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Hello Beach Lover — Discover the best beaches in Playa del Carmen for your next adventure. If you dream of turquoise waters, soft sand, and a vibrant beach life, Playa del Carmen, a slice of paradise in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, should be at the top of your travel list.
If you’re an adventurer looking for scenic beach excursions, lively beach clubs, or a serene spot to sunbathe, Playa del Carmen could be your perfect destination.
Are you ready to discover the best beaches in Playa del Carmen? From serene Excalacoco to vibrant Mamitas!
Beaches in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is home to several world-class beaches, each offering something unique to visitors. From quiet retreats to vibrant hubs, here are some of Playa’s best beaches to explore.
1. Mamitas Beach
Location: 28th Street in Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
On 28th Street in Playa del Carmen, you will find Mamitas Beach (Playa Mamitas), one of the most famous beaches. Upon entering the beach, you will discover Mamitas Beach Club, one of the best beach clubs in Playa del Carmen.
You can relax on a sunbed or enjoy delicious food and national and imported drinks. With luxurious amenities, young travelers and party-goers can participate in beach activities, including beach volleyball, with a live DJ set on the VIP side.
2. Parque Fundadores
Location: Parque Los Fundadores of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Located just outside Parque Los Fundadores and the Cozumel ferry dock, Playa Fundadores is a popular beach. Along with landmarks like the iconic Portal Maya statue, you can watch the Papantla acrobats perform.
It can get very crowded due to its proximity to Fifth Avenue shopping. You can play volleyball while relaxing on Fundadores beach. Enjoy cultural events at the main plaza of Playa Fundadores and sample traditional Mexican cuisine.
3. Playacar Beach
Location: South of Cozumel ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
If you’re staying at a resort in the Playacar area, this private gated community just south of Playa del Carmen is the place to be. Its long, sandy beach and clear waters are a great destination for strolls or soaking up the beauty of the Riviera Maya.
Although it’s not open to the public, you can still visit this luxurious beach. The owners of luxury homes and all-inclusive resorts keep this beach, just south of the Cozumel ferry terminal, clean with cleaning staff.
4. Playa Xcalacoco
Location: North of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Playa Xcalacoco Beach is one of the best beaches on the Riviera Maya, a short drive from the city center or a short walk from Playa del Carmen. Its soft white sand is perfect for lounging or swimming in the calm waters, with the surrounding coconut trees providing ample shade to relax with a book.
Don’t forget your snorkeling gear – this beach offers glimpses of marine life near shore. Head to Coral Restaurant & Bar by Viceroy and Xcalacoco Beach Club & Spa for more family-friendly activities for lunch.
5. Playa Punta Esmeralda
Location: North of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Punta Esmeralda Beach is popular for locals just north of the city center. Located by the ocean, you can take a refreshing dip in the cenote or relax on the beach under the shade of palm trees.
Although you won’t find amenities like a beach club or restaurant, it’s a great place to swim and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Many travelers say this hidden gem of the Riviera Maya is a popular beach for families in Playa del Carmen, where children play.
6. Playa 88
Location: North of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Great beaches, and if you need a quieter spot, you can walk down, and there’s always a spot where people aren’t as crowded. Everything from Playa 72 to 88 and from Esmeralda to Playa Nub is great and worth the walk to find one that suits you.
Head to a trendy beach club or a comfortable lounger with soft sand, clear water, and a lively atmosphere, and enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails.
7. Playa Coco Beach
Location: North of the Reef AI resort and near Calle 38 in Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
If you are looking for a lively beach with plenty of activities, Playa Coco Beach is the place for you. It is located near the famous Mamitas Beach. Enter the beach through the gates of the Reef Coco Beach Resort.
Relax on the beach or head to Coco Beach for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kite surfing. Enjoy cocktails at the beach clubs while enjoying delicious fresh seafood!
8. Playa Del Carmen Public Beach
Location: Near Playa 88 Beach, North of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Playa del Carmen Public Beach is another popular beach near Playa 88 Beach. You can sunbathe, swim, and people-watch on the wide stretch of sand, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, and snorkeling at this spot, one of the best in Playa del Carmen.
The busiest and most accessible public beach has beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy cocktails while enjoying local cuisine.
Nearby Beaches in Playa Del Carmen
Feel like exploring even further? Playa del Carmen is surrounded by some of Mexico’s most breathtaking nearby beaches. Here’s your guide to venturing just a little farther out.
1. Playa Maroma
Location: North of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Maroma is just a 30-minute drive north of Playa del Carmen to explore. Swim in the soft white sand and calm, clear waters on its wide beach. Perfect for diving and snorkeling, you can see marine life gliding through the coral reef.
