Category Archives: Top Beaches

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Coco Beach

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Beach #7 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Coco Beach

More than 2 million visitors choose the Riviera Maya for their holidays every year, making it the second most popular destination in Quintana Roo not too far behind from Cancun. Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has become a hot destination for tourists looking for beautiful beaches and a cosmopolitan vibe.

Playa del Carmen has many different neighborhoods and each neighborhood has its own beach, from the popular Mamita´s beach to the least known areas in the outskirts of Playa del Carmen; every one of these have special characteristics that make it special and different from the rest.

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Coco Beach: General Information

Coco Beach is near the Colosio subdivision and for years it was an area visited almost exclusively by local families, as there were no touristic services in the area. Time has changed that, as the city sprawls more and more visitors have made Coco Beach their favorite spot.

Access to Coco Beach is easy nowadays, as there are roads and it can also be reached via 5th Avenue. There are also plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars in the area, in case you would like to grab something to eat or drink.

The access to Coco Beach is free, you can bring your towel, food and drinks, and relax on the beach all day. There is also the popular Canibal Royal Beach Club, which has a lounge area as well as food, drinks, showers and restrooms for their customers.

Coco Beach: Getting There
48 North & The Beach in Colosio
Between Flamingo Rd. and  Albatros Rd.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Walking: If you are walking on 5th avenue head north towards Cancun, once you reach Calle 48 turn right and walk a block to the beach.

Driving: From the Federal Highway 307 take the CTM Avenue exit and turn towards the beach (east).

Coco Beach: Things to do

  • Coco Beach is a perfect place to get in some people watching, sun tanning and relaxation.
  • There are plenty of fishing boats in the area, you can contact one of the fishermen that are always in the area for a tour or go on a fishing trip.
  • The water at Coco beach is very calm, an ideal place to practice water sports like snorkeling, paddle board or kayaking.

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Coco Beach: Recommendations

  • There are no bathrooms in the area, you will need to go to one of the local restaurants or bars in order to use their facilities.
  • If you decide to bring your own drinks and food, also bring a bag for your trash and make sure not to leave anything behind when you leave.
  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, as harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Coco Beach. It is a nice beach to catch some sun and relax at. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check all of the other beaches on the list. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

If you have been dreaming about owning a home in Mexico, we are here to help! Our company has over a decade of experience in helping foreigners purchase their dream property in Mexico in a timely and legal manner. It all starts with a dream, browse our beautiful properties and find the ideal property for you, our team of certified realtors are going to be there for you in every step of the process.

If you like the Coco Beach area and are interested in purchasing a vacation home or retirement home, Coco Beach has gorgeous real estate options from beachfront luxury condos to beautiful homes, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Grand Coral Beach

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Beach #8 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Grand Coral Beach

Every year, millions of tourists choose the Riviera Maya for their holiday, making it the second most popular destination in Quintana Roo; just behind Cancun by a few thousand visitors. From January thru June of 2014, Quintana Roo received more than 5 million visitors and almost half of those were visiting the Riviera Maya.

If you live in Playa del Carmen or are visiting the Area, there are plenty of beautiful beaches for you to enjoy: from the traditional Mamita´s Beach, to Coco Beach or Shangri-La, there is a beach for everyone.  However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to go somewhere new, with all the luxury and comfort of a 5 Star Hotel; Gran Coral Beach might be an excellent option for you.

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Grand Coral Beach: General Information

Grand Coral Riviera is a complete neighborhood that offers its visitors a luxurious hotel, as well as modern condos for sale with beautiful beachfront and golf course views. The complex was designed in a way that every property has access to the 18 hole golf course designed by Nick Price, as well as to the Beach Club and the Club House.

Even if you are not a guest in the hotel or the owner of one of their magnificent residences, you can still access their beautiful private beach. Grand Coral allows guest to visit their beach club, there is easy access and parking right next to the beach club.

