Most of the beaches are within a couple of hours of each other, so you can relax on one or visit several in one day. In no particular order, here are some of the top places you’ll want to visit!
1. Playacar Beach in Playa Del Carmen
The undeniable star of the show in Playa del Carmen is the Playacar area. It’s an upscale beach experience where soft sands and clear waters are complemented by luxurious beachfront resorts, golf courses, and lush greenery.
While Playacar is a can’t-miss beach, there are a lot more! The town is home to a series of picture-perfect beaches that stretch along the Caribbean Sea. Some of the other notable beaches include:
- Playa Mamitas – With its lively atmosphere, Playa Mamitas is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. You can lounge on a beach chair, sip a refreshing cocktail, and enjoy music from beachfront clubs.
- Playa Norte – Located near the ferry terminal to Cozumel, Playa Norte has calm, shallow waters and is perfect for families. The beach is lined with restaurants and bars, making it an ideal place to spend the day.
- Playa Xcalacoco – For those seeking a quieter and more serene beach trip, Xcalacoco offers tranquility and natural beauty. This beach is a hidden gem where you can relax and unwind away from the crowds.
There are plenty of great resorts that put you close to the area’s beautiful beaches, including Dreams Riviera Cancun and Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen.
2. Playa Paraíso in Tulum
Tulum Beach is known for its relaxed and rustic vibe, set against the backdrop of ancient Mayan ruins. It’s a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with soft, white sands and clear waters that create a peaceful setting for swimming and relaxation. Tulum’s beachfront resorts and yoga retreats make it a top pick for wellness enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers.
Playa Paraíso, or Paradise Beach, lives up to its name. Located just south of the Tulum ruins, it has soft, powdery white sands that meet the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The calm atmosphere makes it one of the best Riviera Maya beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
A visit to Tulum also wouldn’t be complete without exploring Playa Ruinas and its amazing Mayan ruins. These ancient structures (dating back to the 13th century!) are perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean waters. They provide a captivating glimpse into the rich history of the Mayan civilization.
Tulum has an abundance of all-inclusive stays to choose from. Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club is a great adults-only option while Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is fun and family-friendly.
3. Half Moon Bay in Akumal
The calm, shallow waters make Akumal one of the best Riviera Maya beaches for families. Beyond the turtles, Akumal offers a picturesque beach with swaying palm trees and vibrant marine life, making it a fantastic spot for underwater exploration.
Half Moon Bay is a picturesque cove with powdery white sands and calm, turquoise waters. The bay is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and encountering the gentle sea turtles that frequent the area. Snorkelers can explore the vibrant coral reefs, home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a fantastic underwater adventure for both beginners and experienced divers.
It’s not technically a beach, but if you have the chance to visit Yal-Ku Lagoon, you should take it! You’ll get to explore a unique ecosystem where freshwater from underground rivers meets the salty sea. The lagoon teems with colorful fish, making it a must-visit destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.
4. Xpu-Ha Beach Between Tulum & Playa Del Carmen
The beach’s rustic beachfront palapa restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes, allowing visitors to savor delicious cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Dining at one of the beachfront spots is a quintessential Xpu-Ha experience!
If Xpu-Ha Beach is on top of your itinerary, you may want to consider staying in one of the resorts nearby and exploring the beautiful cenotes in the area as well.
5. Puerto Morelos Beach in Puerto Morelos
One of the most striking features of Puerto Morelos Beach is its natural beauty. The beach is known for its pristine white sands that stretch for miles, set against the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Puerto Morelos is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
After your aquatic adventures, you can enjoy fresh seafood like ceviche at one of the city’s seafood restaurants.
6. Xcacel Beach in Quintana Roo
This beach is part of the Xcacel-Xcacelito Flora and Fauna Protection Area, helping to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. This protected area spans nearly 500 acres and encompasses not only the pristine beach but also the adjacent jungle, cenotes, and a nesting site for sea turtles.
As this area is carefully protected, visitors are asked to respect the beach’s biodiversity, refrain from littering, and avoid touching or disturbing nesting turtles. There’s also an entrance fee that goes towards the conservation efforts.
Xcacel Beach is close to Tulum so there are plenty of nearby resorts, including Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, and more!
It’s not 100% predictable, but if you visit in the late fall through late spring, you have a much better chance of missing it. You can learn more about our top Mexico vacation spots and when to visit here.