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Across Mexico, the most prestigious national award a beach can receive is the certification from the organizers of the platinum beach scheme.
The qualifying criteria are tight, and receiving this seal of approval is no easy task.
With that being said, even with the large number of hurdles to jump in the pursuit of certification, the Mexican Caribbean has a seriously impressive roster of beaches that have received this award.
Without Competition
Across the Mexican Caribbean, there are no less than 16 platinum-award beaches.
Travelers of course expect that the beaches in a place like the Mexican Caribbean are up to a high standard; after all, this is the world’s most popular beach vacation destination.
But, the sheer number of beaches that make the grade for platinum certification is unmatched anywhere in Mexico. Even in the super popular rival destination of Los Cabos, another beach vacation powerhouse, there are only 5 beaches that make the grade.
The Criteria To Be Platinum Certified
The process to get platinum certification doesn’t happen overnight, and each beach must meet the following criteria:
- Environmental sustainability and responsible use of resources.
- Commitment to providing a safe and secure space.
- Commitment to providing suitable and well-maintained infrastructure.
- Cleanliness and pollution-free operation.
Each of the above points is broken down into more specific criteria, and all must be satisfied to receive certification. Making it all the more impressive that the Mexican Caribbean has achieved this with a staggering 16 beaches.
The Platinum Award Beaches
The following are all the platinum award beaches, as well as what destinations they best serve:
Xcalacoco Beach
Set just over a mile north of Playa del Carmen, this beach is perfect for travelers wanting an uncrowded beach day without extensive travel.
Los Pelícanos Beach
Another Playa del Carmen beach, this strand located by the ever-popular 5th Avenue, is in a super-convenient spot.
Punta Esmeralda Beach
Again, in Playa del Carmen, travelers may already be aware of this popular beach but not that it is platinum-certified.
Solidarity Beach
Travelers may start to notice a pattern as this is yet another Playa del Carmen beach. A great indicator of the work done in this destination to provide the perfect vacation backdrop and challenge Cancun for the top spot.
Chac Mool Beach
The first for Cancun, and located right in the heart of the amazing hotel zone, this beach is a firm favorite among travelers staying here.
Las Perlas Beach
At the very northern tip of the hotel zone and in a far less crowded spot, this beach is a good alternative to the hustle and bustle elsewhere in the area.
Ballenas Beach
Close to 2 of the hotel zone’s most popular resorts, the Kempinski and the JW Marriott, this beach is known for its water sports like jet skiing.
El Niño Beach
On the northern and less commercial edge of Cancun, this beach is perfect for travelers wanting to experience a beach day like a local. This is also a great spot to sample freshly caught local seafood.
Coral Beach
Just a few miles south of the hotel zone, this is another refuge for travelers wanting to escape the craziness of Cancun and experience a truly relaxed Caribbean vibe surrounded by palm trees and the natural world.
Beach Hotel Occidental Tucancún
This beach, a private piece of paradise for the resort it’s named after in the hotel zone, is famous for offering stunning beachfront meals and is a reason in itself to stay here.
Parnassus Beach
Another resort-run beach and part of the Golden Parnassus, one of the hotel zone’s favorite all-inclusives.
Playa Marlín
Neighboring the beach at Occidental Tucancún, this stretch of sand is just as worthy of travelers’ visit and another super convenient spot to spend the day for guests in the hotel zone.
Playa Atelier
Tucked away on the Costa Mujeres, a more relaxed peninsula stretching out from the north of Cancun, this is another perfect hotspot near the high-tempo city to slow down for the day.
Playa Maya
The first entry for the bohemian Tulum, this beach right at the heart of the now world-famous destination is a strong favorite for travelers here.
Playa Pescadores
A neighbor to Tulum’s popular Playa Paraiso, this sandy piece of paradise should be on any Tulum traveler’s list for daytime cocktail spots.
Playa Santa Fe
Last, but certainly not least, is Playa Santa Fe, set just a short walk north from Playa Pescadores, this is another perfect beach offering for the lucky travelers spending their vacation in magical Tulum.
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