Mexico is already well-known for its incredible Caribbean beaches, with Cancún and Tulum some of the biggest hotspots.
However the Pacific coast dominates the entire western portion of the country, which offers stunning beaches, lively towns with a great atmosphere as well as hidden gems. As a result, it’s really worth looking to explore at least a couple of these beach towns or cities during your itinerary through Mexico, given it adds quite a different type of experience to your trip.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the best experiences you can enjoy along Mexico’s Pacific Coasts, and the best places to enjoy them. We’ll also look at some insider tips based on experience in order to have the very best time possible.
5 Of The Best Experiences Along Mexico’s Pacific Coasts
Below we’ll take a look at the very best experiences you can enjoy along Mexico’s Pacific Coasts, and where you should visit to best enjoy them.
Head On A Luxury Yacht For The Day In Baja California Sur
Treating yourself is really important along any trip through Mexico, and it’s no different here in Baja California Sur. The city of Cabo San Lucas remains one of Mexico’s biggest tourist hotspots, and it’s the perfect place to rent your own private yacht and enjoy the incredible ocean and beaches of the Baja region.
Companies like All Ways Cabo Boats offer a wide range of luxury yachts for rental, and are flexible with how big your party is, how much luxury you want as well as whether it’s a day or multi-day hire. It’s great to hire year-round, although the dry season months (November until May) are the most popular times.
Participate In A Baby Turtle Release In Oaxaca
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to watch dozens of baby turtles hatch and make their dash or the ocean, you’re in luck here. Even better though – you can actually help your own hatchling make their way to the sea!
There are many towns along the Pacific coast that offer this experience, however Puerto Escondido along Oaxaca’s coast is one of the most popular. Here in the evenings (around 5pm) you can head to Playa Bacocho, where there are usually a few people in line to help with the turtle release.
One by one you’ll each be given a baby turtle in a small bowl, where it’s important not to touch them – but instead lay them on the sand as they make their first steps on their long sea journey.
Stroll Along The World’s Longest Promenade In Sinaloa
Those who want to combine an epic Pacific beachside city, along with ticking-off a “world’s biggest” achievement, need look no further than Mazatlán in the northern Pacific region of Sinaloa. Home to some of the most incredible sunsets, Mazatlán also has the longest beachfront promenade on the planet!
Measuring a total of 21 kilometres, here you can make stops at many golden sand beaches, enjoy snacks from local vendors such as elotes (corn on the cob) and mariscos (local seafood catches), as well as see local performances.
If heading to Mazatlán during your trip, be sure to walk along here in the evening – where the promenade goes into full flow as the memorable sunsets begin.
Chill Out In The Remote Region Of Nayarit
Located just north of Puerto Vallarta we can find the region of Nayarit, which is quite a small and assuming place. Here we won’t find endless hotels along Cancún, nor luxury catamaran charters in Cabo San Lucas and beyond – however what we will instead find are more peaceful and secluded beach stays.
The town of Bucerías offers a great chance for you to discover a more authentic side of Mexico, whilst there’s also great amenities. A stay here is best served with taking part in relaxing yoga classes, going out for a surf on these famous waves, as well as watching whales breach the surface during the right season.
The best way to get to Nayarit is to either fly into nearby Tepic and take a short bus, or to take a bus from either Mazatlán which is further north – or from Puerto Vallarta which is further south.
Visit The Marieta Islands From Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular tropical beachside destination – where tourists have been flocking to over the countless decades. Here we can find long stunning beaches, a range of both affordable and luxury accommodations, as well as a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene.
However if you really want to get away from it all and enjoy a more remote destination – then you’ll want to head to the Marieta Islands. Located just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, here we can enter into the famous circle dome beach which is surrounded by cliffs from the outside.
The waters here are perfect for snorkelling and kayaking, and you’re sure to get some amazing photos here.
Insider Tips For Making The Most Of Mexico’s Pacific Coasts
Below we’ll now share some tips based on my experience having travelled and gotten to know all of these incredible spots along Mexico’s pacific coast.
Visit During The Shoulder Season Months
Whilst the weather is at its very best during the dry season (which is typically from November until May), this is also when the highest amounts of tourist crowds also arrive. Now whilst this is great for those who love a good atmosphere, we’ll also find that prices can be more expensive, as well as longer entry times and queues for popular attractions.
Instead I highly suggest heading during the shoulder months, such as November, late April and May. Not only do you avoid all of the massive crowds, you’ll also get some good travel deals too.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
When visiting anywhere near, it’s good to have a different attitude to really make the most of where you’re visiting. And this is even more the case with Mexico’s Pacific coast.
This includes trying incredible local dishes such as freshly served ceviche, heading out on local hikes such as up the Cerro de la Zeta Mountain in Cabo San Lucas, as well as getting to know friendly locals who can share even more insider tips.
Of course keep taking your safety seriously with standard precautions, however also know that it’s good to step out of your comfort zone to really make the most of your trip here.
Plan For A More Flexible Schedule
Now this may not be possible depending on your travel plans, however if you can then be sure to leave a few days free of plans. This is because there’s always something new and exciting to discover along these rich coasts, whether that’s a new town, beautiful beach or an experience like a deep sea fishing tour.
For example, you may plan to head to Puerto Escondido to wind down, only to discover there’s various incredible beach towns just an hour away that are worth visiting, like those of Mazunte and Huatulco. And trust me – it’s those unexpected surprises that end up making the very best travel memories.
This article was contributed by guest author George Alvarez – a Latin America travel expert who helps both tour companies and travelers within these incredibly diverse regions.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
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