10 Best Beaches in Riviera Maya

Playa Akumal is a stunning beach in the town of the same name and is home to a local turtle population as well as relaxing sands and opportunities for watersports. The name Akumal means "place of turtles," so you shouldn't be surprised to find quite a few turtles in the area.

You can see the turtles underwater when you go snorkelling, but you'll have to remember that there are rules against touching them. Additionally, you'll find plenty of opportunities to relax and to visit the quaint shops and eateries nearby. You'll find it all on the eastern coast of Akumal.

Playa Xpu-Ha is far more popular with locals than travellers, so you can enjoy tranquil, uncrowded surroundings around turquoise Caribbean waters by beachside restaurants. You can set up your beach chair here and let the water's breeze take over for a peaceful and relaxing experience away from life's hustle and bustle.

When you visit this beach, you'll find quite a few small beachside restaurants available. There, you'll find all the ice-cold beer you'll want, along with food like fish tacos that are always made fresh. See it for yourself just south of Puerto Aventuras.

Playa Xcalacoco tends to be one of the less-visited beaches, allowing you to enjoy its natural splendour, local restaurants, and watersports without worrying about crowds. As a local favourite, this beach is typically only occupied by residents of the area. You won't even find a substantial car park, and many visitors walk here from Playa del Carmen.

On the beach itself, you'll find plenty of space to open up a chair and relax, but swimming and snorkelling are available as well. Don't forget to check out the local restaurants, too. They may be small, but they offer incredible fresh seafood. It's all available just north of Playa del Carmen.

Playa Pescadores is known for its relaxing warmth, soft sands, and inviting waters that make it the perfect place for unwinding or taking part in beachfront fun. Although the area is relatively secluded, the beach is still simple to get to, so you can enjoy tranquil surroundings easily.

Some watersports are available here too, along with beach games like volleyball. Snorkelling is especially popular, however, thanks to the crystal-clear and calm waters. Experience it all for yourself due east of Tulum.

Paradise Beach (Playa Paraiso) is a popular beach in Tulum that is located near iconic ruins, letting you enjoy both fun in the sun and a step back in time. The ruins themselves are visible from the beach and just a short walk away if you feel like exploring.

When you visit the beach, you'll find soft sands, inviting waters, and plenty of people looking to enjoy the fun as well. If you want to secure a lounge chair here, be sure to arrive early. You'll find this beach a few miles east of city centre Tulum.

Playa Maroma is one of the best beaches around, but also one of the most exclusive, as you'll need special access to enjoy the soft sands and tranquil waters. To get onto this beach, you typically have to reserve a stay at one of the local luxury hotels, but having lunch at a local restaurant can work, too.

When you get to the beach, you'll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as the area has been designed to offer tranquility and all the pristine Caribbean white sand and turquoise water you could want. The tropical landscape backdrop makes it even more picturesque, and you'll find it a few miles north of Playa del Carmen.

Playa Ruinas is, as the name suggests, located next to some prominent Mayan ruins, letting you explore the history and the soft sands of the Caribbean coast. The ruins are perched atop a cliff overlooking the beach, as the Mayans tended to build around incredible viewpoints.

The beach here is relatively calm, though you'll still find plenty of visitors stopping by after seeing the ruins. When you're here, you can go for a swim or relax easily enough on the warm sands. It's all available east of Tulum.

Playa Puerto Morelos is a quiet beach that lets you immerse yourself in the local culture, as it's located within a friendly fishing village and a picturesque jungle. Nature lovers will enjoy the surroundings since mangroves and cenotes are both easily accessible right from the beach.

The fishing village on the coast offers easy access to the beach with the conveniences of town, like shops and restaurants, being well within walking distance from the sandy shores. The waters here are known for being quite gentle as well, making it particularly family-friendly. You'll find it about halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.