These are some of the amenities you will find in the Grand Coral Playa del Carmen Beach Club:

  • Pool
  • Bathrooms
  • Beach chairs
  • Cabanas
  • Towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Snack Bar

Grand Coral Beach: Getting There
Grand Coral
Carretera Federal 307 km 294, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

Getting to the Grand Coral beach is easy, from Playa del Carmen you can:

Driving a Car: If you are coming from Playa del Carmen you will need to get on the federal highway 307 northbound heading towards Cancun. There are plenty of signs and you will see it on your right as a massive entrance. Once you get to the security post, tell them you are going to the beach club, they will take your plates details and ask for an ID, then let you through.

Taking a Van/Taxi:  Any taxi can take you to Grand Coral, ask a few different drivers to find the best price.

Public Transportation: Colectivos/buses are a great way to get around. You will find them driving all along the Federal Road 307 just ask if they go to your destination and hop in.  Keep in mind that the beach is about half a mile into the Grand Coral Complex, so if you are not a fan of walking a cab might be a better choice.

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Grand Coral Beach: Things To Do

  • Sunbathing and relaxing is always a do!
  • Snorkeling is a good option; just remember to bring your own gear.
  • Enjoy a nice meal or a cold beverage at the Beach Club restaurant!
  • Take a dip in the swimming pool or ocean. 

Grand Coral Beach: Recommendations

  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, as harsh chemicals harm the coral reef and the local fauna.
  • Remember this is a beach club, if you wish to use the premises you will need to buy a drink or some food.

Grand Coral beach offers its visitors exclusive access to their 5 star beach club and amenities, if you want to enjoy a day of luxury and relaxation this might be a good choice for you.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Grand Coral Beach Club and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

If you loved Grand Coral and are interested in purchasing a vacation home or retirement home Grand Coral has several real estate options from beachfront luxury condos to beautiful homes, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Xpu-Ha Beach

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Beach #9 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Xpu-Ha Beach

Xpu-Ha Beach: General Information
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha beach is a little known gem on the Mexican Caribbean. Located only 15 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha beach awaits for those looking for a quiet beach to enjoy.

If you want to do more than a day trip to Xpu-Ha, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area. Hotel Esencia, Barcelo Maya Xpu-Ha palace and Catalonia Royal Tulum, among others and Club La Playa Xpu-Ha offers delicious food and live music on the weekends.

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Xpu-Ha Beach: Getting there
Xpu- Ha is located between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal, approximately 54 miles south of the Cancun International Airport and 21 miles north of Tulum. There are not road signs, so you have to look for the La Playa Xpu-Ha Beach club to know you have arrived at your destination.

By Car: If you are leaving from Cancun, head south on the 307 Federal Highway and drive for about an hour, from Playa del Carmen it will take you 30 minutes to get there. You will see signs for the big hotels like Esencia and Catalonia, but a good idea is to go to La Playa Xpu-Ha; as you can have a drink, lounge in the chairs and enjoy the beach.

By Van: If you are on a budget, Colectivos are a good way to get to Akumal. These white vans fit 10-14 passengers, and cover the route between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. To stop them wave your hand and tell the driver where you want to go, make sure to ask for the price to your destination. The fare from Playa del Carmen to Xpu-Ha costs approximately $2 US.

Xpu-Ha Beach: Things to do
Do not be deceived by the small size of this destination, there is plenty of things to do in Xpu-Ha. Here is a list of things you can do at Xpu-Ha Beach.

  1. Relax: Because enjoying the beach and a cold drink might not been enough; why not take advantage of the beautiful view and have one of the local masseuses give you a relaxing massage on the beach?
  1. Diving: It doesn’t matter if you have never dived in your life or if you are an expert, these pristine waters will be the best place to practice this sport. Xpu-Ha is the home of Bahia Divers, one of the best rated diving company’s in the Riviera Maya.
  1. Ride: What better way to get around the Riviera Maya than on a Harley Davidson motorcycle? That is possible, if you visit Harley Adventures, this local business rents motorcycles to tourists. So take in the sights on your hog and enjoy the Caribbean breeze.
  1. Fly: Stay fit and learn how to kiteboarding. Kiteboarding is a different way to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Xpu-Ha. Morph Kiteboarding offers individual, group or refresher classes for everyone interested in flying on the waves of the ocean.

