The Best Kept Secrets of the Mexican Riviera: Exploring Hidden Cenotes and Less-Crowded Beaches

When you first start planning your trip to the Mexican Riviera, you’ll likely stumble upon a lot of the same photos of crowded beaches and well-known tourist spots. But the images that dominate travel guides and social media feeds represent only a tiny fraction of what this region offers.

If you take the time to venture off the beaten path, you’ll get the chance to experience some of the Mexican Riviera’s most well-kept secrets that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Hidden Cenotes Worth Seeking Out

There’s a lot to look forward to when boarding a cruise to Mexico, and cenotes are certainly one of the highlights.

These natural sinkholes are formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing pools that are connected to underground rivers. But swimming in them is just part of the appeal. 

You’ll also be stepping into a place that the ancient Maya considered sacred, believing these cenotes served as gateways to the underworld.

If it’s hidden cenotes you’re after, these should be at the top of your list:

Cenote Xcanche

You can find this cenote just outside the archeological site of Ek’ Balam, so it’s the perfect stop after a morning of exploring the ruins. 

Xcanche is an open-air cenote that’s surrounded by dense jungle, so it can only be reached via a dirt path, which is why it tends to be less busy. Once there, you can jump straight into the water from one of the platforms or rope swings, or use the ladder for a gentler entry. 

Cenote Taak Bi Ha

If you find yourself in the Tulum area, one of the most beautiful towns on the Mexican Riviera, you can visit Taak Bi Ha, an enclosed cenote filled with some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen. 

What makes it extra special is the stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the blue glow they emit when the sunlight breaks through the openings in the rock. This is a great pick if you’re feeling a little more adventurous and love a bit of snorkeling. 

Cenote Nicte-Ha

Nicte-Ha is just a short drive from Tulum and is like a peaceful retreat that only you know about. 

The calm, shallow water is dotted with floating lilies, and thanks to how clear the water is, you can easily see the many fish swimming below the surface. The atmosphere here is truly serene, so it’s ideal if you want a breather. 

Quiet Beaches You Have to Experience

The Mexican Riviera is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, but they can get busy. So, if you’re in the mood for a little quiet stroll and a gentle swim, these beaches offer the perfect escape:

Xpu-Ha Beach

Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xpu-Ha Beach is quiet and the water is calm, perfect for a relaxed swim. The gentle waves also make it ideal for paddleboarding. You’ll find several beach bars and restaurants along the shore that offer seafood at a fraction of the cost.

Punta Allen

If you’re willing to venture a little further, Punta Allen is one of the most remote and serene spots on the Riviera. It’s situated within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is a small fishing village with untouched coastlines and wildlife like turtles and dolphins. 

Paamul Beach

If you travel 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, you will find a small, crescent-shaped bay protected by a reef. This is a prime spot for snorkeling, and you won’t have to travel too far from the shore to enjoy all the colorful fish. With no large resorts nearby, this beach remains quiet and perfect for a laid-back day by the water. 

Exploring Beyond the Obvious

The Mexican Riviera has more to offer than the usual headline attractions. There are so many spots that let you connect with the Riviera’s natural beauty and rich history without the distractions of busy tourist areas. Take the time to explore them, and we promise you, it’ll be worth it.