The Mayan Riviera is a section of the Caribbean coastline in the state of Quintana Roo that stretches over 100 miles along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, from Cancun in the town of Puerto Morelos to as far south as Punta Allen.
Here, we will walk you through the best Riviera Maya Beaches.
Riviera Maya has the country’s most impressive Mayan archaeological sites, beaches of fine, white sand, snazzy resorts, and amazing natural wonders dot the region, not to mention the presence of the world’s second-largest coral reef, provide the basic ingredients for a holiday paradise.
Updated January 17th 2026
This world-renowned paradise is home to mangroves and lagoons, ecological reserves, adventure parks, world-class restaurants, vivacious nightlife, spas, shopping centers, and some of the world’s best beaches.
Discover the 7 best beaches in Riviera Maya and then choose one of our Riviera Maya vacation rentals just steps from the sand to make it your home base.
Playa Maroma
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya is Playa Maroma, located in the town of Punta Maroma between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. This is a private beach, but you can purchase a day pass and enjoy a full day on this beach. You surely won’t regret it; it’s one of the most beautiful in the area. What’s more, the day pass includes food, drinks, and some water activities.
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Playa Norte Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte is famous for the crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white sand. Located on Isla Mujeres, the famous Mexican island close to Cancún. At this beach, the water is very shallow, so it’s ideal for snorkeling or enjoying a long walk in the sea. It is a very easy accessible beach and considered one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya to see the sunset. As it’s located on the West Coast, the views of the sunset are exceptional.
Holbox, Flamingo Paradise
The beautiful Holbox island is also the Riviera Maya best kept secret, located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. This island, which forms part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, has a beach of the same name where the sky-blue waters are barely three feet deep and you can enjoy long walks on fine white sand.
One of the big draws of this beach is the variety of fauna that lives in its waters. Here, it’s easy to spot sea turtles, tropical fish, and even flamingos, which are an icon of Holbox.
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Playa Paraiso Tulum
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya is also Playa Paraíso, or Paradise Beach, in Tulum. You’ve probably seen it many times; it’s just below the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum, which is undoubtedly one of the reasons why it’s so special. What’s more, the quality of its waters and its white sands make it, like its name says, a true piece of heaven on Earth.
Beaches of Sian Ka’an
Looking for untouched beaches.. you should go and explore the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. Here, you can reconnect with nature among idyllic beaches, mangroves, and jungles that have hardly been touched by man. What’s more, its variety of fauna and nature means that you can discover the great biodiversity of species in the area.
Akumal, Turtle Beach
Akumal, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, was one of the first beaches and tourist areas in the Mexican Caribbean. It’s no wonder: sugar sand, turquoise water, coconut palms, margaritas… What more can you ask for?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has over four miles of glorious and beautiful beaches. Here you will be surrounded by a cosmopolitan atmosphere especially when you walk through La Quinta Avenida.
The pedestrian road is teeming with cafes, restaurants, stores, and bars. Spend a day lying on the beach, riding a bike or a scooter around. You can relax in a hammock or generate a little adrenaline on a jet ski or parasail.
How to get there: Playa del Carmen is an hour’s drive from Cancun along Highway 307.
Visit this link for our selection of villas in the Riviera Maya https://hauteretreats.com/luxury/riviera-maya/
FAQ
1. Which Riviera Maya beach is best for families?
Many families love staying near calmer stretches of beach such as Akumal and Xpu‑Ha, where the water is usually gentler and there’s easy access to shade, beach clubs and casual restaurants. These areas tend to feel more relaxed than the busiest parts of Playa del Carmen, and they pair perfectly with Riviera Maya vacation rentals that have multiple bedrooms, kitchen space and a private pool for nap time or afternoons out of the sun.
2. Are Riviera Maya beaches swimmable year‑round?
Riviera Maya beaches are generally swimmable most of the year, with warm Caribbean water and pleasant air temperatures. Conditions can vary from day to day depending on wind, currents and occasional seaweed (sargassum) arrivals, which are more common in certain months. When you stay in a well‑located Riviera Maya vacation rental, your concierge or host can recommend the best nearby beach for the day’s conditions and suggest sheltered spots if the main stretch is choppy.
3. Can I stay in a Riviera Maya vacation rental within walking distance of the beach?
Yes, many Riviera Maya vacation rentals are either beachfront or just a short walk from the sand, especially in areas like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. You’ll find a mix of private villas, condos and small residential complexes, so you can choose whether you want to step straight onto the beach from your terrace or prefer a quiet side street that’s still only a few minutes’ walk from the water.
4. Are there quieter, less crowded beaches in Riviera Maya?
If you prefer a more peaceful day by the sea, look for beaches and coves outside the busiest town centres—places like Xpu‑Ha, Paamul, parts of Akumal and some of the bays south of Tulum. These spots often feel more low‑key, with fewer people and a more local vibe. Choosing a Riviera Maya vacation rental close to one of these beaches lets you enjoy the softer side of the coast while still being able to drive or taxi into livelier areas when you’re in the mood for restaurants and nightlife.
