Let me be honest with you: The Caribbean coast of Mexico—Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Cancun, Tulum—is not my favorite part of Mexico. I personally love cultural depth, history, and observing the ordinary beautiful things of daily life. Resorts aren't always my cup of tea—which is a big part of why this region doesn't call to me the way the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula does.
I live in Mérida, a city with history reaching back to at least the 1500s. Around the Yucatán Peninsula—on which both Quintana Roo and Yucatán states sit—there are archaeological wonders, cenotes carved by millennia of water, and geographical phenomena that still take my breath away after seven years. That depth, that layering of history? That's what I fell in love with.
The Caribbean coast is a different animal entirely. It was largely built for tourism starting in the 1970s. That being said, there's no denying the beauty of those turquoise waters. And when Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica and Cuba in late October 2025, many of my clients had to pivot their travel plans to Mexico's Caribbean coast.
So while I'm not the know-it-all expert on every resort in Quintana Roo (that would be Lori Gold of Explor with Lor, who truly knows this region inside and out), I know what I like. And I can tell you honestly what works, what doesn't, and how to experience the best of what this area offers—including the cultural and natural wonders that DO exist if you know where to look.
This area was built for tourism. You're not going to experience "real Mexico" here the way you would in Mérida, Oaxaca, or Guanajuato. But there ARE cultural and geographical highlights worth experiencing—spectacular cenotes, impressive Mayan ruins, and if you base yourself in the right place (I often recommend Playa del Carmen or Akumal), you can explore beyond the resort bubble.
With the right expectations and the right information, you can have a beautiful beach vacation and still touch the deeper Yucatán Peninsula. Here's what you need to know.
Let's start with what happened in October 2025, because it illustrates something important about this region. Hurricane Melissa became a Category 5 monster and absolutely devastated Jamaica and Cuba. I watched the satellite images with growing concern, not just for the people in those countries, but because I had clients with Jamaica bookings who suddenly needed alternative plans. One of my clients finished her birthday trip a couple of days before the hurricane.
Quintana Roo was completely spared. The Yucatán Peninsula finished the entire 2025 hurricane season without a single tropical storm making landfall. Not one. This wasn't luck—it's geography. The way the currents work, the way the peninsula juts out, means that many storms that threaten other Caribbean destinations either veer away or weaken before arrival.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th every year. If you're booking during that window, you need refundable accommodations and travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations. Quintana Roo has robust infrastructure, hotels that know how to prepare, and the state invests heavily in tourist safety. When clients had to pivot after Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, we were able to rebook them quickly on Mexico's Caribbean coast with confidence.
The best time to visit, hands down, is November through April. You're outside hurricane season entirely, the weather hovers in the mid-70s to low-80s, and you avoid both the hurricane risk and what I'm about to tell you about next.
If you've scrolled through Instagram looking at Caribbean Mexico, you've seen nothing but pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. What you haven't seen are the photos from May through August when brown seaweed covers those same beaches in thick, stinking mats.
Sargasso seaweed. It's not dangerous to humans—it won't hurt you to touch it or swim near it. But when it washes ashore in massive quantities and starts decomposing? The smell is something between rotten eggs and low tide at its worst. Your beautiful beach day becomes you and a few hundred other disappointed tourists staring at brown piles while hotel workers try frantically to clear it.
The 2025 season was predicted to be record-breaking. It ended up being better than forecasted, but still significant. The Mexican government deployed barriers, collection vessels, and removed over 87,000 tons of seaweed from Quintana Roo beaches. Let that number sink in. Eighty-seven thousand tons.
Sargasso season peaks from May through August, sometimes extending into October. November through March typically sees the least seaweed. But it varies week to week based on ocean currents and wind. Some beaches get hit harder than others—Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos tend to see more sargasso than northern areas like Isla Holbox or Playa Mujeres.
