Best Beaches in Quintana Roo, Mexico

I’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico over the past couple of years, and somewhere along the way, Playa del Carmen became my second home over the winter months. 

There’s just something about waking up to that Caribbean turquoise, walking barefoot down Quinta Avenida, and ending the day with sand between your toes that never gets old. While I love the town itself, my real obsession has been exploring the beaches of Quintana Roo—the quiet, hidden coves, the bustling party stretches, and everything in between. 

Over time, I’ve made it my personal mission to find the beaches that capture all sides of this coastline, and now I can confidently say these are the ones that stole my heart - every single one with its own vibe, charm, and magic.

Playa del Carmen’s main beach is where my days usually start. I have a favourite spot near the main entrance where I can park my towel under a palm tree and watch the morning light hit the turquoise water. 

It’s lively without feeling chaotic - joggers sweep past, kids dig into sandcastles, and the occasional street musician drifts along the promenade. There are lifeguards along the busiest stretches and public restrooms close by, which makes hanging out for a few hours really easy. 

I love walking the whole stretch down toward Coco Beach, stopping at a café for an iced coffee along the way. It’s a great mix of energy and relaxation, and it’s been my go-to spot whenever I want that quintessential Playa del Carmen vibe.

Mamitas Beach is the iconic spot everyone talks about, and for good reason. I’ve spent countless afternoons here sprawled on a lounger with a coconut water in hand, listening to DJs spinning right on the sand. 

It’s busy, vibrant, and the energy is contagious - you’ll see everything from families to groups of friends on mini beach adventures. The beach clubs here are set up with umbrellas, loungers, and waitstaff bringing snacks and drinks straight to you, which makes it easy to just settle in and stay for hours. 

There are showers and lifeguards along the main stretch, as well as plenty of spots to buy snacks and drinks. Even though it’s one of the more touristy beaches, I love it for the people-watching and the buzz - it feels like the heartbeat of Playa’s coastline.

Río Tulum Beach quickly became my favourite spot whenever I stayed in Tulum. It’s tucked just south of the main town beaches, giving it a quieter, more intimate feel without sacrificing that signature turquoise water and soft white sand. 

I spent long mornings here walking along the shoreline, stopping at little beachside cafés for fresh fruit smoothies or a cold agua de coco. The boutique cabanas and eco-resorts scattered along the beach give it a chill, boho energy that’s perfect for relaxing or reading in the shade. 

There are no official lifeguards, but the water is calm and shallow near the shore, making it easy to wade in. 

Playa Paraiso is the kind of beach that makes you stop mid-step just to take it all in. I first wandered down here one afternoon, and the powdery white sand paired with that unbelievably turquoise water instantly felt like paradise. 

It’s wide and open, which makes it perfect for long, lazy walks or just lying on a towel without feeling crowded. A few small cafés and palapas are dotted along the edge of the beach, perfect for grabbing a fresh coconut or snack. 

There are no lifeguards here, so I always keep an eye on the waves, but the sense of freedom and calm makes it worth it. 

Akumal Beach is a completely different vibe - and one of my absolute favourites if you love snorkeling. I first visited early in the morning to beat the small tourist crowds, and I was immediately swimming alongside sea turtles in the shallow, clear water. 

The bay is calm, making it perfect for both experienced snorkelers and beginners. There are small restaurants and beachfront cafés for a bite or fresh juice, plus restrooms and parking for convenience. Lifeguards are around in the main sections, which makes it easy to relax and focus on the wildlife. 

Akumal is peaceful, slightly slower-paced than Playa del Carmen or Tulum, and it’s one of those spots that makes you feel really connected to the natural beauty of Quintana Roo.

Xpu-Ha Beach is my go-to when I want a quieter escape. It’s about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, and even on sunny weekends, it rarely feels crowded. The sand is soft and white, the water crystal clear, and the small palapas along the beach give it a laid-back, almost private vibe. 

