27 Beaches on Michoacán’s Coast

28 beaches to enjoy on Michoacán’s coastline

This piece of the ocean welcomes visitors with adventurous spirits who find in its waves the warmth and tranquility that create a relaxing getaway. It also receives brave souls seeking the best moment to ride the waves on a surfboard. Tournaments, the release of sea turtles, ecotourism camps, and lots of delicious flavors await on this side of the Pacific. Here, we propose a selection of the best spots to enjoy Michoacán’s beaches alone, with a partner, or as a family—it’s up to you.

1. El Ticuiz

El Ticuiz is a long, almost deserted beach tucked into lush vegetation. In addition to its natural surroundings, it stands out for being a refuge for nesting sea turtles. Its waters are great for playing water sports, or if you prefer, sunbathe and take boat rides. You could also head to Mezcala lagoon.

• Where:

Almost 7 miles from Coahuayana on federal road 200.

2. San Juan de Alima

On San Juan de Alima’s quiet beaches, you can camp and enjoy the scenery, accompanied by the singing of birds. If you like the thrill of wind in your face and soaring high over the landscape, try paragliding and hang-gliding off Las Brisas lookout point. The region’s navigational charts list the spot as Punta Cabeza Negra (Black Head Point).

• Where:

8 miles from El Ticuiz on federal road 200.

3. Las Brisas

Las Brisas’ gentle waves make swimming possible, but you will have to be careful. In recent years, it has become a favorite spot for off-roading, thanks to the area’s sweeping sand dunes. If you would like to spend the night, you can camp out and listen to the murmur of the waves as you sleep.

• Where:

5 miles from San Juan de Alima on federal road 200.

4. Bahía de San Telmo

Known for its yellow sand, this baymakes a great spot to swim and dive. Several rocky islands, the spot’s main draw, are visible from the bay. There are campgrounds and thatch roof shelters where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with lobster.

• Where:

6 miles from Las Brisas on federal road 200.

5. La Ticla

This is one of the state’s most well-known beaches for two reasons: first of all, for its big waves, prized by professional surfers; and secondly, because sea turtles come here every year to spawn. Its plant life and lovely scenery make it a beautiful setting. Close by is Ostula river, where you can paraglide and hang-glide off the lookout point. In the last few years, La Ticla has acquired ecotourism facilities, with a small hotel, bathrooms, restaurants, and campgrounds.

• Where:

8 miles from Bahía de San Telmo on federal road 200.

6. Ixtapilla

The beach appears long and deserted. Sea turtles come to Ixtapilla to spawn between July and December. For this reason, a turtle refuge has been created to care for the eggs and make sure as many olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback, and black wood turtles as possible hatch. You can help release the hatchlings into the ocean, after listening to an environmental education talk led by the Nahua townspeople who have made this beach a sanctuary. The peacefulness of the beach makes it ideal for camping.

• Where:

Almost 4 miles from La Ticla on federal road 200.

7. Palma Sola

Palma Sola is a quiet beach surrounded by tropical forest. The view from the ridge shows a long stretch of coastline. The gentle waves mean swimming, fishing, riding boats, snorkeling, and diving are all options. This is also the site of Palma Sola cabins, perfect for those looking to spend a few days in a hammock taking in the ocean views. Don’t leave without trying the spicy lobster dish called langosta a la media diabla. This beach is also known for its swimming and volleyball tournaments.

• Where:

5 miles from Ixtapilla on federal road 200.

8. La Manzanillera

Uniquely beautiful, La Manzanillera beach is home to exotic waterbirds. It is naturally suited to swimming and diving. We suggest taking a boat around the area to see the seven freshwater springs, breathtaking views, and coves.

• Where:

Just over a mile from Palma Sola on federal road 200.

9. Faro de Bucerías

This bay is ringed by islands, rocky outcroppings, and hills. Its water runs from dark blue to turquoise. The clear water around its cluster of rocky islands is good for diving, snorkeling, and swimming, and its waves make a favorite among surfers. Below the waves, the remains of a sunken boat have become a haven for coral and fish. This is also the site of an ecotourism center that offers lodgings, food, and bike rides around the area.

