Discover an Underrated Utopia of Paamul Beach, Mexico

Palm trees. Caribbean water. Shining sun. No crowds. Luxury. 

Sounds too good to be true, right? But it’s not. Head down to Paamul Beach, Mexico, to find out for yourself. 

Yes, it has become more popular over the past few years, but it has yet to reach the point where it is overly popular. It’s still lesser known, which gives it a great charm and personality. So we can keep it our little secret for now. 

Now, let’s explore why Paamul Beach might just be your favorite new destination. 

About Paamul Beach

Expect powdery-soft, white sand, as well as some exposed limestone, making the landscape even more beautiful. Keep in mind that exposed limestone is gorgeous, but it can also be sharp. On the southern side of the beach, you’ll have much more sand than limestone, though. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to relax more than ever, but if you love adventure, you can find almost any water sport. 

Top it off with some fabulous restaurants with all-you-can-eat tacos, beers, and ceviche, and you might never leave. 

The abundance of palm trees is perfect for those with fair skin since you’ll never run out of shade. 

This beach has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among snowbirds escaping the cold up north. More snowbirds mean more amenities. Things like swimming pools, restaurants, shops, and facilities on the beach, which you won’t get in most undiscovered areas.

Sitting on your chair or towel and looking over the sea, you’ll see many shades of blue and green. 

There’s also a coral reef that is one of the best in the area, plus it’s easily accessible. You can snorkel, kayak, dive, or simply gaze from your boat at the sheer quantity of brightly colored fish and equally brilliant coral. 

The reef is more than just gorgeous; it protects the beach from harsher currents and waves. So, you won’t have any trouble cooling off in the crystal clear, almost bath-like water.

Where is Paamul Beach?

Paamul Beach is located on the mainland, directly across from the island of Cozumel. 

It’s also about an hour and 15-minute drive south of Cancun or a super quick 20-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen. 

From Tulum, head 40 minutes north, and you’ll be on the beach. Given its exquisite location, you’d think it would be much more crowded than it is. 

Things to do in Paamul Beach

There’s a lot to do in Paamul Beach, so you’ll never get bored. Here are some of our favorite things to check out. 

Sunbathe

If you’re driving to Paamul Beach from Playa Tulum or Playa del Carmen, you’ll find plenty of parking by the beach. Beaches are public in Mexico, so it’s pretty easy to find somewhere to settle. 

There are several restaurants and hotels on the beach, so you can enjoy lunch with a great view from one of them. If you do, you can use their beach chairs and umbrellas. If not, you can grab a spot of sand to lay your towel down. 

Snorkel Around the Bay

You would be remiss if you went to Paamul Bay and didn’t go snorkeling. You can certainly snorkel in the bay close to the shore or take a boat out to see the real action.

You’ll be able to see the coral reefs teeming with lazy turtles and colorful fish. 

You can bring your own gear or rent it at a shop in town. 

Take a Dive Trip

If you are a diver, you can dive in the reefs to get an even closer view of marine life. There’s a dive shop by the water where you can arrange transport and rent gear.

Kayak or Paddleboard

If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks from the same shop. This is a great way to get a bit of exercise in during your trip, and you can see the marine life from above without sacrificing any tanning time. 

Spend the Weekend

Many people who come to Playa Paamul come on a day trip and stay in some nearby cities. However, spending a few days there is the best way to get to know an area. This way, you get to see the sunset and stars, as well as get more beach time. 

There’s a hotel and Paamul Beach Club right on the water that is worth checking out. Otherwise, you can rent a house or even buy a property once you fall in love with it. You’ll see a lot of motorhomes here. Most belong to the expats that first noticed how amazing this area is. 

Weather in Paamul Beach

Rainy season happens on the coast from May through October. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t go to Playa Paamul, Mexico, during this time of year, but be aware that heavy rain is possible. Also, keep an eye out for any hurricanes developing before your trip so you can be prepared. They are rare, but they do occur.

The best time to visit is from November through March. It’ll be warm without being too hot, but it might be a bit more expensive, as this is the high season. 

High temperatures throughout the year vary between 26°C to 32°C (80–90°F), and lows hover between 20°C and 25°C (68–78°F).  

Packing List Essentials for Paamul Beach

To prepare for your trip, you’ll want to pack the following: 

• Bathing suits
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Microfiber towel
• Waterproof bag
• Sandals
• Bug spray
• Water Shoes for the sharp limestone

You’ll want to pack anything you’d typically bring to a beach anywhere in the world. You don’t need to overpack; just be prepared for sun, sand, and sea. 

Map of Paamul Beach

Check out this interactive map to get a better perspective of where Paamul Beach lies along the coast. And if you want to take any road trips, you’ll know where to start.

How to Get to Paamul Beach, Mexico

First, you need to get to the Cancun International Airport. 

From there, you have some options. 

You can go from Cancun to Puerto Aventuras in an hour and a half, which puts you just a seven-minute drive away from Paamul Beach. 

Or you can rent a car and drive along the coast, grab a taxi, or take public transport. You can take a minivan that leaves every few minutes from Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which will cost the same as a cup of coffee. 

If taking a taxi, make sure you agree on a rate beforehand and have a set time that you want to get picked up. Get recommendations for taxi drivers from your accommodation, and never pay in advance. The best way is definitely to drive, though. It’s such an adventure stopping at all the different towns along the way. 

Last Thoughts on Paamul Beach

Every second that you spend in Paamul Beach will be relaxing and exciting. 

Simply put, you really need to check out this beach. It’s gorgeous, has everything you need, and is pretty easy to get to. Traveling through Mexico is mind-blowing, so we hope you incorporate this little slice of paradise into your next trip. 

Better start packing!

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