Beaches

The Mayan Riviera is a stretch of immaculate Mexican beaches spanning the towns between Puerto Morelos in the north and Tulum in the south. The pristine shoreline features aquatic activities, luxury resorts, soothing spas and much more.

Xpu-Ha

Xpu Ha (pronounced “shpu-Ha”) is a beautiful beach located south of Puerto Aventuras. It’s the place where locals go to hang out—a remote getaway that makes for a fun day trip. You can make this your favorite spot in the Riviera Maya! Bring your own picnic and beach towel; or enjoy the restaurants, which open every day, you’ll appreciate fresh seafood, refreshing drinks, facilities and more.

This beach is ideal for swimming or snorkeling when the days are calm… if you’re feeling more adventurous then renting kayaks or going fishing is an excellent choice. Being at the beach is priceless; however, you must pay an entrance fee here—it’s not much and definitely worth it.

Xpu Ha is one of those places that has become one of the main attractions to both locals and the tourists that visit the Riviera Maya.

¡En el mar la vida es más sabrosa! Life is better at sea…

Paamul

A little-known beach, very picturesque, located between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras. One curious thing about this place, for years, a community of American retirees would initially park their motorhomes here temporarily. Little by little they began to refurbish their surroundings, adding porches and small gardens, eventually changing their temporary housing for a definitive one that now allows them to live and enjoy their retirement in a quiet environment, surrounded by nature.

In this small bay, you’ll find a hotel & restaurant that offers rooms for rent with a pool; you’ll enjoy typical Mexican dishes, seafood, and refreshing cold beer.

Xcacel-Xcacelito

Located south of Akumal, in the heart of Riviera Maya, Xcacel boasts 362 hectares of mangroves and cenotes. Its beaches are the most beautiful in the state; and the sea turtles’ favorite place to nest.

For the more adventurous, at Xcacel you may enter the multicolored world of the reefs, you won’t find any tourist services, only bathrooms and showers. You can bring your own picnic and snorkel equipment.

You’ll also encounter a small fresh-water cenote, which you reach through a corridor delimited by live trunks of mangrove and a dirt road—plants and the sounds of animals welcome you here.

This natural reserve is open to the public from 9am to 5pm. The cenote is from 9am. to 4pm. Xcacel sanctuary requests a donation of 20 pesos per person to ensure their turtle protection program remains active, you can leave more if you wish. This donation helps the ongoing research that goes on at X’cacel throughout the year. This is a small entrance fee, considering that you’re visiting one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya. Try to visit early in the day; during high season you’ll need to wait in line before entering… if they run out of room, no more cars are allowed in until a parking space becomes available.

If you visit X’cacel beach during May to September you’ll see raised mounds of sand here and there, these are turtle nests. When the time comes, hundreds of baby sea turtles crawl out of the sand to follow the moonlight into the clear waters of the Caribbean.

In addition to the soft beach sand and jungle cenote, X’cacel beach is a secluded gem without many visitors around. If you’re renting a car we recommend parking in designated areas.

Bring your sun protection, hats, sunglasses, snorkeling equipment, towels and water. Swimming is nice when seas are calm, beware of currents, stay near shore.

If you are visiting during the turtle nesting season, please be aware of turtles’ nests and don`t step on them.

Remember not to take anything with you except your memories, leave only your footprints.

Tulum

Tulum has established itself as one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations, with its vibrant art scene and world-class restaurants, but what really makes the town stand out is its collection of incredible beaches. Blessed with powdery white sands, blue waters and spectacular palm trees, Tulum truly is a beach bum’s paradise.

Playa ruinas de Tulum.

Tulum’s reputation for stunning aesthetics rests largely on Playa Ruinas, which boasts well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful (and photographed) sites in the Americas; this beach combines white sand, turquoise waters, and a site of genuine historical importance. The clifftop Castillo was built as a watchtower in the 13th century and is now the third most visited archaeological site in Mexico.

Playa Paraíso

Paradise Beach, is another of Tulum’s most amazing beaches. This majestic, untouched stretch of sand is surrounded by looming palm trees and rugged cliffs. A popular place for yoga enthusiasts, paddle board practitioners, and iguanas, the beach is large enough for everyone and you`ll never be overrun by people. There are also plenty of restaurants on site to purchase food and cocktails as well as boats offering snorkeling tours and sightseeing to appreciate the ruins from the ocean.

Las Palmas Public Beach

Las Palmas is blessed with a serene stretch of sand and gentle turquoise waves, another great spot in Tulum. More secluded than Playa Paraíso, you won’t find vendors or restaurants in the immediate area. Las Palmas is the perfect place for tourists looking to escape the crowded beaches, bring your own picnic and come on down to relax and enjoy the peaceful sound of waves.

To reach the Tulum beaches outside of the Tulum Ruins, take the road to the left on the first street light, (east) in the direction of Boca Paila and bear right or left on Tulum beach road. There are beach clubs located along the Tulum beach road, you may use their parking, restaurant and beach chairs for the mere cost of a lunch.

If you prefer not to use a beach club, turn to the left at the end of the Coba road and seek out the old Santa Fe Beach where locals and regular visitors hang out on the beach.

Playa Santa Fe in Tulum

The oldest and hot spot beach in Tulum, with wide white sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Restaurants and local vendors can be found on this beach. Long stretches of uninterrupted beach allow for long walks… enjoy a peaceful feeling of solitude as few other people will be sharing this little paradise with you.

With the soft white sand under your toes, you’ll understand why Tulum beach is a beach destination.