Riviera Maya: Travel Guide & Destinations on the Mexican Caribbean Coast

The Riviera Maya is a coastal strip running approximately 130 kilometres along the Caribbean Sea, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It stretches from Cancún in the north to Tulum in the south, passing through Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Cozumel. This region brings together in a single coastal corridor white sand beaches, some of the Caribbean's best-preserved coral reefs, thousands of freshwater cenotes, Mayan archaeological sites and a gastronomic scene that has established itself as one of Mexico's most creative.

MySunbed covers the entire Riviera Maya for beach club and day pass bookings. Browse our selections by destination: Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.

Destinations of the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is not a single destination — it is a corridor with very different identities from one zone to the next. Each destination has its own rhythm, landscapes and character.

• Cancún: gateway to the region, served by Cancún International Airport, Mexico's second busiest. The Hotel Zone stretches along a strip of land between Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Wide beaches, turquoise waters, lively atmosphere with DJs and beach clubs at weekends. The city also offers a dense nightlife scene and restaurants across all categories.
• Puerto Morelos: fishing village 36 kilometres south of the airport, largely untouched by mass tourism. The Puerto Morelos coral reef is a protected nature reserve — shallow, calm waters ideal for independent snorkeling from the beach. Relaxed local atmosphere, intimate beach clubs.
• Playa del Carmen: the tourist capital of the Riviera Maya. Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a pedestrian street, runs parallel to the beach for several kilometres, lined with restaurants, shops and nightlife. Regular ferry service to Cozumel from the maritime terminal. Lively beach clubs downtown, quieter venues in the residential Playacar district to the south.
• Tulum: an ancient Mayan city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean — one of the only archaeological sites in the world directly on the seafront. The Tulum hotel zone runs along a road following the beach, with venues built in natural materials — wood, palapa, bamboo — in an eco-chic setting. Cenotes accessible within 15 minutes of the centre.
• Cozumel: island 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen. The Cozumel National Marine Park is home to the world's second largest coral reef. Crystal-clear waters offer visibility up to 30 metres — a reference destination for diving and snorkeling. Regular cruise ship port of call.
• Isla Mujeres: island 15 minutes by ferry from Puerto Juárez, north of Cancún. Playa Norte, at the northwest tip of the island, is consistently ranked among Mexico's most beautiful beaches: very fine white sand, shallow turquoise waters, almost entirely free of sargassum thanks to local currents.

Cenotes of the Riviera Maya

The Yucatán has over 7,000 recorded cenotes — freshwater sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone rock, connecting an underground river network. For the Maya, these formations were sacred, considered gateways to the underworld. Today they represent one of the most singular experiences the region has to offer.

Cenotes fall into two main types: open cenotes, bathed in natural light, and underground cenotes, accessible through caves where stalactites and stalagmites plunge into water of absolute clarity. Among the best known, the Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos are a few minutes from Tulum. The water is fresh and cool, around 24°C year-round. Some cenotes allow snorkeling with freshwater turtles and fish. One practical note: do not apply sunscreen before entering — cenotes are fragile ecosystems and chemical substances are prohibited.

Mayan archaeological sites

• Tulum: the most photographed site in the region. The ruins rise on a 12-metre cliff facing the Caribbean. El Castillo, the main temple, served as a lighthouse. Access to the beach below for a swim after the visit. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Chichén Itzá: UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Three hours from Cancún and 2.5 hours from Tulum. The pyramid of Kukulcán dominates one of the best-preserved archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula. Arrive at opening time at 8am — the site becomes very busy from 10am.
• Cobá: archaeological site in the heart of the jungle, about 45 minutes from Tulum. The Nohoch Mul pyramid reaches 42 metres — the tallest in the Yucatán. The access path passes through several structures and the Mayan ball court before reaching the summit.

Beaches and beach clubs

Beaches along the Riviera Maya vary considerably from one zone to the next. Cancún and Playa del Carmen beaches are wide and well-equipped, with beach clubs offering day passes across the Riviera Maya. Tulum's beaches are among the most visually striking but also the most exposed to sargassum from July to October. Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos beaches generally remain clear thanks to their orientation.

Gastronomy

Yucatán cuisine is distinct from standard Mexican cooking — it integrates Mayan, Spanish and Caribbean influences. Key regional dishes include cochinita pibil (pork marinated in lime juice and spices, slow-cooked in an earth oven), panuchos (fried tortillas filled with black beans and meat), and sopa de lima (chicken broth with citrus). The contemporary dining scene is particularly well developed in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, with restaurants that have integrated modern techniques with local ingredients.

Seasonality

High season runs from December to April: temperatures between 26 and 30°C, little rainfall, calm seas. The rainy season runs from May to October, with short but intense showers in the late afternoon. Sargassum — brown algae carried by Atlantic currents — affects some beaches from July to October, mainly Tulum and Cozumel's east coast. Hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in September.

Getting around

• Car: Federal Highway 307 runs the length of the coast from Cancún to Tulum. Car rental is the most flexible option for exploring the region at your own pace.
• Tren Maya: the train inaugurated in 2023 connects Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Air-conditioned, with wifi and panoramic windows — Cancún to Tulum in around 2.5 hours.
• ADO bus: regular services between the main towns, departing from bus terminals.
• Ferry: Ultramar connects Puerto Juárez (Cancún) to Isla Mujeres in 15 minutes. The Cozumel ferry departs from Playa del Carmen's maritime terminal, 45-minute crossing.