• Where:

A little over a mile from La Manzanillera on federal road 200.

10. La Llorona

This is a lovely, deserted beach whose rock formations give it a distinctive feeling. If bird-watching is your thing, we recommend a visit. Take binoculars because you will find a variety of marine bird species nesting on the rocks. Its turquoise blue water invites you to gaze out at the waves and maybe even spend the night under the stars.

• Where:

Almost 2 miles from Faro de Bucerías on federal road 200.

11. Motín del Oro

On these sweeping, solitary beaches you can camp, sport fish, and enjoy sunbathing, combined with dips to cool off in the Pacific’s choppy waves. Its magnificent sunsets and marvelous night skies make visits even better.

• Where:

6 miles from La Llorona on federal road 200.

12. Colola

Along the shore here are several yellow sand beaches. The quiet encourages gazing out at the ocean and walking along the sand. If you visit between October and March, you can participate in the turtle protection camp by collecting and protecting the eggs of black wood, olive ridley, and leatherback sea turtles. Round out your stay by going fishing the traditional way, bird-watching, or taking boat rides. Together with Maruata beach, Colola forms a natural, 541-acre sanctuary populated by birds, mollusks, and crustaceans. Marshes, tropical deciduous forests, and mangroves also thrive here, making both beaches Ramsar sites.

• Where:

6 miles from Motín del Oro on federal road 200.

13. Maruata

Maruata is made up of a cluster of small beaches that may be the most attractive of all Michoacán’s beaches. The sound of the water splashing into the hollows and the powerful spray of what looks like a marine geyser make a unique natural spectacle. The waves and slope are moderate, making this a perfect spot to relax and swim in the warm water. We recommend taking the necessary precautions when swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Its picture-perfect turquoise water and white sand beaches compel you to stay a little longer, and you can, thanks to the campgrounds and an ecotourism center with cabins and delicious food. It is also a refuge for sea turtles; depending on the season, you can take night hikes as part of the activities carried out to protect these turtles. The hikes are led by local Nahua guides.

• Where:

6 miles from Colola on federal road 200.

14. Pichilinguillo

Known as the ocean swimming pool on Michoacán’s coast, this is one of the state’s loveliest beaches. It is shaped into a cove and is an excellent place to swim. Its emerald green water and fine, light gray sand make it ideal for families. Besides taking it easy, you can try your hand at sport fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The hot springs and caves in Pichilinguillo make visits unforgettable experiences. The fishing cooperative rents motorboats for visiting nearby attractions such as El Capire and La Cueva. And, this is just the destination for those looking to feast on freshly caught seafood.

• Where:

35 miles from Maruata on federal road 200.

15. Mexiquillo

A series of magnificent beaches embraced by estuaries, this is an excellent spot to observe wildlife both at sea and on land. It is ecologically valuable as a sea turtle reserve from November to June. Mexiquillo is the perfect place for birdwatchers. Supposedly, you can even spot crocodiles in the estuaries. In 2004 it was declared a Ramsar site, joining other internationally important wetlands.

• Where:

Almost 19 miles from Pichilinguillo on federal road 200.

16. Nexpa

Nexpa is the ideal beach for adventure tourism and ecotourism. The length and type of tidal movements here make it particularly suited for surfing, especially in the summer, when waves reach 6 to 9 feet high. They are technically known as point break waves, meaning they rise in one direction and are not very risky for expert or amateur surfers. The water here is also appropriate for rafting and fishing. Nearby Nexpa river makes kayaking an option too. There are 12 cabins with bathrooms and showers, plus a campground, and space for 100 vehicles.

• Where:

7 miles from Mexiquillo on federal road 200.

17. Caleta de Campos

One of Michoacán’s most famous coves, Caleta de Campos creates just the right bay for swimming and pitching a tent. The spot lends itself to swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sport fishing. A few bungalows overlooking the ocean are available, as well as thatch roof shelters where you can dig into fresh seafood. As long as you’re there, we suggest visiting El Atrancón waterfall, in the direction of Aquila, or Playa Huahua, 19 miles away. It is a virgin beach where you can fish, snorkel, kayak, surf, and even camp. Nearby are hot springs and caves. 