For a more adventurous experience, you can go kiteboarding at Kitemex Kiteboarding School. Enjoy a cocktail with lunch at Maroma Beach Club or Secrets Maroma.
2. Playa Xpu-Ha
Location: Town of Xpu-Ha, South of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, this quiet beach is one of the best beaches on the Riviera Maya. You can go kayaking or paddleboarding in its calm waters, and it’s a great destination for swimming and relaxing in the lush greenery.
For a more immersive experience, explore the underwater marine life with a guided diving or snorkeling tour. Head to the beach clubs for delicious food and drinks while watching the incredible sunset.
3. Playa Akumal
Location: South of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Playa Akumal is known as the “Place of Turtles.” You can reach Playa Akumal, a 30-minute drive from the center of Playa del Carmen, famous for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
It is a popular place for snorkeling and diving lovers to discover underwater life in the famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Swim with sea turtles or enjoy various water activities, including paddle boarding and kayaking. Relax in the shade of palm trees and enjoy delicious food at local restaurants.
Bring your equipment for great adventures, or visit the Akumal Dive Shop and Akumal Dive Center to discover Playa Akumal on a guided tour.
4. Paamul Beach
Location: South of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Paul Beach is a hidden gem located on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, just 20 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Known for its quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, this beach has soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
This beach is surrounded by picturesque palm trees and limestone formations, which provide a calm yet unique landscape filled with natural shade and an almost bohemian atmosphere.
5. Playa Paraiso Beach
Location: South of Tulum (Google Map)
Located in Tulum, about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, Playa Paraiso Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s known for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and incredible views.
You can enjoy various activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and relax in the shade of swaying palm trees as you enjoy the natural beauty. Enjoy delicious food at Playa Paraiso Beach Club while exploring the nearby Mayan ruins.
6. Tulum Beach
Location: Tulum, South of Playa del Carmen (Google Maps)
Plan a 1-hour drive from Playa del Carmen to visit this beach with ancient Mayan ruins. You can visit historical sites like the Tulum Ruins, which overlook the ocean, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Relax on the soft sands, enjoy yoga retreats and trendy beach clubs for more great adventures.
Tips for Visiting Beaches in Playa Del Carmen
Arrive Early: Popular beaches like Mamitas and Playa del Carmen public beaches can get crowded as the day progresses, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Watch for Sargassum: Occasionally, a seaweed known as sargassum washes up on the beaches. While it’s a natural occurrence, it can affect the beach’s cleanliness. Many resorts and beach clubs actively clean it up, but it’s something to remember when planning your trip.
Respect Nature: Help preserve the natural beauty around you. Avoid leaving trash, and stick to designated paths if you visit eco-sensitive areas.
Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, water, towels, a good camera, and snorkeling gear (if needed). Many beaches do not have rental facilities.
Stay Hydrated: The Riviera Maya’s heat can be intense. Keep water handy to stay refreshed throughout your beach day.
Explore Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on roadside stands or beach cafes offering fresh ceviche, tacos, or coconut water. The flavors here are unforgettable.
Beaches in Playa Del Carmen FAQs
Q: What are the family-friendly beaches in Playa del Carmen?
A: Playa Punta Esmeralda, Playacar Beach, and Playa Xcalacoco are great family-friendly beaches. Both offer calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for families with young children.
Q: What is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen Beach?
A: The best time to visit is between November and April, which offers cool and dry weather and makes it a great time to relax on the beach. Avoid hurricane season (June to October) for a safer and more enjoyable trip.
Q: What are the nude beaches in Playa del Carmen?
A: There are no officially recognized nude beaches in Playa del Carmen. However, Playa del Secreto, Topless Sunbathing at Mamitas Beach, and Martina Beach are known for their nudist culture but are not officially designated. Another destination is Hidden Beach, about a 45-minute walk from the ferry terminal, past the resorts near Playacar.
Q: What are the best snorkeling and diving spots in Playa del Carmen?
A: Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen offers many spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities. In addition to Cenote Jardin del Eden, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Cenote dos Ojos, Zel-Ha Park, Cozumel, and Excaret Eco Park, Playa del Carmen offers many other snorkeling and diving spots.
Q: What are the best beaches in Playa del Carmen?
A: Playa del Carmen offers many world-class beaches with unique charm. Mamitas Beach, Playacar Beach, Punta Esmeralda, Parque Fundadores Beach, Playa 38 and Coco Beach are the best beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Whether relaxing under palm trees, discovering underwater wonders, or immersing yourself in culture, the beaches of Playa del Carmen offer something for everyone.
Get ready for your next vacation and start planning your Playa trip. Keep this guide handy to maximize your time under the Mexican sun. Heaven is calling – will you answer?
Tell us about your Playa del Carmen travel experience, “‘Uncover Mexico “‘ We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy your trip!
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