Playa Del Carmen Beaches Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Daniel Mode
Daniel ModeWelcome to our Playa Del Carmen beaches guide! Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico for a reason. Visitors can enjoy luxurious all inclusive resorts, fabulous restaurants, local shops and great nightlife. Playa del Carmen beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches as well, with pillowy white sand and turquoise waters. It’s hard to choose just one, but this list of the best Playa Del Carmen beaches should help you choose the perfect beach for your next visit!
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The Best Playa Del Carmen Beaches
Playa Fundadores
Playa Fundadores is one of the most well-known beaches in Playa del Carmen. The most iconic statue, the Portal Maya Statue welcomes visitors as they walk down onto the white sand. There are no resorts off this beach, which make it a good mix of both locals and tourists. Visitors can relax on the beach near the luminous blue waters or join in a game at one of the volleyball courts. After spending a morning taking in the scenes, visitors can head to one of the numerous bars or restaurants lining the beach for some food and drinks. Playa Fundadores is the perfect beach to meet new friends and hang out with the locals.
Beach Amenities: Handicap Access, Street Parking on Av. Juárez and Nearby Paid Lots (20-50 pesos/hour), Limited Public Restrooms, Beach Vendors, Pirate-Themed Playground, Beach Restaurants, Portal Maya Statue.
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Punta Esmeralda Beach
Punta Esmeralda Beach is known as the hidden local beach in Playa del Carmen. This undeveloped beach is perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds, relax and unwind. At Punta Esmeralda Beach, visitors will find a natural cenote that flows into the Caribbean. This beach is perfect for swimming near the shore, but kids and tourists should be aware of the hole on the far side of the beach that brings together an underground river system to the cenote – children should keep their distance from this area. The beach does have some picnic tables under the shade of a wooded area. Punta Esmeralda Beach a great place to find natural beauty and serenity.
Beach Amenities: Upgraded Public Restrooms with Accessible Facilities, Small Free Public Parking Area (fills quickly), Year-Round Lifeguard On Duty, Showers and Foot Rinse Stations, Wheelchair-Accessible Paths and Amphibious Beach Chairs, Umbrella and Lounger Rentals For Rent.
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Playacar Beach
Playacar Beach is situated in a private gated community that includes luxury homes and all-inclusive resorts such as Sandos, Riu Palace, Iberostar, and Royal Hideaway. While the beach is technically not public, visitors can still access the beach through a passageway near the former Señor Frog’s location (look for a corridor between shops), pedestrian access through Playacar Phase 1 gate at the end of 10th Avenue, or via the Paseo del Carmen shopping center. You can also access the beach by staying at one of the luxury resorts that are on the beach or purchasing a resort day pass ($40+ USD with food/drink credit). Because the private community takes care of the beaches here, the white sand and turquoise waters are well taken care of and usually free of seaweed. Playacar Beach is perfect for those wanting more privacy while relaxing near the water.
Beach Amenities:Limited amenities for non-resort guests. Paid Parking Available Through Reef Club Access In Phase 2. No Public Restrooms Directly On Beach.
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Coco Beach
Coco Beach is the only secluded beach that is near downtown Playa del Carmen. This once was a lively beach, but unfortunately, erosion has destroyed most of the area. However, today visitors can walk down 5th Avenue until they get to 48th street and then walk down on the beach from there. Coco Beach, which is sometimes called Coco Reef, offers visitors a quiet beach with sublime white sand and inviting turquoise waters. It is excellent for those wanting to stay close to the main area of Playa del Carmen but still get a secluded beach feel.
Beach Amenities: Most Beach Amenities Are For The Reef Coco Beach All Inclusive Guests. Martina Beach Club operates in this area and offers day access with food and drink service. No public restrooms in the immediate area.
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Mamitas Beach
Mamitas Beach is one of the most happening and famous beaches in Playa Del Carmen. This is a party beach. Mamitas is located on 28th street next to Mamitas Beach Club and Tata Beach Club. The beach attracts partygoers and young adults mostly. Visitors can rent a lounge chair from Mamitas Beach Club or bring their own chair. A DJ plays electronic music each day and night that can be heard down the shores of the beach. The real party at Mamitas Beach starts when the sun goes down and the beats get louder. This is the perfect beach for the younger crowd and those who like to let loose.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Ample Public Parking, Lifeguard On Duty, Beach Restaurants, Mamitas Beach Club, and Tata Beach Club.
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