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Xpu-Ha is such a beautiful destination, it will take your breath away! This beautiful beach is ideal for a day trip, as you can enjoy all the fun activities, delicious food and get in a bit of relaxation.

We hope you enjoy Xpu-Ha beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday and watch all of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya Videos! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all the options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Bahia Principe Beach

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Beach #10 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Bahia Principe Beach

The Riviera Maya is an area located south of Cancun and expands south for about 80 miles, offering its visitors incredible beaches, archeological areas and many activities for all the family. This makes it an ideal destination for almost every tourist, from families, to young single adults and couples looking for a romantic getaway. The Riviera Maya has it all.

If you are one of the 10 million that visit the Riviera Maya every year, you must consider exploring different areas. One of these little known secret is the beach at Bahia Principe, an exclusive area located near Akumal that allows free access to their pristine beaches.

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Bahia Principe: General Information

Bahia Principe is both a large five star luxury hotel and an exclusive residential community with many different real estate opportunities located near Akumal. Their beaches offer shallow waters, white sand and beautiful views. This little known gem is waiting for you to come and enjoy!

Even though this beach is located right next to the beautiful Bahia Principe resort, you are not going to be able to access the premises unless you are staying at the resort. It is important to bring your food and drink with you, as well as towels, umbrella, icebox or any other items you might need. If you’d rather experience everything the hotel has to offer you might consider getting a day pass for only 90 dollars.

Bahia Principe: Getting There

Address: Carr Chetumal-Puerto Juarez km 104 L36 Akumal, Quintana Roo. México.

Bahia Principe has a great location, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is located 60 minutes south from the Cancun International Airport, 25 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and 20 minutes from Tulum.

By Car:

From Cancun: Get the 307 Federal highway southbound (Towards Tulum) and stay on this road for about 60 miles. Once you pass Akumal, you’ll notice a huge white entrance to the right and the hotel to the left.

By Bus:

You can take the bus straight from the Cancun Airport, the cost is around $15 USD for a one way ticket to Tulum, or you can opt to buy a ticket to the Xel Ha Park and take a cab from there, as it is much closer.

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Bahia Principe: Alternative Lodging

If you want to enjoy everything Akumal has to offer, and enjoy all the amenities in the Bahia Principe hotel for a fraction of the cost, you might consider staying in one of the Bahia Principe vacation condos. This beautiful development allows its residents to enjoy a professional golf course, free access to the exclusive beach club and other benefits such as:

  • 7 Pools
  • 9 Jacuzzis
  • 3 Spas
  • 15 Restaurants
  • 22 Bars
  • Disco
  • 3 Gyms
  • 5 Tennis Courts
  • Soccer and Basketball Courts
  • 3 Kids Clubs
  • and many others!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Bahia Principe and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

If you love the beaches at Bahia Principe and are interested in purchasing a vacation home or retirement home Bahia Principe has several real estate options, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Puerto Morelos Beach

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Beach #11 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Puerto Morelos Beach

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of 80 miles of pristine beaches located just a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun. This area attracts around 10 million visitors each year and offers luxurious hotels and resorts, as well as a number of theme parks, clubs, shopping malls, and other attractions.

Puerto Morelos is located about 10 miles south of Cancun and about 20 miles north of the beautiful Playa del Carmen and it is one of the best kept secrets and one of the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya. Walking on its square and around the town will let you feel the vibe of this small fishing village.

Puerto Morelos: General Information

If you want to stay away from the Cancun crowds, do not forget to visit Puerto Morelos! You can not only enjoy the quiet atmosphere, but also visit the Mesoamerican Reef; which is located only a few meters from the beach.

The main roads have a wide offering on small restaurants, cafes and boutiques; no huge chains or massive hotels. The locals and hotels in the area want to keep it that way, by having strict building restrictions and working together to preserve the little town feeling.