I love renting a sunbed and just watching the gentle waves while enjoying a fresh coconut. There are a few restaurants serving tacos and ceviche, but the overall vibe is very low-key - perfect for a slower, lazy beach day. Xpu-Ha is a slice of Caribbean calm I always come back to. One note: it’s far easier to drive here than any forms of public transport! 

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is the kind of beach that makes you gasp when you first see it. I took the ferry from Cancún early one morning, and stepping onto that soft, white sand with calm, shallow water felt instantly restorative. 

There are colourful palapas along the beach where you can rent sunbeds, and small beachfront bars and cafés serve cold drinks all day - the 1L margaritas are equal measures delicious and dangerous. The water is warm and calm, perfect for swimming or just floating, and lifeguards are present at the busier sections. 

I love walking down the shoreline and stopping to dip into the water or watch the local fishermen at work. Playa Norte is postcard-perfect, and every visit reminds me why Isla Mujeres is such a cherished escape from the busier Cancún beaches.

Punta Maroma feels like a private slice of paradise, and it’s one of my favourite beaches in Quintana Roo if you’re chasing calm, luxury vibes. The sand here is soft and almost impossibly white, and the water is that dreamy turquoise that makes you want to dive in immediately. 

I first visited early in the morning to avoid the few crowds and ended up spending hours just swimming and floating in total calm. There are a handful of resorts along the beach, and while they offer loungers and restaurant access, most of the beach remains natural and open. 

No lifeguards are stationed here, so it’s best for confident swimmers, but the peace and quiet make it completely worth it. Punta Maroma is ideal for slowing down and feeling like you’ve got the Caribbean to yourself.

Playa Tortugas has a fun, lively energy that I’ve always loved. It’s where locals and tourists mix, and there’s a casual, friendly vibe that makes you feel instantly welcome. 

The beach has public restrooms, showers, and lifeguards at the busiest sections, which makes it really easy to spend a full day here. There’s even a little pier if you fancy a walk or want to watch boats come and go. Playa Tortugas is one of those beaches where you can do as much or as little as you like - whether it’s relaxing with a coconut in hand or soaking up the atmosphere.

Playa Delfines is a classic Cancún spot that I always make time for. It’s big, open, and the sand stretches for miles, which makes it perfect for long walks or just lying back and watching the waves. 

The water is slightly rougher here than Playa Tortugas, so it’s great if you like a little movement in the sea. There are lifeguards on duty, public restrooms, and a few shaded areas, but the beach still feels very natural and spacious. You can snap a photo by the iconic “Cancún” sign before settling in with a cold drink from one of the nearby kiosks. 

Playa Akumal Norte is a quieter, lesser-known stretch compared to the main Akumal Beach. I first discovered it by wandering north with my snorkel gear in tow, and I was instantly rewarded with calm, shallow water and very few people around. 

It’s ideal if you want to swim or snorkel in peace, and there are small palapas for shade if you want to relax on the sand. There aren’t lifeguards stationed along most of this beach, so I always keep an eye on the waves, but the tranquility makes it worth it. 

I love the sense of having my own little Caribbean slice - it’s perfect for a slow, restorative day away from the busier spots.

Soliman Bay is tucked away and feels like a little secret I keep coming back to. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for a relaxing swim or even just floating while sipping a cold drink. 

I spent one afternoon here with a friend, wandering along the sand and watching the small fishing boats bob gently in the bay. There are a few small restaurants and eco-resorts nearby, but the overall vibe is natural and peaceful. 

No lifeguards are stationed here, which adds to the sense of being off the beaten path. Soliman Bay is one of those beaches where you can completely switch off, listen to the gentle waves, and feel miles away from anywhere.

The Blue Lagoon is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. I first arrived after a long bus south from Playa del Carmen, and the sight of the lagoon’s impossibly blue, layered waters took my breath away. 

It’s calm, warm, and perfect for floating, kayaking, or just dipping in wherever you feel like it. There are a few small restaurants and eco-resorts along the shore, but the area is mostly natural, giving it a serene, untouched vibe. I loved renting a kayak and paddling out to explore the incredible water colours, but you can also take a boat trip out to swim in multiple spots throughout the day.