The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's most popular tourist regions and for good reason: it offers a wide variety of options for those seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise.
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Xpu-Ha BeachThere you'll find Xpu-Ha (pronounced sphu-ha) Beach, another one of the best beaches on the Riviera Maya. Why It Made Our List: Awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, Xpu-Ha is a small beach that makes a huge impact with its unsullied white sand and clear, crystal-blue waters.
All the best beaches in the Mayan Riviera have powder white sand that reflects the sun at the ocean bottom. This gives the ocean a stunning light blue/green hue. As well, this increases the ability to see coral, tropical fish, and other marine life such as sea turtles.
Without a doubt, Mexico's Riviera Maya is one of the top beach destinations in the world. Its unique mix of white sand beaches and warm, turquoise blue waters, put this easternmost part of the Yucatan peninsula in the international spotlight and made it a favorite of travelers from all over the world.
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.
On the beach itself, you'll find plenty of space to open up a chair and relax, but swimming and snorkeling are available as well. Don't forget to check out the local restaurants, too. They may be small, but they offer incredible fresh seafood. It's all available just north of Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!
The water temperatures hover between 78°F-80°F during the winter and 82°F-84°F during the summer. There is a current which runs along the Yucatan peninsula which brings warm waters from further south.
Tourists looking for sun and sand in Mexican resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have been disgusted by foul-smelling mounds of sargassum — a seaweed-like algae — piling up on beaches and turning turquoise waters brown, and experts are warning that it may be the new normal.
About an hour south of Cancun, Tulum has emerged as one of Mexico's most beloved beach destinations, thanks to an abundance of white sand, warm turquoise water, and jungle-lined roads and ruins.
While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.
The best months for good weather in Riviera Maya are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. On average, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The rainiest months are June, September and October.
Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.
Many beaches are closed to swimmers because they aren't safe—steep ocean floor drop-offs close to shore create strong waves and undercurrents, making it dangerous to enter the water. These beaches are clearly marked with red flags, warning swimmers to stay away.
Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.
Tulum is a more rustic and laid-back destination that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more authentic travel experience. Riviera Maya, on the other hand, offers a wider range of amenities and activities, and is perfect for those looking for a more modern and luxurious travel experience.
Riviera Maya has over 700 kms of underwater caverns and almost 200 archeological sites sprinkled across the peninsula. Making it a great destination to explore ancient Maya Ruins, cenotes, and connect with nature too!