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Puerto Morelos: Getting There

By Car:
From Cancun: Get the 307 Federal highway southbound (towards Tulum) and stay on this road for about 10 miles. Once you get to Puerto Morelos you need to take the exit and turn left under the overpass.

By Bus:
You can take the bus straight from the Cancun International Airport; the cost is around $6 USD for a one way ticket. This bus does not go to the town center, but it does go to the highway turnoff into town just 2 kilometers away from the square. From there you can grab a 20 peso taxi or a collectivo to the downtown beach area.

Puerto Morelos: Things To Do

Snorkeling:
Enjoy the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world. There is plenty of local providers offering tours just off the main plaza, for only $25 USD your get the boat ride and all the needed equipment.

Diving:
Enjoy all sorts of diving adventures: there is the reef, caverns and cenotes in the area; ideal for every level and age. Dive Shops are available directly in Puerto Morelos.

Sport Fishing:
The waters off the Puerto Morelos coast have a wide variety of marine species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, Snook, Pompano, and more…

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Ruta de los Cenotes:
This is a wonderful way to visit many cenotes in a day for a reasonable price. Local run cenotes are open for visitors; enjoy the cool transparent water and the amazing caves, a life changing experience!

Alma Libre Bookstore:
Alma Libre is the Riviera Maya’s best English language new and used bookstore. In this book store you can find regional guide books and maps, as well as books about the indigenous culture, flora and fauna of the region.

Crococun:
This is ideal for families, a guided tour to learn more about crocodiles and other native species. Seeing the spider monkeys in the wild is amazing, the kids will love it!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Puerto Morelos and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, please feel free to contact any of our Top Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Puerto Aventuras Beach

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Beach #13 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Puerto Aventuras Beach

Puerto Aventuras is not as popular as other Riviera Maya destinations, but this location offers its visitors not only a beautiful beach; but also an exclusive marina and a golf course.

Puerto Aventuras is a private subdivision, but you can always visit their many restaurants and enjoy all of the amenities it has to offer; such as an exclusive shopping area, an aquarium and many other perks.

Forget about the crowds, traffic and noise and enjoy a private beach surrounded by nature!

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Puerto Aventuras Beach: Getting there

Driving a Rental Car: If you are coming from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you need to get on the federal highway 307 southbound towards Tulum (55 miles from Cancun/15 from Playa del Carmen) and follow the signs. In order to get to the beach you have to turn left in the overpass and get through the checkpoint. The security guards will ask for your ID and they will let you through.

Taking a Van/Taxi: This might be convenient if you are not planning to do other activities and just want to spend the day in Puerto Aventuras. Ask around at the airport or taxi station, shop around on the internet and try to find the best fare.

Public Transportation: If you are on a budget, Colectivos are a good way to get to Puerto Aventuras. They are white mini vans (10-14 passengers) that drive between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, all along the 307 federal highway. To stop them wave your hand in the air. Once the van stops get in and tell the driver where you want to go. Make sure to ask for the price to your destination. The fare from Playa del Carmen to Puerto Aventuras costs approximately $2 US.

Puerto Aventuras Beach: Things to do

CEDAM Museum:

The CEDAM museum showcases items recovered from shipwrecks and excavations around Puerto Aventuras, as well nautical items from the past. The entrance is free and the visit can be done in about an hour, an excellent choice for the hottest hours of the day or on a rainy afternoon.

Swim with the Dolphins:

This is a perfect activity for anyone visiting Puerto Aventuras, as bookings are not required; which allows more flexibility for your itinerary. If you want to learn more about these tours, visit their website.

Golf:

Puerto Aventuras had the first golf course in the Riviera Maya, designed by the renowned PGA player Thomas Leman. This golf course offers an amazing 9 hole Par 36 surrounded by beautiful vegetation, and cool breezes from the sea. For more information, visit their website.

