidden gems.
In other words, there’s a safe beach town in Mexico for every type of traveler, no matter your budget.
Ready to discover the safest beaches to visit in Mexico? Let’s get to it!
The 20 Safest Beaches in Mexico
1. Puerto Vallarta
One of the top Mexico travel destinations! Millions of visitors head to Puerto Vallarta each year to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving at the healthy coral reefs just offshore.
Admittedly, Puerto Vallarta Mexico is a touristy town. You will be approached by vendors selling things, though they aren’t known to be unfriendly or pushy. A simple no gracias, and you’ll be left alone.
If those two things won’t bother you (lots of tourists and sales people), then you will adore Puerto Vallarta — one of the most safe beaches in Mexico.
⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
Overall, Puerto Vallarta has very little crime. Of course, this is still a tourist town and a bit of a party town, so remain vigilant of your belongings at all times (especially when drinking).
For such a big city in Mexico though, you have a very low probability of a crime happening to you in Puerto Vallarta.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is famous for its beautiful, sandy beaches. Of course, most of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta involve the beach, the Pacific Ocean, or Banderas Bay.
When planning your Puerto Vallarta itinerary, schedule plenty of beach time. You’ll want to explore all the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, like Playa los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, Playa Yelapa, and Playa Conchas Chinas.
Besides the beaches, you can take a sunset stroll on the famous Puerto Vallarta Malecon (Boardwalk). Here, you’ll find plenty of great bars, restaurants, large sculptures, and shops.
Some of the popular Puerto Vallarta activities include boat tours, parasailing, ziplines, horseback riding on the beach, tequila tastings, snorkeling around Los Arcos, ATV rides in the jungle, jet skiing, and more.
For a unique experience, take a boat tour to Islas Marietas National Park. This area is home to the “Mexico secret beach” called Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), and it’s only accessible by boat.
Puerto Vallarta is also known for amazing food like Pancho’s Takos, known as the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. You can also take a cooking class in Puerto Vallarta to learn how to make the local favorites.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Here are some helpful tips and travel guides for Puerto Vallarta, one of the safest beaches Mexico has:
- Book the Best Puerto Vallarta Airport Shuttle here
- Book the Best Puerto Vallarta Hotels here
- Find the Best Puerto Vallarta Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
2. La Paz
La Paz, Mexico, is a fun city located in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur on Mexico’s West Coast.
It is the capital of the state, but still feels like a smaller town.
In general, the Baja California Peninsula is considered one of the safest areas in Mexico for travelers.
Within the peninsula, La Paz consistently ranks as one of the safest places in Baja California Mexico — and it’s claim to fame is Playa Balandra Beach.
What makes La Paz special compared to other Mexico beaches in Baja, like nearby Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo, is that it has retained an authentic Mexican cultural feel.
Also, it’s not overrun with tourists like some other destinations in Baja Mexico and I fell in love with the vibe in La Paz, and I recommend visiting.
⚠️ What are the crime rates in La Paz Mexico?
As one of the safest places in Mexico to vacation, La Paz has a low crime rate, and the town and beaches are regularly patrolled by police.
Visitors generally only have to worry about petty theft, which is common in most tourist cities in any country in the world.
While La Paz is known to be exceptionally safe, in general, Baja California Sur is one of the safest states to visit in Mexico — and one of the best places to live in Mexico for expats.
🏝️ Best Things to do in La Paz Mexico
Located on the Gulf of California (AKA Sea of Cortez), La Paz is one of the best coastal cities in Mexico.
It has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and what’s actually considered the best beach in Mexico — Playa Balandra.
Of all the best beaches near La Paz, Balandra Beach is the most popular by far.
However, gorgeous Playa Tecolote Beach is located nearby, and gives Balandra a run for its money.
You could easily spend all your time exploring the beaches.
Or, you can check out all the other awesome things to do in La Paz, Mexico, like whale watching tours in winter, and strolling the La Paz Malecon (Boardwalk).
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to La Paz trip Mexico
Here are some helpful tips and travel guides for La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico:
- Book the Best La Paz Hotels here
- Find the Best La Paz Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in La Paz: What You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
3. Cozumel Island
Cozumel, Mexico is a low key beach island located just 12 miles (19 km) from Playa del Carmen.
While there is a small Cozumel Airport, many arrive on the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Although just a 25-minute ferry ride from the mainland, it feels like it’s a world away.
Cozumel Island also has a cruise port, so it can get VERY busy when the ships dock. However, the ships only stay a few hours, so the island will become a tranquil tropical paradise once again in no time.
As a Mexico beach town, of course you’ll want to hit the beaches. For white sand and aqua water, head to Playa Dzul Ha, Playa Chen Rio Beach, Playa Palancar and Punta Sur Ecological Park.
⚠️ What are the crime rates in Cozumel Mexico?
Cozumel has a population of less than 90,000 full time residents, so it operates like a small town where everyone knows everyone.