• Where:

Almost 4 miles from Nexpa on federal road 200.

18. La Manzanilla

Surrounded by rocky crags descending from inland mountains, La Manzanilla extends for over 218 yards. It is good for swimming and taking it easy, or you could sport fish and dive. Water birds flourish in the area. We recommend hopping on a boat to visit Playa Pelícanos, or pelican beach.

• Where:

Almost 6 miles from Caleta de Campos on federal road 200.

19. Mexcalhuacán

A lovely cove between estuaries and beaches with choppy waves, this is where several freshwater springs formed along the slopes of nearby mountains come together. Boat rides and sport fishing are both options at Mexcalhuacán.

• Where:

3 miles from La Manzanilla on federal road 200.

20. La Soledad

This beach bordered by bluffs is just the place to camp out and build sand castles. Every year, it hosts a festival in which participants try to create unusual shapes out of sand. Most of the year it is very peaceful, so we recommend it as a destination for couples or travelers seeking solitude and peace.

• Where:

Just over a mile from Mexcalhuacán on federal road 200.

21. Chuquiapan

The fine gray sand, moderate waves, and rocky landscape come together to create the setting for kayaking, jet skiing, powerboating, and swimming. For those who would like to stay for a few days, there are campgrounds and spaces to soak up the beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

• Where:

2 miles from La Soledad on federal road 200.

22. Chuta

A fine-sand beach protected by an estuary that offers you the chance to take boat rides and sport fish.

• Where:

5 miles from Chuquiapan on federal road 200.

23. Las Peñas

Formed by three rocky formations, one that looks like a monkey, another like a king wearing a crown, and the last one like an Aztec emperor, this beach stands out for its cliffs and cool, pleasant weather, as well as the waves, which make for great surfing. If you would like to hang around for a few days, there is a campground. You can take long walks and admire the plants and wildlife, rent boats to visit nearby sights, and sport fish. In December you can watch and even participate in the Torneo Internacional de Pesca de Pez Vela (International Sailfish Fishing Tournament).

• Where:

5 miles from Chuta on federal road 200.

24. El Malacate

Surrounded by an estuary and several rock formations, the peace on El Malacate beach is only broken by the clamor of birds and other local animals. This is a fantastic spot to watch wildlife, both in the ocean and on land. The best way to enjoy the surroundings and pleasant climate is to take walks along the sand.

• Where:

Almost 6 miles from Las Peñas on federal road 200.

25. Barra de Pichi

This beach is on an estuary rich in biodiversity. If you take a boat tour, you can see the area around the beach and spot the local flora and fauna. This is the perfect place to sample the cuisine of Michoacán’s coast—may we suggest the pescado a la talla (spit-roasted fish) and some refreshing coconuts?

• Where:

3 miles from Playa Azul taking Venustiano Carranza road and then La Mira-Playa Azul road.

26. Jardín and Eréndira

Both of these beaches are close to the port of Lázaro Cárdenas. They are ideal for swimming and soaking up the sunsets. You can enjoy traditional regional dishes in the shade of thatch roof or branch-covered shelters. These beaches are beloved by those traveling with their families or partners, and those who enjoy a gorgeous beach with warm waves. Only 4 miles away is the lovely Mata de Carrizo estuary, where you can hop on a boat and watch the birds that come to feed among the vegetation.

• Where:

Almost 9 miles from Barra de Pichi on the La Mira-Playa Azul road.

27. Lázaro Cárdenas

An important deep sea commercial port, it receives large container ships. Because of its industrial character, it boasts infrastructure for business tourism, which is complemented by excellent leisure and recreational facilities on nearby beaches, where sport fishing is one of the options on hand.

• Where:

14 miles from Playa Eréndira on Lázaro Cárdenas avenue and De las Bahías road.