Punta Maroma Travel Guide: How to Visit The Riviera Maya´s Best-Kept Secret

Planning a visit to one of the beautiful beaches in Quintana Roo – Punta Maroma?

Punta Maroma is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

This secluded and serene beach experience is only about 20 km (12 miles) from Playa del Carmen and 54 km (33 miles) from Cancun.

The proximity to many of the hot spots in the Riviera Maya region makes Punta Maroma the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of large tourist crowds.

If you’re looking for an easy escape, day trip, or weekend trip from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, then Punta Maroma might be up your alley (that is, if you enjoy pristine, warm waters and relaxing vibes).

Read on to learn about Punta Maroma Mexico, fun activities to enjoy near the beach, how to visit, the best hotels in Punta Maroma, and other helpful information for your next trip.

Punta Maroma Travel Guide

👉🏽 Why should you visit Punta Maroma Beach?

There’s a lot to love about Punta Maroma Beach Mexico. After all, it’s labeled as one of the most beautiful and relaxing beaches in the Riviera Maya for a reason.

Here are just a few reasons you should visit Punta Maroma Beach:

✔️ Tranquil, Paradise-Like Setting

✔️ Pristine White Sands

✔️ Crystal-Clear Waters

✔️ Tranquility and Calm Environment

✔️ Stunning Natural Beauty

✔️ Thrilling Water Activities

✔️ Eco Parks and Nature

✔️ High-End Accommodation

👉🏽 Is Maroma Beach public?

Technically, Punta Maroma Beach is public.

However, there are no public access points to this beach. That means it’s a little more challenging to access the powdery white sands of this exclusive beach.

The easiest ways to access Maroma Beach Mexico are to stay at one of the hotels, book a beach tour, or get a day pass at the Maroma Beach Club.

Where is Punta Maroma Beach located?

Keep in mind that there are two Punta Maroma. One is in Cancun and it’s permanently closed, but this is not the one we are talking about here.

In this article, we cover the most popular Playa Punta Maroma, located on the Riviera Maya (Cancun is not on the Riviera Maya, if you were wondering), between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. See the map below.

📍 Punta Maroma Beach map

Things to do in Punta Maroma 

1. Relax at the beach

One of the best ways to enjoy an exclusive, secluded beach is to spend the day relaxing near the waters.

There are fewer better places around Cancun or Playa del Carmen to enjoy the Caribbean than Punta Maroma.

You can stroll along the long stretch of the beach, snooze in a comfortable beach chair, swim in the warm waters, or do any other popular relaxing beach activity.

As a bonus, Punta Maroma has a food and drink service, so you can stay hydrated and enjoy the pampering while you relax at the beach.

2. Go snorkeling

4.5 ⭐️ 66 Reviews

Did you know Mexico is home to the second-largest reef in the world?

The Mesoamerican Reef, or the Mayan Reef, stretches over 600 miles from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

That said, it is no surprise that Punta Maroma Mexico has some good snorkeling.

Check out this guided snorkeling tour to get to all the best places near Punta Maroma, including three cenotes and a great snorkeling experience, with a chance to spot sea turtles.

Our tour guides and driver were amazing! Made our trip fun and interesting!!! Nuria was so knowledgeable and helpful to us all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brenda_A, Jun 2023

3. Kitesurfing

A few private kitesurfing companies are located right on Punta Maroma Beach, either through private companies or through one of the hotels on the beach.

The kitesurfing could be more world-class but enjoyable due to the lack of crowds and the low-key environment.

On most days, the wind and currents are perfect for beginners, so it’s a great spot to take private lessons without worrying about overcrowded waters.

In addition, the launching point is right from the main beach area, so you won’t have to hike around with excessive gear if you’re already staying there.

4. Parasailing

If you want a heart-pounding adventure and an unforgettable birds-eye view of the Caribbean off Punta Maroma, consider Parasailing with one of the reputable companies located right along the beach.

Many hotels and rental clubs on Punta Maroma Beach offer an all-inclusive parasailing experience that lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the day.

This is an excellent way to spend an afternoon, try something new, and get out of your comfort zone for a little bit.

Just wear plenty of sunscreen and plan for a sunny day to get the most of the views from there!

5. Ride a Jetski

If you want adventure but don’t want to push the limits with heights, consider renting a jet ski.

Jet skis are one of the most exhilarating ways to truly explore the waters, all from the safety of a comfortable seat.

You control the speed, you control where you go, and you decide how far you want to venture into the stunning expanse of the ocean.

