15 Best Beaches in Riviera Maya Mexico in 2025
Looking for the best beaches in Riviera Maya Mexico? You’re in the right place!
Known for its powdery-white sand combined with bright turquoise water, Riviera Maya is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico.
As a travel blogger that has spent many years living in Playa del Carmen, I’ve had the tough job of exploring all the best beaches in the area and narrowing down the top ones for you to visit.
In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the best Riviera Maya beaches, including some hidden gems and secret spots that you simply can’t miss.
I’ll also share recommended beach clubs, transportation information, and insider tips to help you make the most of your beach day.
Ready to find your perfect beach paradise in Riviera Maya? Let’s dive in!
Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!
🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars
🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator
🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master
Best Beaches in Riviera Maya Mexico
Below are the best beaches in the Mayan Riviera that shouldn’t be missed!
Along with each beach, I’ve also included recommendations for the best beach clubs and closest hotels for the best Riviera Maya beach access.
1. Playa Xpu-Ha
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Xalmar Beach Club, Serenity Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Hotel Esencia, Catalonia Royal Tulum, Barcelo Maya Riviera
Starting at the top of the list of best Riviera Maya Mexico beaches has to be Playa Xpu-Ha–my personal favorite!
Pronounced “Ish-Poo-Ha”, this beach is located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and is popular among locals.
It’s a quieter and more secluded beach, making it the perfect spot for those who want to relax and escape the crowds.
What I love about Xpu Ha Beach is that it’s secluded but it still has the right amount of beach clubs and amenities!
You’ll have to pay a small entrance fee (~$100 pesos) at the parking gate when you first arrive and then you can head to a beach club or simply find a spot to lay your towel.
Xalmar Beach Club and Serenity Beach Club are the top choices for beach clubs, with delicious food and drinks served right to your sunbeds.
2. Punta Maroma
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Maroma Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Catalonia Playa Maroma, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, El Dorado Maroma, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Located about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Punta Maroma is a stunning stretch of beach and a secluded spot that most people don’t know about.
It’s one of the widest and flattest beaches you’ll find in Riviera Maya, making it perfect for long walks along the shore.
The tricky thing about visiting Punta Maroma though is that it’s a private beach and is pretty much dominated by resorts and there aren’t any public beach access points.
But you can still visit by staying at one of the resorts, booking an all-inclusive day pass to Maroma Beach Club or Secrets Maroma, or booking a tour with Maroma Adventures.
It’s one of my favorite beach spots and definitely worth it for the tranquil and picturesque beach experience!
3. Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Green Demon Beach Club, Oceanus Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Casa del Jaguar Beach Hotel, Lotus Beach Hotel
If you’re looking to escape the mainland and visit a beach on an island, head to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres.
With insanely turquoise water, this beach is absolutely stunning and is located just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun.
And the best thing about Playa Norte is that it’s usually always seaweed-free!
I would recommend posting up at an Isla Mujeres Playa Norte beach club like Green Demon Beach Club or Oceanus Beach Club.
Then you can enjoy comfy lounge beds, along with food and beverage service while taking dips in the beautiful water.
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, read my Isla Mujeres day trip guide for all the detailed info on how to get there!
4. Isla Contoy
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: None
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: None
Okay, Isla Contoy isn’t technically in Riviera Maya, but it’s definitely worth mentioning and visiting if you’re a beach lover.
This uninhabited island just north of Cancun is actually a nature reserve and is home to over 150 species of birds and various marine life.
But the real star of the show on Isla Contoy is the jaw-dropping beach with crystal clear water and white sand that feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
I’m telling you this is the prettiest beach I’ve seen in Mexico!
Plus, only 200 visitors are allowed on the island per day, which makes it a more exclusive experience and a nice break from the crowds.
The only way to get to Isla Contoy is by going on a guided Isla Contoy tour, which includes a visit to Isla Mujeres, as well as snorkeling, food, and transportation with hotel pickup.
5. Playa Palancar (Cozumel)
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Palancar Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Occidental Cozumel, Allegro Cozumel
Another island beach worth mentioning is Playa Palancar on Cozumel.
This stretch of beach has crystal clear water and stunning views, making it a must-visit for any beach lover.
A lot of beaches on Cozumel can be pretty rocky since it’s close to so many coral reefs, but Playa Palancar is one of the few that has soft sand and a great swimming area.
Plus, it’s another of the best beaches in Riviera Maya without seaweed!
You can access this beach by taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and then hiring a taxi or renting a car or jeep to get there.
Once you’re there, head to Palancar Beach Club for a relaxing day on the beach. They offer lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as food and drinks.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, they also have some water activities, as well as snorkeling and diving tours.
