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The Mexican Caribbean Has More Platinum Certified Beaches Than Anywhere Else In Mexico

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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.

The Mexican Caribbean Has More Platinum Certified Beaches Than Anywhere Else In Mexico

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.

A beach in Los Cabos

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.

Hotel zone beaches from the air

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.

Punta Esmerelda cenote in Playa del Carmen

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.

Chac mool beach cancun

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.

Playa Coral

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 Marlin

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.

A stunning white sand beach in the mexican caribbean

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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