How to Visit Punta Maroma: Riviera Maya’s Best Kept Secret (2023 Guide)
Punta Maroma is a beautiful, secluded beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico that offers stunning Caribbean views and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
I’m a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen and can honestly say it’s one of the best beaches I’ve seen in Riviera Maya–and one that most people don’t know about!
But as one of the more exclusive beaches in Riviera Maya, Punta Maroma can be difficult to access on your own–which is where I’m here to help!
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Punta Maroma in Riviera Maya, Mexico including how you can visit, how to get there, top hotels, beach clubs, activities, and more.
Read on to discover how to visit Riviera Maya’s best kept secret!
What is Punta Maroma?
Punta Maroma is an exclusive beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico that is home to some of the best resorts in Riviera Maya and is known for its pristine beachfront.
There are no public beach access points at Punta Maroma, which makes it more difficult to visit if you’re not staying at one of the Punta Maroma hotels.
Where is Punta Maroma?
Punta Maroma is located about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in the state of Quintana Roo.
The nearest airport is Cancun International Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from Punta Maroma.
Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:
- Playa del Carmen to Punta Maroma: 30 minutes
- Cancun to Punta Maroma: 1 hour
- Tulum to Punta Maroma: 1 hour 15 minutes
Punta Maroma Map
What is Punta Maroma known for?
Punta Maroma is a long stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its pristine tropical beachfront, which is widespread with powder white sand and clear turquoise water.
With a very flat and wide beachfront area, Punta Maroma is much less crowded than Playa del Carmen’s beaches, making it the ideal spot for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
Punta Maroma is also where you’ll find the famous Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma, which are the only true overwater bungalows in Mexico.
Why visit Punta Maroma?
While it may not be as well known as some of the other beaches in Riviera Maya, Punta Maroma is one of the area’s hidden gems and is definitely worth a visit.
Once you arrive at Punta Maroma, you’ll find that the beach is absolutely pristine. The powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters make it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the incredible views.
There is also a beach club and restaurant to enjoy, as well as a variety of activities to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable beach experience, Punta Maroma is where you want to be!
How to Visit Punta Maroma Beach
Unfortunately, there aren’t any public beach access points at Punta Maroma, which makes visiting on your own much more difficult. But it still can be done!
These are the different ways you can visit Punta Maroma:
- By staying at a hotel on Punta Maroma
- By purchasing a day pass for a hotel at Punta Maroma
- By visiting Maroma Beach Club
- By booking a tour with Maroma Adventures
Probably the best way to experience the beach is by staying at one of the beautiful Punta Maroma all inclusive resorts, giving you exclusive access to Maroma beach for the total duration of your stay.
I personally chose to stay at the all-inclusive Catalonia Maroma resort, and found it to be so worth it!
It’s really a relaxing escape and feels worlds away from the bustling beach towns of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to comfortable beach loungers, umbrellas, expansive pools, and unlimited food and beverage service.
But if you only want to visit Punta Maroma for the day, you can also purchase a day pass, visit the beach club, or book a tour, which I’ll outline in further detail in this post.
How to Get to Punta Maroma
Punta Maroma is located about 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, and is only accessible by car or boat.
The best way to get there is by driving or renting a car, but you can also take a bus or taxi from Playa del Carmen.
👀 Looking for the easiest way to get to Punta Maroma? Book a tour with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
Driving to Punta Maroma
Definitely consider renting a car in Playa del Carmen if you’re comfortable driving on your own and want to explore some places off-the-beaten-path.
From Playa del Carmen, simply take the main highway 307 north for about 12 miles (20 km) until you see the highway signs for Punta Maroma.
You’ll then need to take a right turn off the highway (follow the signs for El Dorado Maroma), which will lead you directly to the Maroma Beach Club.
👉 I recommend booking your rental car with Discover Cars, which is a handy online car rental marketplace where you can compare prices from multiple companies.
Security
There will be security gates at the entrance so you’ll need to let the guards know if you’re visiting a particular resort or the beach club.
Security can be tight at Punta Maroma, especially if you are staying at a resort. Let them know if you are just visiting the beach club, and they should let you pass.
Parking at Punta Maroma
Once you arrive in Punta Maroma, you’ll be able to find ample parking at the beach club or at the Punta Maroma resorts.
Take a Taxi to Punta Maroma
Punta Maroma can also be reached by taking a taxi from Playa del Carmen. You can expect taxi rates to be around $400 pesos (~$20 USD) each way.
For the return trip, there is a taxi stand outside of the Maroma Beach Club (next to El Dorado Maroma), and they can assist you with getting a taxi for the return trip.
Take Public Transportation to Punta Maroma
By public transportation, Punta Maroma can also be reached by taking a colectivo (shared van) or Playa Express van from Playa del Carmen. This is the cheapest option but also requires a bit of walking!
The main bus depot in Playa del Carmen is located at Avenida Juarez and Highway 307 (behind the McDonald’s).
You can either get on the normal colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, or the Playa Express. Note the Playa Express depot is just on the other side of the highway.