6. Puerto Morelos
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: My Paradise Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos
If you’re looking for a more-low key beach in Riviera Maya, check out Puerto Morelos.
This small fishing village is located about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and has a beautiful stretch of beach with calm, clear water.
It’s also home to the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
There are a few different beach clubs and restaurants along the Puerto Morelos beach like My Paradise Beach Club, which offers beach chairs, umbrellas, and delicious food and drinks.
You can also take a stroll along the main pier to see local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day or check out some cute shops and restaurants in the town center.
Plus, town’s “El Faro Inclinado” (Leaning Lighthouse) is right on the beach and is one of the town’s main landmarks.
7. Akumal
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Lol-Ha Restaurant
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort
Akumal is a small beach town about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen known for its beautiful beaches and abundance of sea turtles.
While the main attraction here is definitely swimming with sea turtles in their natural habitat, the beaches are also worth mentioning.
There are some restaurants along Playa Akumal and Half Moon Bay that offer beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear rentals.
One of the most popular restaurants is Lol-Ha Restaurant, which has a casual and laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood and drinks.
But you can also find quieter spots to relax on Akumal beach if that’s more your style.
8. Punta Venado
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Punta Venado Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: None
Located just south of Playa del Carmen, Punta Venado is a beach club and more of a secret spot that not many tourists know about.
The beach club is operated by Cancun Adventures so a lot of their tours will end here for lunch and beach time.
But the real gem at Punta Venado is the secluded beach with crystal clear water and soft sand.
Punta Venado Beach Club has everything you need for a perfect day at the beach including lounge beds with covered shades, bean bags, and a beachside restaurant and bar.
Reservations are required so make sure to contact them before arrival.
9. Playacar
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: None
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Playacar Palace, The Reef Playacar, Riu Palace Mexico
Playacar is a private, gated community south of Playa del Carmen known for its luxury homes and all-inclusive resorts.
While the majority of the beach is dominated by all-inclusive resorts, you can still access the Playacar Beach by walking through the entrance to the old Señor Frog’s just next to the Cozumel ferry.
The beaches in Playacar are super widespread with swaying palm trees, making it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed day at the beach.
There aren’t any public beach clubs directly on the beach, but you can find some restaurants and bars within walking distance on 5th Avenue.
10. Playa Xcacel
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: None
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
One of Riviera Maya’s hidden beaches, Playa Xcacel is a serene, remote paradise offering an escape from the crowds.
This secluded beach is a protected nature reserve and turtle sanctuary and is only open from 10AM to 4PM (closed Mondays).
Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee which goes to conservation efforts to help protect the sea turtles that nest here.
It’s also important to know that there are no beach clubs or amenities on Xcacel beach, so you’ll need to bring all your own beach gear.
There are also some rules like no food or alcohol, so it’s best for those looking for a more rustic beach experience.
11. Playa Paraiso
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Canova Beach Tulum
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: El Paraiso Hotel Tulum
Located just south of the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Playa Paraíso is a beautiful stretch of beach with soft white sand and turquoise water.
Like most of the beaches in Tulum, it is flat and widespread with the alluring turquoise water of the Mexican Caribbean.
Playa Paraiso is a public beach with a few amenities and there are a couple of restaurants nearby. It gets pretty crowded with locals, especially on Sundays.
Playa Paraiso Tulum Beach is also where you’ll find the popular Instagram shot of the leaning palm tree.
12. Kay Beach Club
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Kay Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
Located south of Akumal, Kay Beach Club is a full-service beach club and restaurant that’s open to the public and a great beach spot on Akumal beaches.
It’s technically part of the Bahia Principe residential area, but you can still access it if you’re not an owner.
You’ll just need to pay an entrance fee for the beach beds (around $800 MXN), and then additional food and drinks can be purchased separately.
The beach club has a couple of rows of lounge beds right on the beach, as well as a restaurant and bar, making it a perfect spot for spending the whole day.
13. Playa Chen Rio (Cozumel)
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: El Pescador
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Ventanas Al Mar
Another Cozumel beach that’s more off-the-beaten-path is Playa Chen Rio, while is located on the eastern side of the island.
While most beaches on Cozumel’s eastern coast are pretty rugged, Playa Chen Rio is part of a protected cove, so you can usually still swim there.
There are a couple of small open-air restaurants like El Pescador where you can grab some food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful views.
This is a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet day at the beach.
I discovered this beach while driving a jeep around Cozumel and it ended up being one of my favorites on the island!