As is common in these places, the Cozumel crime rate is VERY low. Of course, no place on Earth is 100% safe — and it would be irresponsible of me to make it seem that way.
However, if you use “travel common sense,” ie. be mindful of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings, then your safety in Cozumel is nearly guaranteed.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Cozumel Mexico
One of the best Cozumel things to do is snorkel. It has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, as it’s part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA Great Mayan Reef).
You can stop at most beach clubs and snorkel for free, which isn’t the case in many popular Mexico tourist destinations. My favorite spot is The Money Bar, which has colorful fish, marine life and coral just off-shore.
While visiting Cozumel, make sure to stop at the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins site, and some of the eco parks, like Punta Sur.
This wonderful park has more than 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) of untouched nature. It has stunning beaches, tropical plants and even adorable Mexican wildlife like the coatimundi.
⛴️ Planning your trip to Cozumel Mexico
- Book the Best Cozumel Hotels here
- Find the Best Cozumel Tours here
- For more info, check out Cancun to Cozumel: Your Best Transport Options
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
4. Cabo San Lucas
With so many things to do in Cabo San Lucas, it attracts EVERYONE — from multi-generational families and couples on their honeymoon, to singles ready to mingle, divers, fishermen, bachelorette parties, and golfers.
The most popular tourist destination on Mexico’s West Coast, Cabo sees countless travelers each year. The vast majority of them have a nice time, and don’t encounter a single problem.
Of course, there’s always the option to stay at one of these best all-inclusive resorts in Cabo.
Here, you can enjoy a worry-free trip, and book some guided tours to go off-resort, like this Cabo Sailing & Snorkeling Tour. Located right on the ocean, there are also plenty of other Cabo boat tours.
As one of the top Mexico destinations, Cabo is both safe and also plagued by the same types of petty crimes common in any major tourism destination like London, Paris or Rome.
While still rate, these mostly include pickpocketing, cell phone theft and purse snatching. Not that being the victim of any crime isn’t terrible, but the risk of violent crime in Cabo is low.
While it’s safe overall, that’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cabo; they do. However, millions of people visit Cabo Mexico each year, and the cast majority have no safety issues at all.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Cabo Mexico
- Book the Best Cabo Airport Shuttle here
- Book the Best Cabo Hotels here
- Find the Best Cabo Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
5. Mazatlan
When looking for the safest tourist destinations in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear at the top of your list — but you have nothing to fear.
Despite the reputation of the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located, you’ll encounter a safe haven in this city.
If in doubt, stay within the Golden Zone, or Zona Dorada. This main tourist zone is home to some of the best hotels in Mazatlan, shops, and great restaurants with live entertainment.
⚠️ What are the crime rates in Mazatlan Mexico?
Mazatlan is unique as far as Mexico beach cities go because you can still experience Mexican culture and Mexico’s uniqueness, whereas some beaches just feel touristy.
However, it is in fact a Mexico tourist city. As with any similar place, petty crimes and crimes of opportunity can happen.
In truth though, no place on Earth is 100% safe; not Iceland nor New Zealand (two of the world’s safest countries according to the Global Peace Index), not your hometown, and not even your own home.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Mazatlan Mexico
Although somewhat off the beaten path for Mexico travel, there are many amazing things to do in Mazatlan.
Start off by exploring Plaza Machado to soak in the historic colonial architecture and beautiful city views. Plaza Machado is located not far from the Golden Zone (Downtown).
During the evening, head to the Malecon (Boardwalk) that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and take in the sunset.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy everything from zip lining in Mazatlan to doing an ATV tour in the Sierra Madre mountains, and even snorkeling on Deer Island.
Though many might shy away from it because it is in Sinaloa state, Mazatlan is one of the safest cities in Mexico to visit, with beautiful beaches and a unique feel.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Mazatlan Mexico
- Book the Best Mazatlan Hotels here
- Find the Best Mazatlan Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Mexico Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
6. Sayulita
The small town of Sayulita is located in Nayarit state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta.
Over the years, Sayulita transitioned from a sleepy fishing village to a small town beloved by artists, yogis, hippies and surfers.
Today, the Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town) thrives as a trendy hotspot where tourists, surfers and expats get to enjoy one of the most beautiful Mexican beach towns.
The overall vibe is welcoming, and you’ll love seeing the festive, colorful papel picado flags hanging all over town — especially on Calle Delfines AKA Slap Street.
Sayulita’s quaint streets are full of bars, restaurants, boutique shops and outdoor mercados (markets). This creates a fun atmosphere that’s youthful and laid-back.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Sayulita Mexico
Needless to say, the best Sayulita things to do involve being on the beach or in the Pacific Ocean.
For surfing in Sayulita, there are waves in all sizes, ideal for all levels.
If you’ve never surfed before, there are surf lessons in Sayulita on the town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita.
A great choice for spiritual travelers, nature lovers and adventure seekers with beachfront yoga sessions, Sayulita has jungle hikes, horseback rides on the beach at sunset, and more.
You can also enjoy some day trips.
