7. Xpu-Ha
If you want to see Playa del Carmen’s beaches like a local, then a visit to Xpu-Ha is a must. Just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, near Puerto Aventuras, Xpu-Ha beach looks like it leapt right off a postcard and into reality.
You’ll quickly fall in love with the cool, calm aquamarine waters; the powdery sand; and the small beachside restaurants that allow that barefoot, idyllic island experience. Locals love Xpu-Ha, so you’ll be seeing Playa del Carmen from the local perspective here. The calm water means it’s a great spot for kayaking and fishing, as well as swimming and snorkeling. On land, you may even catch a pick-up game of beach volleyball or an early morning yoga session.
8. Playa Akumal
Up until a few years ago, Akumal was one of the better kept secrets along the Mexican Caribbean coast. But, as with most places in Mexico, the secret is out. Playa Akumal is now easily one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen, and for very good reason.
First and foremost, this is the best beach for swimming with sea turtles. Sea turtles chose this swath of beach centuries ago as a nesting area and each year thousands of turtles hatch from its shores. In fact, Akumal means «land of the turtles» in Mayan.
Akumal is actually a series of several beaches – five of them to be exact, and each one is as picture-perfect as the last. Akumal is a thriving pueblo, and the beach is positively packed with restaurants and beach clubs where you can rent snorkeling equipment, a lounge chair for the day, or simply enjoy a fresh meal. Dive shops and other shopping are on the beach, as well as farther up the road in town.
