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Is the ocean calm in Riviera Maya?

Featuring beaches with warm waters, tranquil waves, and powdery white sand, the Mexican Caribbean is the favorite for vacationers who travel with their families. Just what you need to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.



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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!

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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.

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Xpu-Ha Beach There 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.

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While the entire area has great beaches, there is definitely a difference in the types of beaches contained in each area. The ocean water in Cancun tends to have more waves and surf rolling in, while the waters in the Riviera Maya are often calmer thanks to the natural barrier reef that protects this area.

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Without a life guard on every beach, it is important to be extra cautious with your kids and how far they choose to swim. 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.

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June 2023 Update: Of course it's quite a diverse region, so the safety situation can vary in different areas. However in general the Riviera Maya remains one of the safest areas you can visit in Mexico.

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If you've been to the Riviera Maya before, there's more than likely a high chance that you've encountered sargassum before. Despite being home to some of the best, white-sanded beaches on the planet, the region's geographical location makes it a hot spot for the microalgae to wash up on.

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Isla Contoy has some of the best calm beaches in Mexico, and the prettiest water in Mexico! You'll find some of the best beaches near Cancun at Isla Contoy National Park.

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We find water shoes to be protective and useful when snorkeling or swimming in the cenotes. If this is your first time here in the Riviera Maya, bring your water shoes so that you have them on hand for those exploration days. You will soon learn that the sea is clear, sandy and beautiful and water shoes are not needed.

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The Yucatán shoreline stretches nearly 1,600km (1,000 miles), and its eastern, Caribbean-side beaches are among the world's finest, famed for their dazzling turquoise waters and bright-white sands.

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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.

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The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is May with an average daily maximum of 36 C and an average low of 23 C.

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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.

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East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.

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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.

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Arrive at Akumal Beach and enjoy the opportunity to swim with wild turtles. Put on a snorkeling mask and marvel at marine life as you float above the vibrant reef. Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch of tacos or pizza.

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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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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.

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