10 Best Beaches In Riviera Maya: From Hidden Gems To Hotspots

The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. But not all of them make it onto the typical tourist radar.

Stretching from Cancun to Tulum, this coastal strip along the Caribbean is packed with beach options.

Whether you’re after turquoise water and luxury beach clubs or quiet stretches of sand with nothing but a towel and a good book, you’ll find it here.

In this guide to the best beaches in Riviera Maya, I’m breaking it down based on firsthand experience and what actually matters when you’re planning your beach day. Things like:

How easy it is to get to
Whether it’s swimmable or better for photos
If it has shade, food, or rentals
And what kind of vibe to expect (families, solo chill time, or beach party energy)

Let’s find the perfect beach for your next trip.

Best Beaches in Riviera Maya

1. Akumal Beach

Scenic view of Akumal Beach with vibrant green palm trees and foliage in the foreground, leading to shallow turquoise waters and deeper blue sea on the horizon. Gentle waves ripple across the reef under a mostly clear sky with light clouds.

Akumal means “Place of Turtles” in Mayan and this beach lives up to the name.

Sea turtles swim here year-round, but your best chance to spot them is during nesting season, from May through November.

The water is calm and shallow, making it easy to snorkel alongside turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs just offshore.

This beach is great for families. You’ll find places to eat, small shops, and bathrooms nearby.

Just make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and give the turtles plenty of space. No touching, chasing, or getting too close.

2. Puerto Morelos Beach

Aerial view of Puerto Morelos showcasing a charming beachfront town with a central pier extending into vibrant turquoise waters. Coral reefs are visible beneath the surface, surrounded by small boats and framed by a vast blue sky with scattered clouds.

If you want to skip the crowds and big resorts, Puerto Morelos is a solid pick. This quiet fishing village sits between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, and it still feels like the kind of place where locals outnumber tourists.

The beach is wide and walkable, with soft sand and clear, shallow water. It’s part of a protected marine reserve, so the reef just offshore is great for snorkeling and diving.

There’s a public pier, a few beach bars, and enough space to lay out without feeling packed in.

When you’re done with the beach, you can wander the local market, grab a coffee or fresh ceviche at a family-run café, or browse the mom-and-pop shops around the main square.

The whole place runs on island time, even though it’s on the mainland. It’s a great option if you’re looking for low-key Caribbean without the tourist scene.

3. Maroma Beach

A peaceful beach scene at Playa Maroma in Mexico, featuring a thatched-roof wooden pavilion built over the water. The turquoise sea gently laps against the white sand shoreline, while sailboats and a marina are visible in the distance under a vibrant blue sky.

Maroma Beach is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and once you see it, you’ll get why.

The sand is incredibly soft and white, and the water looks like something out of a travel brochure, calm, clear, and the perfect shade of blue.

Most of the beach is lined with upscale resorts, so it leans heavily toward the luxury side. This isn’t a show-up-with-a-cooler kind of spot.

You can book a day pass to one of the resorts, or snag a beachfront lunch reservation to get access.

Once you’re in, expect top-tier service, loungers with shade, and the option to rent gear like paddleboards or kayaks. It’s peaceful, clean, and never too crowded.

Maroma is a splurge, but it’s a great one, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or just want to treat yourself for the day.

4. Xpu-Ha Beach

A tranquil beach scene with soft white sand in the foreground and turquoise waves gently washing ashore under a vibrant blue sky. A small boat floats near the horizon, adding a peaceful touch to the tropical seascape.

If you’re after a peaceful beach day, Xpu-Ha Beach is a local favorite that still flies under the radar.

The water is calm and shallow, making it easy to float or wade out without worrying about waves. The sand is soft and wide, with plenty of room to spread out even on weekends. It’s much quieter than the bigger-name beaches nearby.

You’ll find a few low-key beach clubs and seafood spots right on the shore. Most serve fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and cold drinks. Some even offer loungers or umbrellas if you want to stay all day.

Access is simple. It’s just off Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There’s a small entry fee, but many beach clubs credit that toward your meal. Arrive early if you want a shady spot under the palms.

5. Tulum Beach (Playa Paraíso)

The idyllic coastline of Tulum with waves gently crashing onto the sandy beach, framed by rugged cliffs and a solitary ancient Mayan ruin perched above, all under a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds.

If you’ve ever Googled beaches in Mexico, chances are you’ve seen Tulum. Its bright turquoise water and powdery white sand are hard to miss.

What sets it apart is the backdrop. The beach sits just below ancient Mayan ruins, so you can swim in the sea and then wander up the cliffs for a view straight out of a postcard.

Tulum has a relaxed, boho vibe. You’ll find beachfront yoga classes, juice bars, and small restaurants serving up fish tacos and fresh ceviche.

The beach is a mix of public areas and private beach clubs, so you can go as casual or as upscale as you want.

You might stumble across local musicians or artists selling handmade jewelry along the sand. Mornings are quiet and perfect for a peaceful swim. Afternoons pick up with a more social scene, including beach volleyball and good people-watching.

6. Playa del Carmen Beach

A lively beach scene in Playa del Carmen with rows of palm trees framing sunbathers on lounge chairs, all facing the bright turquoise ocean under a partly cloudy sky. People are swimming and relaxing along the shore, soaking up the tropical vibe.

If you want a beach day with a side of nightlife and shopping, Playa del Carmen delivers.

Just steps from Fifth Avenue’s shops and restaurants, this beach puts you right in the center of the action.

