The beaches in the Riviera Maya are known for their beautiful turquoise blue water, long stretches of powder-soft, white sand, and the sun's warmth mingled with the light breeze coming off the ocean. We have compiled a list of our top ten Caribbean beaches for you to enjoy. Grab your towel, sunscreen, and suit, and come along! 

Puerto Morelos Beach

The tranquil atmosphere, easy beach access, and calm waters earn Puerto Morelos Beach the top spot on our list. Sometimes referred to as the "hidden jewel of the Caribbean," you'll fall in love with this magical town's iconic leaning lighthouse, fishing pier, and spectacular seafood. A flourishing marine ecosystem is also ready to be explored in Puerto Morelos' waters. Spend the day here, and you may cancel your other vacation plans. 

Playa Delfines 

No trip to the Riviera Maya is complete without a visit to Playa Delfines. Snap your photo with the famous ‘Cancun’ sign, and then enjoy surfing, suntanning, and playing in the waves. It is a free, public beach with bathrooms and showers. You will want to bring a picnic lunch as there are no restaurants. 

Playa Norte

Another fabulous tropical beach destination is a short ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte. This beach is a bustling area, perfect for socializing and people-watching. The shallow, calm water is ideal for families and is ranked as one of the top-ten beaches in the world. There are excellent beach clubs, restaurants, and massage huts along the beach. 

Maroma Beach 

Fifteen minutes south of Puerto Morelos, Maroma Beach is a favorite of honeymooners due to its quiet, secluded location. It boasts 500 acres of pristine beachfront. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, diving, or horseback riding. Access is limited to resort guests and those with lunch reservations. 

Secret Beach

Nestled between the multi-million-dollar Paradisus Hotel complex and Marazul development in Playa del Carmen, Secret Beach lives up to its name. This remote beach has no facilities, making it ideal for getting away from it all. A unique feature of this beach is the cenote or natural limestone pool that creates a freshwater playground perfect for families. 

Xpu-Ha Beach 

Fourteen miles south of Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha has breathtaking crystal clear water. This beach is ideal for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the reef where you can see corals and colorful fish. Entrance to Xpu-Ha is free, with the option of going to Serenity Beach Club and renting a chair. 

Akumal Bay 

The swimmable lagoon where turtles graze on the seagrass is the main attraction in Akumal. People also love the area for its high-end resort atmosphere, casual beach bars, and eateries. Don't miss Lo Ha Restaurant and Turtle Bay Bakery and Cafe. 

Xcacel

A few minutes south of Akumal Bay is Xcacel Beach. It's a great destination to see what Caribbean beaches were like before development and tourism. Xcacel is a fabulous white sand beach framed by the Mayan jungle. An added treat is Xcacelito Cenote, hidden on the jungle's edge, a perfect spot to cool off.

When accessing the beach, you pay a small fee to the Turtle Sanctuary program. 

Paamul Beach

Paamul is unlike any other beach in the Riviera Maya. It's part of a funky community of RVs turned into permanent homes. The residents get around on golf carts. Located 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, this beach is private, so you will pay an entrance fee, which goes towards your food at the Paamul Beach Club. 

Playa Ruinas 

We end our tour of the top ten beaches in the Riviera Maya with the Iconic Playa Ruinas, located in Tulum. Go for a tour of El Castillo, an ancient pyramid that towers above the surrounding landscape, and stay to play in the waves of the secluded beach below. You'll feel like you are on a movie set, swimming in the pristine water with the shadow of a Mayan temple behind you. 

These top-ten beaches are just the beginning of the wonders of the Riviera Maya. If you're ready to spend more time immersed in these incredible locations, you will want to check out Selva Escondida II. Its prime location in  Puerto Morelos makes it easy to explore everything Mexico has to offer. Contact us today and see how easy it is to own a piece of paradise!