To talk about the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean is to talk about postcard beaches: palm trees and white sand, with the sea boasting your fan of turquoise blue and emerald green.

In the section of the Mexican Caribbean that forms the Riviera Maya We found some of the most beautiful beaches. In Riviera Maya has developed one of the most successful world resortswhere hotels all inclusive They grow along the coastal strip.

Despite this all-inclusive formula, there are several beautiful beaches that are sheltered from the great bulk of tourism. We will see the most beautiful beaches of the Mexican Caribbean in what we know as Riviera Maya.

Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 1
maya riviera map

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN BEACHES:

From Cancun to Tulum we are going to look at the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean. These towns are linked by the federal highway 307, which runs parallel to the Riviera Maya coast.

The beaches in Mexico are public, so by law they must have public access even if private properties are found in the area.

Riviera Maya is the approximate 130 kilometers of coastline between Cancun and Tulum. We divide the coast into two large sections, placing Playa del Carmen in the middle:

  • Section between Cancun and Playa del Carmen: In this strip of 69 kilometers we find long white sand beaches of incredible turquoise colors.
  • Section between Playa del Carmen and Tulum: In these 60 kilometers are located many of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, beaches nestled in half moon bays and other extensive ones such as those of Cancun.
  • The 4 islands of the Mexican Caribbean: Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox are impressive sun and beach tourism destinations, we will also see them.

We live in the area from the 2007, we hope to help you on your vacation

mexican caribbean beaches
Photo by Sargassum monitoring network

SECTION OF PLAYAS DEL CARIBE MEXICANO DE CANCÚN TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN:

In this coastal section from Cancun to Playa del Carmen most are extensive white sand beaches. The color of the sea between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is surely one of the most impressive colors of the Caribbean, the blues tangle and stay in you.

Cancun Beaches

The tourist development of what we now know as Riviera Maya began in Cancun. Here the Zona Hotelera from Cancun, a city of entertainment, sun and beach for tourism. The color of the Cancun sea is spectacular, a natural paradise devoured by the human being that enchants tourism that seeks relaxation, comfort and fun. In Cancun they offer all the services one might need.

The beaches of Cancun are beautiful, and despite the urban development, remember that the beaches are public. Although made the law made the trap, there are several beaches with public access such as Playa Delfines, Lobster, Las Perlas, Chach Mool, Marlin, Flying Fish, Turtles you definitely have a choice.

Don't miss the pretty ones Cancun beaches

LOCATION: Cancun and its Zona Hotelera They are the main entrance to the Riviera Maya through the Cancun International Airport.

Cancun Caribbean Mexican beaches
Caribbean Sea

White Island

Although its name is Isla Blanca, it is not an island, but the tongue of sand between the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon. A few kilometers north of Cancun is this last coast stumbling block that until recently remained almost virgin. There is where to eat and rent sun loungers.

The sea is open and braver than on other beaches near Cancun. The beach stretches to Catoche, where the borders of the Caribbean Sea intersect with the Gulf of Mexico. Many locals come here to spend the weekend now kitesurf. The colors are fancy, no wonder the Caribbean falls in love.

Isla Blanca is among the most beautiful Beaches near Cancun.

LOCATION: North of Cancun on the road to Punta Sam we reach this coastal paradise. We leave you more information about White Island.

mexican caribbean beaches
mexican caribbean beaches

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is the coastal population that I like most in Riviera Maya, its local atmosphere is a mixture of locals with permanent foreigners and others who come to spend their cold winter. This situation has transformed the fishing village into a town with cafes and restaurants of good taste and variety, together with the leisurely life and the luxury of having the nearby sea.

Several private lodgings and hotels give option to a varied offer for travelers of all tastes. The atmosphere of its beaches is mixed, and its coral barrier a few kilometers from the coast, makes snorkeling is one of its main attractions.

LOCATION: Puerto Morelos is halfway between the two largest towns in Riviera Maya, 32 of Cancun and 37 of Playa del Carmen. I leave you link to Puerto Morelos

mexican caribbean beaches
mexican caribbean beaches

Secret Beach, Paradise and Maroma

From Puerto Morelos to Playa del Carmen we find three excellent beaches to know. The quiet ones Secret beach y ParadiseBoth are signposted on federal 307 towards Playa del Carmen. There is a stretch to the beach, so we do not recommend taking public transport to these beaches.

The formidable Punta Maroma is one of the most impressive Mexican Caribbean beaches, not in vain is one of the all inclusive Luxury most sought after. In Maroma you will have to pay an entrance fee.

