What are the best beaches in Guatemala?

When to go to Guatemala for the beach?

Guatemala enjoys a extremely pleasant climate all year round. So you will have no problem swimming no matter when you go there. 

Be aware, however, that the best period to get to Guatemala is located between the months of December to April. On the other hand, the period between May and September is not the most favorable to discovering the country since it is the rainy season.

Regarding the temperature of the water, it generally varies between 26 ° C and 31 ° C depending on the season what makes it relatively warm all year round. 

What are the best beaches on the Pacific coast of Guatemala?

La Guatemala's Pacific coast offers very beautiful beaches of fine white sand or black sand. In any case you will find your happiness whether to go stroll and relax on the edge of the beach but it is also a perfect destination for surf lovers especially. On the beaches of the Pacific coast, you can attend beautiful sunsets.

The beautiful beach of El Paredon

This beach is the surfers paradise. Indeed, El Paredon beach is located about 3 hours drive from Antigua by bus. You will experience a real change of scenery since the area is remote and for example you will not have internet access in the village. This allows you to disconnect for a few days in paradise.

The beautiful beach of Monterrico

Located a little further south of El Paredon beach, the Monterrico beach is a black sand beach. This isone of the most famouss tourists. On this beach you will have the possibility to surf but it is also a place of reproduction for turtles marines who come to lay their eggs between July and October. 

The beautiful beach of Champerico

Close to mexican border, this beach in northern Guatemala on the Pacific coast is a large wild beach. Although little known to tourists, this beach is renowned as the best spot for surfing in Guatemala. 

The beautiful beach of Puerto San Jose

Beaucoup best known by tourists, the beach of Puerto San Jose brings many tourists every year. Indeed, with the many cafes and restaurants that we find, this beach is much more lively than some other pacific beaches.

This is also the point of departure for many day trips to go observe or swim with dolphins. 

The beautiful beach of Tilapa

Tilapa beach is located at north pacific coast, close to the mexican border. Little known, this beach remains calm and suitable for travelers looking for tranquility and calm. This beach is also a great place for surfing. 

The beautiful beach of Sipacate

Close to Puerto San Jose beach, Sipacate beach is a large black sand beach. Again, this beach is a paradise for beginners surfers. Also be aware that many surfing competitions take place on this beach each year. 

The beautiful Iztapa beach

Quiet beach in the Pacific, the Iztapa's small beach is the perfect place to come and fish. Indeed, this beach is the world's meeting place for flying fish fishing. Beyond fishing, the village of Iztapa is home to the oldest port in Guatemala.

What are the best Caribbean beaches in Guatemala?

Although the Caribbean coast of Guatemala is not very wide because it is trapped between Belize and Honduras, you will still find pretty beaches in the Caribbean Sea. 

The beautiful Playa Blanca

The playa Blanca is theone of the most beautiful beaches in Guatemala. With his fine sand and palm trees, It's about a paradise beach. 

However, this beach is not the most accessible. Indeed, located near the village of Livingston, the beach is accessible only by boat. In addition, since the beach is private, there is a charge for access. Better to be informed of this before you go there. You will have to pay 20Q to get there as well as the price of the boat / lancha ride to get there.  

The beautiful beach of Quehueche 

This beach is the nearest beach to Livingston. It is accessible by walking along the coast. This is also the path to take if you want to reach the Siete Altares. 

This fine white sand beach stretches for miles with palm trees all the way. While walking on the beach you will discover the dwellings of the inhabitants but also you will come across some hotels on the beach. 

Le only downside is that the edge of the beach can be dirty, however, the water remains very clean and clear.

The beautiful beaches of Puerto Barrios

The town of Puerto Barrios, located at the end of a bay, offers many beaches in its surroundings. 

In particular, you will find the San Tomas beach to the west which is not necessarily the most beautiful but there is calm water. 

You will have to go to Punta de palma to find a beautiful beach still wild. 

Also, North, you will find the Amatique beach which is a lively beach with all the hotels and restaurants that can be found by the beach. 

The beautiful beach of Punta de Manabique

Located 20 km north of Puerto Barrios, this secluded beach is worth a visit. The beach being a little far away, few tourists venture there because of the relatively difficult access. However, this is a true tropical paradise between fine white sand, coconut palm and jungle. This beach is perfect for relaxing in peace.

What are the other beaches where to swim in Guatemala?

In addition to the beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts that you can find above, you will find other beaches or places to swim in the interior of the country, and in particular three places:

The beautiful beach of Flores in Guatemala

Flowers is a unavoidable during your stay in Guatemala. It is indeed the starting point for exploring the Mayan sites of the region. You should also know that in this region of Guatemala it can be extremely hot. Although Flores is not located at the water's edge, Flores is a peninsula located in a lake. You will therefore have the opportunity to cool off on Flores beach between your city tours. 

La Flores beach is very pretty and is easily accessible by boat or on foot.

Playa Dorada on Lake Izabal

On the shores of Lake Izabal, the Izabal beach is a lovely quiet beach with long stretches of sand. You can easily reach it by bus from Rio Dulce for example. 

Bathing in Lake Atitlan in Guatemala 

Obviously, I could not tell you about the beaches and places to swim in Guatemala without mentioning the Lake Atitlan. Although there are no beautiful sandy beaches by the lake, you will still find small beaches or simply places to swim with turquoise water. I am thinking in particular of the village of San Marcos where you will find access to the lake by diving into the rocks.