Located within an hour of Sayulita, there’s Puerto Vallarta, San Pancho (San Francisco), Bucerias and Punta Mita, which is one of the safest resort cities in Mexico.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Sayulita Mexico
- Book the Best Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita Shuttle here
- Book the Best Sayulita Hotels here
- Find the Best Sayulita Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Sayulita Safe? Best Sayulita Mexico Travel Tips
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
7. Bahías de Huatulco
Bahías de Huatulco (Bays of Huatulco in English) is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. It is known as one of the safest cities in Oaxaca.
Usually just called Huatulco, the town has some of the best beaches in Oaxaca state. With nine bays and 36 beaches to explore, you’ll never run out of options.
With its small town feel, travelers will find Huatulco to be a very safe and welcoming place to visit.
There are a lot of nice Huatulco resorts and hotels that aren’t very expensive, and you can fly directly into the city at Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX).
🏝️ Best Things to do in Huatulco Mexico
Of course, the best things to do in Huatulco involve the beach and the Pacific Ocean — but there are also coffee plantations and waterfalls not far from town.
Popular activities at the beaches include swimming, snorkeling, diving and boating. Of course, you can just lay around and watch the area’s epic sunsets at the many Huatulco beaches.
Huatulco National Park is another popular place to visit. The park is located just west of La Crucecita, the main town of Huatulco.
It’s the perfect place for hiking, snorkeling, nature walks, and ATV tours, and there are also some ancient ruins in the park.
If you want to get out of town for the day, there are plenty of great day trips from Huatulco to the nearby beach towns.
These include Mazunte, Zipolite, Puerto Angel, and San Agustinillo.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Huatulco Mexico
- Book the Best Huatulco Hotels here
- Find the Best Huatulco Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in Huatulco: Everything You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
8. Tulum
With swaying palm trees leaning over white-sand beaches and azure seas lapping the shore, Tulum is a bohemian beach paradise.
Located on the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo state, Tulum is one of the safest beach destinations in Mexico, and a must-visit Yucatan pueblo magico (magic town).
In the last decade, Tulum has become one of the most popular cities in Mexico — and that’s because it has a lot to offer its visitors. With Tulum International Airport now open, it’s easier than ever to visit.
For accommodations, there’s everything from all-inclusive Tulum resorts to Tulum glamping to Tulum treehouse hotels.
Foodies have restaurant options from Thai to Turkish to tacos. Among the best party cities in Mexico, so the Tulum bars are just as cool as the restaurants.
During the day, even the Tulum beach clubs have a lively atmosphere, with endless cocktails, top quality service, amazing esthetic designs and top-notch service.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Tulum Mexico
If lazing on the beach seems too hedonistic, there are MANY sites you won’t want to miss.
These include the Tulum cenotes and Tulum Ruins, one of the most spectacular Mexico Mayan Ruins.
Tulum visitors will also want to check out Tulum Town AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo.
Though it’s not the Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, downtown comes alive in the evenings with street food taco shops and awesome bars with live music, like Batey Bar.
🏝️ Planning your trip to Tulum Mexico
- Book the Best Cancun to Tulum Shuttle here
- Book the Best Tulum Hotels here
- Find the Best Tulum Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Tulum Safe? What Travelers Need to Know Before You Go
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
9. Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a fishing village turned beach destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
It is located south of Acapulco in Guerrero state, and north of Huatulco in Oaxaca state.
However, with a wealth of culture, natural attractions and tropical beauty, it offers many attractions beyond the beach.
Though, you’ll of course want to spend some time on the best beaches in Puerto Escondido — Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Zicatela, Playa La Punta, Playa Bacocho, Playa Puerto Angelito and Playa Marinero.
⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Puerto Escondido Mexico?
I spent some time in Puerto Escondido as a solo female traveler, and always felt safe.
In fact, many solo female travelers in Mexico find Puerto Escondido to be safe.
It is also a popular Mexico digital nomad destination for those who want to live and work remotely, and also one of the most popular towns for expats in Mexico.
While safe, follow common sense travel safety precautions like not swimming alone or on beaches with red flags 🚩 which indicates a strong current.
Of course, please be extra mindful when drinking.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Puerto Escondido Mexico
Thanks to the Mexican Pipeline Wave, a famous surf break on Playa Zicatela that draws surfers from around the world, this is one of the best Mexico surf destinations.
Averaging 15- to 20-feet-tall (4.5-6 m), this wave is NOT for beginners. If you want to learn how to surf in Puerto Escondido on small and medium waves, head to Playa Carrizalillo.
While known as a Mexico surf town, many of the best Puerto Escondido things to do don’t include surfing.
You can also see bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon, participating in one of the baby sea turtle release programs, and trying some authentic Oaxaca food at one of the fantastic Puerto Escondido restaurants.
For one of the best day trips from Puerto Escondido, visit Lagunas de Chacahua.
