Hidden beaches in Mexico: wild swimming, fishing villages, secret coves

Xcacel Beach is a nature reserve on the coast of Quintana Roo where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. The beach has fine sand and the water is a clear turquoise color. You reach it by walking along a path through vegetation. There is little development here, and few visitors come. The air smells of salt water and plants. On the sand, you sometimes see tracks left by turtles. The water is warm and good for swimming. This is a place where nature remains undisturbed.

This hidden beach in Nayarit offers a rare experience: a natural cove nestled inside a cave with an opening in the ceiling that lets sunlight pour through. The water is clear and calm, protected by the surrounding rock formations. Few visitors discover this place, as you must hike along narrow trails or arrive by boat. The setting remains wild and untouched, with vegetation growing right down to the shore. You can swim and hear only the sounds of nature, with virtually no other people around.

Bahia de San Agustín is a bay where colorful reefs lie just beneath the water's surface, making them easy to see while swimming. The clear water allows visitors to observe fish and coral formations directly. The bay remains free from large resort developments and keeps its natural character. Small fishing villages nearby sell fresh catch directly on the sand, and local restaurants serve seafood caught that day. Access sometimes requires a boat or hiking trail, which keeps this bay for travelers seeking genuine nature away from crowded resort areas.

Yelapa Beach is an isolated shore in Jalisco that you can only reach by boat or hiking trail. The water is clear and warm, and a small waterfall cascade sits about 1 km inland. Local fishermen still work on the beach, and simple restaurants prepare fresh seafood daily. The place has kept its natural character: white sand, tropical forest, and the everyday life of the people who live here. There are no large hotels or manicured pathways—just the rhythm of nature and the work of fishing.

Cabo Pulmo beach sits within a national park that protects one of the world's largest coral reefs. The water is clear and full of life, with hundreds of fish species swimming among colorful corals. The beach itself is quiet and rarely crowded. You see pelicans diving into the water and sometimes dolphins in the distance. The surrounding landscape is dry and rocky, with few buildings nearby. This is a place for people who enjoy snorkeling or diving and want to experience nature in peace.

Playa Balandra is a bay with shallow waters surrounded by limestone formations. At low tide, natural pools form in the water. This beach is among Mexico's less-visited coastal spots where you can escape the typical tourist crowds. The clear water invites swimming, and the rocky setting creates a distinctive environment. The bay keeps its natural character: visitors find fewer people here than at large beach resorts.

Zihuatanejo Bay in Guerrero brings together four different beaches in one place. Local fishermen sell their daily catch right on the sand, keeping the pace of life tied to the sea. The beaches sit sheltered by hills, with clear water and shorelines that feel untouched. There are no large resorts or crowded coastal roads here. Most visitors who arrive are looking for nature and quiet, away from the busy resort towns.

Mahahual beach lies on the Mesoamerican coral barrier in Quintana Roo. The water is shallow and clear, perfect for snorkeling straight from shore. The beach itself is wide with white sand and shaded by palm trees. This former fishing village has changed little over time – you still see small fishing boats, and residents sell their daily catch directly on the sand. Infrastructure here is minimal, keeping the place quiet and unhurried. Sea turtles come to shore at certain times of year to lay their eggs.

Mayto Beach in Jalisco remains largely undeveloped, stretching for several kilometers with gray sand and strong waves suited to experienced swimmers. Small fishing boats line the shore, and local fishers sell their daily catch directly on the beach. Simple restaurants nearby serve fresh seafood to visitors. The landscape stays natural and unchanged, without resort complexes or crowded coastal roads. This beach draws travelers seeking solitude and nature away from busy tourist centers.

Playa Ventura is a fishing village on Guerrero's coast, stretching along long sandy beaches. Fishermen land their daily catches here, and restaurants along the shore serve fresh fish and seafood. Boats anchor directly offshore, and life follows the rhythm of the sea. There are no large hotels or crowded roads, just the daily life of the people who work and live here.