14. Paamul Beach
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: Paamul Hotel & Beach Club
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Paamul Hotel & Beach Club
Located just north of Puerto Aventuras, Paamul Beach is a small and quiet beach with soft sand and calm waters.
The Paamul Hotel & Beach Club is a restaurant and beach club where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, grab some food and drinks, and enjoy the beautiful beach.
It costs around $500 MXN for the beach beds, which is a food and beverage credit that you can use at the restaurant.
Paamul Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling as the bay area is pretty calm with shallow waters and you’ll likely get to see some marine life.
15. Punta Esmeralda
- 📍 Location: Google Maps
- 🍹 Recommended Beach Clubs: None
- 🏨 Closest Hotels: Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Punta Esmeralda is located just north of downtown Playa del Carmen and is a popular locals beach and more of a hidden gem. The entrance is located off of Fifth Avenue, just north of 110th Street.
It’s one of the better beaches in Playa del Carmen and is not frequented by tourists, but rather Mexican families and locals.
Punta Esmeralda is a Playa del Carmen public beach that is definitely not commercialized, but is a really beautiful beach and hidden cove.
You won’t find any amenities like beach clubs or restaurants, but it’s a nice place to relax and enjoy a more natural beach.
There are also some shallow natural pools at Playa Punta Esmeralda for kids to splash and play.
How to Get To These Riviera Maya Beaches
So now you know some of the best beaches of the Riviera Maya, but how do you get there? Here’s the best ways:
Rent a Car
The easiest option is to rent a car and drive yourself, as most of these beaches are easily accessible by car.
Once you arrive, there is typically free parking on-site. Some places, like Kay Beach Club, even have valet parking.
👉 For a hassle-free experience, book your car through my favorite rental service Discover Cars by clicking here!
Take a Taxi
If you don’t want to rent a car, the next best option is to take a taxi. Taxis can be hailed easily from downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
And if you’re staying at a Riviera Maya resort, your resort will typically have a taxi stand where you can easily hail one.
Always agree on the price upfront and make sure you have enough cash on hand as credit cards are typically not accepted.
⚠️ It’s important to know that there typically won’t be taxis waiting for the return trip so it’s best to try and pre-arrange pickup with the taxi driver that dropped you off.
Take a Colectivo
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, you can also take a colectivo (shared van) from Playa del Carmen.
Colectivos are very inexpensive but just keep in mind that they will let you off on the side of the highway.
So depending on which beach you choose, you might have a long walk from the highway to the actual beach.
The main colectivo station is located in downtown Playa del Carmen near the main highway 307 and the Chedraui grocery store (📍 Google Maps location).
For any beaches in between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you’ll want to get on a colectivo headed north to Cancun.
For any beaches between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, you’ll want to get on a colectivo headed south to Tulum.
You can read my full Playa del Carmen transportation guide for more information on taking colectivos.
What to Bring to Riviera Maya Beaches
Below are a few things I would recommend bringing to these top beaches in Riviera Maya.
When visiting any beach in Mexico, it’s really important to bring biodegradable sunscreen.
Regular sunscreen is highly discouraged and in many places prohibited as it is harmful to the coral reefs. You can pick up my favorite brand on Amazon here.
Visiting Riviera Maya Beaches: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mayan Riviera beaches:
In my opinion, the best beach in Riviera Maya is Playa Xpu-Ha. But if you’re willing to travel to the nearby islands, then definitely consider Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Playa Palancar on Cozumel, or even Isla Contoy.
The water around Isla Mujeres is the clearest water in Riviera Maya. It has a striking turquoise color that’s really unbelievable!
Both destinations offer amazing beaches with powdery white sands and turquoise waters. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and authentic Mexican experience, the beaches in Riviera Maya would be a better choice.
Yes, Riviera Maya is known for its beautiful white sand beaches that are powder soft.
Yes, Riviera Maya beaches can get seaweed, particularly during summer months. However, clean-up efforts are made daily at many beaches and resorts to clear the seaweed away.
The best beach in Riviera Maya without seaweed is Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, as it typically seaweed-free.
Conclusion: Best Riviera Maya Beaches Guide
I hope this guide has helped you discover the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya to visit on your trip!
Whether you’re looking for a lively beach club or a more secluded retreat, there’s a perfect beach for everyone.
My top pick for the best beach in Riviera Maya Mexico is Playa Xpu-Ha, but I also highly recommend checking out Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and Playa Palancar on Cozumel if you’re willing to travel to the nearby islands.
Just remember to pack your biodegradable sunscreen, respect the local environment, and have fun exploring these stunning beaches in Mexico’s Riviera Maya!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