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Puerto Aventuras: Recommendations

  • Puerto Aventuras is an excellent destination for a day trip, make sure to arrive there early to enjoy a full day in the premises.
  • The access is restricted, but free of charge.
  • Walking around the marina is an excellent way to enjoy the views and even have the opportunity to see dolphins in the canals.
  • Walking is the ideal way to get to places within Puerto Aventuras, make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, feel free to contact any of our Top Buyers’ Representatives. Browse through our beautiful properties, we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Reef Beach

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Beach #14 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: The Reef Beach

Many of the amazing resorts along the Riviera Maya have beautiful and breathtaking beaches. Unfortunately, although the beaches are public, accesses tend to be private, so it is hard to reach them unless you are a guest of the hotel. However, many of these big resorts want to give everyone – not just their guests – the beach resort experience they can offer.

That is why you will find day passes and night passes at most big resorts down the coast of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. And The Reef Playacar is no exception. The Playacar neighborhood is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen and hosts some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the Riviera Maya.

Because Playacar is a private community, you need to address that you are visiting The Reef Resort and that you are going for a Day Pass so they let you through. The Day Pass has a cost of $53 USD per person and gives you full access to the hotel’s facilities – including, but not limited to – the pool and beach club. Meals and drinks are included throughout the day (9am to 6pm). If you are looking to enjoy an experience worth hundreds of dollars for a much lower price, then The Reef Playacar Day Pass is the resort to go to.

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The Reef Beach: Getting There

As mentioned above, the Reef Beach is located within the private community of Playacar, which is located in the south end of Playa del Carmen. There are two entrances to Playacar; one on the Federal Highway 309, the other one is on 10th Avenue.

Driving: To reach the 10th Avenue entrance from Cancun, you need to take the Federal Highway 309 towards Playa del Carmen. Upon arriving in Playa del Carmen, you will pass the overpass bridge until reaching a stoplight where you will see Centro Maya to the right, and Sam’s Club to the left. At the stoplight make a U-turn and drive to the outside lanes. Take a right at the Holiday Inn hotel (Diagonal Aeropuerto Street) and drive down that road all the way until the end, where you will reach 10th Avenue South. Take a right; that is the entrance to Playacar. Once you have gone through security, drive straight for about 4 minutes and find The Reef Resort on your left.

If you want to reach the entrance on Federal Highway, drive past the stoplight and take the next U-turn. Incorporate into the outside lanes. You will find the entrance right before the Hospiten hospital.

Taking a Taxi: A taxi from Cancun will charge you around $800 mxn to drive you to Playacar, but there are other options to reaching the Reef Resort. If you are staying in another hotel in Playa del Carmen, they will charge you between $30 and $80 mxn – depending where you are at.

Public transportation:

Colectivos: If you are coming from the north, you need to take a colectivo heading to Tulum and have it drop you off at Centro Maya. Carefully cross the federal highway to the entrance of Playacar. If you are coming from the south, a colectivo towards Playa del Carmen will drop you right near Hospiten. There is no public transport within Playacar, so if you are taking a colectivo you will need to either walk, or take a taxi to reach your destination.

Buses:  There are no buses that drive you to Playacar, so this time, taking a bus will not be an option. The easiest way to reach is by taxi.

The Reef Beach: Things To Do

As with every big resort, The Reef Playacar, has an array of family-fun activities to offer. With your day pass you are allowed to make use of all the hotel’s facilities and activities (some with extra cost).

  • Swim in their amazing pools and enjoy the meals and drinks included the wonderful service.
  • Lay on the beach beds with a beer in hand enjoying the wonderful blue ocean.
  • Rent one of the activities offered such as kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
  • Walk around the hotel looking for their many activities: restaurants, aquatic sports, entertainment, pools, relaxing, and so on.
  • Enjoy a wonderful meal on the beach, or by the pool, already included in your day pass.
  • Once it is 6pm and you are ready to leave the hotel, you can enjoy Playacar’s shopping malls with souvenirs and cafés.