This Mexico national park is located on an island, and I personally consider it one of Mexico’s best kept secrets.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Puerto Escondido Mexico
- Book the Best Puerto Escondido Hotels here
- Find the Best Puerto Escondido Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Puerto Escondido Worth Visiting? (And Is it Right For You?)
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
10. Cancun
With a well-developed travel infrastructure and plenty of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and attractions to suit visitors of all budgets and travel styles, Cancun is among the best vacation cities in Mexico for good reason.
As one of the Top 3 major cities of Mexico for travelers, there’s no shortage of amazing things to see in Cancun.
It also has some of the safest all inclusive resorts in Mexico.
The Cancun Hotel Zone, or Zona Hotelera, is a long strip of land along the Caribbean Sea. It’s easy to navigate, as there’s just one main road that runs from north to south.
Located only about 20 minutes from Cancun international Airport, Zona Hotelera is the main tourist zone.
Here, you’ll find the pristine white-sand Cancun beaches the area is known for.
In general, it’s safe to get around the city by rental car, public transportation, buses and taxis.
While there is Uber in Cancun, taxis are more common as Uber isn’t always easy to get.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Cancun Mexico
As you might have guessed, the best things to do in Cancun involve the beautiful Cancun beaches.
From water sports, relaxing and sunbathing, to dining and nightlife, it’s all on the beach. For the best diving and snorkeling, there’s the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) and swimming with the whale sharks.
However, there are other Cancun sites besides the beach! These include the Cancun cenotes, Museo Maya de Cancún (Cancun Mayan Museum), and El Rey Mayan Archeological Site.
To see some of the most famous Mayan Ruins near Cancun, your best bet is to rent a car and drive. You can also join a group tour to visit Chichen Itza Ruins and see the Tulum Ruins.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Cancun Mexico
- Book the Best Cancun Airport Shuttle here
- Book the Best Cancun Hotels here
- Find the Best Cancun Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Cancun Safe for Tourists? and this Ultimate Cancun Solo Travel Guide
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
11. Isla Holbox Island
With virtually nonexistent crime rates, the Mexican Caribbean island town of Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit — and one of the most relaxing.
A Mexican Caribbean island located just a few hours from Cancun, Holbox feels like it’s a world away from all the hustle and bustle.
⚠️ Keep reading to find out how to travel to Holbox Island.
Isla Holbox is among the safest beach cities in Mexico. It has a close-knit local community of only about 2,000 full-time residents, so everyone knows everyone.
Holbox Island has a small town feel, but also a lively side at night with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the evening.
However, it’s much less of a party town than Cancun or Tulum.
⛴️ how to get to Holbox Island
It is a bit of a trek to get there, but even with its semi-remote, off the beaten path location, know that the laid-back Mexico island of Holbox is definitely worth a visit!
The easiest way to get there is to book this Cancun to Holbox Island shuttle and let someone else handle the logistics.
However, you can also get there on your own. It is a two-step process, and here’s how you do it.
Step #1: You must take ground transportation from Cancun to Chiquila, Mexico.
This drive takes about two hours in normal traffic via rental car, and about 2.5-3 hours on the bus.
Step #2: When you arrive at the Chiquila Ferry Dock, you’ll buy tickets for the 25-minute Chiquila to Holbox ferry boat ride.
There are two ferry companies, but the boats are the same.
⚠️ Note: There are NO CARS allowed on Holbox, so if you’re traveling by rental car, you must leave it in the paid lots next to the dock.
Lots cost about $5-10 USD per day, and are locked at night.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Holbox Mexico
There’s no shortage of things to do in Holbox Island! Of course, you must visit the beaches like Playa Holbox and Punta Mosquito, where you’ll find the giant Holbox sandbars.
You can also go kayaking or SUP paddleboarding in the mangroves, take a boat tour to Yalahau Cenote, simply lay in a hammock in the Caribbean Sea, or see the bioluminescence at night.
If you’re traveling from June to September and want a truly unique experience, make sure you book this tour to swim with whale sharks in Isla Holbox.
Head to the center of town to check out the night market with lots of delicious Mexican food specialities.
There are also several nearby restaurants with live music, like Roots, home to the famous Holbox lobster pizza.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Holbox Mexico
- Book the Best Holbox Hotels here
- Find the Best Holbox Tours here
- For more info, check out Cancun to Holbox Island: Your Best Transport Options
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
12. Loreto
Loreto is a pretty town on the west coast in Baja California Sur state that’s fast becoming one of the top destinations in Baja California, Mexico.
Located right on the Sea of Cortez, it has been designated as one of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), for its charm and historical importance.
As one of the safest places to live in Mexico, you’ll find a large community of expats and locals who live in harmony and strive to keep the town clean and safe.
When I visited, I felt safe while walking around and traveling on my own, as it’s one of the best cities in Mexico for solo travel.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Loreto Mexico
I’ve traveled to Loreto twice, and the second time I stayed for one full week to enjoy all the cool things to see in Loreto.
In my opinion, the best time of the year to visit Loreto is in winter, because you’ll be able to see the blue whales that migrate to Loreto Bay. This takes place from December to March only.