Rope It is among the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean

Riviera Maya beaches

Playa del Carmen

It is no accident that one of the most popular destinations is the population of Playa del Carmen, where residents and visitors live together in front of a dream coast. Beach clubs, parties, events throughout the year, are some of the reasons that Playa is so popular.

The fact of being located in the center of Riviera Maya makes it very comfortable to visit the points of interest. A population by and for the visitor with all the services that one requires.

Location: Playa del Carmen It is 68 kilometers from Cancun, 32 from Puerto Morelos and 37 from Tulum, the largest populations of the Riviera Maya. More about Playa del Carmen.

playa del carmen
beaches playa del carmen

BEACH OF THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN BEACHES FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO TULUM:

In this section of the coast of beaches of the Caribbean between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, beaches are combined in coves and some extensive. There are wonderful beaches on this stretch, perhaps the best beaches in Riviera Maya for us.

Xpu Ha beach

Beach. Xpu ha It is one of the beaches surrounded by palm trees and white sand, another small paradise. Along this beach there are several hotels and restaurants to enjoy a beach day with all the comforts. It is also an excellent place to practice water sports.

If you like to be more isolated there is enough beach for you to do it. On weekends it is filled with residents of the area, but never like not to be able to find a lonely place. It is one of our treasures here, no doubt.

Xpu ha is among the best 8 Riviera Maya beaches

LOCATION: Xpu ha is located 25 from Playa del Carmen and 35 km from Tulum. I leave you the additional information for Xpu-Há beach.

xpu ha
Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 2

Paamul

Paamul will allow you to enjoy a beach almost exclusively, there is only one lodging, the Hotel Paamul. It is a little touristy beach if we compare it with others. It is a great place to snorkel in the Riviera Maya. You can camp, as in most beaches. If you stay here you will feel that you live on a private beach.

In Paamul, a community of retired Americans lives in a picturesque campsite where they build their homes based on a motorhome, a very curious place. There is a restaurant with pool on the beach, for what else?

Paamul we recommend it as one of the best 8 beaches of the Riviera Maya

LOCATION: Paamul is located 15 km from Playa del Carmen, and 55 from Tulum. Extended information of Paamul.

Paamul
Hotel Paamul

Akumal Bay

The most popular and popular among visitors is Akumal. In addition to being a beautiful crescent bay, in its waters lives a large sea turtle colony, so with a mask and some fins you can enjoy swimming in nature with turtles. Incredible experience.

Akumal Bay is just a kilometer from the main road where public transport passes, so it is easy to get here. There are other treasures to enjoy in Akumal, hard not to go to this place.

We also recommend Akumal among our 8 Riviera Maya beaches

LOCATION: Akumal is located 37 km from Playa del Carmen and 26 from Tulum. There are several entrances to the coast of Akumal, the main one is in the bridge of federal highway 307. Complete information of Akumal Bay.

akumal beach
caribbean akumal turtle

Punta Allen and Sian Ka'an beaches

The unspoiled beaches along the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve are one of those places to lose a few days without thinking twice.

A dirt road takes you along 60 kilometers of coastline to Punta Allen. During the trip you will find different hotels and places to camp. At the end of the road is the town of Punta Allen, enjoy a good ceviche or a lobster in an authentic fishing village.

LOCATION: You can find the entrance to the Sian Ka'an Reserve on the Tulum coast. You can go by bus from Tulum, by bike, hiring an excursion or by private car. More information from Punta Allen

beach-sian-kaan
Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 3

Tulum Beaches

Tulum is the beach area par excellence, the Punta Maya beach destination for the independent traveler. His fame has won so many who have gone from being a place for backpackers, to a destination of cabins and hotels walk to beach, where you pay dearly the value for money in many cases.

The cheapest lodging options are found in the town of Tulum, 4 kilometers from the coast. The beach has different accesses, or you can choose one of the beach clubs or restaurants to spend the day. One of the Most popular beaches in Tulum is Paradise Beach, near the access by the beach to the archaeological zone of Tulum.

LOCATION: Tulum is 60 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Its beaches 4 kilometers from the urban center. You can get there by bus, rent a bike or walk along the bike path that leads to the beaches. More information about Tulum beaches.

Beach-Tulum
Beach-Tulum

Caleta Tankah

Caleta Tankah is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of the Riviera Maya, a natural site that is kept away from the massive tourist coast. Places like Tankah deserve the attention of the beach.

