Riviera Maya Beaches
Every resort on the Maya Riviera has a beach and more than one swimming pool. Most of the beaches have been manicured and loaded with fine sand. The beach is usually close to rooms.
Some resort beaches run into the next resort beach so if your looking for total seclusion select a resort that is not close to anything, even another resort.
Much of the Maya Riviera coastline is inaccessible except by boat. Highway 307 which is the main highway that runs parallel to the coast is anywhere from .5 to 1 km away from the water's edge.
All along the highway are private roads that run into the jungle, many right to the beach. It is not advisable to explore unmarked roads into the jungle.
The main beaches along the Maya Riviera are:
Playa del Carmen
The Playa beach starts more or less at the ferry docks. The beach of course continues along southward and northward. Walking northerly you encounter the main beach which runs the length of the city along the coast. The majority of hotels and resorts run parallel to the beach and most are either on the beach or a close walk to the beach.
It is nice to stay in a room that is facing the ocean but it is not imperative. Of course you pay extra for the experience. Walking to the beach is not a problem. If you are trying to reduce costs stay at a hotel close to the beach but not on it.
All beaches in Playa del Carmen are open to the public. There are numerous access points to the beach all along the coast. The farther north you walk the less frequent the access points. Although all beaches are public, access to some beaches is restricted because of private property. You cannot cross private property to access a beach.
MAIN BEACH
The main beach runs from the ferry docks to Calle 14 which is where Hotel Rio is. After the main beach the beaches are named primarily after resorts:
Puerto Aventuras
This is more of a marina-beach community of boaters.
Xpu-Ha
Just past Puerto Aventuras is a scantly marked road for Xpu-Ha beach. This is a
lovely beach with good snorkeling. There was a restaurant there last time we
were there.
Kantenah
Just past El Dorado Resort and Spa is another dirt road with a tiny sign. This
takes you to a great beach for snorkeling. It is also secluded and not that
visited by tourists.
Akumal
Akumal is a thriving little beach community of divers, boaters, fisherman and
general beach lovers. There are a number of resorts and hotels in the area. The
beaches here are natural but there are sandy children friendly beaches as well.
This is a great place to snorkel and there are many sea turtles in the area as
they nest here.
Tulum
There is a fantastic beach at Tulum ruins. You can swim out and turn around and
look at the ruins. The beach is crowded in the peak seasons but if you hit the
main spot on the beach then go right you can find some space behind the rocks.
Further south is the Tulum main beach. This is a free-spirited beach and not the place you take grandma and the kids. You access this beach via Tulum town off of highway 307 or you take the road from Tulum ruins.
There are numerous minor beaches with nothing more than a dirt road and a fishing camp.
