Beaches at Islas Marietas and Sayulita Among the Best in Mexico Jessica S - Journey Mexico
go to original April 4, 2016

Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches can be found in Mexico, where there are approximately 450 of them lining its expansive coastlines. Among them: Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) in the Islas Marietas and the beach at Sayulita, which were recognized as tops in the country in recent popularity lists compiled by The Guardian, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure.

“Both USA Today and Travel + Leisure are very prestigious media and together they represent over 30 million impressions within our Natural Market,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thanks to its astounding natural beauty, Playa Escondida has been among the triggers that have lead to an increase in tourism to the Riviera Nayarit.

Islas Marietas’ Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) took 3rd place on USA Today’s “Best Mexico Beaches” and 10th place on the Guardian’s “Top 50 Beaches in the World.”

“An underground beach sounds like the stuff of legend, but the Marietas Islands, where Hidden Beach lies, were used as a military testing ground by the Mexican government in the early 1900s, and it’s suspected that a bomb may have created the crater in which it sits. Access to this crescent within a gaping circular hole in the landscape, is by swimming or kayaking through a long tunnel. Many operators run boat trips here from Puerto Vallarta, but the sea is rough and you have to swim in beside treacherous rocks. But it’s stunning – Jacques Cousteau was a fan – with the bonus of possibly spotting a humpback whale on the way.” – The Guardian, Top 50 Beaches in the World

Sayulita Beach was awarded 8th place on Travel + Leisure’s “Top Beaches in Mexico.”

“This trendy beach (and former fishing village) has become a Mexican hotspot, attracting surfers, families, and even musicians. Just a few steps from the beach are tons of great shops, cafés, and restaurants — this is one of the few places in the world where you can get a gorgeous (and pricy) one-of-a-kind pearl necklace, followed by a dirt-cheap fish taco.” – Travel + Leisure, Top Beaches in Mexico