For "beach lovers" looking for amazing beaches and pristine waters, this would be my rating, from living more than 10 years here and being in love with the nature around.
1.- Xcacel
A pristine beach located close to AKUMAL that is also a turtle santuary and has a little cenote called "xcacelito" walking distance from the beach. This is a protected area with no hotels or tourist services (part of its beauty is how virgin it is), so you need to bring your own umbrella, towel and snacks. Easiest access is by car, you can type XCACEL on google maps and it will take you there.
2.- Punta Norte at Isla Mujeres
One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen! No waves, pretty much a crystal clear pool.
3.- Playa Maroma
Located close to Puerto Morelos and rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the water is pretty calm and the colors are amazing. What makes Maroma Beach special? There is a void of beach clubs, only local hotels and restaurants, so it is really well kept as the public access is not easy. It continues to be rated by the Discovery and Living Channel as one of the world’s best beaches.
4.- Kaan Lum lagoon
Really close to Tulum. This is a Lagoon with a Cenote, not a beach, but it you are looking for crystal waters and something you will not see anywhere else, this is a spot you do not want to miss. A place of extraordinary nature decorated with turquoise and emerald waters and a long deck in the middle.The meaning of the lagoon name is YELLOW EARTH, in Mayan language, this is because the entire floor of the lagoon is made of clay, which is perfect for a good skin exfoliation. Bring you own food and drinks and prepare for the swim of your life in a place like you have never seen.
5.- Akumal beach
I do not go there for pristine waters, the beaches are just ok, but to be able to swim with the turtles that are always there, is an amazing experience. You do not need to be a great swimmer, as the turtles swim pretty close to the bay.
6.- Puerto Morelos
Water is not as clear as some of the top I mentioned, but the amazing thing about this beach for me is the REEF (second largest reef in the world), where you can do the most amazing snorkel (forget Xelha), this is absolutely the best snorkeling spot on the Riviera Maya.
Puerto Morelos is a small fishing town, and if you arrive to any of the beach restaurants, they will contact you with the little boats that take you to the reef.
7.- Playa Langosta (hotel zone/ Cancún)
I love this beach specially if you go with little kids or prefer a beach with no waves.
This is a public beach, long area where the water is not deep (a big pool really), there is a light house and you can take amazing pictures.
8.- Playa Forum (located in Plaza Forum, hotel zone Cancún)
This is a beautiful beach with big waves, where you can have lunch at Chillis or Hard Rock right at the beach and rent an umbrella and chairs for a very fair price to spend the day. I like the area around this beach; you can enjoy the beach, have lunch, walk, shop for souvenirs, all is pretty close together.
9.- Playacar in Playa del Carmen
This is my personal favorite of all the beaches in Playa del Carmen.
It’s part of a residential area, so it’s quiet, clean, there are no sneaky rocks under the waves, waiting to stub your feet. As this stretch of brilliant white sand is wishing the protected confines of Playacar, it is generally better managed than some of the other public beaches in Playa. Seaweed is rarely a problem, as the private counsel in Playacar usually have it cleaned up before you’ve even laid out your beach towel. I don’t know what it is about the sea in this area, but it always seems to be that little bit clearer, and a little bit bluer than the sea close to the center of Playa del Carmen.
10.- Secret Beach (Tulum)
While Playa Ruinas and Playa Paraíso typically grab the spotlight, venturing off-the-beaten-track can reap great rewards in Tulum. Head to the Secret Beach, which lives up to its name in by offering a secluded spot located deep in the Sian Kaan Reserve, an area that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. This gorgeous virgin beach boasts clear, calm waters and is often literally deserted. It takes about an hour to reach the beach by bike from central Tulum. Bring your own lunch and a Spanish dictionary – the Secret Beach is still very much a secret and is mostly visited by Mexicans.
Visiting any of these beautiful beaches is within the transportation service of the Yellow Capsule Hotel which in addition to providing comfortable acommodation is very accessible in an excellent location. Click here to know more
What are YOUR FAVORITE beaches in Riviera Maya?