Beaches

pippin
pippin
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
5
Reviews
52
Photos

Playa del Carmen's Coco Beach

  • February 4, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by JesusW from Mexico city, Mexico
Playa del Carmen's Coco Beach

This is a very quiet beach, somehow isolated from the main area in town but close enough to walk there. It's a good area for sunbathing--topless is accepted and does not cause finger-pointing. Nude sunbathing is practiced in the more remote areas or between the little bushes. Waves are not very strong in this area, and the water is relatively shallow.

From journal Playa del Carmen on a budget

Beaches

  • October 6, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by jbzway from Apple Valley, California
The resort was right on the beach. This beach was to rocky to go swimming in, but they offered water activites and the water was beautiful. It was so clear, you could see fish swimming all around you. You could walk a bit down the beach and swim there.

From journal Relaxing in Mexico

Beaches at the resort

  • May 13, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tradesman from Roseville, Minnesota
The beaches are great to walk on, but there is NO place to swim. The waves are HARSH in front of the resort. Until 2006+ when the artificial reef is in place, forget about swimming there. If you walk down the beach, you can find a place to wade, but not swim.

We have been to the Riviera Maya four times and trust me that this is not Cancun or Cozumel. Still, if you want QUIET and relaxation, this is the place. . .

From journal Grand Mayan Palace

Riu Palace Beach Scene

  • September 18, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Stircrazy from around, Texas
Riu Palace Beach Scene

As TheGolfer said, it was like a salt water bathtub. The water was clear even when standing chest deep, the sand was clean and deep.
The lounge chairs under the palms provided a shaded place to read or rest, and we took good advantage of the shade when we came out of the water. The Massage Palapa was also located in a choice spot along side the path from the pool area to the beach. Another entry in this journal attests to the benefits of stopping by there.
At one point, all four of us were in the water...TheDoll looking like one in her suit and matching sarong, Stir in her strapless parashoot, and the guys in their Jams...when we spotted the topless 350 lb. lady in the black thong bottom.
It's a wonder we didn't drown.

From journal Playing Around in Playa del Carmen

Editor Pick

Playa Del Carmen

  • April 1, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by pippin from Brooklyn, New York
Playa Del Carmen

Because the entire area is scattered with reefs, snorkeling is possible anywhere, even in the busier beach area near the pier. The water was for the most part calm and bath water warm. Its salinity made the water great for floating.

Dead center is the pier, where the ferry to Cozumel docks. North of the pier is a busy public beach area, and south is Playacar, much quieter with, in my opinion, better swimming but somewhat dull if you like people watching.

People watching here is perfect. Because of the strong European and South American presence here, topless sunbathing is pretty common. The young international flavor of the beach makes it special here, much more enjoyable than nearby Cancun.

There is little shelter from the sun along this beach, and conveniently, the beach front restaurants and clubs will rent you a chair or some shade for about $2.50 to $3 US for the day. Money well spent, in my opinion: the sun can be brutal, even in the cool winter and spring months.

From journal Paradise in spite of Cancun

Compare Playa del Carmen Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Playa del Carmen Travel Deals