The Riviera Maya unfurls along 81 miles of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, spanning the beaches of Cancún in the north, to Playa del Carmen beaches and Tulum beaches in the south; a ribbon of sun-drenched white sand regarded as among the world's finest beaches, famed for their dazzling turquoise waters and bright-white sands.

 

No trip to Tulum beaches is complete without a visit to the aptly named Paraiso Beach (“paraiso” means “paradise” in Spanish) located just southeast of the Tulum ruins, with calm, swimmable waves, inviting, warm turquoise waters, and soft white sand.

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Just 20 minutes north of Tulum is Akumal Bay. Regarded by many as the jewel of the Riviera Maya coastline, come with us to swim with the sea turtles who have made Akumal their home (in Mayan, “Akumal” means “Place of the Turtles”). Akumal also boasts some of the finest white sand beaches in the area.

 

Playa del Carmen beaches include the world-famous Playacar beach, a spectacular stretch of soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Jog or walk along the shoreline, relax on the beach, cool off in the water – this beach has it all. 

 

Renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Playa del Carmen beaches Xpu-Ha Beach is 10 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Truly heaven on earth, its soft white sand and stunning water make it a top Playa del Carmen beach whether you’re doing a morning jog or spending the afternoon relaxing in the sun or playing in its waters.

 

The undeniable beauty of Cancún’s beaches was the reason it was selected by the Mexican government in the 1970's to be developed into a top tourist destination. A patchwork of ivory beaches and sun-kissed sea that runs for more than 20 miles up the Yucatan coast, Cancún’s beaches include Playa Delfines, with its vast white sand beach and multi-colored blue and turquoise waters that will take the breath away of even the most cynical traveler.