Most hotels and beach clubs in Punta Maroma offer jet ski rentals. So, you must walk up to one of the rental counters and request a reservation.

The jet skis are rarely booked out, so last-minute bookings are generally acceptable.

6. Go scuba diving

5.0 ⭐️ 65 Reviews

What better way to enjoy the Caribbean and one of the finest reefs in the world than to try Scuba Diving?

This popular scuba diving tour includes a theory brief, pool training, one guided boat dive, a professional guide, and all the necessary equipment.

If you’re staying in Punta Maroma, you can talk with the operator and arrange pick-up or transportation with enough notice.

The reefs surrounding Punta Maroma Beach are stunning, and scuba diving is one of the best ways to completely immerse yourself and get up close and personal with the thriving marine life of the region.

I thoroughly enjoyed my scuba diving experience. My diving instructor was kind & patient, and his encouraging words helped me get past sea sickness while I was on the ocean surface. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dingane_N, Aug 2023

7. Board a sunset Catamaran cruise

4.5 ⭐️ 417 Reviews

A sunset Catamaran cruise is another beautiful way to explore the waters around Playa Maroma Beach.

This highly-rated tour includes pickup from Punta Maroma, snorkeling in a known hotspot, paddle boarding, a gourmet lunch, and stunning views.

Catamaran cruises are enjoyable and a unique experience in the Caribbean because they allow you to spend an entire afternoon on the water, relaxing and enjoying the view.

While the sun doesn’t set directly in front of Punta Maroma, it’s still an unforgettable experience and a great way to spend sunset in the Riviera Maya.

The crew was amazing!!! Good was yummy way better than expected and the water was beautiful. Saw lots of cool fish and a few sting rays!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ betsy_c, Jul 2023

8. Book an ATV Adventure

5.0 ⭐️ 274 Reviews

If you find yourself at Punta Maroma or the surrounding area and don’t want to spend an entire day on the water or at the beach, check out this reputable ATV Adventure tour!

This ATV Adventure includes a 45-minute guided tour through the jungle and a guided tour with a Waverunner, speed boat, or parasailing. With this combination, you can get the best of both worlds.

As a bonus, the tour included access to Punta Maroma.

So, if you aren’t staying at Punta Maroma, you can finish the time on the exclusive beach without further reservations or bookings.

My favorite part of riding the atv is riding pass the crocodiles. That was really exciting because I wasn’t expecting it. The whole tour was awesome. Our tour guides Elias and Kevin were the best. They were funny and kept us laughing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Andrienne_C, Jul 2023

Different ways you can visit Punta Maroma

👍🏼 Book a stay at Maroma Beach Club

Punta Maroma Beach Club is one of the most luxurious all-inclusive hotels in Punta Maroma and all of Quintana Roo.

It has direct beach access, a large swimming pool, and the best service you can ask for.

If you have a few days to enjoy Punta Maroma and all these exclusive hot spot offers, consider a stay at Punta Maroma Beach Club.

During your stay, you can access the beach, lounge chairs, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and an all-inclusive menu.

You can choose from the long list of activities or just lounge near the beach and pool.

Punta Maroma Beach Club also has an onsite restaurant with seats right near the ocean, hammocks, and several other high-end amenities to make you comfortable and relaxed.

👍🏼 Book a Punta Maroma tour

All tours that include a stop at Punta Maroma will also include entrance in your price.

The best thing about these tours is you don’t have to worry about transportation, planning, or other details.

This Artisan Jewelry Workshop tour takes you to a cenote and includes a tasting of Mayan craft drinks and a Mayan zodiac necklace.

These Punta Maroma tours are often the best value, including your entrance and other activities that pique your interest. It’s easy to fill a day with adventure without hassles.

👍🏼 Purchase a day pass for a hotel in Punta Maroma

If you don’t want to spend an entire night or weekend at a hotel in Punta Maroma, consider booking a day pass for a hotel in Punta Maroma.

Many of the hotels in Punta Maroma offer a day pass option, so you pay a fixed price to use their facilities for the day.

All you have to do is plan transportation to and from Punta Maroma and enjoy its fine amenities.

These are some of the hotels that offer a day pass to Punta Maroma and their facilities:

✔︎ Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Maya

✔︎ Maroma Beach Club

If you’re staying in nearby Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum, this might be a great way to escape the busyness of town and enjoy a more private beach area.

Additionally, Punta Maroma Quintana Roo Mexico often experiences only mild problems with seaweed or sargasso compared to other beaches.

