Paradise beaches: playa del carmen and tulum

Playa del Carmen and Tulum are two of Mexico's most famous tourist destinations worldwide and this is not just a coincidence. Both stand out from other beach destinations for several unique reasons; their natural beauty, cultural and historical offerings, diversity and accessibility. In these Riviera Maya locations you can find a perfect fusion between white sand beaches and turquoise waters surrounded by jungle and Mayan ruins or others full of entertainment. From Hertz Mexico we tell you about the best beaches in Playa del Carmen and Tulum to visit by car and live an unforgettable experience in paradise.

Best beaches in Tulum

Tulum is one of Mexico's magical towns, known not only for its incredible beaches, lagoons, cenotes, caverns and archaeological ruins, but also for being an ideal place for relaxation, peace and tranquility. To make your trip to Tulum more enjoyable and comfortable, we recommend renting a car with Hertz Mexico and touring this beautiful destination that will leave you breathless.

Playa Paraiso Beach

Playa Paraiso is one of the most famous beaches in Tulum, located about 900 meters from the archaeological zone, it is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. This beach is public, so access is free, with the possibility of renting services that include palapas, chairs, lounge chairs, umbrellas, toilets and showers. In addition, you will find food and beverage services, as well as options for massages and yoga in front of the sea. Playa Paraíso attracts tourists from all over, including families, couples and solo travelers looking to enjoy a spectacular setting. Activities at this beach are varied, including snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding and excursions to the second largest coral reef in the world.

Santa Fe Beach

This beach is one of the closest to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, so it allows you to visit both places comfortably on the same day, making it popular with tourists who visit the archaeological site and want to relax after a day of exploration. The beach has soft sands and clear waters, with fewer crowds than Playa Paraíso. Playa Santa Fe is public, easily accessible and less commercialized, making it ideal for a family plan. Amenities at Playa Santa Fe are limited, but there are some palapas, restrooms, showers and local restaurants offering food and drinks.

Playa Pescadores

Playa Pescadores is known for being an epic place where tourists take pictures with a turquoise blue background of this paradisiacal beach. Its name comes from the fact that it is a traditional fishermen's place, where it is common to see fishing boats and excursions heading out to sea. Playa Pescadores is also public and accessible, ideal for those looking for an authentic and less touristy experience, with a touch of local life. It also does not have good coverage, so it is perfect for disconnecting, relaxing and enjoying this place to the fullest. On this beach there are some restaurants and bars offering fresh seafood and drinks. Water sports equipment rental services are also available for snorkeling, as well as boat rides to see the marine fauna, and fishing excursions.

Best beaches in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers a mix of lively and quiet options, but, like Tulum, it stands out mainly for its paradisiacal beaches. This destination has a wide variety of resorts, beach clubs and water activities. In addition, its famous Quinta Avenida is full of stores, restaurants and nightlife, which provide an interesting cultural and entertainment scene.## Mamitas BeachPlaya Mamitas is one of the most popular beaches in Playa del Carmen.It is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its beach clubs.Although these clubs occupy much of the coastline, access to the beach area itself is public. You can enjoy the sea and sand free of charge or rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. In addition, the beach clubs in Mamitas offer a variety of restaurant and bar options.There is also live music and DJ sets, especially during high season and weekends.On this beach it is common to see groups of friends and couples enjoying the festive atmosphere and water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Playacar

Playacar is an exclusive area located south of downtown Playa del Carmen and, unlike Playa Mamitas, is a more relaxed and less crowded option. Although Playacar is public, access can be limited because it is surrounded by private residential and hotel complexes.Therefore, access points are less obvious and may require walking from areas open to the public.In general, this beach receives families and tourists staying at the resorts in the area, which offer amenities such as umbrellas, lounge chairs, and bar and restaurant services. Playacar is perfect for relaxed walks due to its long stretch of sand.

Punta Esmeralda

This is a quieter beach frequented mainly by locals.Its distinctive cenote that blends in with the sea makes it unique and attractive.Punta Esmeralda is completely public and easily accessible. The beach attracts those who prefer a more natural and less commercial environment. It is common to see families picnicking and children playing in the cenote. On the other hand, Punta Esmeralda has fewer commercial amenities than other more crowded beaches. However, there are public restrooms and some palapas available, as well as street vendors offering snacks and drinks. Both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are well connected and close to other popular Riviera Maya destinations, such as Cozumel and Cancun, allowing for easy exploration of the region. Therefore, we recommend car rental with Hertz Mexico so you can visit these incredible beaches and live a unique experience.