If you’re looking for sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs and jaw-dropping scenery, a vacation in Mexico’s Quintana Roo is a perfect choice!
Located in South-East Mexico and sharing a coastline with the Caribbean Sea, Quintana Roo is a wonderful sunny place where you can kick back, relax and enjoy a cocktail (or three!)
One of the best things about Mexico is its beautiful array of beaches. Whether you want to do some snorkeling, go searching for wildlife or just chill by the ocean with a good book, there is something for everyone.
If you’re planning your vacation to Mexico, here are Chew & Lush recommendations of the best beaches in Quintana Roo to visit, and the best things to do while you are there!
- Playa Paraiso, Tulum
Just imagine… pure white sands and crystal clear waters while you sunbathe or enjoy a cool refreshing beer in the shade. You’re at Playa Paraiso!
Playa Paraiso is well known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with locals and tourists alike coming to swim and sunbathe.
If you prefer to have a more active time when you’re at the beach, why not visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum? They date all the way back to the 13th century and are open to the public between 8 am and 5 pm. Before visiting this timeless gem, due to pandemic, please contact local tour guides to assure a safe visit.
- Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
If you are in Cancun or Gran Puerto, jump on the ferry and take a day trip to Playa Norte on the Isla Mujeres. Playa Norte is famous for its palm tree-lined beach and clear and shallow waters, making it a perfect place to enjoy some snorkeling.
Chew & Lush´s top tip? Stay on the beach as long as you can to catch the sunset over the ocean. It’s a once in a lifetime experience!
- Playa Maroma, Cancun
Playa Maroma looks like something out of a film – glistening water surrounded by golden beaches and lots of lush vegetation. It’s no wonder visitors describe it as world-class!
This is a private beach, so to access it you will need to purchase a day pass from one of the hotels on the seafront. This will cost about 200 pesos which is less than 10 USD. It may sound pricey for accessing a beach, but it is well worth it!
- Turtle Beach, Akumal
You may be wondering how this gorgeous beach got its name? It’s because it is home to many different species of turtles who come and lay their eggs here!
Whether you bring your own snorkeling gear or make the most of a local turtle-spotting tour, you are bound to see at least one of these majestic creatures on the sand or in the turquoise waters in Quintana Roo.
Please keep in mind to minimize your environmental footprint (as much as possible) by not wearing any sunscreen while you´re in the water. Also respect the turtle’s by not touching them and keep a safe distance for at least 6 feet.
Once you’ve checked out the bay, you can chill out with a delicious margarita and some yummy food from one of the nearby restaurants!
- Punta Sur Beach, Cozumel Island
This beach is in an Eco Beach Park and definitely worth a visit while you´re on this beautiful island. The entrance fee for this protected area is around 320 MX Pesos or around 16 USD. Don’t worry about that though, as there are lots of things in the park to keep you entertained… you can spend all day there!
The beach is accessible through a small jungle road. With the ocean on your left and a Lagoon on your right, you can see crocodiles basking in the sun as well as lizards and iguanas!
Punta Sur Beach itself is quiet and intimate with amazing views. It’s the perfect place to grab a cool drink and a lounger and spend a few hours just soaking up the scenery. Punta Sur is equipped with two Beach Clubs with various cuisine options. Chew & Lush´s top tip: check out the delicious vegan tacos and vegan ceviche at Anemona de Mar Beach Club.
Since this is an Eco Park, swimming with sunscreen is prohibited. No problem – the Beach Clubs feature plenty of outdoor showers to wash off the sunscreen before exploring the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea.
6. Puerto Morelos Beach, Puerto Morelos
If you are a fan of the simpler things in life, pack up your swimsuit and take a trip to Puerto Morelos! It is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen and was a small fishing village in the past. Although the village has grown over time, the beach still has a lot of traditional charm to it.
Puerto Morelos Beach is also home to the National Marine Park, which is the second-largest coral barrier reef in the world! Take a boat tour while you are here and see how much tropical fish you can spy!
7. Xcacel Beach, Chemuyil
Pronounced Ish-ka-cell, this quiet, remote beach has gorgeous blue sparkling waters and white sandy beaches.
Xcacel beach is also home to a turtle sanctuary, where green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles make their way to the shoreline to lay their eggs. It’s a fantastic sight to behold!
The beach is also a short walk away from the Cenote Xcacelito – a lush freshwater sinkhole surrounded by tropical trees. You’ll think you’re swimming in the jungle!
8. Holbox (Flamingo Paradise), Holbox Island
We don’t know about you, but we love flamingos. Their bright pink colour and long legs never fail to make us smile!
If you want to spot flamingos, as well as turtles and tropical fish – be sure to take a trip to Holbox Island. Not only is there white sand as far as the eye can see, but also lots of sea life that makes their home here.
Our top tip is to take a boat tour at night. That way, you can see all the incredible glowing creatures that light up the water. This impressive natural spectacle is created by phytoplankton, a type of microalgae and also known as Bioluminescence. If you´re lucky, Holbox Beach is one of the few places in the world where you can witness it.
9. Playa Xpu-ha
If you were to close your eyes and imagine a typical Mexican beach, you’ve probably thought of Xpu-ha!
Pronounced ‘Shpoo-ha’, this beach has gorgeous green-blue waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kitesurfing and kayaking. Like Playa Maroma, Xpu-ha is a private beach so you will have to pay for a day pass. Trust us if we say it is well worth the investment to enjoy this tropical paradise!
Remember to bring some yummy snacks, beverages and your organic sunscreen to spend all day at this beautiful remote beach!
10. Beaches of Sian Ka’an
If you prefer your beaches to be full of nature and away from the hustle and bustle, then we’d recommend taking a trip to Sian Ka’an.
This stunning beach is not only a nature reserve but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of untouched vegetation, green mangroves and beautiful coral reefs.
If you love peace and quiet, you’ll get it at Sian Ka’an – it’s the nearest thing to having your own private beach!
We hope you enjoyed our review of our favorite beaches in Mexico’s Caribbean coast – we’d love to hear which ones you’ve been to in the comments!