Puerto Angelito is a small bay on the Oaxaca coast that offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is shaped by local fishing villages, where restaurants sit directly on the water and serve fresh seafood. The bay keeps its natural character with clear water and rocky shores. Here you meet mainly travelers seeking quiet and nature, far from large resort areas.

Chacala beach is a place where golden-brown sand stretches beneath green hills. Palm trees grow along the shore, and small restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen. The village behind the beach lives at its own pace: fishermen sell their daily catch right on the sand, and life moves slowly without the rush of big tourist resorts. This beach belongs to travelers looking for quiet and nature, away from crowded seaside hotels.

Barra de Potosí is a beach in a fishing village next to a lagoon where fishermen still practice their traditional trade. The water is clear and the shoreline is bordered by mangroves and tropical forest. Fresh seafood is sold directly on the sand by local fishermen. The area attracts many bird species, particularly around the lagoon areas. You can paddle by kayak and explore the natural surroundings without encountering large hotels or crowded facilities.

Playa Las Gatas in Guerrero is accessible only by boat from Zihuatanejo. Clear waters and coral reefs make it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. This beach remains removed from the usual tourist circuits and keeps its natural character. A few simple restaurants along the shore serve fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. The few visitors who discover this place enjoy its calm and original setting, away from large hotels and crowded coastal roads.

Playa Los Cerritos is a beach in Baja California Sur where regular waves shape the coastline. The water attracts surfers who ride boards and make use of the conditions. Visitors can take lessons or rent equipment on-site. The beach keeps its natural character and stays away from major tourist centers. Small fishing villages nearby give the area its local rhythm. The clear water and coastal landscape invite you to discover the calm and nature of this region.

Playa San Francisco in Nayarit features white sand and calm waters perfect for swimming. This beach remains outside the usual tourist routes and keeps its natural character intact. Local fishing boats dot the shore, and small restaurants serve fresh seafood caught that same day. Reaching the beach often requires a boat ride or hiking trail, making it a destination for travelers who seek something beyond crowded resorts.

Playa Xhu-Ha stretches for 2 kilometers with white sand and turquoise Caribbean waters. Located in Quintana Roo, this beach remains away from the usual tourist crowds. Sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, and the water is clear enough to see colorful fish and coral. Small fishing villages nearby serve fresh seafood daily. Reaching this beach often requires taking a boat or walking a path.

Playa La Ropa in Guerrero is a beach that stretches for about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) along the coast. Palm trees line the shore, and the water stays warm year-round. Small restaurants run along the sand, serving fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Unlike busy resort beaches, this place remains quiet and natural. You will find mostly travelers looking for a calm day by the sea, far from crowded tourist zones.

Playa Carrizalillo in Oaxaca is a small cove with green water stretching about 300 meters. You reach it by descending a stone staircase of about 167 steps from the upper parking area. The water is calm and clear, good for swimming. The beach remains secluded because the staircase deters many visitors. You'll find a few simple restaurants along the shore where local fishermen sell their daily catch. The cove is framed by rocks that give the place a sheltered character. It's one of those spots where you can experience the Oaxaca coast in its natural form, without large tourist infrastructure.

Barra de Navidad is a small fishing village on a lagoon in Jalisco, where around 7000 people live. The village maintains its authentic character: fishermen sell their daily catch directly on the beach, and restaurants serve fresh seafood. There are no large hotel complexes or crowded coastal roads. The village is connected by ferry to Grand Island and attracts mainly visitors seeking quiet and nature, far from the bustle of famous beach resorts.

Playa Paraiso in Tulum stretches along a bay for about 500 meters of fine white sand. The water is clear and warm, staying comfortable year-round. Sea turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs. Small houses and restaurants line the beach, where locals serve fresh seafood caught that day. There are no large hotels or busy roads directly on the shore, so the place remains quiet and natural. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply sit by the water and watch local fishermen go about their work.

