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The Riviera Maya wrapped up 2023 on a high note, with many destinations hitting over 90% hotel occupancy rates.
2024 is promising to be an equally successful year for the region, particularly for the highly popular Playa del Carmen, as hoteliers anticipate a commendable 85% throughout January.
Even after the New Year festivities, Playa del Carmen’s beaches are still bustling, attracting around 5,000 beachgoers every day.
According to Heberto Velásquez Hernández, Coordinator of Lifeguards in Solidaridad, three beaches have been particularly popular, drawing in thousands daily.
“We have had a significant influx, about five or six thousand people per day in strategic points such as Playa Fundadores, Playa Mamitas, Playa Punta Esmeralda, which are where we have the most influx of people,” he stated.
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With dozens of gorgeous beaches to choose from, including 9 with the prestigious Blue Flag certification, what sets these three Playa del Carmen beaches apart?
Keep reading to find out!
Playa Fundadores
It’s impossible to miss this iconic beach during a Playa del Carmen visit, as it’s located next to the ADO bus station at the beginning of the Quinta Avenida.
This is a good thing since this beach not only embodies the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean but it’s also a vibrant place, rich in culture and history.
There’s always something going on here, whether it’s pre-Hispanic dances, live music shows, street artists, or comedians.
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Here, you’ll also find numerous arts and crafts and clothing shops, bars and restaurants serving local delicacies.
Playa Fundadores is a significant landmark for locals, with Fundadores Park adjacent to the beach serving as a meeting point and sports court since Playa del Carmen’s early days as a small fishing town in the 50s.
You might recognize Fundadores Park as the place where the famous Maya Portal bronze sculpture stands, towering at 16 meters high and standing as one of the most Instagrammed spots in Playa del Carmen.
Playa Mamitas
Playa Fundadores’ lively charm makes it a highly popular Playa del Carmen beach, yet it’s no match for the stunning Playa Mamitas in terms of sheer beauty.
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Regarded as one of the finest beaches in the Riviera Maya, Playa Mamitas’ tranquil shores, lack of currents and few rocks make it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.
Moreover, this beach is rarely affected by the pesky sargassum seaweed that often plagues these shores, as anti-sargassum barriers installed by the municipality shields it.
Beyond its natural allure, Playa Mamitas offers a vibrant atmosphere featuring music and dance at the renowned Mamitas Beach Club.
This unique combination of beauty and ambiance makes Playa Mamitas an absolute must-visit destination for beach lovers exploring Playa del Carmen.
Playa Punta Esmeralda
Located at the end of the Colosio Colony in Playa del Carmen, this beautiful beach offers a more secluded ambiance compared to its bustling counterparts.
Travelers visiting this serene coastline will be captivated by its main attraction: a small cenote which flows directly into the sea, creating a mesmerizing hue of various shades of blue due to the mix of salt and freshwater.
Since the beach is shallow, it’s a popular place for families with little kids, who can also enjoy beach sports at the vast stretch of sand.
Beyond family enjoyment, Playa Punta Esmeralda also attracts couples seeking a romantic and serene experience during leisurely strolls along the shoreline.
Popular activities like kayaking and kitesurfing draw adventure enthusiasts, while palm trees near the cenote offer a perfect spot for a beachside picnic.
Playa Punta Esmeralda is massively popular with both locals and tourists, offering a variety of attractions that few Playa del Carmen beaches can rival.
With their perfect combination of natural beauty and a vibrant atmosphere, Playa del Carmen’s beaches offer an unparalleled Mexican Caribbean experience.
So, their current popularity among winter travelers truly comes as no surprise.
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