So how do you deal with it? First, check real-time conditions before you go. There are Facebook groups like "Mexico Sargassum Seaweed Updates" where people post current beach photos daily. Second, book hotels that are aggressive about beach cleanup. Many resorts have crews clearing the beaches at dawn, and they do it well. Third—and this is my personal favorite solution—book city hotels with rooftop pools.
One of my current favorites is the Reef 28 in Playa del Carmen. It's adults-only, has this incredible rooftop pool situation, and their spa treatments are divine. When sargasso is bad on the beaches, that rooftop becomes your sanctuary. You get the sun, you get the views, you get the vacation vibe—without the brown seaweed smell. I'm a mom of three, but honestly, when I travel I don't want to deal with other people's kids. The Reef 28 gets that.
The Fives in Playa del Carmen has a rooftop pool concept that's appealing. It's good for families who want city hotel convenience plus beach access. Just know it's not adults-only—which I learned firsthand when my rooftop vibe was disrupted by kids.
I know what you've read. Cartels. Violence. Americans kidnapped. Headlines designed to scare you. So let's cut through it.
Yes, there is cartel activity in Quintana Roo. The state sits on major drug trafficking routes, and multiple cartels compete for territory. This is real. What those headlines won't tell you is that the violence is primarily cartel-on-cartel, happening in non-tourist areas or in the illicit drug trade itself. Tourists are not typically targeted.
The US State Department rates Quintana Roo as Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution." You know what else is Level 2? France. Italy. The United Kingdom. The rating means be smart, not be terrified. The vast majority of visits to resort areas occur without incident, but tourists have occasionally been caught in crossfire when cartel members target rivals in tourist zones.
The Mexican government deployed over 7,000 security personnel to the region in 2025—National Guard, Navy, Army, local police. You'll see them patrolling beaches and tourist areas. Some people find this reassuring. Others find it jarring to see automatic weapons on the beach. Either way, it's meant to protect you, and statistically, it works.
The real risks? Petty crime. Pickpocketing on crowded buses. Phone snatches at beach clubs. Credit card skimming at sketchy shops. Taxi drivers claiming inflated "night rates." And yes, if you're walking down Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, you may be offered drugs—sometimes quietly, sometimes not so quietly. These are the things that will actually affect tourists, and they're completely avoidable with basic awareness.
Exercise the same precautions you'd take in any major city anywhere.
I feel safer in Playa del Carmen's tourist zones than I do in many major U.S. cities. But I also don't do stupid things. I don't flash expensive jewelry. I don't leave my phone on a beach chair while I swim. I don't accept rides from strangers. Common sense goes a very long way.
Cancun International Airport is one of the busiest in Latin America with direct flights from most major US cities—you can be on the beach within an hour of landing. The convenience factor is real, which is part of why this coast has become so accessible.
This is where expectations matter. Cancun's Hotel Zone is a 15-mile strip of high-rise all-inclusive resorts. It's the most corporate, the least authentic, but also the easiest for first-timers. You get direct flights, airport proximity, and every amenity you could want—all without leaving the property. If that's what you want, great. Just know you're not experiencing Mexico. You're experiencing a carefully constructed beach resort that happens to be located in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, has more character. Fifth Avenue runs through downtown—it's walkable, filled with restaurants and shops, and you can actually feel like you're in a place rather than a resort complex. I personally prefer Playa del Carmen to Cancun. If you have to choose between the two, choose PDC.
Then there's Tulum. Oh, Tulum. Thanks to travel influencers and TikTok, people have flocked to Tulum with very specific expectations, and many of them are disappointed. What nobody tells you is that not all hotels with "Tulum" in the name are actually in Tulum. The Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya? It's in Akumal. Forty-five minutes away.
True Tulum is boutique, bohemian, yoga and wellness-focused. You will not find all-inclusive mega-resorts here. You'll find smaller properties ranging from backpacker hostels to $1,000-a-night eco-luxury boutiques. Many stay true to Tulum's bohemian history—think yoga platforms, sound healing, plant-based menus, and a vibe that can feel either genuinely peaceful or insufferably pretentious depending on the property.
If boutique experiences appeal to you—intimate properties, design-forward aesthetics, curated rather than corporate—this stretch of coast between Tulum and Akumal has some genuinely special options. I've booked clients at Hotel Esencia for their honeymoon. Their room had a Peloton bike and a private rooftop pool. Stunning property, impeccable service, the kind of place where you feel like you're staying at a sophisticated friend's beach house rather than a hotel. But it's not for everyone, and it's definitely not the all-inclusive resort experience most people expect when they think "Mexican Caribbean."
Traffic is also an issue in Tulum. Getting from the hotel zone to the ruins, or from town to the beach, can take 30+ minutes during busy times. The roads are narrow, parking is limited, and everyone is trying to get to the same Instagram spots.
Akumal sits between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It's quieter, has excellent snorkeling with sea turtles right off the beach, and provides good access to both cenotes and ruins without the crowds or traffic of Tulum. This is often where I steer clients who want a balance.
Playa Mujeres is the newer development north of Cancun. Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres refer to the same general area north of Cancun, and the naming is inconsistent. More upscale, less crowded than the Cancun Hotel Zone, good for quiet luxury. But you're farther from cultural attractions and cenotes.
Puerto Morelos sits between Cancun and Playa del Carmen and offers something gentler for those who want more laid-back, non-resort experiences. Yes, there are resorts like The Fives, but the town still retains remnants of its small fishing village roots. Less developed, quieter beaches. It's a good middle ground—beach access without feeling completely trapped in the resort bubble.
Bacalar is about 3.5 hours south of Tulum, near the Belize border, and it's definitely not for all-inclusive lovers. This is eco-lodges, small hotels, authentic local experiences. The draw is Bacalar Lagoon—the "Lake of Seven Colors"—with stunning turquoise and blue water that shifts with the light. Technically you're not on the Caribbean coast, but it's absolutely worth mentioning.
I stayed at an eco lodge in Bacalar and had my first taste of café de olla—traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo. The stay included use of kayaks, which were perfect for exploring the lagoon. This is Mexico without the tourist infrastructure, so plan accordingly. No all-inclusives, no resort amenities, just the lagoon and the experience.
Here's where I get interested. Because yes, this coast was built for tourism. But it sits on a peninsula with thousands of years of history and geological wonders that can't be faked.
The Yucatán Peninsula sits on porous limestone riddled with underground rivers. There are no rivers above ground here—all the water flows through a massive underground system. Over millions of years, parts of that limestone collapsed, creating cenotes—natural sinkholes that open to the underground rivers below.
The ancient Maya considered cenotes sacred portals to Xibalba, the underworld. When you float in these cathedral-like spaces, crystal-clear water surrounding you, stalactites hanging overhead, shafts of sunlight piercing through the opening above—you understand why. These aren't just swimming holes. They're geological phenomena that took eons to create, and they're genuinely breathtaking.
Gran Cenote near Tulum is popular and beautiful. Dos Ojos is spectacular for snorkeling and cave diving if you're certified. Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen is less crowded and offers cliff jumping. The Ruta de los Cenotes outside Puerto Morelos has multiple cenotes you can visit in one trip—good for cenote-hopping.
Then there's Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site just south of Tulum. This is actual wilderness—1.3 million acres of mangroves, tropical forests, and lagoons. Over 300 bird species. Jaguars, manatees, crocodiles. You can book tours from Tulum or the Muyil ruins. This is the geographical phenomenon side of the Yucatán Peninsula, completely untouched by resort development.
The Mayan ruins are tourist attractions now, not living culture. Let's be clear about that. But they're also real archaeological sites representing a sophisticated civilization that thrived for millennia. Tulum's coastal ruins are spectacular—perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean—but they're also mobbed with tour buses. If you go, arrive right when they open at 8am, or honestly, skip it.
Coba is inland, about 45 minutes from Tulum. You can still climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid—one of the tallest in the Yucatán. Rent bicycles to explore the site. It's less crowded and more interesting than Tulum in my opinion.
Chichen Itza is 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and yes, it's very touristy. But it's also genuinely impressive. If you go, go early or late.
Here's why I often recommend basing in Playa del Carmen or Akumal: you get the beach, but you're also positioned to touch the deeper Yucatán Peninsula. Book a few resort days, then day trips to cenotes and ruins. That balance—beach relaxation with cultural exploration—is when Caribbean Mexico actually works for people like me who crave depth alongside beauty.
Let me walk you through some of my favorite resorts, organized by what kind of experience you're after.
If you want jungle vibes with luxury, TRS Yucatan in Akumal is my top pick. It's adults-only, part of the larger Palladium complex, but it feels like you're in the middle of a jungle in the best possible way. A man-made river runs through the property, and some rooms come with canoes. Private plunge pools in certain suites. Ocean views on one side, but it's not technically a beach property—which I actually prefer. It's perfect for couples, honeymoons, or anyone seeking tranquility without kids running around screaming. Did I mention that you're assigned a butler?
For city hotel convenience with beach access, I already mentioned the Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen. Right in downtown, easy walking to restaurants and Fifth Avenue, and when I have to choose between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I choose PDC every single time.
The Reef 28 is my favorite adults-only city hotel in Playa del Carmen. That rooftop pool, those spa treatments, the entire vibe when sargasso is bad on the beaches. No kids. Just relaxation.
I stayed at The Fives once and enjoyed it overall, but my rooftop vibe was killed by kids crying and being aggravating. It's a good property, just not for adults seeking peace.
Up in Playa Mujeres, I like the adult side of Planet Hollywood—make absolutely sure you're booking the adult side, not the family side—and Atelier. Atelier's spa is phenomenal. Their hydrotherapy isn't just "go sit in the different pools." They escort you through each phase, walking you through the experience. It's one of my favorite spa experiences on the coast.
For classic Cancun luxury, Le Blanc and Secrets the Vine both deliver. Le Blanc is adults-only, all-inclusive, with high-end service throughout. Secrets the Vine is wine-focused—great for wine lovers who want an adults-only resort with solid amenities.
My clients consistently rave about Breathless Cancun Soul and Live Aqua. Both adults-only, both deliver on service, quality, and fun.
December through February is the sweet spot. Perfect weather, no hurricane risk, minimal sargasso, and you avoid spring break chaos. This is peak season, so prices are higher, but you're getting the best conditions.
March is spring break. Crowded, expensive, and honestly kind of rowdy depending on where you are. Unless you're specifically seeking that energy, skip March.
April is shoulder season—good weather, but sargasso starts appearing toward the end of the month. May through August is sargasso season plus heat and humidity. You'll get lower rates, but you might also get brown beaches.
September and October are hurricane season. Lower prices, but higher risk and potential for last-minute cancellations.
The Caribbean coast of Mexico isn't my favorite part of this beautiful country—but that doesn't mean it can't be exactly right for you. With honest information about hurricane season, sargasso patterns, safety realities, and strategic resort selection, you can have a spectacular beach vacation.
Just go in with your eyes open. Know what you're getting (gorgeous turquoise water, excellent resorts, easy logistics) and what you're not (authentic Mexican culture, living history, traditional cuisine). And maybe, just maybe, after your beach time, consider adding a few days in Mérida to experience the Mexico I fell in love with.
Ready to plan your Caribbean Mexico escape? Book a complimentary consultation to discuss which resort matches your travel style, or email team@lawaltravel.com. I'll help you navigate the complexity so you can focus on enjoying those turquoise waters.
Is Cancun safe for tourists?
Cancun is generally safe for tourists who stay in resort areas and use common sense. The US State Department rates Quintana Roo as Level 2—the same as France and Italy. The vast majority of resort visits occur without incident, though tourists have occasionally been caught in crossfire when cartel violence spills into tourist areas. The key is staying in tourist zones, never buying drugs, and using hotel-arranged transportation. The bigger risks are petty crime like pickpocketing, not cartel violence.
