Every year, the best beaches in Riviera Maya on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula attract travelers worldwide. Whether you're looking for comfort and convenience, the prettiest shades of water, or privacy, there's a beach for you.
Mexico's Riviera Maya runs from Cancun in the north to Tulum in the south, including the island of Cozumel. This stretch of the Caribbean coastline is easily accessible by car, bus, or motorbike. Since it's flat, let's add a bicycle, too!
This list of some of the best beaches in Riviera Maya is based on my time in the region. When you're ready to plan a trip, check out the various visa types for Mexico to ensure you follow the rules based on your reason for going and your citizenship.
Table of Contents
Riviera Maya Beaches
Playa Norte, Islas Mujeres
Let's get this party started in Playa Norte ("North Beach") on Isla Mujeres, an island eight miles (13 kilometers) east of Cancun.
When I went snorkeling with whale sharks, our boat stopped at Isla Mujeres on the way back to Cancun. The captain dropped anchor, and we were afforded time to snorkel, swim, and hang out however we felt fit.
The water was calm and shallow; it was pretty relaxing. Boats from other tours were also in the area, so there was a bit of a scene. It wasn't a full-on party, but I could see how it could get that way in the high season.
Playa Norte is easily accessible as a day trip by ferry from Cancun, or you can stay longer at one of the island's hotels or resorts. Plenty of bars and restaurants keep you fed and feeling fine.
Playa del Carmen
My favorite place in Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen, an hour south of Cancun by bus or car. Here, you'll find white sandy beaches of varying depths.
The beach adjacent to the town center is narrower; however, the convenience can't be beaten. Further south, past the pier for ferries to Cozumel, the beach widens; you'll find a mix of resorts, condos, and casas (houses) for rent.
I like Playa del Carmen because it offers budget-friendly accommodations, is a block from the beach, and has plenty of rooftop restaurants where you can enjoy the Caribbean breeze.
If dancing late into the night is your style, there are loads of nightclubs catering to partiers. Playa del Carmen is also relatively safe. Whether you're on vacation or looking to live in Mexico, it's worth considering.
Playa Palancar, Cozumel
During my first visit to Playa del Carmen, I took a day trip to Cozumel, connected via a ferry that runs throughout the day.
To make life easy, I booked a ticket that included the round-trip ferry ride and transportation to Playa Palancar. We could hang out on a small, unpretentious beach, eat lunch, and order drinks there.
Further south along this section of the coast is the larger Playa "El Cielo" ("The Sky"), which offers a broader expanse of turquoise waters. It's one of the best places for snorkeling on Cozumel, as it's got more of the reef.
If you want to skip over Cancun, Cozumel has an international airport with flights from the United States.
Tulum
If Playa del Carmen is too big a city for you, you can continue south by bus or car to Tulum for another hour. Tighter rules around development in Tulum National Park have helped to protect the environment and beach from overdevelopment. That's the upside.
As a result, the downside is that accommodation is more expensive and primarily consists of small luxury eco-hotels. However, don't let that scare you away.
Bargains can be found during shoulder seasons, and there's always the option to sleep in the town of Tulum, a 15-minute bike ride inland from the beach.
I found a $29 bed for a night when I visited Tulum, as the hotel was located on a rocky outcropping. The water color was gorgeous; I just had to walk a minute to the north or south to reach the sand.
The morning after my arrival, I was up before dawn and walked along the beach to the Tulum ruins as the sun rose; I had the beach to myself, and it was terrific.
I was also one of the first visitors to the Tulum archaeological site that day. This former walled city, constructed between 1200 and 1450 AD, was one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya people.
Staircases have been built into the 40-foot cliffs to allow visitors access to some of the beaches below. Access to Playita Tortuga ("Turtle Beach"), pictured above, doesn't require stairs.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Okay, this last one on my list isn't as much a beach as a biosphere reserve with tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes. Sian Ka'an ("Origin of the Sky") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located south of Tulum.
It's a short trip by taxi or tour. I went independently and negotiated with a boat driver for a ride through the reserve.
We began in Laguna de Muyil and passed through marshland to reach the more expansive Laguna Chunyaxché. My guide pointed out the ruins of some tiny Maya buildings along the way. They sure knew how to live well back then.
The water's colors were spectacular. For inspiration, check out the satellite view of Sian Ka'an on Google Maps.
The reserve includes a marine area with a reef. A road runs along the coast, and a handful of small hotels are located there. So, if you want to get away from civilization, you can visit or stay at the beach in Sian Ka'an.
_____
This story is brought to you in partnership with Mexico Tourist Card.
