16 Unobvious Choices For Mexican Beaches That Should Be On Your Travel List

As curated by BuzzFeed Mexico.

1. Barra de Navidad

Instagram: @anikarika

Where is it?
Jalisco, the western state of Mexico that borders the Pacific Ocean.

What makes it so great?
This port city's long history goes back to the age of the Spanish conquest, and it consists of a bunch of rocky formations that make it unique in the area. If you wish to visit the beaches at Jalisco but want to stay away from the crowds, this beach is your best option.

2. Todos Santos

instagram.com

Where is it?
Baja California

What makes it so great?
Beyond its beautiful sunsets, the town and beach of Todo Santos are frequently visited by artists, making it a different kind of travel destination compared to the usual go-tos. If you love spending your days under the sun and engaging in some cultural activity during the evening, this is the place for you.

3. Mazunte

Instagram: @emmett_sparling

Where is it?
Oaxaca (on the Pacific coast of southern Mexico)

What makes it so great?
This destination offers a beautiful beach and fairytale-like town, making it one of the most special places in the country. If you want to in touch with nature, there are several places nearby where you can camp and forget about the rest of the world, at least for a while.

4. Costa Esmeralda

Instagram: @peseache

Where is it?
Veracruz (on the Gulf of Mexico)

What makes it so great?
The state of Veracruz has many beaches, but "The Emerald Coast" a is the one to visit if you love water sports. On, and in case you were wondering; yes, it gets its name because of the color of its waters.

5. Balandra

Instagram: @coolbaja

Where is it?
Baja California

What makes it so great?
Just LOOK at the picture above. It literally is a slice of heaven surrounded by rocky formations and trails that you can hike on for hours. The tide is so calm that you would think it's a lagoon, and it's got a mushroom-shaped rock perfect for an Instagram pic.

6. Playa Maroma

Instagram: @karyjeannin

Where is it?
Quintana Roo, 22 miles south of the Cancun international airport

What makes it so great?
This is another peaceful oasis within the Mayan Riviera. It's been featured in many a "Most beautiful beaches in the world" list, and you need only take a look at its sunsets to understand why.

7. El Madre Sal

Instagram: @yuls_paisajes

Where is it?
The state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala

What makes it incredible?
This ecotourism hub has some of the most beautiful views in Mexico and offers way more than just a killer beach. The same area has mangroves, which allow you to take a closer look at the wildlife in this part of the country.

8. Islas Marietas

Instagram: @mexicotravel

Where is it?
The Marieta Islands

What makes it incredible?
It's a paradise teeming with biodiversity and magical corners for you to explore. However, the real star is its secret beach, which you can only access by swimming through a tunnel. Keep in mind that this is a protected area, and it's not very easy to visit, but the view makes it worth it.

9. Zipolite

Instagram: @juanmanuelcermenof

Where is it?
Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast

What makes it so great?
You'll enjoy it so much, especially if you're on a romantic getaway. Its main draw is probably the fact that it's a beach in which you're entirely allowed to swim in the nude! So yes, it's a nudist beach, and if you dream of sunning yourself by the sea in your birthday suit, you're overdue for a visit to Zipolite.

10. Akumal

Instagram: @mrmontyjackson

Where is it?
On the Yucatán Peninsula

What makes it so great?
This is THE ideal place in the area to go snorkeling. You might even see a happy sea turtle in its natural habitat, since this beach is a sanctuary.

11. Troncones

Instagram: @unmind__

Where is it?
The state of Guerrero

What makes it so great?
This place has become sort of an untouched sanctuary far from society, where people can meditate, ride horses and surf.

12. Sayulita

Instagram: @curtbarter

Where is it?
Nayarit, on the Pacific coast

What makes it so great?
This magical town is surrounded by beautiful beaches teeming with culture and visitors from all over the world. They're also frequented by many surfers, so if you're planning on learning or practicing this water sport, this is the perfect place.

13. Playa los Algodones

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Where is it?
Sonora, in northern Mexico

What makes it so great?
This beach gets its name because of how white its sand is. All of the huge sand dunes and desert plant life make this seem like an odd — but beautiful — meeting between desert and sea.

14. Yelapa

Instagram: @aracontrol

Where is it?
In the state of Jalisco

What makes it so great?
It's one of Jalisco's best kept secrets. The small beach is surrounded by beautiful hills, and it's so intimate you'll feel like you've truly escaped your real life. Besides, the town specializes in fishing, so its cuisine is a delight for all seafood enthusiasts.

15. Scorpion Reef

Instagram: @fvalescphoto

Where is it?
Yucatán, on the Gulf of Mexico

What makes it so great?
Known as "Arrecife Alacranes" in Spanish, this national park is completely out of the ordinary and consists of a group of islands and reefs 62 miles away from the coast of Yucatan. Only a limited number of tourists get to visit every day, so it's as close as it gets to an exclusive paradise.

16. La Llorona

Instagram: @vagamundos.oc

Where is it?
Michoacán, on the Pacific coast

What makes it incredible?
Legend has it that this beach owes its name to a very peculiar sound the sand makes when you step on it. Regardless of that, it's an ideal getaway for lonely travelers who like to relax and spend the night in a nearly untouched beach.

17. Check out even more awesome Hispanic Heritage Month content!

Ellie Sunakawa / BuzzFeed

This post was translated from Spanish.