With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
However it's still wise to keep a watch on seaweed conditions as landings of sargassum can still occur. The most recent sargassum forecast for Mexico's Caribbean Coast predicts minimal seaweed in summer 2023 but there may be landings in some locations (such as this beach on June 2023).
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.
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.
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.
Playa Balandra, Baja California SurFar off the tourist trail, this postcard-perfect crescent of sand overlooks a bay masquerading as a lagoon, with calm, turquoise waters gently lapping against the sugary shores. If you want to explore marine life, this is the destination for you.
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.
The Mayan Riviera shore consists of many bays and coves separated by rocky headlands. As a result, this creates many different beach experiences. These range from small intimate coves to large tracts of beautiful beaches as far as you can see.
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.