The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a romantic getaway, Mexico’s Riviera Maya has something for everyone. So I’ve rounded up the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Riviera Maya Travel Guide

This list includes popular and more off-the-beaten-path beaches and insider tips on where to go and what to do.

Here are the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula!

Playa Norte

Playa Norte is a slice of paradise located on the northern tip of Isla Mujeres. This stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Playa Norte is the perfect destination if you’re looking to soak up the sun, swim in the refreshing ocean, or relax under the shade of a palm tree.

One of the best things about Playa Norte is its family-friendly atmosphere. The shallow waters and calm waves make it a safe place for kids to play and swim. There are also plenty of beachside restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.

Playa Norte also has a vibrant local culture and beach scene. You can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, take a yoga class on the sand, or rent a paddleboard to explore the coast.

Tulum Beach

Tulum Beach is more than just a popular tourist spot. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This beach is surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins that add a touch of mystery and wonder to the overall atmosphere.

You can walk through the ruins and then take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum Beach has a fun local scene, with restaurants, bars, and shops featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and handmade goods. You can also dive or snorkel to explore the coral reefs and marine life.

The beach is famous for its eco-friendly initiatives, with many hotels and restaurants implementing sustainable practices to preserve the local environment.

Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water and sea turtles. So snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, this beach is for you!

The beach is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life. If you’re not a diver or snorkeler, you can do a guided tour to swim with sea turtles.

Like Tulum Beach, Akumal Beach maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, with many hotels and restaurants implementing eco-friendly practices to preserve the local environment. This includes ethical encounters with sea turtles, so always follow your guide’s instructions and remember you’re just a visitor in the sea turtles’ home.

Playa del Carmen Beach

Playa del Carmen Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula, for good reason. This lively beach offers something for everyone, from party beach clubs to quiet stretches of sand for relaxation.

The stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand make this beach a visitor favorite. It’s also conveniently located near many of the area’s top attractions, including the famous Fifth Avenue shopping district, where you’ll find endless shops, restaurants, and bars.

But Playa del Carmen Beach isn’t just about the party scene. It’s also an excellent spot for families, with calm waters and plenty of space for children to play. And, like many beaches in the area, Playa del Carmen Beach is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Playacar and Xpu-Ha Beachs

If you’re in Playa del Carmen but the Playa del Carmen Beach is too crowded for you, head to Playacar Beach or Xpu-Ha Beach. Both are known for their pristine beauty, calm waters, and relatively few crowds.

Progreso Beach

Progreso Beach, located on the northwest coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, doesn’t receive as much attention as some of its neighboring beaches, but it deserves a spot on your beach itinerary.

This beach has soft, white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. And, for those looking for some adventure, Progreso Beach offers several water activities, such as jet skiing and parasailing.

However, Progreso Beach is more than just a typical beach destination. This charming fishing town also offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and history.

Take a stroll along the town’s malecón or boardwalk, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. And be sure to visit the iconic pink-striped lighthouse, which has become a symbol for Progreso!

Holbox Beach

Holbox Island is small and un-developed, with no cars or paved roads, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This beach is a hidden gem, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and stretches of white sand beaches fringed by swaying palm trees.

One of the main draws of Holbox Beach is its incredible wildlife. The island is home to various animals, including flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles. You can take a boat, kayak, or paddle boarding tour to spot these creatures.

Holbox is a great diving and snorkeling destination, especially from May – August, when you can swim with whale sharks!

What To Pack For The Riviera Maya

In addition to your usual travel essentials, you’ll want these items:

-Multiple Swimsuits: With so many opportunities for water activities, you’ll want to make sure you have several swimsuits packed so you always have a dry one.

–Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Mexico, so pack plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.

-Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in certain areas, so bringing insect repellent is a good idea.

-Water Shoes: If you plan on exploring the cenotes or boating, water shoes will come in handy.

-Comfortable Walking Shoes: With all the walking and exploring you’ll be doing, it’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes in addition to sandals.

-Lightweight Clothing: Mexico can be hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing.

-Electrical outlets in Mexico are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.

When To Visit The Riviera Maya

May – August is the Riviera Maya’s peak season. Prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest, so book in advance to save some money. These months are hot and humid, but the summer is perfect for sunshine, clear skies, and water activities.

September – November is hurricane season, so this is the off-season. Crowds and prices will be at their lowest, but the chance of rain, choppy water, cloudy skies, and bad weather is higher. If you’re willing to risk the weather, you can score some great accommodation rates during these months.

December – February is cooler than the rest of the year but still pleasant. If you dive during these months, you’ll want a thicker wetsuit to stay warm underwater. Rain is common during these months, but it’s usually brief afternoon showers that help keep you cool. To save money during these months, avoid the holidays and long weekends.

March – April has fabulous weather – dry, sunny, and not too hot. But these months are more crowded and expensive because of Spring Break trips, so book in advance to ensure availability.

If you’re a diver, May – August is whale shark season, and November – March is bull shark season.

Takeaways

The beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula are simply breathtaking. From the idyllic Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres to the bustling beaches of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, this region offers abundant beach options for every type of traveler.

So, if you’re looking for your next beach getaway, look no further than the Yucatan Peninsula. As the saying goes, “Life is a beach,” and the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula are some of the best in the world!

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This guide to the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide to the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide to the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this travel guide to the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula.