7 Best Beaches to Visit by Boat Near Playa del Carmen
Top 7 Best Beaches to Visit by Boat Near Playa del Carmen
If you’re planning a getaway to the Riviera Maya, knowing the best beaches to visit by boat near Playa del Carmen can transform your trip.
Renting a boat lets you explore hidden coves and stunning shores that most visitors miss. From peaceful sandbars to world-class snorkeling spots, these beaches offer unforgettable experiences just a short ride from Playa del Carmen’s vibrant town center.
Why Visit the Best Beaches to Visit by Boat Near Playa del Carmen Instead of by Land?
It’s simple: freedom and perspective.
From the water, the Riviera Maya coastline is a completely different world. Instead of dodging beach vendors and looking for a spot to lay your towel, you get uninterrupted views of turquoise water stretching to the horizon. You can anchor in peaceful spots far from shore crowds or move between beaches without packing up and driving.
Other perks include:
- Privacy — Find your own section of sand with no one around but your crew.
- Variety — Visit multiple beaches in a single day.
- Adventure — Combine beach visits with snorkeling, fishing, or paddleboarding.
- Scenery — Enjoy panoramic coastal views most visitors never see.
If you want your Playa del Carmen beach day to feel special, there’s nothing quite like arriving by boat.
1. Xpu-Ha Beach
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 20 minutes south
Xpu-Ha (pronounced shpoo-HA) is the kind of beach that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a postcard. The water here is calm, shallow, and the perfect shade of turquoise, making it ideal for swimming or floating for hours. Palm trees line the sand, and the vibe is relaxed compared to Playa’s main strip.
When you rent a boat, you can anchor a little way offshore and swim in, avoiding the small entry fee charged to walk-in visitors. Some catamaran tours also set up paddleboards or snorkel gear here so you can make the most of your time.
Best for: Relaxing, light snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
2. Playa El Cielo (Cozumel)
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 45–60 minutes, depending on your vessel
The name says it all — El Cielo means “Heaven” in Spanish. This shallow sandbar off the coast of Cozumel is famous for its crystal-clear water and abundance of starfish (look, but don’t touch). The water is so shallow you can stand waist-deep hundreds of feet from the boat.
Most Playa del Carmen boat tours to El Cielo also include a stop along Cozumel’s vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling. Expect colorful fish, maybe even a sea turtle or two.
Best for: Snorkeling, swimming, and photography.
3. Paamul Beach
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 25 minutes south
Paamul is a small bay with a cozy, community feel. The reef here is close to shore, so you can snorkel right from the beach. The crescent-shaped shoreline keeps the water calm most days, making it a safe choice for families with kids.
By arriving on a boat, you can dock near the reef and spend your time in the water instead of making the drive. There’s a restaurant onshore if you want a quick bite before heading back out.
Best for: Snorkeling, family outings, and quiet relaxation.
4. Punta Maroma
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 30 minutes north
Punta Maroma regularly appears on lists of the “most beautiful beaches in the world” – and for good reason. The sand is soft and white, the water has an unreal gradient of blues, and the beach feels wonderfully untouched compared to more tourist-heavy spots.
From your boat, you can swim in, kayak along the shore, or just float in the warm Caribbean. The nearby reef also offers decent snorkeling for beginners.
Best for: Swimming, kayaking, and peaceful sunbathing.
5. Isla Mujeres Beaches
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 90 minutes to 2 hours
While Isla Mujeres is technically closer to Cancun, it’s a popular longer-day trip for those with private yacht rentals. Playa Norte (North Beach) is the highlight – a long, shallow stretch of sand where you can wade out for what feels like forever.
If you’re planning a full-day boat rental, you can combine a visit here with snorkeling stops along the way, making it a memorable Caribbean adventure.
Best for: Full-day trips, island exploring, and shallow-water lounging.
6. Playa Chemuyil
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 35–40 minutes south
Tucked between Xel-Ha and Akumal, Playa Chemuyil is a hidden gem known for its peaceful atmosphere and gentle waves. It’s a favorite among locals who want to avoid the tourist crowds. The beach is backed by lush greenery, and the water here is a beautiful clear blue that’s perfect for a leisurely swim.
Boating in gives you an added sense of discovery – like you’ve found your own little corner of paradise.
Best for: Seclusion, swimming, and romantic picnics.
7. Akumal Beach
Distance from Playa del Carmen by boat: About 30 minutes south
Akumal is famous for one thing: sea turtles. The bay’s calm waters and seagrass beds attract these gentle creatures year-round. Snorkeling here gives you a good chance of seeing them up close (just remember to keep your distance and respect the rules to protect them).
Boating into Akumal means you can avoid the busy parking areas and start your turtle adventure right from the water.
Best for: Turtle encounters, snorkeling, and eco-friendly wildlife watching.
Tips for Planning Your Boat Beach Day
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Choose the Right Boat Rental: Decide whether you want a private yacht, a catamaran, or a smaller motorboat. Larger boats are better for groups and longer trips, while smaller boats can get you into more secluded coves.
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Plan Your Route in Advance: Talk to your captain about which beaches you want to visit. Some may be better in the morning when the sun hits the water just right, while others are perfect for sunset.
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Bring the Right Gear: Even if your Playa del Carmen boat rental includes snorkel gear or paddleboards, you might prefer to bring your own mask or water shoes for comfort.
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Pack Smart
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Reef-safe sunscreen
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Hat and sunglasses
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Plenty of water
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Snacks or a picnic lunch
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Dry bag for phones and valuables
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Check the Weather: The Caribbean is beautiful year-round, but calm seas make for a more comfortable ride. Your rental company will reschedule if conditions aren’t safe.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Best Beaches to Visit by Boat Near Playa del Carmen?
While Playa del Carmen is warm and sunny most of the year, the best months for boat trips are generally November through May. You’ll get clear skies, calm waters, and less chance of rain. Summer can also be beautiful – just be prepared for warmer temperatures and occasional afternoon showers.
If you’re hoping to see specific wildlife (like whale sharks), check the seasonal windows:
- Whale Shark Season: June–September
- Sea Turtle Nesting: May–October
Ready to explore the best beaches to visit by boat near Playa del Carmen?
The beaches around Playa del Carmen are stunning from the shore – but they’re magical from the deck of a boat.
Whether you’re gliding into a quiet cove, snorkeling over a reef, or watching the sun melt into the horizon, there’s something unforgettable about experiencing the Riviera Maya from the water.
If you want to escape the crowds and explore the coast at your own pace, a Playa del Carmen boat rental is the way to do it.
Book a private charter or custom tour and enjoy these Caribbean gems your way – with the freedom to swim, snorkel, and relax on your own schedule.
Reserve your boat today and start planning your perfect day at sea!