What is the best time to visit Mexico's Caribbean coast?
December through February offers perfect conditions: mid-70s to low-80s weather, rare hurricane risk, and minimal sargasso seaweed. Avoid May through August for sargasso season and March for spring break (or Semana Santa for those living in Mexico) crowds. Hurricane season runs June through November, but Quintana Roo was completely spared in 2025 while storms devastated other Caribbean destinations.
What is sargasso and will it ruin my beach vacation?
Sargasso is brown seaweed that washes ashore primarily May through August. It's not dangerous, but it smells terrible when decomposing. Book hotels with aggressive daily beach cleanup, consider city hotels with rooftop pools during peak season, and check real-time conditions on Facebook groups before you go. November through March sees the least sargasso.
Is Tulum better than Cancun?
They're completely different experiences. Cancun offers all-inclusive high-rise resorts with easy logistics. Tulum is boutique, bohemian, yoga-focused with very few all-inclusive options. Many hotels with "Tulum" in the name aren't actually in Tulum—verify the actual location before booking. Traffic in Tulum can be brutal. For a middle ground, consider Playa del Carmen or Akumal.
Do I need to worry about cartels in Cancun?
Cartel activity exists, but tourists are rarely affected. Violence occurs between rival groups in non-tourist areas or related to the drug trade. Stay in resort zones, never buy drugs, use common sense. The Mexican government deployed over 7,000 security personnel to the region in 2025. The real risks are petty crime—pickpocketing, phone theft, card skimming—which are completely avoidable with basic awareness.
What's the difference between Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Cancun's Hotel Zone is a 15-mile strip of high-rise all-inclusive resorts—corporate, convenient, but not authentic. Playa del Carmen is more walkable with downtown character, Fifth Avenue for shopping and dining, and a mix of city hotels and beach resorts. Playa del Carmen also positions you better for exploring cenotes and Mayan ruins. I personally prefer Playa del Carmen.
Are there adults-only resorts in Caribbean Mexico?
Yes, many excellent options: TRS Yucatan in Akumal (jungle vibes, private plunge pools), The Reef 28 in Playa del Carmen (rooftop pool, excellent spa), Le Blanc in Cancun (all-inclusive luxury), Secrets the Vine (wine-focused), Breathless Cancun Soul, and Live Aqua. Make sure you verify the entire resort is adults-only—some like Planet Hollywood have separate adult and family sections.
How do I get from Cancun airport to my resort?
Pre-arrange your transportation—it's worth it. Due to the taxi "mafia" at Cancun airport, Uber and Didi aren't feasible pickup options despite being available in the region. I use Amstar, Nexxus, or Lomas Travel for my clients—all reputable companies with fixed rates and professional drivers.
Many hotels also offer airport transfers with a surcharge, which I actually prefer. The Reef 28, for example, offers this service. Last year when my friends and I met up in Playa del Carmen, they scheduled pickup through the hotel and I was able to add a bottle of bubbly as a surprise for them. Much more easeful than dealing with the barrage of vendors in the transportation area. Skip the taxi stands immediately outside arrivals—they're significantly more expensive and the sales tactics can be aggressive.
How do hurricanes affect Caribbean Mexico?
Hurricane season runs June through November. In 2025, Hurricane Melissa (Category 5) devastated Jamaica and Cuba, but Quintana Roo was completely spared—no tropical storms made landfall all season. The geography of the Yucatán Peninsula provides some natural protection. Book refundable accommodations and get travel insurance if traveling during hurricane season. The best time to visit is November through April when there's zero hurricane risk.
Jenita Lawal is the founder of Lawal Travel Services and has lived in Mérida, Mexico for seven years with her three sons. She specializes in curated luxury travel for travelers who value authentic experiences, cultural depth, and honest guidance over cookie-cutter packages.