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The Reef Beach: Recommendations

You will be in one of the high-end tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen. Things within Playacar (specially the resorts) are expensive. There isn’t a lack of services; you will find everything you need both inside and outside the resort. However, here are some recommendations:

  • Everywhere you go, always take money. Whether you are inside the hotel wanting to rent out an extra activity, or walking around Playacar wanting to take home a souvenir, you will need the extra cash.
  • Bring sunscreen! If you forget to bring sunscreen you will find yourself needing to purchase one within the hotel. That will not be cheap.
  • Although there are many activities to do within the hotel, bring a book, iPod, kindle, or whatnot. Laying by the pool for a couple of hours may result boring if you don’t have anything to entertain you.
  • Enjoy the food and drinks included in your day pass. You are paying $53 USD per person, make the most of it.

The most important thing, like we always say, is having fun and enjoying your day at the beach. The Riviera Maya is bathed with many beautiful white sand beaches, each special on its own – so go ahead and make the most of your day at the Reef Beach! And if you love it so much, you can always come back and make a reservation for a romantic dinner on the beach!

Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is the number one website in real estate in the Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico. We help foreigners find the home of their dreams in the Mexican Caribbean. If you are looking to invest in a vacation, retirement, or full-time property, check out the options we have for you by browsing through our website or contacting one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. They will gladly walk you through the purchasing process and help you become a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Playa Paraiso

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Beach #17 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Playa Paraíso

We don’t get tired of mentioning it: the Riviera Maya is blessed with hundreds of beautiful beaches, all of white sand and clear blue waters filled with the most diverse and beautiful underwater life one could ever imagine. Amongst those hundreds of beaches you can find throughout this gorgeous paradise is Playa Paraiso.

Not to be confused with Tulum’s Playa Paraíso (which, to be fair, is also part of the Riviera Maya), this beach is located a short five minute drive south of Puerto Morelos, or a ten minute drive north of Playa del Carmen. Although the beach has a public access – like every beach in the area – it is only surrounded by hotels such as Iberostar Paraiso and the Grand Mayan Palace.

Like most secluded and not widely known beaches, Playa Paraiso keeps true to its name: paradise. Being “far” from the popular beaches of Playa del Carmen, it has little to offer in the sense of entertainment, food or drinks; but the view, the tranquility and the beauty make up for everything else it lacks.

If you want to get away from the crowds (although the hotel guests will be sharing the beach with you), from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities and from the “buy this, eat here, drink with us” atmosphere, then you’ve picked the right beach!

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Playa Paraíso: Getting There

Getting to Playa Paraíso is really easy, as it is located between the two main cities of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.

Driving: If you are driving from Cancun, you need to take the highway 309 south towards Playa del Carmen. Approximately 33 km south of Cancun, right after passing over the Puerto Morelos overpass bridge, you will find the Iberostar and Grand Mayan Palace hotels. The public access is located right by the hotels. If you are coming from Playa del Carmen, you need to drive north towards Puerto Morelos until you reach the mentioned hotels.

Taking a Taxi: Taxis may be somewhat expensive depending on where you are coming from, but they are an easy way to make sure you get to the right place. Just call a cab from wherever you are and ask them to drive you to the public access of Playa Paraíso (make sure you specify which one so you don’t end up in Tulum!).

Public transportation:

Colectivos: Collective vans are easily accessible on the highway, or at their starting points in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. If you are in Cancun, you need to hop on a van heading towards Playa del Carmen and ask to get off at Playa Paraíso. If you are coming from Playa, then hop on a van that is headed towards Cancun and do the same thing. Vans charge 35 pesos or less, depending on where you hop on.

Buses: Public buses that stop throughout the highway are accessible from the ADO terminals. They are called Mayabs and drive from Cancun towards south Quintana Roo, and back, making predetermined stops, sort of like colectivos. You may ask at the ADO bus terminal if they stop anywhere near Playa Paraíso or the above mentioned hotels.

Playa Paraíso: Things To Do

Please remember that this beach is secluded and is accessed mainly by the resorts’ guests. This means that there are no restaurants, bars, beach clubs or anything that you may go to. The hotels do not allow “outsiders” to use their facilities, but you may rent the watersport equipment.

  • You can enjoy a nice, long walk down the beach.
  • Water activities are popular on all beaches; you will probably be able to rent kayaks, or go on a fishing, snorkeling or diving tour.
  • You may go snorkeling or swimming in the ocean on your own, as well.