Besides whale watching in Loreto, there are so more things to do in Loreto Mexico, like these top sites:
- Swim with the seals near Isla Coronado Island
- Walk around town and enjoy the colonial feel
- Hike to La Giganta
- See the Canipole Cave Paintings
- Tour the historic San Javier Mission
- Visit the Museo de las Misiones de Baja California (Museum of Baja California Missions)
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Loreto Mexico
- Book the Best Loreto Hotels here
- Find the Best Loreto Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in Loreto: Everything You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
13. Akumal
A must see for many Yucatan Peninsula visitors is the Mexico beach town of Akumal, especially to swim with the turtles in Akumal Bay.
Akumal is located about 30 minutes north of Tulum, and about 1.5 hours south of Cancun. It is much more laid back than those two destinations, and has a charming small town feel.
The area around Akumal Beach is a pleasant place to shop, dine and sightsee. It’s easy and safe to ride a bike or walk the road along the sand to get to different Akumal beaches.
The Akumal hotels and resorts, known as some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, are in a gated area patrolled by security.
Akumal itself is a sleepy and peaceful town, and when combined with this added security measure, you’ll enjoy some of the safest beach resorts in Mexico on your Akumal trip.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Akumal Mexico
Besides this Akumal turtle tour, don’t miss Laguna Yal Ku Lagoon.
The snorkeling is incredible in this protected lagoon, where freshwater from the cenotes meets saltwater from the Caribbean Sea.
The town of Akumal, as opposed to Akumal Beach, is also worth a visit.
It is a peaceful place to experience local life in Akumal, and get a taste of Mexican culture.
In town, stop by the outdoor fruit and vegetable market, and head to the local taquerías (taco shops) for the best tacos in Akumal.
By knowing a few words of Spanish, you’ll be able to return the kind greetings you experience when visiting the laid back town of Akumal — and you’ll see why this is one of the best cities in Mexico to vacation.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Akumal Mexico
- Book the Best Cancun to Akumal Shuttle here
- Book the Best Akumal Hotels here
- Find the Best Akumal Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Akumal Safe for Tourists?
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
14. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are usually referred to as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico, like they’re one place. The reason?
These sister cities are super close to each other. Most travelers heading to one will usually visit the other on the same trip.
Located just five miles (8 km) apart, it’s easy and quick to get to Ixtapa from Zihua and spend your Mexico vacation between the two.
Ixtapa is a proper resort town and much more built up than Zihuatanejo, so it offers more things to do.
However, if you love hidden gems, taking the road less traveled, and going off the beaten track — then prepare to fall in love with Zihuatanejo Mexico.
Unlike other places off the beaten path in Mexico, the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Airport is located only about 15-20 minutes from the beaches of Zihuatanejo, and 30-40 minutes from Ixtapa, Mexico.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Mexico
Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, especially Playa La Ropa Beach.
There’s also Playa las Gatas and Caleta del Chon for some of the best Zihuatanejo snorkeling spots you can access from the shore.
For the real best snorkeling in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, you’ll have to visit nearby islands because they have the healthiest reefs and clearest water.
These include Isla Ixtapa (Ixtapa Island), Isla del Zacatoso (Zacatoso Island), and Los Morros de Potosí (Morros of Potosí Island), all accessible only by boat tours only.
Back on land, there’s charming local mercados (markets), delicious street tacos, beachfront bars and yummy restaurants.
🐊 Pro Tip: Don’t miss El Manglar, home to the famous Zihuatanejo crocodile.
Just outside of town, don’t skip the Xihuacan Pyramids at Soledad de Maciel Archeological Zone. These are the only ancient ruins in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Mexico
- Book the Best Ixtapa Hotels and Best Zihuatanejo Hotels here
- Find the Best Ixtapa Tours and Best Zihuatanejo Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in Zihuatanejo: Everything You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
15. Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is located just minutes by ferry boat from the coast of Cancun.
With a small population of friendly, laid-back locals, it may be the safest place to go in Mexico’s Caribbean.
Nowadays, visitors flock to this Mexican Caribbean island because it’s one of the best beach cities Mexico has to offer.
It also has what’s known as one of the best beaches in Mexico — Playa Norte Beach.
The island itself is only four miles long (6.5 km) and 0.5 miles wide (1 km).
The easiest way to get around is by golf cart, scooter or bicycle, though the main parts of the island are walkable.
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury accommodations, there are great Isla Mujeres resorts and hotels as well as hostels and guest houses for backpackers doing budget travel in Mexico.
About 12,000 people live there full time, so there’s plenty of restaurants, bars, ATMs, services and more on Isla Mujeres.
It’s a small town, but it has nearly anything you’d need or want.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Isla Mujeres Mexico
There are so many things to do in Isla Mujeres, like snorkeling at El Garrafon Park, fishing, shopping, exploring Mayan temples, or just relaxing at the beaches — especially Playa Norte (North Beach).
