If you’re a true beach fan, the Mexican Caribbean is your perfect destination. And if you aren’t, in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, you’ll indeed become one. Small beaches or long sandy shorelines; with big waves or pool-like coves; virgin landscapes or urban vibes; super fine sand or large stone blocks… Discover the best beaches in this beautiful destination and choose your favorite. Or, better yet, enjoy all that each one of them has to offer.
With more than 120 miles of coastline, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are famous worldwide for their beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters. So, don’t miss some of the best beaches in the world the next time you visit the Mexican Caribbean. You can read your favorite book under a palm tree. You can get the perfect tan. You can practice lots of sports and exciting activities. You can enjoy life sipping your favorite cocktail. Just choose your plan, choose your beach, and… Voilà! Enjoy the perfect holiday!
- Holbox
- Playa Norte
- Puerto Morelos
- Punta Maroma
- Xcalacoco
- Playa Mamitas
- Xpu-Há
- Akumal
- Playa Paraiso
- Sian Ka’an
Holbox, a natural paradise
The beaches of this small island located in the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula are an authentic wonder. Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, and that’s why the island, including its beaches, has remained a very low-impact tourist destination. There are no cars, no paved streets, just pristine beauty.
Right in the town area, don’t miss Playa Holbox, with its rustic beach clubs and restaurants. Also, don’t forget to visit Mosquito Beach, a natural setting that will leave you breathless. At low tide, you can walk hundreds of feet into the sea and still have the water below your knee; quite a show. On the other side of the island, the beach of Punta Cocos is famous for its crystal clear and shallow waters, but above all for its beautiful sunsets.
Playa Norte, the most famous of Isla Mujeres
Another beautiful island of the Mexican Caribbean, Isla Mujeres, also offers you one of the best beaches in the region: Playa Norte. As its name suggests, this incredible beach is located on the northern tip of the island. It’s well known for its large extension, covered with fine white sand, and for its shallow and transparent waters.
Enjoy this huge beach of Isla Mujeres in its more tranquil areas, contemplating the beautiful views of the Caribbean. Or go to any of its many beach clubs and have fun with their lively atmosphere, delicious snacks, and your favorite cocktail. Of course, save yourself a little while to enjoy the sea: in Playa Norte, you can walk dozens of feet into the sea, and the water barely reaches your waist. And, another thing, don’t miss the sunsets, they’re splendid.
Puerto Morelos, a giant pool
Located about half an hour south of Cancun and protected by coral reefs that run parallel to the coast, Puerto Morelos Beach is like a giant pool. Moreover, its relaxed and typically Caribbean atmosphere, with just a few houses, hotels, restaurants, and modest fishing boats resting on the sand, makes this place even more charming.
Puerto Morelos is like the definition of a Caribbean beach: a broad and extensive sandy area (about 1.3 miles without interruptions, from the Puerto Morelos pier to the end of town; and more than 12 miles to Punta Nizuc!), fine white sand and turquoise-blue waters, with a lively atmosphere but not too much, maintaining that relaxed rhythm that is sorely needed from time to time. It’s a perfect beach to relax, enjoy the sand and salt, rest on a deck chair, or just lay down a plain towel over the sand. Ah, beach life!
Punta Maroma, nature and relaxation
Between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, you can find one more of the beach gems of the Mexican Caribbean. Located in a reasonably quiet area, this fabulous place is one of those beaches that always appear in any Top 10 lists. In general terms, it’s quite an unspoiled area with a great atmosphere; an ideal spot to lay back and enjoy nature.
In addition to the beauty of its miles of white sand, the crystal clear waters of Punta Maroma also have abundant marine life and coral reefs. Several water activities can be done in the area as well. In any case, the place is really fantastic.
Xcalacoco, a Blue Flag beach
North of Playa del Carmen, you can find another Caribbean paradise. This beach has more waves than others nearby and some rocky areas, but that is just part of its abrupt charm. Moreover, this place is a good mix of local and touristy atmospheres, and an excellent point to be in contact with the exuberant nature of the Riviera Maya as well.
Along with its wildish charm, Xcalacoco is one of the few beaches in Cancun and the Rivera Maya with a Blue Flag. This certification requires the highest standards of environmental quality and services: education and environmental information, water quality, environmental management, safety standards… In short: an outstanding beach.
Mamitas beach, party vibes
Beach clubs, great atmosphere, music… This famous beach is located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen. It’s the coolest spot, the place for fashion, parties… Where you have to be if you’re looking for glamour. In addition, the Mamitas area is where several music festivals and special events are usually held throughout the year.
Mamitas Beach is a reasonably wide beach, with white sand and crystal clear waters, with room for everyone. Still, a good part of it is occupied by the sun loungers and parasols set by the beach clubs. It’s the typical party beach, where rest is combined with good vibes. So now you know, if you want to have a super fun and lively time, this is your beach.
Xpu-Há, natural charm
A couple of miles south of the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya. Once again, this place offers you all the natural charm of the Mexican Caribbean: white sand, crystal clear waters, palm trees, a relaxed atmosphere… In short: a beautiful postcard beach.
Are you’re looking for tranquility, sand, sun, and sea, wonderful sea life for snorkeling? In Xpu-Há, you have it all. But if you want some snacks and cocktails, lay back on a lounger under a parasol, and just chill, don’t worry. This beautiful beach also has some restaurants and beach clubs to enjoy a super pleasant time. In other words, in Xpu-Há, you can enjoy the unique combination of a virgin beach and great vibes.
Akumal, the beach of the turtles
Following the coast to the south, Akumal, the beach of the turtles, is another magical place. This beautiful bay is protected by coral reefs, which makes it a lovely natural pool. But that’s not all; thanks to its natural characteristics, Akumal is, indeed, one of the favorite places for different species of sea turtles.
Enjoy a fantastic day at the beach snorkeling or diving with the turtles in their natural habitat. Vacaciones Barcelo offers you great excursions to visit Akumal and its surroundings. Including, for example, a much-needed time to relax in the shade of a palm tree, to take a walk along the beach at sunset, to savor the local food and your favorite cocktail… After all, this is exactly what traveling is for!
Playa Paraíso, beach relax in Tulum
Located very close to the spectacular archaeological site of Tulum, Playa Paraíso is pure nature. Still, it has that bohemian atmosphere that has made the beaches of Tulum stand out on almost every travel guide. Beach clubs and restaurants with wooden tables on the sand, sun loungers, and Balinese beds alternate with endless feet of super white sand beach, palm trees, and the incomparable waters of the Caribbean.
In addition to this incredible beach, the advantage of the Tulum area is that it offers you many attractions within walking distance. First, you can visit its magnificent archaeological site. Then enjoy a relaxing time on the beach or discover one of the beautiful cenotes in the area. And, finally, end the day walking around Tulum (the town –well, it’s more like a city) to buy handicrafts or have a delicious meal.
Sian Ka’an, wild beaches in the Biosphere Reserve
At the southern tip of the Riviera Maya, you can discover one of the most spectacular natural treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula: the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this great protected natural area is home to innumerable flora and fauna, both terrestrial and maritime. A mega-diverse place made up of different ecosystems, including, of course, the rich coastline of the Mexican Caribbean.
In this sense, visiting Sian Ka’an allows you to enjoy beautiful beaches, some totally virgin and others, especially in the Punta Allen area, with some essential services. In this last town (the only minimally developed spot of the entire coastline within the reserve), you can enjoy a pleasant day at the beach and tours of the mangroves and reefs in the area. Check with Vacaciones Barcelo for the different options you have to explore this natural wonder.
