Share The Article
While most travelers venturing south of the border will vacation in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos, there’s one city whose longstanding claim to fame has been ‘Mexico’s safest city‘.
Yet, somehow the cluster of stunning beaches under an hour away go overlooked as calmer alternatives to the bustling shores of the aforementioned trio.
Merida is a beautiful city full of timeless charm, world-class eats, and even jaw-dropping ancient ruins, but even with all the locally-sourced seafood cuisine, it’s not always considered a “beach destination” per se.
According to Travel + Leisure, it’s time for that to change. Showcasing some of Mexico’s most underrated beaches, there’s a few beach towns that stand out the most and they all neighbor each other in close distance to Merida.
Best of all, they’re truly postcard-worthy, especially since they all fly well under the radar — a far cry from the household names many Americans are flocking to right now.
Chuburná
Those who venture directly north of Merida to some of Mexico’s lesser-known shores might think the immediate towns of Progreso and Chelem are all there is to see.
And not that there’s anything wrong with staying put here, it’s just that they’re missing out a few other beach hideaways.
Neighboring Chelem lies next to the unknown coastal village of Chuburná, a white-sand paradise with few crowds and scattered vacation rentals and authentic oceanfront eateries, such as D’ David Restaurante.
Don’t expect flashy resorts like you’ll find in, say, Cancun, but travelers love that distinctive aspect.
For example, waterfront bed and breakfast Puerta Del Cielo has guests forgetting all about the glitz and glamour of all-inclusives.
One guest claimed, “You have a swimming pool, surf board, paddle board, kayak, lounge chairs, a king size day bed , patio and more to use and enjoy.”
Beaches here are spacious to enjoy a variety of activities whether it’s simply lounging seaside, kicking around a fútbol, or catching waves and kayaking the vibrant, green-tinted waters.
According to Travel + Leisure, locals recommend heading west just past the Sierra Papacal highway for the most secluded playas.
Isla Columpios
While Bacalar has become one of Mexico’s trendiest escape for some of the most pristine waters imaginable, Isla Columpios may not be as well known but certainly deserves a seat at the table.
Arguably just as beautiful as any Yucatan beach, one glance at the white-sand and azure waters won’t have you wishing you were anywhere else but here.
Nestled near Chuburná, Isla Columpios encompasses numerous lagoons and more than lives up to its proper translation: “Swing Island”.
Echoing Bacalar, you can snap the perfect photo in a waterfront hammock as a reminder to the haters what they missed out on.
Truth be told, you’ll want to soak up as much time here as possible since Isla Columpios is better suited as a day trip from Merida (under an hour away) or surrounding beach town.
Rent a kayak from Chuburná, or hop aboard a boat and seize the day with generously sized micheladas and savory beachside snacks.
Sisal
Sisal is the furthest beach in the region from Merida before reaching the expansive state park Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica El Palmar, but it’s well worth the trek.
Sisal is the ultimate paradisal setting to unwind with beachside bungalows, cheap Mexican eats, and stunning nature tours, such as top-rated Ziz-Ha Tours that visitors loved to take part in for flamingo sightings and otherworldly mangroves.
There are numerous delightful mom-and-pop-style taco shops and seafood eateries to fuel up for sunny beach days, where you’ll likely spend a lot of time at Playa Sisal.
This gorgeous beach feels like the edge of the world with few crowds, gleaming white sand, and vivid bluish-green waters hugging against the vast open space of the aforementioned ecological reserve.
There are multiple down-home accommodations ranging from bed and breakfast, boutique hotels, and as promised, beachside bungalows at Tatich Sisal Bungalows.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor