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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
Many travellers arriving in the Mexican Caribbean are looking to enjoy the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, one of the great attractions of a region that combines tropical jungle, remnants of the Mayan civilisation and nearly 130 kilometres of coastline bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along this coastline, you will find everything from beaches with a significant tourist offering to more natural and quiet corners, so the possibilities are very varied.
Thanks to the warmth of their waters, the fineness of their sand and the tourist infrastructure that has been developed along the coast, the beaches in the Riviera Maya are the true heart of the state of Quintana Roo. In my opinion, they are the perfect way to end a day of excursions to cenotes, ruins or magical towns. And, sometimes, it is even worth dedicating a whole day to them.
But which ones can't you miss? The alternatives are countless, so in this guide I have compiled some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, with different options, so that you can find the one you like best and the one that best fits what you are looking for.
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|
Name |
Location |
Perfect for |
Strong points |
|
Playa Xpu-Há |
Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum |
Quiet getaway |
Shallow waters, natural environment and low tourist influx. |
|
Playa Mamitas |
Playa del Carmen (centre) |
Social life and amenities |
Beach clubs, varied gastronomy and immediate access to Fifth Avenue. |
|
Akumal |
Between Playa del Carmen and Tulum |
Snorkelling and marine life |
Bay protected by reef, famous for its turtles. |
|
Playa Paraíso |
Tulum |
Caribbean postcard and history |
Very white sand next to the Mayan archaeological zone. |
|
Punta Esmeralda |
Playa del Carmen (north) |
Families and fresh waters |
Natural pool where a cenote mixes with the sea. |
|
Playa Fantasía |
Playa del Carmen (Coco Beach) |
Youthful and nightlife atmosphere |
Surrounded by beach clubs, live music and sunset parties. |
|
Playa Maroma |
North of Playa del Carmen |
Family relaxation |
Fine sand, gentle waves and a more exclusive and sheltered environment. |
The order of this list of Riviera Maya beaches is based on ease of access, variety of services and their location along the coast.
Halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xpu-Há is one of the beaches in the Riviera Maya that can be especially attractive for those looking for a quieter and less urban environment than that of Playa del Carmen.
Its strip of sand and its coastal vegetation environment retain a more natural character than other stretches of the coast. Its shallow waters can be pleasant for enjoying a quiet swim, while in the area you will also find beach services, restaurants and activities. The occupancy level, as happens on other beaches in the Riviera Maya, can vary depending on the season and the conditions of the day.
The combination of shallow waters, natural environment and beach services makes Xpu-Há an especially interesting option for those looking to enjoy the Riviera Maya coastline with a quieter atmosphere.
The best of Playa Xpu-Há
Its great virtue is the contrast between almost intact nature and some tourist services. As it is not as exposed as other stretches of the coast, it is ideal if your goal is simply to disconnect.
Location: between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Talking about the beaches of the Riviera Maya inevitably leads to Playa Mamitas, one of the best-known beach areas in Playa del Carmen and one of the points with the greatest offering of leisure and services facing the sea. Its location, very close to the centre and Fifth Avenue, allows you to easily combine a few hours at the beach with restaurants, shops and other plans in the city.
In its surroundings you will find different beach clubs and catering establishments, with options ranging from a quiet day by the sea to more lively proposals with music and activities.
It is an ideal place to sunbathe, socialise or simply enjoy the atmosphere that characterises Playa del Carmen.
The best of Playa Mamitas
Its great strength is its privileged location, just a few metres from shops, bars and restaurants. It is the perfect beach if you want to combine a quick swim with an afternoon of shopping or a drink at sunset in one of its beach clubs.
Location: Playa del Carmen, city centre.
Also located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal, whose name in Mayan means "place of the turtles", is especially known for the presence of sea turtles and for the regulated observation and swimming activities that take place in the bay.
The Akumal Bay is a protected area where marine and coastal ecosystems of great importance converge. Swimming and observing turtles are subject to specific rules and must be carried out following the routes, schedules and conditions established by environmental authorities. The activity allows you to observe the turtles in their natural habitat, but it is essential to keep your distance and not touch, feed or chase them.
In addition to turtle sighting, in Akumal you will find different services and activities linked to snorkelling and diving, so it is a good option for those who want to combine beach and marine nature.
