Mexican coasts with aquaculture potential have been divided into 11 homogeneous coastal units (HCUs) based on zoning criteria related to economic activities, available infrastructure, population density, potential space availability, and exposure to hurricane impact in coastal municipalities. Data were obtained from the 2004 economic census, the 1990 population census, and the 2005 population count of Mexican coastal municipalities. Fishing occurs in all HCUs and employs the largest number of people among analyzed economic activities, followed by tourism (represented by the number of people working in hotels, motels, and similar establishments). Mining, particularly associated with petroleum, employs the third largest number of people; however, this activity is concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico. Aquaculture (primarily of shrimp) employs the smallest number of people among analyzed activities and is more prevalent on the Pacific coast. Based on criteria used to assess coastal space, Pacific coastal areas corresponding to HCUs located in northwestern Mexico and on the Yucatan coast, possess the most suitable natural conditions for aquaculture activity in sheltered coastal spaces.