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Playa Paraíso: Recommendations

As mentioned before, there is nothing else on this beach other than the hotel facilities, so here are some recommendations to take into consideration:

  • Because you will be unable to rent out palapas, umbrellas or beach beds, we recommend you bring a chair and your own umbrellas for personal use.
  • Bring your own towels because – unless you bring your own chairs – you will be sitting or lying down on the sand all day.
  • Make a quick stop at a convenience store beforehand and stock up on water, sodas, snacks, or anything else you like to enjoy when spending the day at the beach.
  • Remember that there is little to do, so bring a book, iPad, mp3 player, or the likes, to keep yourself entertained while sunbathing.
  • Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen.

So there you go, it sounds like a perfect day in paradise, doesn’t it?

Learn about all the different beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are looking for the perfect beach, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in the Riviera Maya! If you plan on vacationing often or retiring in the Riviera Maya, contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. We will be happy to walk you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Constituyentes

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Beach #18 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Constituyentes

The Riviera Maya is filled with hundreds and hundreds of miles of beautiful, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxing sites. One of the most popular beaches in Playa del Carmen is the Constituyentes Beach, which is right in the middle of downtown, surrounded by hotels, condos, beach clubs and a lot of things to do.

Decorated with a lengthy pier – which was originally built for the ferry crossing to Cozumel – this beach is both lively and beautiful. Because it is right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, there is everything to do there, as well as you can find anything you need within walking distance.

If you are looking for a great beach to spend the day at without having to move far from the heart of the Riviera Maya, then Constituyentes Beach is a great option. Be reminded that because of its location and its popularity, you will seldom find the beach empty at any time of day. If you’re ready to be surrounded by hundreds of tourists, then give this beautiful place a go!

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Constituyentes Beach: Getting There

If you want to visit this beach, there are several ways of reaching it, depending on where you are coming from.

Driving: If you are coming from Cancun, you need to take the highway 309 south towards Playa del Carmen. Once you arrive to Playa del Carmen, take the exit that signals Constituyentes Avenue and exit to the left. Drive straight down until you reach the beach. If you are already staying in Playa del Carmen, then all you need to do is drive to Constituyentes Avenue and straight down to the beach.

Taking a Van/Taxi: The easiest way to move around within downtown is to walk, or to take a cab. Vans are not a great option as they drive around town, making several stops, when you would only need to go a short drive away from where you are staying.

Public transportation:

Colectivos: Unless you are coming from out of Playa del Carmen, a colectivo is not the best choice; we would recommend a cab or walking. However, if you are coming in from Cancun or Tulum, you can grab a colectivo on the highway heading towards Playa del Carmen, which drops you off eight blocks away from Constituyentes Avenue. You then have the option to take a cab, walk, or take a bus.

Buses: Public buses are available throughout Playa del Carmen, so depending where you are coming from within Playa, you would need to check which bus number drops you off a block away from the beach. There are many options.

Constituyentes Beach: Things to Do

As mentioned above, this beach is right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, offering many things to do:

  • You can enjoy one of the nearby beach clubs, order food and drinks and relax all day.
  • Water activities are popular on the beach; you will be able to rent out kayaks, or rent tours for snorkeling and diving.
  • Walk two blocks to reach 5th Avenue and enjoy everything it has to offer – from coffee shops, to restaurants, to bars and shops and gallerias, everything is within reach.

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Constituyentes Beach: Recommendations

  • While the Riviera Maya is popular for its reef and snorkeling spots, be reminded that the beaches within Playa del Carmen offer little to no marine life. You can take boat tours to nearby spots from these beaches, but you will not be able to see anything on your own just swimming around.
  • If you are not looking to pay for a beach club, make sure you bring your umbrellas to create shade from the sun; there is little to no shadows on this beach.
  • Do not forget to bring money, as you are in downtown and two blocks from 5th Avenue; you are sure to spend some money either eating, or shopping.