Isla Mujeres means “Island of Women,” as it was a Mayan pilgrimage site where women would go to worship Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, childbirth, midwifery and fertility.
By day, visitors can explore the Isla Mujeres Ruins of Ixchel.
This Mayan archeological site is located at Punta Sur on the southern tip of the island.
From about May to September, you can take a tour to swim with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, which can only be done in a few parts of the world.
Even late at night, activity is thriving, and walking to and from local restaurants and bars is safe and easy.
On a personal note, I felt completely safe walking around at night.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico
- Book the Best Isla Mujeres Hotels here
- Find the Best Isla Mujeres Tours here
- For more info, check out 50 Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Go
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
16. San Jose del Cabo
San José del Cabo is a fantastic little beach town in Mexico, perfect for those who appreciate culture, art and art galleries, sightseeing and of course, beaches.
There are plenty of things to do in San Jose del Cabo, and this small town should be high on your Mexico bucket list.
San Jose, as it’s known by the locals, is easy to get to because the Los Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is right in town.
You can also rent a car in Cabo Airport and explore the whole area.
Though it’s overshadowed by nearby Cabo San Lucas, the amazing San Jose del Cabo resorts and the town itself have a completely different vibe.
While Cabo San Lucas is more popular (and more touristy), many of the best resorts in Los Cabo are actually located closer to San Jose del Cabo.
These include two of the best Mexico resorts — Grand Velas los Cabos All Inclusive, a AAA 5 Diamond Resort, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso, one of the safest Mexican beach resorts.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to San Jose del Cabo Mexico
Here are some helpful tips and guides to one of the best coastal cities in Mexico:
- Book the Best San Jose del Cabo Airport Shuttle here
- Book the Best San Jose del Cabo Hotels here
- Find the Best San Jose del Cabo Tours here
- For more info, check out Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo: What You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
17. Ensenada
Ensenada is located in the state of Baja California, and well known for its beautiful beaches and for being the birthplace of Mexico’s beloved Baja fish tacos.
Located less than two hours by car from the U.S.-Mexico border, many visitors head down to Ensenada from California for a weekend getaway in this Mexico beach town.
Given the close proximity to the U.S., you can rent a car and drive to Ensenada and Mexico’s Wine Country, Valle de Guadalupe.
These two places are near one another, and make for the ultimate Mexico getaway.
⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Ensenada Mexico?
Besides Tijuana and Rosarito, it is one of the closest cities in Mexico to get to from the U.S.
While Tijuana doesn’t have the best reputation, it’s a whole other experience in Ensenada.
One of the safest towns in Mexico, Ensenada has remained largely immune to cartel activity, drug activity., petty crime and violent crime.
Though generally a safe place in Mexico, you’ll want to remain aware of your surroundings and take the same standard travel precautions you would when visiting anywhere in the world.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Ensenada Mexico
The landscape in Ensenada is perfect for wineries. You’ll be spoilt for choice trying the local wines from nearby Valle de Guadalupe, also known as the “Napa Valley of Mexico.”
Besides wine tasting in the nearby Guadalupe Valley Mexico, one of the best things to do in Ensenada is see La Bufadora.
This is one of the world’s largest blowholes, which goes off every hour.
Ensenada is also well known as one of the best places for whale watching in Mexico.
This is a real treat for those who visit Ensenada during their mid-December to mid-April migration season.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Ensenada Mexico is in mid-February.
This is during both the whale season and Carnaval, one of the largest and best festivals in Mexico.
Similar to Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Mexico Carnaval takes place for a week in mid-February.
You can expect parades, fireworks, street parties, and more.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Ensenada Mexico
- Book the Best Ensenada Hotels here
- Find the Best Ensenada Tours here
- For more info, check out Driving to Mexico from the U.S.: Everything You Need to Know
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
18. Playa del Carmen
Playa (as the locals call it) is located about one hour north of Tulum, and about 1-1.5 hours south of Cancun.
It’s easy to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and very cheap if you take the ADO bus.
If you’re wondering, Where are the safest places in Mexico to live? — many would add Playa del Carmen to that list.
In recent years, Playa has become a hot spot for Mexico digital nomads. It has gorgeous beaches, great infrastructure, fast WiFi, and a relatively low cost of living for a beach town.
If you want to network with other digital nomads in Playa del Carmen, check out this Facebook group.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to Playa del Carmen Mexico
- Book the Best Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shuttle here
- Book the Best Playa del Carmen Hotels here
- Find the Best Playa del Carmen Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Tourists?
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
19. El Cuyo
El Cuyo is one of the true hidden gems in Yucatan Mexico.
Located about 3.5 hours from Merida, it makes a great weekend getaway with some of the best beaches in Yucatan state.
Located at the eastern edge of the state, it shares a border with Quintana Roo state.
El Cuyo lies at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, and has gorgeous turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
One of the more up-and-coming Mexican beach towns, there aren’t many transportation options to get to El Cuyo (yet).
The easiest options are to book this private shuttle, or rent a car and drive to El Cuyo.
