To follow the endless summer, to relax, to enjoy the company of other sun worshipers. These are all reasons why beach lover's everywhere continue the search year after year to find the perfect beach. Luckily, there is more than one perfect beach in the world, and hundreds of them lay on the endless golden sand (and sometimes black) beaches of Central America. The following beaches have been chosen as the top 10 based on the ambiance on the beach town itself, the cleanliness of the beaches, and the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Tulum, Mexico
Lesser known than its sister cities Playa del Carmen and Cancun, Tulum is twice the beauty and half the crowds. Top that off with ancient Mayan ruins right on the beach and loads of cenotes in the vicinity, and you have found true paradise. Tulum has a number of well appointed hotels including the new Dreams Tulum and a very happening night life for those who are into that type of thing.
Montezuma, Costa Rica
Located on the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Monetzuma is known for its secluded beaches and lush jungle surroundings. Quaint international hotels and restaurants combine with lots of local flavor making Montezuma a favorite destination for beach lovers “in the know” for years. Montezuma is still off most travelers radar, making this one a great beach to escape to if you are looking for peace and quiet.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
This is known as Nicaragua's premier beach town. A large bay is bordered by towering cliffs, making the scenery very impressive. It is also a prime surf beach, so the surf scene is big here. Lots of nice hotels, international cuisine, and laid back charm make San Juan del Sur the place to be in Nicaragua.
Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Everyone thinks diving when they hear the Bay Islands mentioned, but the Bay Islands also host an array of impressive beaches. These are perfectly flat islands, coral reefs that have been exposed by a recent sea level drop. Perfectly white sand and gentle waves makes the beaches of Roatan perfect for soaking up the rays after a long day diving (which shouldn't be missed).
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is not just one beach since this area is composed of over 52 keys and 900 tiny islets. Protected inlets give mangrove covered beaches with gentle waves while ocean facing beaches get waves that attract hard core surfers year after year. Larger cities offer restaurants and clubs while secluded hideaways beckon to those looking to escape for a private vacation. In addition, Bocas del Toro is home to abundant marine life, including a spectacular soft coral reef.
Hopkins and Pancia, Belize
Northern Belize is famous for its incredible diving, but the south of Belize offers some spectacular beaches as well. Hopkins is a small Garifuna fishing village that offers the visitor a tranquil and quiet vacation on pristine white sand beaches. Great traditional Garifuna food is served up alongside international cuisine, and a range of accommodations are available.
Just down the road from Hopkins is the beautiful beach town of Plancia, offering the visitor an enchanting setting amid lush rainforests. Off shore lies the grand reef of Belize, which shields the beach from rough waves, making the water here always gentle and calm. Plancia is a bit more developed than Hopkins, which makes it a great choice for those looking to do it up in luxury on their beach vacation.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Known for is pumping surf, Puerto Escondido has been attracting a large ex-pat community for over 30 years now. There is no shortage of things to do here. Clubs and restaurants line the Playa Zicatela, home of the monster surf that hosts multiple international surf competitions each year. Puerto, as it is affectionately known, also has several coves which offer gentle waves for those just looking to relax and soak up the rays, such as the beautiful Playa Carrizallilo.
Dominical, Costa Rica
This laid back beach town is located at the very tip of the Oso Peninsula in Costa Rica, down from its famous neighbor Manuel Antonio. Dominical is much less built up than Manual Antonio, which makes it attractive to those looking for less crowded beaches. Abundant wildlife and a happening surf scene make Dominical one of the beaches that Costa Rica has to offer.
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
bThe Corn Islands are known as Nicaragua's Forgotten Paradise. Perhaps that's because they are so hard to get to. Visitors here must fly since no land roads go anywhere near this part of the coast, but that's part of its hidden charm. White sand beaches and jungle landscape combine with beautiful hotels and excellent restaurants to make the Corn Islands a destination not to be missed by true beach lover's everywhere.
Andrea Julian - As a child I was always fascinated with ancient worlds and far away lands. After completing a Bachelors Degree in Biology at Texas State ...
