For the past few years, headlines of sargassum affecting parts of the Caribbean coast has some travelers concerned about booking a vacation on the east side of Mexico. As we say on our regularly updated sargassum page, this phenomenon poses no threat to health but it understandably can put a damper on any beach vacation.
For those who are looking for options to avoid sargassum, we have trip ideas in Riviera Maya outside of the beach (think: exploring underground secret caves, beautiful blue cenotes, and colonial towns!). But of course, Mexico also has plenty of beautiful and easily reached alternatives to the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean coast.
Take a look at the Mexican beach destinations without sargassum below and pick the perfect option for you.
Mexican Beach Destinations Without Sargassum
Puerto Vallarta
A dreamy beach-side city on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a dreamy mix of cobble-stone streets and old-fashioned adobe houses. Much of the tourist action takes place on El Malecon, the beautiful palm-lined beach promenade, and the Romantic Zone, where boutique shops and restaurants jostle for attention.
Resort suggestion: Xinalani – For an utterly blissful beach vacation, stay at Xinalani, an eco-chic yoga retreat with its own private beach. See full list of luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
Villa suggestion: Villa Kismet – A six-bedroom, oceanfront villa, Villa Kismet boasts an ideal location in the gated community of Sierra del Mar with a beautiful beach club. See full list of luxury villas in Puerto Vallarta.
Suggested itinerary: Take our eight-day Pacific Coast Blissful Escape for utter relaxation. With stays at beachfront Garza Blanca in Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Mita’s idyllic Imanta, you’ll get to know the best of the vibrant surroundings. See more Puerto Vallarta trip ideas.
Punta Mita
Around a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is a privately gated community sitting on the tip of the Bay of Banderas. Here, luxury resorts – such as the Four Seasons and St Regis – mingle with ultra-luxurious villas, private beach clubs, and two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf courses.
Resort suggestion: Imanta – One of the finest resorts in Punta Mita, Imanta, boasts gorgeous casitas hidden within the jungle and its own quiet beach. See full list of luxury hotels in Punta Mita.
Villa suggestion: Palmasola – Like a mini resort, the nine-bedroom Palmasola villa offers everything one could need, including highly professional staff, direct beach access, kayaks, and paddleboards. See more luxury villas in Punta Mita.
Suggested itinerary: Take our eight-day Punta Mita Luxury Beach Villa Vacation and explore the neighboring beach town of Sayulita, while also enjoying healthy activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, a detox cooking class, and yoga. See more Punta Mita trip ideas.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos, which refers to the twin gems of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas plus their connecting corridor, boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Tourists come from across the planet to enjoy swimming with whale sharks, sport fishing, and snorkeling among the tropical fish.
Resort suggestion: One&Only Palmilla – Sat on a gently sloping hill above the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla boasts gorgeous views across the waters. Not all beaches are swimmable in Los Cabos, but the resort’s Playa Pelican is. See full list of luxury hotels in Cabo.
Villa suggestion: Villa Estero – Situated in the private beach community of Puerto Los Cabos, Villa Estero has a coveted beachfront location with great outdoor areas for entertaining. Head to the rooftop terrace for gorgeous views over the sea and surrounding landscapes while sipping a cool drink. See full list of luxury villas in Cabo.
Suggested itinerary: Enjoy San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in style on our eight-day Cabo Opulence and Culture vacation. Explore the highlights of the region with a private yacht tour, kayak, and snorkeling excursion, and bird-watching expedition. See more Los Cabos trip ideas.
Read more: 7 Swimmable Beaches in Los Cabos
Baja California
A region of Mexico with an almost unlimited number of natural adventures to enjoy. Baja California and Baja California Sur is home to blue whales, humpback whales, sea lions, giant sea turtles, and whale sharks at various times throughout the year. While it’s obviously a dream destination for nature lovers, it’s also full of culture and home to artistic towns and beautiful resorts.
Resort suggestion: Costa Baja Resort – Enjoy simply gorgeous views over the Sea of Cortez with a stay at the Costa Baja Resort. Guests enjoy the benefit of excellent restaurants, bars, a spa, and fitness center. See more luxury hotels in Baja.
Villa suggestion: Casa Bellamar – Located up the East Cape, Casa Bellamar is a favorite for groups. The private home is set up similarly to a hotel with 8 private bedrooms featuring a bathroom and kitchenette. The villa is also great for surfers looking to watch waves at Shipwrecks Beach. See full list of luxury villas in East Cape of Los Cabos.
Suggested itinerary: Take our four-day Weekend Escape to Todos Santos and visit the sea lion colonies at Espiritu Santo Island, go on a private cliff walking tour, and explore the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos with a personal guide. See more Baja Sur trip ideas.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has long been known as a surfer´s heaven, particularly for the world-famous barrel waves at Playa Zicatela. If you’re not much of an action sports fan, more gentle breaks can be found throughout Puerto Escondido, while no-one can fail to enjoy the area’s laidback, boho vibe.
Resort suggestion: Hotel Escondido – The ultra-trendy Hotel Escondido offers luxury living right on the beach. Direct access to private sands makes this perfect for the beach lover. See more Puerto Escondido hotels.
Villa suggestion: Samora – Just 20 minutes south of Puerto Escondido, the eight-bedroom Samora boasts an utterly gorgeous swimming pool stretching to a private beach plus private bungalows and suites in palapa-style accommodations.
Suggested itinerary: Take our nine-day Best of Oaxaca Vacation: Culture, Mezcal, & Beach and experience the highlights of Oaxaca with days in Puerto Escondido.
Ready to Book Your Mexican Beach Without Sargassum?
As on-the-ground specialists with unrivaled contacts across the country, we know the best beach destinations around and can help to organize unique and exciting sea-based adventures. To make an inquiry, head to our Plan Your Trip page and speak to one of our Travel Planners using your desired method. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations. Contact us here.