You can take a bus from Merida, but you actually have to take two buses because there aren’t direct routes (yet).
🏝️ Best Things to do in El Cuyo Mexico
There isn’t much around but El Cuyo does have enough beautiful beaches and activities to keep you busy — especially if you’re a kiteboarder, or someone who wants to learn kiteboarding.
For slightly less-adventurous things to do in El Cuyo, you can take an ATV tour to Las Coloradas pink lakes, go paddle boarding, kayaking and birdwatching.
After a day of activities, head to the best restaurants in El Cuyo, Naia Cafe and El Chile Gordo, for a bite to eat.
Head back to the beach to watch the sunset and the kite-boarders surf the sky.
During certain times of year, some companies offer tours to see the sea turtles in Yucatan that nest near this popular beach.
🇲🇽 Planning your trip to El Cuyo Mexico
- Book the Best El Cuto Shuttle here
- Book the Best El Cuyo Hotels here
- For more info, check out these 15 Best Beaches in Mexico’s Yucatan State
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
20. Lake Bacalar
In full disclosure, Laguna Bacalar Lagoon is not a beach town; it’s a lake town.
However, I added it to the list because, well — just look at it!
It’s too gorgeous not to include, and most people think it’s a beach anyway (it certainly looks like one).
Lake Bacalar is actually the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico after Lake Chapala near Guadalajara.
It is located in the Bacalar pueblo magico (magic town), which is in Quintana Roo state.
This gorgeous lake is one of the Mexico hidden gems in the Yucatan Peninsula.
It sits about three hours south of Tulum, and five hours south of Cancun. It’s actually close to the Mexico-Belize border.
As one of the best small cities in Mexico, you can rest assured you’ll be safe in Bacalar.
It has a true small town feel, where everybody knows everybody, and visitors are welcomed.
Since many locals operate their own hotels and tours, hospitality is the name of the game.
For now, there are no big name corporate hotels or chain restaurants in Bacalar, adding to the charm.
🏝️ Best Things to do in Bacalar Mexico
The main draw in Bacalar is the lake.
In recent years, it has gained popularity thanks to Instagram, YouTube and social media, with influencers flocking to swim in its bright blue waters.
The locals call Bacalar the Lagoon of Seven Colors, as they say you can see seven distinct shades of blues in the lake, from bright turquoise to indigo blue.
Besides swimming in this massive freshwater lake, you can also take this Bacalar boat tour to see the Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel), Cenote la Bruja (Witch’s Cenote) and Isla de los Pajaros (Bird Island).
Besides Bacalar Lagoon itself, the second most popular place to swim is Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote). It is one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, at about 300-feet-deep (91.5 m).
💙 Mexico travel tips: There’s also one of the Tulum cenotes named Cenote Azul, so make sure you’re always looking at info about the Azul Cenote in Bacalar.
While the lake is the main star in town, Downtown Bacalar is also worth checking out for a bit. Here, you’ll see Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar — the historic Bacalar Fort once used to fend off pirates 🏴☠️
There are also some Mayan Ruins in Yucatan not too far away, including Chacchoben Ruins, Kohunlich Ruins, Dzibanche Ruins and Ichkabal Ruins.
🏝️ Planning your trip to Bacalar Mexico
Bacalar is a bit remote in one of the southernmost parts of Mexico, and takes a few hours to get to, many don’t make it down.
As someone who’s been several times, I can assure you Bacalar is both safe and worth the travel time it takes to get there.
- Book the Best Cancun to Bacalar Shuttle here
- Book the Best Bacalar Hotels here
- Find the Best Bacalar Tours here
- For more info, check out Bacalar Lagoon Mexico: How to Plan the Ultimate Trip
Safest Beaches in Mexico FAQ & Travel Guide
Safest Beaches in Mexico Map
For your convenience, all the safest beaches in Mexico talked about in this article have been pinned to the map above.
It also includes the safest cities in Mexico, if you want to venture off-beach.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
What are the safest cities in Mexico?
There are many safe cities in Mexico, including Merida, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla City, Queterato City and Puerto Vallarta.
The harsh and sad reality is this though: There are two Mexicos.
One Mexico is a welcoming country with friendly people, world-class beaches, tacos so good you’ll cry, rich history, swimmable cenotes, amazing festivals like Day of the Dead — and the other Mexico is quite frankly, unsafe.
When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
—Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI veteran (via Forbes)
However, just as you’d avoid the unsafe areas in your own city, state or country, so too should you avoid the non-safe places to travel in Mexico.
As tourism is the #1 driving force in Mexico’s economy, the top Mexico travel destinations are safe for visitors.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
What’s the safest place to vacation in Mexico?
Merida — For many years now, Merida has been considered the safest vacation spot in Mexico.
It is also known as the safest city in Mexico, and the second-safest city on the Americas Continent.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
What are the safest beaches in Mexico to live?
Mexico is generally considered quite safe for tourists — especially in popular resort towns like Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
Authorities in these tourist-friendly cities have implemented advanced safety measures to maintain the low crime rates, which in general, are considerably lower than in other parts of the country.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
What are the most dangerous cities in Mexico to avoid?
