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With summer just around the corner, the Mexican Caribbean is readying itself to have yet another record-breaking year in tourism.
One of the main reasons why so many flock here is due to the stunning beaches that are on offer, with places like Playa Del Carmen on the Riviera Maya boasting some award winners.
Now, one of Playa Del Carmen’s most popular beaches, which has won a Blue Flag certification, will no longer be available to tourists due to a new infrastructure scheme.
Playa 88 Closure
New infrastructure is being built to connect Cozumel to mainland Mexico, which will be installed on the 200 square meter stretch of beach known as Playa 88, meaning tourists will not be able to access it.
The decision came last week, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources green-lit it for “the underground construction of a transmission line with submarine cable corresponding to the LT Playa del Carmen—Chankaanab II project.”
Although this is bad news for tourists, many of whom enjoy coming to the beautiful Playa 88, they still have time to visit before it becomes inaccessible officially.
With approximately one month until access to the beach is no longer available, we recommend that you check it out if you find yourself in the Riviera Maya.
Beaches awarded Blue Flag certifications meet high standards of accessibility, cleanliness, and sustainability efforts, meaning they are some of the best to visit in the region.
The Secretary of Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change, Lourdes Varguez, has vowed to appeal the decision.
She hopes that Playa 88 will remain a recreational space for tourists and locals alike, as its popularity is no small feat.
Until that time, however, the countdown begins before it closes down indefinitely.
Beaches In Playa Del Carmen You Should Check Out
Never fear—there are still plenty of other beaches worth visiting in Playa del Carmen that are accessible to tourists.
The Riviera Maya hosts golden sandy shores and crystal blue waters that keep tourists coming back for more every year, and these three,, in particular,, are quickly going to become your favorite.
First off is Playa Punta Esmeralda, a secluded and tranquil beach that is also home to a popular cenote that flows directly into the sea.
Cenotes are naturally formed sinkholes that were believed to have been in use by ancient Mayans as religious zones and are now the perfect alternative to swimming in the ocean.
The beach itself has shallow waters and minimal surf, which means it is the perfect place for families to spend the day.
Lovers of watersports can kayak along the beach, and there are plenty of palm trees to offer shade from the hot Mexican sun at lunchtime.
Next up is Playa Fundadores, which is certainly the most well-known beach in Playa Del Carmen.
Located adjacent to Fundadores Park, which is home to the famous structure that appears in all photos of the area, this lively area is going to offer an authentic experience of Mexican culture, with dances, live music, and street artists everywhere you turn.
With plenty of amenities such as clothing shops, bars and restaurants, and arts and crafts markets, you could easily spend your entire day here and not run out of things to see and do.
It is, after all, one of the most instagrammable areas in Playa del Carmen!
And finally, we have Playa Mamitas, which couldn’t be more opposite from Playa Fundadores if it tried!
Believed to be one of the best spots in the Riviera Maya, this beach gives the tranquil and peaceful vibes that so many look for when they travel on vacation.
Again with shallow, crystal-clear waters, Playa Mamitas is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and its idyllic setting will make you never want to leave.
Notably, the beach is also rarely affected during sargassum season, making it a no-brainer to visit when so many others are covered by smelly seaweed.
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