The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches worldwide. Kilometers of powdery white sand beach and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea make it the perfect beach vacation destination. The Beaches along Riviera Mayas coastline have something for everyone. Some beaches are full of sunbathers, hotels and beach bars, others are remote untouched beaches with nothing else but palm trees. The pure paradise for nature lovers!
Here we listed our Top 9 beaches you should visit while staying in Riviera Maya!
Many of those beaches are an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen or Cancun away. So leave the crowded tourist areas and visit those paradisic authentic Mexican beaches.
- XPU HA
A beautiful bay 15 min away from Playa del Carmen. Xpu Ha is perched on a white sandy beach, with an uninterrupted view of Caribbean turquoise waters. You’ll have a great beach day here with sunbathing, kayaking or exploring the exotic underwater life. Snorkel the breathtaking offshore coral reef.
After your snorkel session relax and have some delicious Cocktails and mexican Tacos in the Beach Club. Locals and visitors enjoy this beach, so check it out!
- TULUM
Not without reason Tulum beach has been rated as one of the top 5 beaches in the world. Calm waves, intense turquoise waters, soft white sand and a bohemian vibe – that is Tulum. Rent a beach cabana and watch the stars at night. Go on beachwalks, do some yoga or Stand Up Paddleboarding, go and learn kiteboarding or just relax in a Mexican hammock, eat a delicious dinner at night. Tulum is pure relax for your mind and body.
- PUERTO MORELOS
Visit the lovely and authentic mexican beachtown of Puerto Morelos. The main beach is in the center of the town with its unique reef in front that is a protected national marine park and home of tropical fishes, turtles and colorful corals. It is the perfect place to snorkel and appreciate the natural, untouched beauty of the Underwater World. You can easily rent a boat with the locals that is gonna bring you out into the protected area and take you to snorkel. As protected you may have to follow the rules and can not go by your own. Really worth a visit as it is one of the most beautiful coralreefs on the Yucatan Peninsula.
- XCACEL
A really untouched natural beach where you have the unique opportunity to combine a beachday with a refreshing jump into a Cenote. Also known as one of Quintana Roo’s most important loggerhead and green sea turtle nesting sites. The beach is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm. At the entry you will be asked to pay a donation based fee that helps protecting the area and the turtle conservation program.
To visit the lovely Cenote you just will have to follow the signs and walk through a small mangrove forest. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel and maybe some snacks as there is really nothing on the beach.
- PAAMUL
The hidden treasure of Paamul is located in a small bay north of Puerto Aventuras. This unspoilt beach features white sand with many palm trees to relax under. The peaceful bay invites to relax, snorkel on the bays coral reef or jump into the beachfront swimming pool. You should definetly try Ceviche and enjoy a mexican cerveza at the beach restaurant.
- TANKAH BAY
Tankah Bay is the Riviera Maya’s best kept secret. A residencial and vacation villa area that is known for the Cenote Manatee or ‘Casa Cenote’, a mangrove cenote that has a lovely underwater life. You can both snorkel or even dive this picturesce Cenote, that is connected to the ocean and has a mix of fresh and salty water. Tranquil Tankha Bay is just a few footsteps away. The sand of this beach is quite different as it is formed of pulverized coral, shells and fossils. It’s a nice escape to connect to nature.
- SIAN KAAN
Discover the natural beauty of Sian Kaan, a biosphere reserve in the mexican state of Quintana Roo. An UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Sian Kaan is one of the most spectacular and ecologically diverse places on earth.
Go on a Jeep Safari to Punta Allen and see dolphins, manatees, turtles and other marine life on a boat trip.
- MAHAHUAL
Mahahual, a laid-back Caribbean fishing village with tranquil vibe. On some days there is some cruise ship tourism, but otherwise it’s pretty calm in Mahahual. You will find soft sand beaches, small palapas and a coral reef off-shore called Banco Chinchorro, great for diving and snorkeling. At night you can visit several bars, restaurants, shops and walk along the beautiful malecon (waterfront promenade).
- BACALAR
Bacalar, the second largest lagoon in Mexico, also called ‘The Lagoon of Seven Colors’ reflects all the shades of turquoise and blue. It is the ultimate getaway for those seeking tranquility in a natural setting. Rest in hammocks and straw huts surrounded by jungle and with lagoon view. Take a boat trip on the lagoon or go Paddleboarding and Kayaking, a paradise for nature and watersport lovers.