The best of Akumal
Its greatest attraction is the possibility of observing sea turtles in their natural habitat through regulated swimming and snorkelling activities, always respecting the conservation rules established to protect these animals and their environment.
Location: between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
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One of the best-known beaches in Tulum, Playa Paraíso is located in the coastal corridor near the archaeological zone and allows you to easily combine a visit to the Mayan ruins with a few hours by the sea.
Its light sand, palm trees and Caribbean waters form one of the most recognisable images of this area of Quintana Roo. Its proximity to the Tulum archaeological zone makes it especially easy to combine heritage and beach during the same day.
Walking along its shore at sunrise or sunset offers some of the most memorable views of the entire coast.
The best of Playa Paraíso
What makes it special is the combination of historical heritage and natural beauty, something that very few beaches in the world can boast of at such a short distance.
Location: Tulum, next to the archaeological zone.
North of Playa del Carmen, Punta Esmeralda stands out for the freshwater spring that reaches the coast and forms a small area of water next to the Caribbean Sea. This natural phenomenon is one of the main attractions of the beach and explains the different shades that can be seen in the water.
This beach offers something unusual in the region: a freshwater area that joins with the saltwater of the sea, creating a shallow space that is especially attractive for those travelling with family.
Despite being within the urban area of Playa del Carmen, Punta Esmeralda retains a more local atmosphere than the beach areas associated with large tourist resorts.
The best of Punta Esmeralda
The highlight is that unique mix of cenote and open sea, as well as its free and accessible character, highly valued especially if you are travelling with children.
Location: Playa del Carmen, north area.
Within the Coco Beach complex, in Playa del Carmen, Playa Fantasía has gained fame for being one of the spots with the most nightlife in the entire Riviera Maya.
Along its coast there are several beach clubs with swimming pools, live music and DJ sessions that start at sunset and end well into the night. It is a key stop if you want to combine beach, party and good gastronomy in the same place.
During the day, however, it has a much quieter rhythm, ideal for sunbathing before the movement starts.
The best of Playa Fantasía
Its hallmark is the nightlife offering by the sea, with reference beach clubs and a festive atmosphere difficult to find on other beaches in the area.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Coco Beach complex.
I close this list of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya with Playa Maroma, located between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos and known for its light sand, its generally calm waters and its environment associated with different resorts.
The presence of the coral reef in this area contributes to creating a marine environment of great value and can favour softer wave conditions, although these depend on the state of the sea and the weather. Its environment is less urban than that of Playa del Carmen and a good part of the available services are linked to hotels, resorts and beach clubs.
Its proximity to several luxury resorts facilitates access to restaurants and activities without having to go too far.
But, precisely because of the presence of these establishments, it is advisable to enquire beforehand about access conditions and available services if you want to visit the beach without staying in the area.
The best of Playa Maroma
Its combination of light sand, generally calm waters and less urban environment makes Playa Maroma an attractive option for those looking to relax and enjoy a coastal environment associated with resorts and tourist services.
Location: north coast of Playa del Carmen.
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So that you can easily locate each of these beaches and plan your travel, consult the following map with the location of the coastal points of interest in the Riviera Maya.
If I had to choose just one option, I would choose Playa Xpu-Há for its combination of natural environment, shallow waters and a sufficient offering of services to spend several hours by the sea. It is a personal choice and, in reality, the best beach will depend on what you are looking for: tranquillity, water activities, urban atmosphere, services or contact with nature.
Reasons to choose Playa Xpu-Há as the best beach in the Riviera Maya:
Alternative:
If what you are looking for is to get away from the more touristy areas, you can head south, in the direction of Sian Ka’an, where you will find a protected coastal environment and beaches integrated into one of the great natural areas of the region. Mind you, it is worth keeping in mind that this is not an urban beach extension with the same services you will find in Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
In contrast, Isla Holbox is outside the Riviera Maya and belongs to another tourist destination in Quintana Roo. If you have time to extend the trip, it can be an excursion or an independent stage, but I would not present it as a continuation of the beaches of the Riviera Maya.
And if what you are looking for is a livelier atmosphere and a greater offering of services facing the sea, Playa Mamitas fits better with that type of trip.
And if what you want is to live the most lively and social experience in the entire region, then do not hesitate: choose Playa Mamitas.
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