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Escape The Crowds At These 6 Peaceful Playa del Carmen Beaches

Juanita Rodriguez 07-03-2024

6 Playa del Carmen Beaches With Less Crowds, Mexico

 

Playa del Carmen is a beach vacation hotspot due to its glorious white sand shoreline and clear Caribbean waters. For this reason, visitors flock from around the globe to explore all this coastal town has to offer. That being said, there are a handful of beaches that receive less traffic and provide a more rustic and peaceful setting. If you are in search of a tranquil escape from the lively and crowded beach club scene, this list offers 6 peaceful alternatives. 

 

Playa 72

 

Playa 72 Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

Situated on Calle 72 off of 5th Avenue, is a favorite beach for locals. Here you can witness spectacular sunrises in the stillness of the early morning that tend to stop you dead in your sandy tracks. Usually, there are two volleyball nets set up to the right of the entrance where you can meet and join in with other active residents and visitors alike.

Playa 72 is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Playa del Carmen and offers bathroom and shower access for a minimal fee of around $5 pesos. Similar to most of the beaches on this list, the weekdays are the best time to come to avoid the crowds. Overall, this is a peaceful and rustic paradise that is ideal for beachgoers who prefer a more zen atmosphere. 

 

Playacar

 

Playacar Beach, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

Since this beach is located within a gated community, access is limited. That being said, you can walk along the shoreline from downtown Playa del Carmen and enter through Señor Frogs at the southern end of 5th Avenue. Otherwise, you must be a guest in Playacar to gain entry to this placid paradise. 

If you head further south from Señor Frogs, there is plenty of sandy shore to spread your towels and take in the mesmerizing Caribbean vista. Continuing even further south, the seashore gets a little busier as you are entering the Playacar hotel zone. Indeed you’ll become aware of this all-inclusive domain as there are loungers spread out across the sand. However, the beach in front of the sun loungers remains open to the public, but there are no public restrooms. 

The breadth of Playacar beach means that you’ll have extra real estate than you would at some of the downtown beaches that have been more affected by erosion. Whether you’re sipping a coffee at sunrise or immersing yourself in a good book in the afternoon, you’ll discover tropical tranquility at Playacar beach.

 

Playa 88

 

Playa 88, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

The gorgeous expanse of white sand is just over an hour’s walk from downtown Playa del Carmen. Situated at Calle 88 off of 5th Avenue, this beach stands out for its sustainability efforts. As it is a popular spot for nesting sea turtles, conservation standards are high, encouraging eco-friendly tourism practices in the area.

Much like Playa 72, it’s a good idea to bring along a few pesos for the attendant in charge of keeping the bathrooms and showers clean. In addition to a pocketful of pesos, bring your snorkel gear with you for a serene underwater experience. In fact, when the water is calm, you’re likely to spot some fascinating marine creatures enjoying the warm Caribbean waters alongside you. 

 

Marena Beach Club 

 

Marena Beach, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

Although you will probably need a taxi or your own vehicle to get to Marena, this beach club does offer relaxing respite for traveling seeking seaside bliss. While the pool and restaurant side of Marena are popular, the lounge area on the sand, shaded by towering palms, presents a tranquil setting. Even farther to the right, past the sun loungers, is a wide open, powdery soft coastline beckoning sun seekers wishing for more serene solitude. 

In order to find Marena Beach Club, you must enter through the Grand Coral gates either via the 307 Federal Highway or by the Avenida Pintores and 5th Avenue security gate. There is a fee of $350 – $500 Mxn, which goes towards consumption. This cover charge provides access to the bathrooms, loungers, as well as food and beverage menu. See their Facebook Page for current discounts and promotions on their day passes. 

 

Xcalacoco

 

Xcalacoco Beach, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

Still north, approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen, sits one of our all-time favorite beaches, Xcalacoco (Shcal-a-co-co.) Typically, the waters at this sandy gateway to the majestic Caribbean Sea are clear and calm courtesy of the nearby barrier reef. However, the shore is quite rocky due to the abundance of coral. If you are a swimmer, it’s a good idea to wear water shoes.

Thanks to the protection of the reef, the calm waters are ideal for snorkeling. In addition to colorful fish, chances are you will see starfish, small crabs, and the porcupine’s of the sea, black sea urchins. 

Although you can bring your own cooler with snacks and beverages, there are two hotels with restaurants on either side of Xcalacoco. Nothing compares to coastal cuisine and cold beers after a day at the beach. Also, set up along the shore are massage huts where you can go to drift off into Caribbean dreamland. Moreover, bathrooms, showers, and beach umbrella rentals are available for added convenience. 

 

Hidden Gem 

 

Hidden Beach

 

If you love long walks on the beach, this sandy journey ends with a stunning surprise. If you continue past the all-inclusive hotel zone on Playacar beach, heading south for about 1.5 hours, you’ll discover a hidden gem. An isolated bay area awaits, perfect for a picnic on the sand or a cool dip in the sea. 

Not yet developed, there are no bathrooms or facilities of any kind nearby. What you will find is a rustic and secluded beach with hundreds of meters of white sand all to yourself. 


In conclusion, these six less crowded beaches in Playa del Carmen offer the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty.  Whether you’re looking to unwind in solitude, explore pristine waters, or simply enjoy the scenic views, each of these less visited treasures promises a serene alternative to the bustling tourist spots. So pack your beach essentials and discover the more tranquil side of Playa del Carmen, where relaxation and inspiration meet.