Top 5 Beaches in Playa Del Carmen
Having explored coastlines worldwide, I can confidently say Playa del Carmen boasts some of the planet’s most beautiful beaches. I’ve made it my daily ritual to swim here, and these are my definitive top 5 picks.
#BeachLife #Top5
1. PUNTA ESMERALDA
Access: Free
Showers: Yes
Parking: Yes
Punta Esmeralda Beach which was just named the best beach in Mexico by the CIFPlayas and 3rd best urban beach in Latin America. It is one of Playa del Carmen’s most unique natural treasures, thanks to its stunning freshwater cenote that opens directly into the Caribbean Sea. This creates a rare blend of crystal-clear turquoise ocean water with cool, refreshing cenote currents—perfect for relaxing and escaping the heat. The beach is wide, soft, and shallow, making it ideal for families, sunrise seekers, and anyone who prefers a quieter, more local atmosphere. Palm trees dot the shoreline, and there’s always room to spread out, especially compared to the busier central beaches.
What truly sets Punta Esmeralda apart from other beaches is the combination of community vibe and natural features you simply won’t find elsewhere in Playa. The cenote-meets-ocean setting is something totally unique, offering a swimming experience that’s both scenic and soothing. Unlike more manicured or tourist-heavy beaches, Punta Esmeralda feels raw, authentic, and connected to local life. If you want a nature-forward escape without leaving the city, this is the spot.
2. PLAYA 38
Access: Free
Showers: No
Parking: Yes
Playa 38 is the epitome of laid-back luxury—think calm waters, fine white sand, and a lush, jungle-lined entrance that makes the walk to the beach feel like you’re stepping into a hidden paradise. The beach is known for being peaceful and clean, offering a refined, relaxed environment away from the more commercialized areas near downtown. It’s perfect for guests who want tranquility without going far, and for travelers who enjoy reading, tanning, or simply unwinding under natural shade.
What makes Playa 38 different from other beaches is its balance of convenience and exclusivity. While Punta Esmeralda feels more local and rustic, and central beaches can be lively or crowded, Playa 38 gives you a boutique, almost private-beach atmosphere. There are fewer vendors, minimal noise, and a calmness that’s hard to find elsewhere along the coastline. It’s especially popular with visitors who want a serene, upscale-feeling beach day without the beach clubs.
3. PLAYA 88
Access: Free
Showers: Yes
Parking: Yes
Playa 88 stands out with its Blue Flag certification—an international recognition for high water quality, cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. This makes it one of the most pristine stretches of coastline in Playa del Carmen. The sand is powdery and bright, the water is exceptionally clear, and the area is well maintained with lifeguards, showers, and clean public access areas. It’s a fantastic beach for swimming, families, early-morning athletes, and anyone who values a peaceful, well-organized space.
What differentiates Playa 88 from other beaches is the overall quality and environment. While many beaches in Playa del Carmen vary in seaweed levels or crowds, Playa 88 is consistently clean and calm. It doesn’t have the cenote charm of Punta Esmeralda or the boutique vibe of Playa 38, but it offers the most “reliable” beach day: wide, open space, great water conditions, and an eco-certification that guarantees a higher standard. If you want the cleanest water in town, Playa 88 is the winner.
4. PARQUE FUNDADORES BEACH
Access: Free
Showers: No
Parking: Yes
Playa Fundadores is Playa del Carmen’s most iconic public beach—famous for its central location, lively atmosphere, and the towering Portal Maya statue that has become a symbol of the city. The beach is vibrant and full of energy, offering a wide shoreline, great swimming areas, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal. It’s also where you’ll find traditional performances, local artisans, and the famous Voladores de Papantla show. There’s always something happening here, day or night.
What makes Playa Fundadores unique compared to the other beaches on this list is its lively, cultural, and urban vibe. While the others offer tranquility, nature, or exclusivity, Fundadores is the heart of Playa del Carmen—a place where locals, tourists, and performers all come together. It’s not the quietest or most secluded beach, but it is the most dynamic and culturally rich. For visitors who want energy, people-watching, easy access, and a true taste of Playa’s spirit, Fundadores is unbeatable.
5. PLAYA 72
Access: Free
Showers: Yes
Parking: Yes
Playa 72 is a lesser-known gem that offers a peaceful escape with soft sand, gentle waves, and a very local feel. It’s one of the quietest beaches within Playa del Carmen’s central zone, making it great for travelers who want a simple, relaxed beach day without beach clubs, vendors, or large crowds. The water is usually calm enough for easy swimming, and the long sandy stretch is excellent for morning walks, jogging, or finding your own secluded spot.
What sets Playa 72 apart from the others is its crowd-free, no-frills nature. While Playa 88 is organized and certified and Punta Esmeralda has a unique natural cenote, Playa 72 is all about simplicity and serenity. It’s the beach where locals go when they want true quiet. You won’t find nightlife, music, or commercialization—just the Caribbean Sea, open sand, and a peaceful environment. It’s ideal for those who want to disconnect and enjoy Playa’s coastline the way it used to be.
I hope you take the time to explore these beaches. They each have their unique vibe. Enjoy! 🙂
Posted by: 
Rudy Lim
