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Published: 30-11-2021
The Mexican Caribbean along the Mayan Riviera, is a popular destination for sun worshippers from all parts of the world. From Cancun to Tulum and everywhere in between, each part of this coastal region has its own uniqueness and special vibe to offer. Around every corner is a different landscape, culture and atmosphere along a coastline blessed with magnificent beaches, culture and sea-life.
Tulum
One of the most stunning settings in the region can be enjoyed at the Mayan ruins of Tulum, which can be reached by hiking through the jungle and walking through the ancient stone monuments of this walled city, then being hit with the vision of the deep, indigo ocean against the backdrop of the ruins and cliffs.” Stunning” is an understatement! After descending the steep staircase, you will arrive at the soft white sand at the base of a stonewall, with El Castillo (the castle) overhead and the lapping waves of the Caribbean at your feet. It's the perfect place to connect with history and natural prowess and what a welcoming reward! Tulum is an excellent day trip and is often combined with a visit to the nearby eco-park, Xcaret, to encounter the native flora and fauna specific to this region. The nearby town of Tulum is known for its rustic hotels and charming restaurants, there are even a few sprawling luxury resorts if you are looking for something more upmarket.
Tulum
Half Moon Bay, Akumal
Nestled between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Akumal is the perfect beach to go snorkelling or kayaking. The small inlet is protected from the open sea and is rich with coral and sea life. Just Step into an amazing sub-aquatic world, home to turtles, a variety of small fish and even a harmless shark or two. The beach itself is quiet and relaxing and there are many dive shops for trips to the nearby coral reef.
Half moon bay
Playa del Carmen
The area, affectionately known as "Playa," covers a huge stretch of the coast of the Mayan Riviera. The beaches in the town are popular with locals and tourists alike. Festive beach clubs with lounge chairs, umbrellas, entertainment and waiter service on the beach draw crowds to the shores of this hip, growing town. The main town beach is the place for families to gather and play football or volleyball till sunset. The town boasts boutique lodgings on the beach and more economical rooms just a few blocks away.
Playa del carmen
Punta Bete Beach
This lesser-known beach along the Mayan Riviera, can be found between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, a secluded hideaway for those who want to escape from it all. This perfect “playa” is home to super-chic luxury boutique hotels and a few rustic places where cabanas can be rented or you can pitch your tent in the sand. People seeking very different kinds of vacations all come together, on this remote stretch of sand, all in search of the peace and tranquillity of the ocean. Pull up a chair at one of the many beach-side restaurants (Los Pinos is popular) and enjoy fresh seafood and cold drinks. Just to the south of Punta Bete, you can find Xcalacoco, another pristine and remote beach.
Punta Bete
Puerto Morelos
This lively fishing village is located halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Puerto Morelos boasts one of the finest, largest stretches of pristine public beach along the Maya Riviera. The shore is decorated with many small boats taking snorkellers and divers to the nearby coral reef. Musicians stroll the sand and fresh ceviche is available from the wandering vendors with their brightly coloured coolers. This is the perfect spot for swimming and paddling in the transparent blue waters. There are houses and condos available for rent, from basic rooms in town to luxurious beach houses with pools and Jacuzzis.
Punta Morelos
Cancun
The island of Cancun is shaped like a giant number seven, with the top of the seven being the north side facing the Bay of Mujeres and the long part of the seven running down the eastern shore. The ocean on the east side of Cancun is what you see on billboards and in travel magazines, the infinite shades of blue within crystal clear water. These beaches were damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but a reconstruction project has renovated the pristine stretches of cool white sand that Cancun is famous for. The surf on the east side can be moderate to heavy. Take caution while swimming, heed the flags and the lifeguards and don't swim alone or tipsy! Enjoy long walks down the nearly 20 kilometres of beach, get up early to watch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, or rent a jet ski for some fun in the waves. The beaches on the north side of Cancun are quite different from those on the east side. This stretch of the hotel zone is protected from the surf by Isla Mujeres, a small island across the Bay of Mujeres. The water is not quite as brilliantly blue and the surf is usually quite mild compared to the east side. With calm waters and large white sandy beaches, the north side of the island is a great destination for families young and old; a safe place for all to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean Sea. The north side is also perfect for water sports.
Cancun Island
Isla Mujeres
A thriving island just a short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a hot spot for day-trippers from the mainland. North Beach is hip with beach clubs and beautiful calm, shallow waters. Perch on a swing at the bar or rent a beach bed with a canopy and you'll meet people from around the world. Head out on a snorkelling excursion to the nearby reef, for some of the best dive sites to observe the coral formations and abundant sea life. South Point offers some spectacular views of the ocean, with waves crashing on the rocky cliffs and a large population of iguanas. The island boasts many small hotels in town and on the beach, and some larger resorts have started to pop up or are in development. Isla Mujeres is a popular destination for longer-term vacations with many apartments available to rent.
Isla mujeres at sunset
Isla Blanca
25 minutes north of Cancun lies a remote peninsula of white sandy beaches and virgin jungle. Isla Blanca is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Chacmuchuk Lagoon and is a secret hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Cancun. Camp on the beach, rent a rustic cabin for the night or just head there for the day….it is perfect for those who want to escape the bigger resorts and busy beaches. A kiteboarding adventure crowd also prefers this beach and their colourful crafts can be seen all over the lagoon. To get to Isla Blanca you'll definitely need a car as it's down a remote stretch of dirt road, with no public transportation. The island is not connected to city services so electricity is sporadic and there is no phone service or stores, so pack well! This is a truly off the beaten track adventure!
Isla Blanca
Isla Holbox
This small island off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is an undiscovered treasure. Three hours away from Cancun and one ferry ride and you find yourself stepping back in time, with no resorts, no banks, ATM's or shopping, just a small fishing village with great seafood options! The beaches are pristine, stretches of powdery white sand as far as the eye can see. The island is a hot spot for people looking to swim with the whale sharks who make the area their home for a few months a year. Holbox is also a bird watcher's paradise, with over 100 different species nesting or passing through, including great flocks of flamingos. The Gulf of Mexico water is greener than the Caribbean side of the peninsula, but it is warm and calm, the beach is soft with very few shells or rocks and you can float all day in the gentle surf.