Learn about the different beaches in the Riviera Maya, and count down with us to the Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya every Friday. If you are looking for the perfect beach, follow our blog and learn about other popular, local hot spots. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in the Riviera Maya! If you plan on vacationing often or retiring in the Riviera Maya, contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. We will be happy to walk with you through the process of becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya: A Day at Caleta Yal-Ku

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Beach #19 on the Countdown to the Best Beach in the Riviera Maya: Caleta Yal-Ku
The coast of the Riviera Maya is full of amazing landscapes like the Caleta Yal-Ku Cove, a Cenote that pumps fresh water in to the cove and pushes it towards the sea. There is fresh and saltwater in this cove, forming a unique and delicate ecosystem that needs to be preserved.

This eco-system can be also found in the popular park of Xel-Ha, but at Xel-Ha you have to spend much more money and you will be surrounded by thousands of visitors. On the other hand Caleta Yal-Ku, has preserved the rustic beauty of the Caribbean, with fewer visitors and at a much lower cost.

Caleta Yal-ku is a beautiful place to spend the day, amongst the many attractions that Akumal offers to its visitors this is one of the highlights.

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Caleta Yal-Ku: Getting there

If you are interested in visiting Caleta Yal-Ku in Akumal, it is important to plan ahead. If you want to take advantage of everything in the area, it is best to arrive early and take time to visit different areas.

Once you get to the entrance of Akumal, the distance to get to the Yal-Ku cove is about 3 km or a little bit less than 2 miles.

Driving: If you are coming from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you need to get on the federal highway 307 southbound towards Tulum (drive 65 miles from Cancun or 22 miles from Playa del Carmen). There are plenty of signs and once you get into Akumal, go through the arches and follow the road until it ends, there will be a few signs marking the way. The Cove has a parking lot, if it is crowded you can also look for a parking spot on the road.

Taking a Van/Taxi: This might be convenient if you are not planning to do any other activities or just want to spend the day at Akumal. Once in Akumal, you can walk, rent a bike for the day or stop a taxi. Distances are short!

Public Transportation:

COLECTIVOS: If you are on a budget, Colectivos are a good way to get to Akumal. Colectivos are white mini vans that drive between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, all along the 307 federal highway. To stop them wave your hand. Tell the driver where you want to go and ask for the price to your destination. The fare from Playa to Akumal costs approximately $2 US.

BUSES: ADO offer direct buses between different destinations in the Riviera Maya. Bus stations are located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. They also offer an airport shuttle service from the Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen or Tulum. If you choose to use the ADO, you can take a cab or collectivo to get to Akumal from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Caleta Yal-Ku: Things to do

  • The favorite thing to do in the area is snorkeling, feel free to bring your own gear or rent it once you get there!
  • Observe the limestone formations under water and the many different kinds of fish and turtles swimming in the area. The water is incredible clear!
  • Enjoy a nice meal or a cold beverage at the on-site restaurant!
  • Challenge yourself and swim all the way to the sea!
  • Observe the mangrove and the many species that live in the area.
  • Experience the halocline, a cloud like effect that can be observed when the fresh and salt water mix.

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Caleta Yal-Ku: Recommendations

  • Yal-ku cove is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm and the admission fee is 150 pesos around 10 USD, there is also a local residents discount if you show your identification. The cove has showers, lockers and bathrooms, you can also rent snorkel equipment or a palapas.
  • The Yal-Ku cove has rocky areas and some roots, it is a good idea to bring your water shoes to keep your feet safe from cuts and scrapes!
  • Parking areas is limited, if you cannot find a parking space it is possible to park in the parking lot at the entrance of the town and take a cab or rent a bike to get to Caleta Yal-Ku.
  • Do not forget to bring your biodegradable suntan lotion and insect repellent, there are restrictions on the use of chemicals in the cove.

Learn about the different beaches throughout the Riviera Maya, and count down with us to the Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya every Friday. If you are looking for the perfect beach, follow our blog and learn about other popular, local hot spots. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a vacation home, investment property or to retire in paradise, please feel free to contact one of the Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives. We will be glad to guide you through the purchasing process and help you find your dream home in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!