Mexico is a perfect idea when planning a vacation. It’s close, easy to get to, and has beautiful beaches. But Mexico is a large country with lots of different areas. Let's discuss how the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts are vastly different.
Overview
The Caribbean Coast is well-known with towns like Cancun and Cozumel. Brimming with hot spots, it can feel like a 24/7 party. Thanks to the ferry system, visitors can now take day trips to islands like Isla Mujeres.
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is often underrated and has so many places to explore. It has an old-world charm including quaint towns and staggering cliffs. With winding streets and a laid-back feel, it’s easy to see why America’s rich and famous from days gone by would vacation here.

Beaches
The Caribbean Coast has picturesque beaches, the ones you will find on the cover of magazines. Miles and miles of soft, white sand and turquoise water. Home to the second-largest reef system in the world, it is a fantastic location for snorkeling and diving. While there are days where the weather won't allow you to get in the water, the beaches tend to be swimmable. Be aware that during certain times of the year, the seaweed can take over the beach, and resorts are not always able to clean it up as quickly as it arrives.
The Pacific Coast has a more rugged, yet equally breathtaking terrain. Instead of one long beach, there are a multitude and no two are alike. Jaques Cousteau called this area the “aquarium of the world” because of the diverse marine life. The sunsets here are exquisite and you will likely find cafes or thatched-roof beach shacks right on the sand. With all that said, the waves are very strong. In Cabo especially, most of the beaches are not swimmable. Your travel advisor will help you find a resort on a swimmable beach if that is important to you. In Puerto Vallarta and other areas on the Pacific Coast, the beaches are swimmable and have a rugged beauty.

Activities
The Caribbean Coast is full of activities to keep you entertained. Developed as a tourist destination, there’s shopping, zip lines, and spas. On the more natural side, there are cenotes (natural sinkholes) which are the perfect place to explore and swim. The local Mayan culture is also woven into daily life. Ancient attractions abound such as the ruins of Chichen Itza. You can also participate in Mayan blessings and rituals. And one of my favorite places on the Caribbean side is Xcaret. Xcaret is a group of parks and hotels that celebrate and elevate Mexican history and culture. The parks are great to get a general overview of such a large and diverse country.
The activities in Mexico’s Pacific Coast are much more varied than what you would initially expect. Both quiet beach towns that can only be reached by boat, as well as high-end, luxury resorts reside here. Outdoor activities abound due to the jungle, the desert and a mountainous landscape. These include hiking to waterfalls and hot springs or scuba diving through tunnels and caverns. Wildlife will put on a show here. There are blue footed boobies nesting on craggy islands. Whales love to spend the winter in the warm waters off of Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. And in the late summer and early fall, sea turtles hatch all long the west cost.

The Mexican Caribbean is completely different from the Pacific Coast. Take time to explore these two very different destinations. You'll be suprised how much there is to discover. Schedule a consultation to get started planning your Mexican vacation.
