Grab your swimsuit and snorkeling gear and get ready for a day exploring the Riviera Maya. There are so many beaches to explore and crystal-clear lagoons to snorkel in and a stop in Playa del Carmen is a must for shopping and dinner on the return journey. And if you want to add more adventures, explore the archaeological sites of Tulum, Coba or Muyil, a spectacular cave system and countless jungle cenotes. Here are some of our favorite Riviera Maya spots to get you started.

Puerto Morelos

Although it is a municipal district in its own right, the fishing village of Puerto Morelos is the gateway to the Riviera Maya. It has a chain of lovely family-friendly beaches to the north and south of town, coral reefs that are protected by a National Park and jungle wonders ranging from cenotes and caves to the second largest botanical garden in Mexico.

Punta Maroma

Punta Maroma is one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most beautiful bays and is located between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.

Xpu-Ha

Although several large resorts now call Xpu-Ha home, the southern stretches of this long bay preserve their charms of palm trees, palapas and rustic beach bars. Find your spot under the palms, snack on fresh seafood and enjoy the spectacular Caribbean views.

Puerto Aventuras

A resort community with lovely beaches, a relaxed vibe and some great casual restaurants for lunch. Head for the shoreline, the golf course or the marina for a fishing or scuba trip. Stroll along the waterfront, check out the boutiques and choose a spot for a drink or lunch.

Akumal

With its palm-lined beach, gentle waves, thatched roof palapa bars and restaurants you’d think that this picturesque bay had charms enough but there’s much more below the surface. The offshore reefs are popular for diving and snorkeling.

Marine life is varied and abundant in Akumal, even in the shallows. Royal grammas, spotted drums and damselfish dart through the corals and parrotfish and eagle rays are frequently observed. The greatest thrill of all, however, is to spot a green or loggerhead turtle grazing on the sea grass. Watch from a distance and it may swim past you, giving you the chance to see the beautiful markings on its shell. A vacation memory to treasure, no wonder Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Maya.

There’s more great snorkeling to the north in Half Moon Bay or Bahia de la Media Luna where the corals are much closer to the shore. You’ll need reef shoes here as the seabed is rocky.
Half Moon Bay is also home to one of the best beach bars in the Riviera Maya. It’s all wood and palapas, there are even swings and an observation tower. Sink your toes into the sand, order some fresh ceviche and take in the view. You’ll see pelicans and terns diving for fish, ospreys on the hunt and turtles surfacing.

Follow the coast road north from Akumal past Half Moon Bay to the shores of Caleta Yalku, an inlet of crystal-clear turquoise waters fed by underground rivers.

As you explore the refreshingly cool waters, you’ll see a variety of colorful reef fish that come inshore to feed or breed among the mangrove roots and submerged rocks. Look out for sergeant majors, queen angelfish and blue tangs.

A local cooperative manages Yalku and charges a fee for admission. Life jackets are available and there are restrooms and a little open-air cafe.

Xcacel

A dirt track through the jungle and a palm grove leads to the pristine bay of Xcacel, designated a turtle sanctuary in 1998 by the Quintana Roo state government. One of the Riviera Maya’s best kept secrets, it is a beautiful spot for snorkeling, beach time and celebrating nature.

Playa del Carmen

After a day exploring the Riviera Maya, there’s always time for a stop in Playa del Carmen. Walk along Quinta Avenida and choose a place for dinner, drinks or coffee and your favorite flavor of gelato. Check out the shops and enjoy the ambiance, the flickering lights in the trees and the music.

For more Riviera Maya rambles, Thomas More Travel is your guide for amazing day trips. Visit the website and start choosing activities for your next vacation.