Caleta Tankah is one of the beaches that receives underground water: a cenote by the sea makes a pool of water colder than the sea. Dreamy bathe here, watch with the strong currents that are created. There is a hotel, too bad I am so careless. The beach club supplies the basic necessities if you want to eat here but bring your cooler (fridge) and enjoy under the shade of the palm tree.

LOCATION: Only 5 kilometers from Tulum towards Playa del Carmen. You pay entry, here I leave you more information Tankah Cove. You can get there easily by public transport.

mexican caribbean beaches
Riviera Maya beaches

Soliman Bay

In the beautiful Soliman Bay you can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of this beach whitewashed by a coral barrier which allows you to enjoy a calm sea. With a mask, a tube and the fins you will discover the amount of life this bay has. It is the Caribbean dream beach, without more.

Some privileged people live in the beautiful villas that extend around the beach, and there are some dream accommodations. If you arrive to Soliman it is impossible to disappoint you, a luxury of place.

Of the 8 best beaches of the Mayan Riviera

LOCATION: Solimán Bay is 11 km from Tulum towards Playa del Carmen. From the highway there are about 2 kilometers to the beaches. Link to expand information on Soliman Bay.

mexican caribbean beaches
Riviera Maya beaches

Xcacel-Xcacelito Beach

Xcacel-Xcacelito is one of the wildest and most virgin beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, the quintessential place for nature lovers. As icing you can bathe in the cenote a few meters from the sea.

There is an association that is dedicated to turtle conservation and with them you can go to watch the spawning or participate in the release of the young in turtle season. You only have to walk 1 kilometer to the beach, where there are no restaurant services. I love this place.

Meet the Riviera Maya beaches what we recommend

LOCATION: Xcacel-Xcacelito is located 15 km from Tulum, a sign with a turtle indicates the discreet entrance. More information from Xcacel-Xcacelito.

beaches-riviera-maya
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Do you plan to rent a car? See the best deals, customer reviews and car prices in Riviera Maya

THE ISLANDS OF THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN AND ITS BEACHES:

Holbox Island

Holbox Island has been a spectacular tourist boom in recent yearsThere is a daily bus from the Cancun international airport. Despite not being properly Caribbean, the colors of the Gulf of Mexico have nothing to envy. Its calm waters will make you feel that you are bathing in a natural pool.

You have a wide range of accommodations and services to choose from, despite being an expensive destination, with such a secure offer you find your ideal option. Holbox became famous for being the starting point for excursions to swim with the whale shark, and it is now a leading year-round destination. Here you can breathe Caribbean without being.

LOCATION: Two hours from Cancun on the north coast of the Peninsula, a less exploited place to leave the Riviera Maya. See the full information of Holbox.

mexican caribbean beaches
Isla Holbox Quintana Roo

Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy It is an authentic island pimp, one of those places where you would like to stay. Access to this island is restricted, only about 200 people per day can arrive. The island only has access on tour

Contoy is where the Mesoamerican Reef system begins, which runs through the Caribbean to Honduras. Isla Contoy is north of Isla Mujeres, opposite Isla Blanca. Go such incredible places, this area is really beautiful.

LOCATION: North of Isla Mujeres, excursions depart from Cancun. I leave you complete information on how to go to Isla Contoy.

Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo
Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is one of the favorite destinations of Riviera Maya, a very comfortable and easy destination that you can visit on your own or on an excursion. The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs from zona hotelera of Cancun and Puerto Juarez.

Without a doubt, its most beautiful beach is Playa Norte, where most visitors are concentrated. Just the ferry crossing, see those colors of the sea and the atmosphere of the place make you the day.

LOCATION: From Cancun it is 20 minutes by ferry to reach this little paradise. North Beach It is among the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres, Caribbean, Mexico
North Beach, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Cozumel Island

Cozumel Island is one of the most sought after destinations in Riviera Maya, especially by American tourism that seeks relaxation and beaches. For my part I met Cozumel watching the programs of the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, and diving in this place was a dream come true.

There are many beaches to enjoy, but despite having been on several occasions, it was never to go to beaches. So the day I do I leave you more information.

Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 5
Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 6

I hope you enjoy this paradise as much as we do. Remember to collect the garbage you generate and not feed or touch the wildlife you find: it is the least personal thing we can do.

Discover the amazing beaches of the Mexican Caribbean 7
Caribbean effect ???

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Sandra Salvadó Training photographer, traveler by vocation and certified tourism guide by the Government of Mexico. We promote natural wonders and contemporary Mayan culture. Great fan of pre-Hispanic history. Author of the blog and co-founder of The Shortest Path Travel, agency that guides you through alternative paths in Mayan lands. Social and sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
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