Both are going to the same place but the Playa Express is a large, Sprinter-style van and is much more comfortable. Once you get on, you’ll want to tell the driver you’re going to Punta Maroma and you’ll pay upon exiting.
The cost should be less than $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD) each way and you’ll want to make sure you have small bills on hand (pesos are best) as most drivers don’t have much change.
When taking a colectivo to Punta Maroma, you’ll be dropped off on the side of the highway, so you’ll still have about a 30-minute walk to the beach from there.
For the return trip, you’ll need to reverse the process and cross the highway to flag down a colectivo or Playa Express headed from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Book a Tour to Punta Maroma
If you want to visit Punta Maroma on your own, the easiest and most hassle-free option is to book a tour with Maroma Adventures. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with driving or renting a car.
Maroma Adventures is one of the only tour companies located on Punta Maroma and is operated by the same company as Maroma Beach Club.
They offer many different adventure tours and activities with round-trip transportation included.
Plus, when you book a tour with Maroma Adventures, you get access to the Maroma Beach Club, where you can chill out on lounge beds on the beautiful Maroma beach after the tour.
These are some of the best Maroma Adventures tours:
- Catamaran at Maroma Beach and Reef Snorkel
- Private Speed Boat Tour at Maroma Beach
- Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar
- Punta Maroma Parasailing Tour
- Wave Runners and Beach Club Access
👉 Book a tour with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
Top Hotels in Punta Maroma
There are several great Punta Maroma hotels, all offering stunning views of the ocean, and plenty of activities and amenities to keep you busy during your stay.
Below are the best hotels in Punta Maroma. Consider booking a stay at one of these Playa Maroma resorts for exclusive beach access!
Catalonia Playa Maroma
For a more budget-friendly option, Catalonia Playa Maroma is a great choice. This all inclusive hotel is located right on the beach, and offers simple yet comfortable accommodations.
I personally stayed at Catalonia Playa Maroma Mexico for a weekend getaway with some girlfriends and had a great experience! With multiple pools, a swim-up bar, and on-site spa, it was the perfect place for a relaxing retreat.
I was also very impressed with the dining options at Catalonia Maroma, which includes a variety of international restaurants, cafes, and pool-side food trucks. Plus, the resort’s beachfront area is unbelievably beautiful!
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Catalonia Maroma
Travelista Tip: Be sure to sign up for Catalonia Maroma’s “Privileged” program for exclusive access to added benefits and upgrades.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort that is one of the only resorts in Riviera Maya to earn the highly coveted AAA 5 Diamond Award.
The resort offers 13 outdoor pools, 7 different restaurants, as well as a coffee shop. In addition, the suite accommodations have hot tubs, marble baths, furnished terraces, and minibars.
If you’re looking for a high-end luxury all-inclusive experience in Punta Maroma, Secrets Maroma is the top choice!
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Secrets Punta Maroma
Day Pass at Secrets Maroma
Day passes at Secrets Maroma are also available and can be arranged by calling the hotel at +52 984 877 3641.
🏖 Related Reading: Playa del Carmen Day Passes: How to Spend the Day at an All-Inclusive Resort
El Dorado Maroma
El Dorado Maroma is a beautiful upscale hotel, and is considered to be one of the best all inclusive Punta Maroma resorts.
Decorated with a contemporary Caribbean style, the suites and rooms feature spacious terraces with an outdoor bed, perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun.
The resort’s “Gourmet Inclusive Experience” offers many different restaurants serving a fusion of Mexican and Caribbean food, as well as Asian and Italian cuisine, and a gourmet restaurant with an open-kitchen concept serving burgers, tacos, and BBQ.
There are also several swim-up bars, a classic lounge bar, and 24-hour room service available for guests to enjoy. And if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also boasts 4 swimming pools and a full-service spa!
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at El Dorado Maroma
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma
The only true overwater bungalows in Mexico, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma offers a luxurious stay on the beautiful Maroma Beach.
The property’s 30 overwater bungalows feature private decks and access to an infinity pool or glass-bottom floor for maximum relaxation while enjoying views from your own deck! You’ll also have direct ladder access to the ocean and private butler service.
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Maldives or Bora Bora, consider the Palafitos Punta Maroma Bungalows for a unique and luxurious bungalow experience closer to home.
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Chable Maroma
Nestled in the heart of Riviera Maya, Chable Maroma is a luxury boutique hotel that offers guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
With only 70 villas, this intimate setting provides the perfect getaway for couples or small groups looking for a relaxing vacation.
The hotel’s minimalist design and earthy decor elements create a tranquil and serene atmosphere, while the villa accommodations with private plunge pools and moon showers provide the utmost in luxury and privacy.
In addition to its lovely accommodations, Chable Maroma also offers yoga classes, a spa and gym, and two restaurants serving delicious international cuisine.
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Chable Maroma
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
2023 Update: Maroma Hotel is currently closed for an extensive renovation with plans to reopen in May 2023.
If you’re looking for a luxurious boutique hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico, look no further than Maroma, A Belmond Hotel.