Playa San Agustinillo sits in a bay with three connected beaches. Local fishermen sell their fresh catch daily right on the sand. The water is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. This place keeps the rhythm of local daily life and lets visitors experience authentic beach living.

Playa Mermejita is a 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) sandy beach near Mazunte known for its strong ocean currents. This beach is one of Mexico's quieter coastal spots, where you can escape the crowds of major resorts. From November to March, whales can be seen from the shore. The place keeps its natural character: the water shifts through different shades of blue, and you mostly find travelers here who are looking for peace and nature. Nearby small fishing villages remain genuine places where locals sell their daily catch right on the sand and simple restaurants serve fresh seafood.

Playa Punta Lobos in Todos Santos features waves around 3 feet (1 m) for surfers and keeps its natural character. In the afternoon, fishers bring their boats to shore, and you can watch them at work. This beach combines the energy of the ocean with the quiet rhythm of the local fishing community.

Playa Maruata is a beach on the Pacific coast where granite rock formations line the shore. This place serves as a sanctuary for marine turtles during their nesting season. Nature remains untouched here, and the quiet is palpable. Fishing villages nearby preserve their original character – fishermen sell their catch directly by the water, and simple restaurants offer fresh seafood. There are no large hotels or busy coastal roads. You'll find people here who seek solitude and nature, far from the hustle of famous beaches.

Playa Colomitos is a small cove on Mexico's Pacific coast in Jalisco. It stretches about 30 meters across and is surrounded by tall rocky cliffs and tropical vegetation. The water here is clear and calm, sheltered by natural rock formations. The beach remains sparsely developed and keeps its wild character. Local fishers use the cove daily, and small restaurants nearby serve freshly caught seafood. Reaching this place often requires walking a trail or taking a boat. This makes it a spot for travelers looking to escape the usual tourist paths.

Playa Tortugas in Quintana Roo is a protected marine area where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in white sand. The site is carefully watched to keep the nesting grounds safe. The water is clear and reveals coral reefs filled with colorful fish. Small fishing villages nearby sell their daily catch straight from the beach. There are no large resorts or crowded coastal roads here. Life moves at the pace of the tides and the work of local fishermen.

Punta Coco Beach is a secluded cove at the western tip of Holbox Island, featuring shallow waters and mangrove forests. This place retains its natural character: the water is clear and shallow, perfect for wading and snorkeling. The mangroves shelter various bird species and small fish. Those who come here find mostly other travelers seeking quiet and nature, away from major tourist centers. You reach the cove by boat or on foot along a path.

Playa la Llorona is a beach in Michoacán located away from main roads, stretching for several kilometers with white sand. The water is clear and the coast is bordered by rocks and tropical vegetation. Small fishing boats anchor here and local fishermen sell their daily catch directly on the sand. The beach attracts travelers seeking quiet and nature, far from the hustle of larger beach resorts.

Playa Quieta in Guerrero offers shallow water and gentle waves, making it a good place to swim. The beach is kept clean and well-maintained. The water appears in soft green tones and the sand is light. Local fishermen work nearby and sell their daily catch right on the sand. Simple restaurants serve fresh seafood. The place attracts people looking for quiet and nature, far from the hustle of big resort towns.

Playa Manzanillo sits in a Mexican village where fishing shapes daily life. The beach stretches gently along Colima's coast with light sand and calm water. Fishermen sell their catch right on the shore, and small restaurants prepare fresh seafood using local recipes. There are no large hotels or crowded coastal roads. The place draws people seeking quiet and nature, away from the bustle of popular beach resorts.

Playa Las Animas is a beach in Jalisco accessible only by water taxi from the main port, with a journey of about 30 minutes. The beach keeps its natural character with white or gray sand, surrounded by limestone cliffs or tropical forests. Small fishing villages line the coast and remain genuine: locals sell their daily catch directly on the sand, and restaurants serve fresh seafood. There are no large hotel resorts or crowded coastal roads. Visitors find peace and nature here, far from busy beach towns.