The sand is soft, the water is warm, and the shoreline is packed with beach clubs. Some are laid-back and perfect for sipping margaritas, while others crank up the music with DJs and dancing. You can pick your vibe and settle in for the day.

Food stands, casual restaurants, and boutiques are all close by. It’s easy to go from lounging in the sun to grabbing tacos or popping into a store for a souvenir.

In the evening, things heat up. The beach turns into a party spot with live music, lights, and a mix of locals and travelers dancing barefoot in the sand.

7. Paamul Beach

Turquoise waves wash up against the rocky shoreline of Paamul Beach, with palm trees and thatched-roof palapas nestled among the greenery. A bright blue sky with scattered clouds completes the tropical, laid-back vibe of this coastal hideaway.

Paamul Beach is one of those places that still feels untouched. Tucked between the jungle and the Caribbean, it’s quiet, peaceful, and never crowded.

The shoreline is a mix of soft sand and rocky outcrops, which makes it great for snorkeling.

Just a few steps into the water and you’ll find coral, angelfish, parrotfish, and maybe even a stingray or two. It’s best to bring your own gear, since rentals are limited.

There’s a small local restaurant near the beach that serves fresh seafood and cold drinks. You’ll also spot a handful of beachfront bungalows and RVs. The beach is part of a small residential community, which keeps the vibe low-key.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to arrive early, find a shady spot, and spend the day just watching the water and listening to the breeze.

8. Xcacel Beach

A quiet stretch of Xcacel Beach featuring soft white sand, patches of seaweed near the shoreline, and lush tropical greenery lining the left side. The deep blue sky and turquoise waves create a serene, untouched vibe with just a couple of swimmers in the distance.

Xcacel Beach is one of those rare places that still feels wild. Tucked away from the main tourist path, it’s quiet, undeveloped, and full of natural beauty.

This stretch of sand is part of a protected turtle sanctuary. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of baby turtles making their way to the sea.

It’s one of the most meaningful beach experiences you can have in the Riviera Maya. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from the turtles.

Right behind the beach, there’s a small cenote you can swim in. It’s fresh, cool, and the perfect break from the salty sea.

There’s a small entrance fee, which goes toward conservation efforts and keeping the beach clean. Visit early in the morning or late in the day for fewer people and a better chance of spotting wildlife.

9. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Beach

Crystal-clear shallow water gently ripples along the untouched shoreline of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Lush greenery and palm trees line the coast under a vibrant blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, capturing the pristine beauty of this protected paradise.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a massive protected area south of Tulum that stretches from jungle to sea.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it safeguards miles of undeveloped beach, mangrove forests, and coral reefs.

The coastline here feels completely wild. You won’t find beach bars or umbrellas. Just soft sand, crashing waves, and the occasional turtle nest or bird overhead. It’s one of the few places in the Riviera Maya where nature is still in charge.

Most visitors explore with local eco-guides, who can take you through the mangrove channels by boat or lead you to quiet coastal spots for swimming and birdwatching.

Getting here involves rough roads and a bit of effort, but that’s part of the experience.

If you go, bring everything you need for the day. That means water, food, sun protection, and biodegradable bug spray. There’s no infrastructure, but that’s exactly the point.

10. Punta Allen

Peaceful shoreline at Punta Allen with turquoise waves lapping against a sandy beach dotted with seaweed. Palm trees sway along the left side under a sky filled with puffy white clouds, while wooden posts stick out of the shallow water in the distance.

At the southern tip of the Sian Ka’an Reserve, you’ll find Punta Allen, a sleepy coastal village where time slows to a crawl.

The beach is wide, quiet, and untouched by development. It’s the kind of place where you can watch pelicans dive, walk for miles without seeing anyone else, and fall asleep to the sound of waves.

Unlike the rest of Sian Ka’an, there’s a small local community here, so you’ll find a few rustic restaurants and guesthouses.

Local guides offer boat tours through the surrounding biosphere, where you can spot dolphins, manatees, or crocodiles in the wild. It’s a great base for exploring the reserve if you want to stay longer than a day trip.

The journey here isn’t quick. The road is rough and slow, so plan ahead and pack what you need.

But if you’re looking for that off-the-grid, toes-in-the-sand kind of day, Punta Allen is worth the effort.

Beach Tips for the Riviera Maya

Before you hit the sand, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Sargassum, a type of brown seaweed, sometimes washes up along the shore, especially from May to October.

It doesn’t affect every beach the same way, but if clean water is a priority, your best bet is to visit between November and April.

Pack the essentials for a smooth beach day. That includes reef-safe sunscreen, eco-friendly bug spray, and some cash.

Many beaches charge a small entry fee, which often goes toward conservation or local maintenance. If you’re heading to a beach club, that fee is usually applied to your food or drinks.

A few beaches are totally off the grid, so plan ahead if you’re visiting more remote spots. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and anything else you’ll need because not every beach has vendors or facilities.

Wrap-Up: Riviera Maya’s Best Beaches

The beaches of the Riviera Maya aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some are quiet and wild, others come with cocktails and loungers.

Whether you’re looking to snorkel with sea turtles, sip margaritas by the water, or explore untouched coastline, there’s a stretch of sand here with your name on it.

The key is knowing what kind of beach day you want and planning ahead to make it happen. From easy-access favorites to remote gems that take a little extra effort, the variety here makes it easy to find your perfect spot.

Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips

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Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.

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For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.

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My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.

What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
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10 Best Beaches in Riviera Maya: From Hidden Gems to Hotspots