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Playa Del Carmen Beaches Guide: The 5 Best Beaches in Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen Beaches Guide: The 5 Best Beaches in Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen Beaches Guide

Last Updated on January 2, 2026 ⋅ Written By: author avatar Laura Schulthies
author avatar Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies is a seasoned travel journalist and content creator specializing in tropical and island destinations worldwide. With over 15 years of experience in journalism and travel writing since her early career beginnings, Laura brings extensive hands-on travel experience and professional guiding expertise to readers seeking authentic insights into paradise locations.
and reviewer avatar Daniel Mode
reviewer avatar Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode is a seasoned travel writer and documentary professional specializing in tropical and island destinations worldwide. With his documentary work with the Discovery Channel and over 20 years of travel writing experience since 2002, Daniel brings decades of media production expertise and hands-on travel experience to readers seeking authentic insights into paradise locations.

Welcome 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!

Welcome 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 in Playa del Carmen
Playa Fundadores in Playa del Carmen

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 Accessible, Ample Public Parking, Public Restrooms, Beach Vendors, Playground, Beach Restaurants, Portal Maya Statue. 

Stay Nearby! Explore Playa Del Carmen Hotels on TripAdvisor

Punta Esmerelda Beach in Playa del Carmen
Punta Esmerelda Beach in Playa del Carmen

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. 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: Public Restrooms, Small Public Parking Area, and In Season Lifeguard On Duty.

Stay Nearby! Explore Playa Del Carmen Hotels on TripAdvisor

Playacar Beach in Playa del Carmen
Playacar Beach in Playa del Carmen

Playacar Beach

Playacar Beach is situated in a private gated community that includes luxury homes and all-inclusive resorts. While the beach is technically not public, visitors can still access the beach north of the Cozumel ferry and through Senor Frog’s or by staying at one of the luxury resorts that are on the beach. 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: Public Restrooms, Small Public Parking Area, and In Season Lifeguard On Duty.

Stay Nearby! Explore Playa Del Carmen Hotels on TripAdvisor

Coco Beach in Playa del Carmen
Coco Beach in Playa del Carmen

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.

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Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen
Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen

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, and Mamitas Beach Club. 

Stay Nearby! Explore Playa Del Carmen Hotels on TripAdvisor

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