For a guide on which places are safe, which places to avoid in Mexico and the most dangerous cities in Mexico, consult the U.S. State Department site.
This guide offers up-to-date information, Mexico travel warnings and advisories.
However, keep in mind they evaluate state by state, not city by city, which makes more sense for travelers.
For example, Sinaloa is considered one of the least safe states in Mexico — but the city of Mazatlan in Sinaloa state is one of the most-visited and best beach towns in Mexico.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
What are the safest beaches in Mexico for solo travelers?
Mexico has many safe beaches for solo travelers — including Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and other beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula, and beaches on the West Coast like Los Cabos and Todos Santos.
I’ve been living and traveling solo in Mexico since April 2018. So far, I’ve been to 23 out of 32 states, and felt safe all along the way.
Though I have been safe, safety isn’t a guarantee for anyone, so take a moment to check out Going On Vacation Alone: Useful Tips for Solo Female Travelers.
Some women just need a little extra push to feel confident enough to take their first Mexico solo trip.
If that’s you, head to Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers, with Mexico destination recommendations from fellow solo female travelers.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
Is Mexico safe to travel to?
For the vast majority of travelers, yes, Mexico is perfectly safe to visit.
While many want a definitive yes or no answer to the question Is Mexico safe for travelers? — honestly, there isn’t one.
Safety is a complex question, so the answer is really yes and no.
Yes, Mexico is safe for nearly all travelers; but no, it’s not always safe if you don’t make personal safety your top priority.
As one of the most visited countries in the world, most travelers are safe in Mexico, but you do need to follow common travel safety measures.
In truth, there’s no guarantee of safety anywhere on Earth, but this quote from Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, offers some perspective.
Pay extra attention to the phrase: “the numbers game.”
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small…
—Carlos Barron (via Forbes)
There’s no denying bad things happen in Mexico — however, the vast majority of them are isolated incidents.
It’s important to remember that bad things happen every minute of every day in the U.S., Canada, England, and so many Western countries in the world.
While it’s easy for people to quickly write off isolated incidents rather than label those entire countries unsafe, that’s exactly what’s done with Mexico and select other countries 🤷♀️
How to find Mexico Travel Warnings
On the U.S. State Department site, you’ll see each of the 32 Mexico states ranked in one of these four categories:
- 🛑 Level 4: Do Not Travel
- ⚠️ Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- ⚠️/✅ Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling
- ✅ Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling
Fun Fact: Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world
Contrary to often-sensationalized media reports, Mexico gets a bad rap. However, it’s not totally undeserved, as there are both safe parts of Mexico and unsafe parts of Mexico.
However, American and international travelers still flock to Mexico.
In fact, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world, and according to Statista, Mexico was the top travel destination for international travelers in 2021.
So if Mexico was totally unsafe, as many claim, Wouldn’t people just stop going?
As you can see on SECTUR, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism’s site, they most certainly haven’t stopped going.
According to SECTUR, Mexico welcomed an astounding 66 million visitors in 2022 — up 19.3% from 2021.
With such a sinister reputation, and so many people convinced all of Mexico is unsafe for travel, it seems people would want to avoid Mexico at all costs.
However, the numbers show that the exact opposite is true, and that tourists love Mexico now more than ever.
🇲🇽 large numbers of americans are moving to mexico too
It’s not just international tourists who love Mexico that have contributed to the high number of visitors. American expats are also relocating to Mexico in droves.
According to statistics from Mexico’s Migration Policy Unit, the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas in Mexico surged by an astounding 70% between 2019-2022.
SAFEST Beaches IN MEXICO
Mexico Safety Tips: Register for the STEP Program
If you’re from the U.S., make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip. (🇨🇦 Canadians have the Registration of Canadians Abroad, which is a similar program).
After registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), you’ll be put in touch with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to you, which can provide any assistance you might need while traveling to Mexico.
In addition, STEP can put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.
They can also shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips and safety protocols, if you’re still in doubt.
My Final Thoughts on the Safest Beaches in Mexico to Visit
If you began reading this article wondering What are the safest beaches in Mexico? — hopefully you now see there are plenty of options, from coast to coast.
In fact, even trying to narrow down the safest part of Mexico, safest city to visit in Mexico, or safest city in Mexico to live in, was impossible. In truth, there are many of each.
There is a safe, popular destination in all specific areas of Mexico, as you can see on this map.
Given the negative perception of Mexico as a whole, I wanted to compile this article with the voices of other travelers who have personally been to the cities they wrote about.
Hopefully this will help clear up some of what I feel is unwarranted sentiment towards the amazing parts of the country.
Now, there are dangerous parts of Mexico and dangerous places in Mexico; but those are small parts of a big country.
I hope hearing stories from actual travelers helps paint a more real picture because I have found most people who say Mexico is dangerous — have never even been to Mexico 🤷♀️ Go figure!