This intimate hotel has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Hotels and Resorts in the World and offers an incredible beach and jungle setting. Guests can enjoy three swimming pools, cooking lessons, tequila tastings, and yoga classes.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel is an expensive yet luxurious hotel with premium prices, perfect for those looking for a private and quiet stay with high-quality food and drink and personalized service.
Punta Maroma Beach Clubs
Since Punta Maroma is pretty heavily dominated with resorts, there is really only one beach club at Punta Maroma that is open to the public–Maroma Beach Club.
Maroma Beach Club
Maroma Beach Club is located right on the sand and offers plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beach beds for guests to use.
The beach club also has a restaurant and bar, which are perfect for grabbing some food, beers, or cocktails in between swims.
The current price for Maroma Beach Club access is $400 pesos (~$20 USD) per person, which includes beach club access, lounge beds, showers, and restrooms. It does NOT include food and beverage.
Maroma Beach Club is also home to Maroma Adventures, where you can easily arrange additional activities such as catamaran sails, snorkeling, or jet skis for an additional cost.
Travelista Tip: If you are a Quintana Roo resident, be sure to ask for the local discount to get 20% off food and beverage.
Best Things to Do at Punta Maroma
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at Punta Maroma beach Mexico. If you’re looking to get active, you can go snorkeling, sailing, or even kiteboarding.
1. Relax at the beach
For something a little more relaxing, take a stroll down the beach, or simply lounge on a beach chair and soak up the incredible views.
The white sand and turquoise waters at Punta Maroma are pretty idyllic and make it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Caribbean views.
Plus, you’ll have access to food and beverage service to keep the cold margaritas coming!
☀️ Don’t forget to bring biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen anytime you are swimming in the ocean. I recommend Sun Bum sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
2. Go kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is a popular water sport in Riviera Maya, and Punta Maroma Beach is one of the best places to practice it.
The ocean winds and wide-open spaces make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers.
Kitemex Kiteboarding School is located right on Punta Maroma beach and offers professional and patient instructors who can help you learn or perfect your skills.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kitesurfer, Punta Maroma Beach is the perfect place to enjoy this exhilarating sport.
3. Go scuba diving
Home to the Mesoamerican Reef system, Riviera Maya is one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world.
The clear waters and beautiful coral reefs make it a popular spot for both beginner and experienced divers.
If you’re interested in learning to scuba dive, Pro Dive International Dive Shop at Catalonia Maroma offers introductory lessons and certifications. They also offer tours of the best dive sites in the area.
4. Go on a catamaran sail
If you want to explore the crystal clear waters of Riviera Maya offshore, there’s no better way to do it than on a catamaran.
On this catamaran sail with Maroma Adventures, you’ll be able to enjoy Punta Maroma snorkeling at the Great Mayan Reef, and then relax at the beach club afterwards with lunch included.
👉 Book a catamaran sail with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
5. Go parasailing
If you’re not afraid of heights, Punta Maroma is also a great place to enjoy a parasailing experience.
In this parasailing tour, you’ll get to glide over the lush tropical surroundings and take in panoramic views of Maroma Beach from up above.
Afterwards, refuel with a delicious meal at the Maroma Beach Club and enjoy some time relaxing in the sun.
👉 Book a parasailing tour with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
6. Ride a jet ski
With its clear water and gentle waves, Punta Maroma is also a fun place to ride a jet ski.
On this 45-minute guided tour, you can experience the thrill of the Mexican Caribbean aboard a jet ski and enjoy panoramic views of the beach.
The WaveRunner makes it easy to navigate the waves and explore the coastline. You might even get to see some fish and marine life! Plus, you’ll get to enjoy beach club access afterwards.
👉 Book a jet ski tour with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
7. Go on a sunset cruise
For a more romantic Punta Maroma excursion, consider a sunset catamaran cruise.
On this sunset catamaran sail, you’ll get to be out on the Caribbean Sea while watching the sunset over the coastline in a beautiful array of colors. Plus, you can enjoy canopies and drinks on board.
Afterward, there’s a 4-course dinner served on the beach. It’s an unforgettable experience, ideal for couples or those celebrating special occasions.
👉 Book a private sunset cruise with Maroma Adventures by clicking here!
FAQs about Punta Maroma
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Punta Maroma:
To get to Maroma Beach, you’ll need to take a short drive from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The beach is located just south of Puerto Morelos, in the Riviera Maya.
Technically all beaches in Mexico are public, however, there aren’t always public beach access points. This is the case at Punta Maroma, where you’ll need to purchase access to the beach by staying at a hotel or visiting the beach club.
Maroma Beach is located in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is situated on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 30 miles south of Cancun and 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen.
Maroma Beach is in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Final Thoughts: Punta Maroma Mexico
Hopefully you can see now why Punta Maroma is such a hidden gem! It’s honestly one of my favorite beaches in Riviera Maya and shouldn’t be missed.
While visiting Punta Maroma takes a little more effort than other beaches in Riviera Maya, it is definitely worth it for a quiet getaway and totally unforgettable beach experience.
Are you adding Punta Maroma to your Riviera Maya must-visit list?!
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 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 like to use 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 when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, 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.