Are you looking for a Caribbean vacation in a Mexican paradise? Then you have to get to know the Riviera Maya. Here are the Top 10 best beaches in the Riviera Maya. Enjoy the blue water of the Caribbean and learn everything you need to know to travel to Quintana Roo as soon as possible.
Where is the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean Sea. This area begins south of Puerto Morelos in Punta Brava and ends in Punta Allen. On most of the beaches of the Riviera Maya, you will find hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and many more activities. Check out these top 3 places to visit and what to do:
- Riviera Maya has the most extensive reef system in the world. A place where bull sharks migrate between November and March. Also, one of the largest bio reserves in Mexico is here: the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Kaan.
- Tulum and Coba are 2 of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya. In the Riviera Maya, you can also witness some Mayan rituals, such as the night of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza or the Mayan night show in Xcaret.
- One of the most important festivals in the Riviera Maya is the Playa del Carmen Carnival, organized in January and February. If you attend during these months, you can enjoy concerts, batucadas, and lots of parties.
What’s the weather like in the Riviera Maya?
The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an average temperature of 25º. The maximum temperature is 34º, and the minimum is 18º. Usually, it is not affected by the hurricane season, and the largest number of tourists arrive in the June-August period. The rain in summer is very light and lasts between 15-20 minutes, and then the sun returns to its maximum splendor.
The time zone in the Riviera Maya is different than Mexico City. There is a one-hour difference. In Mexico City, if it is 8 am, in the Riviera Maya, it is 9 am.
The 10 best beaches in the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya, beaches you’ll fall in love with. If you’re unsure which beach to visit, we’ll tell you about the top 10 best beaches. A fair warning, choosing which beach to visit first may be difficult. Some on this list are private, but some are public beaches in the Riviera Maya.
Playa de Puerto Morelos
This beach is located in the town of Puerto Morelos, which is between Cancun International Airport and Playa del Carmen. The beaches of Riviera Maya and Puerto Morelos have white sand and gentle waves. There is also a family atmosphere. Here you can explore the sea by kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat.
If you are already in Puerto Morelos, don’t forget to visit the cenote route to get to know Zapote, Siete Bocas, Kin-Há, La Noria, Las Mojarras, Chilam Balam, Verde Lucero, and Boca del Puma. Other must-dos are the faro inclinado, the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín botanical garden, and the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.
Holbox
In the Riviera Maya, if you are looking for beaches with natural beauty, Holbox is your answer. Holbox Island is north of Yucatan, part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, and has become one of the most visited sites on the Riviera. Among the main attractions of Holbox is the fauna, such as sea turtles and flamingos.
When you visit Holbox, you can kayak through lagoons and mangroves and snorkel and dive. One of the dishes you must try is lobster pizza, the island’s specialty. We also recommend visiting Holbox between June and August to see the whale sharks, one of the natural spectacles that you must see at least once in your life.
Akumal
In the Riviera Maya, beaches with natural attractions, such as Akumal, stand out. Akumal is between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s known as the beach of the turtles because that is their habitat. Visit some places for dolphin experiences. Also, tour to bathe in ancient waters.
The Yal-Kú lagoon located in Akumal has a sweet and salty current. The lagoon’s biodiversity includes parrotfish, golden vaquitas, sea urchins, and starfish. It is the ideal destination among the beaches of the Riviera Maya. Another place in Akumal to understand the importance of animals is the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.
Playa Paraíso, Tulum
Playa Paraíso in Tulum is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya. Playa Paraíso is 900 meters from the Tulum archaeological zone and is one of the few public beaches in the area. The turquoise color of the water contrasted with the white sand and vegetation makes Playa Paraíso a visual delight.
Take advantage of the fact that you are in Tulum and visit Playa Pescadores, the archaeological zone, and the cenote route. Tulum is a pueblo mágico and has important festivals like the Tulum Carnival, Alboarada Maya, and the Sea Turtle Festival.
Playa Mamitas, Playa del Carmen
Among the most popular beaches in Riviera Maya everyone loves, you will find Playa Mamitas in Playa del Carmen. It has gentle waves that barely cover your feet with crystal clear water. Since you are in Playa del Carmen, you should know that you are right in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Visit Xaman-Há, the archaeological zone of Playa del Carmen. It’s so secret and beautiful that you must make an appointment at the National Institute of Anthropology and History to visit it.
Playas de Sian Ka’an
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is paradise. Here you will find beaches, dunes, cenotes, and coral reefs. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, and it is a destination in the Riviera Maya that you cannot miss.
The core zone is protected, and only researchers can access it with special permission. A buffer zone is open to visitors, and the transition zone is where there is a greater degree of human intervention.
Playa Xpu-Ha
Xpu-Ha beach is an ecological reserve with mangroves and reefs. Here you can snorkel and kayak. It is not a public beach, but you will find many services to do water activities, eat, and try cocktails in the area.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte is on Isla Mujeres, one of the beaches in Riviera Maya that has sparkling white sand and crystal-clear water. Around the beach, you will find many services. According to the Travelers Choice Awards list, this beach is one of the 25 best in the world. So, it is an excellent place to escape and have a good time. Don’t forget to include it among the places you have to visit in the Riviera Maya.
Punta Maroma
A few kilometers from Playa del Carmen, on the list of Riviera Maya beaches, is Punta Maroma. Discovery Travel has cataloged it as one of the most beautiful in the world. The beach is tranquil, and although it is a private beach, it is worth paying for admission.
Travel to Cancun!
Now that you know where to visit, it’s time to pack your swimsuit, find a good sunscreen, and start your adventure. The beaches and hotels in Riviera Maya await you with open arms. At Viva Aerobus, we offer plane tickets to Cancun, so you can get to know the Riviera Maya. Choose your travel dates now.
