Mexico beach named best in the world — right before wave of cartel violence
Following an operation that killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” cartel members launched a violent backlash across parts of Mexico on Sunday, sparking unrest in several regions popular with tourists.
The U.S. State Department issued shelter-in-place guidance for Americans in affected areas, while some airlines canceled flights amid the ongoing violence.
As security concerns intensified, Tripadvisor released its “2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches,” naming the top-rated beach in Mexico.
Isla Pasión in Cozumel claimed the No. 1 spot after Tripadvisor analyzed millions of traveler reviews from the past year. The rankings were announced Feb. 17.
The beach was praised as a private island oasis known for crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and strong snorkeling opportunities. Tripadvisor noted that the best time to visit runs from November through April.
Isla Pasión features protected coral reefs and sea turtle nesting areas and is accessible primarily as an exclusive day-trip destination. Other beaches in the top five included Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece; Balos Lagoon in Kissamos, Greece; Eagle Beach in Aruba; and Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve region.
The island lies in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which appeared in a series of travel alerts issued Sunday by the U.S. State Department citing “ongoing security operations.”
“U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place,” the alert said, warning of cartel-related violence including arson attacks on businesses and gunfire in public areas.
Current State Department advisories classify Mexico overall as “Level 2: Exercise increased caution,” with some regions designated “Level 3: Reconsider travel” or “Level 4: Do not travel.” These levels, last updated Aug. 12, 2025, remain in effect.
The advisory warns travelers to exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. Listed risks include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery and terrorist violence, with authorities noting the potential for clashes among cartels, gangs and other criminal groups that have injured or killed bystanders.
Travel advisor Brady Alumbaugh of Travelmation told Fox News Digital that visitors to Mexico should remain alert.
“Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts,” he said. “If you get a strange gut feeling, pay attention and react accordingly.”
Alumbaugh also recommended traveling in groups of two or more and enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure.
“The STEP program is free and allows the Department of State to contact you in an emergency and keep track of citizens abroad,” he said.
He added that travelers should ensure they have reliable communications while in Mexico.
“If your cellular plan does not include Mexico coverage, consider a day-pass eSIM so you can contact authorities, family and friends if you’re out of Wi-Fi range,” Alumbaugh said. “In Mexico, the U.S. equivalent of 911 is 065 for ambulance, 068 for fire and 060 for police.”
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