The hotels and beach clubs do a great job of constantly raking the beaches and keeping the sand and waters as clear as possible.

👍🏼 Book and stay at a Punta Maroma hotel

If Punta Maroma Beach Club or the other options don’t catch your attention, consider one of the other luxury hotels on Punta Maroma Beach.

This is a region laced with quality, comfort, and high standards.

You can choose from several Punta Maroma hotels, and one of these will likely be precisely what you’re looking for.

Top Punta Maroma Hotels

🛏 Secrets Maroma Beach

Secrets Maroma Beach Rivera Cancun is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort on Punta Maroma Beach.

Secrets Maroma labels its services as “unlimited luxury,” with unlimited dining, unlimited drinks, best-in-class service, endless entertainment, and even high-speed WiFi throughout the property.

Secrets Maroma Beach caters to couples and solo travelers seeking luxurious accommodations.

At Secrets Maroma, everything is taken care of you. And you can enjoy exclusivity with some of the absolute best views in the Riviera Maya on Punta Maroma Beach.

Secrets Maroma offers all-suite accommodation, with each room completely stocked with every amenity you can imagine and more.

And even further, the rooms are spacious, stylish, and offer endless comfort.

Secrets Maroma is the ideal choice for couples or solo travelers looking to escape the chaos of nearby cities or isolate themselves from larger families and children.

Because Secrets is an adults-only hotel, it’s very tranquil and relaxing.

Great value for money and an absolutely beautiful resort! Staff were so friendly and helpful! The event team in particular really went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ jacinta, december 2022

🛏 El Dorado Maroma

El Dorado translates to “the gilded one” or “the golden one” in English. It has become a phrase representing vast riches, abundance, and opportunities.

El Dorado Maroma is another adults-only, high-end luxury hotel on Playa Maroma Beach. This hotel takes class and luxury to the next level.

Their website claims, “It’s not just a resort. It’s an experience,” which has proven to be an accurate statement based on the hundreds of positive reviews.

Some all-inclusive resorts cut corners regarding food and drinks, but not El Dorado.

They place a high value on cuisine, which shows in the gourmet services offered by some of the best chefs in the region.

Some all-inclusive resorts cut corners regarding food and drinks, but not El Dorado.

El Dorado villas are entirely loaded with all luxury amenities, from spacious rooms and private bathrooms to plush robes and slippers, to toiletries and other complimentary products.

El Dorado Maroma is another excellent choice for couples and solo travelers and is the perfect place to unwind completely from an otherwise hectic life.

An Amazing resort to relax and have fun! Only stayed for 2 nights but it felt like I was away for 5!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LUKE, JUNE 2022

🛏 Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma

If the suites aren’t enough, consider booking your stay in Mexico’s first and only overwater bungalow. This is the best way to truly take your holiday up a notch.

Imagine waking up in your bungalow, hearing the gentle waves splashing around you, and seeing the endless turquoise colors stretching before you.

There’s nothing like an over-the-water bungalow experience, and El Dorado Maroma has the best experience in the Riviera Maya.

All guests at the bungalow have access to the El Dorado grounds, the all-inclusive perks, and complete access to the beautiful Caribbean beaches.

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma allow you to have the vacation of your dreams, complete with gourmet dining, access to a world-class spa, and over-the-top luxury service.

The staff was very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious and you can have all the food and drink that you would like 24 hours a day. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained. We were pampered and relaxed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TARQUINI, SEPTEMBER 2022

🛏 Chablé Maroma

The best way to describe this uniquely stunning resort can be taken directly from their website, “Chablé Maroma balances the seen and the unseen, the hypnotic and the invigorating.”

Chablé Maroma is a luxury resort nestled into the lush jungle of the Riviera Maya while only a few short steps from a private beach and soft, white sand.

Somehow this luxury resort has captured the heart of the Riviera Maya on both fronts: the intense, magical jungle and the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.

You can walk through the long trails that twist and wind around the resort within the wilderness or simply stroll along the long stretch of white sand beach directly in front of the resort.

Chablé Maroma welcomes everyone of all ages and origins, so it’s an excellent place for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Natural elements heavily influence the rooms and architecture at Chablé Maroma, so you can enjoy true tranquility and feel connected to Mother Earth surrounding you.

An unforgettable experience, perfect ending to our grand tour of Mexico.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ kwong, march 2023

🛏 Catalonia Playa Maroma

Catalonia Playa Maroma is an all-inclusive resort with over 400 suites and rooms, a large swimming pool, direct access to a private beach, a kids club, gourmet dining, and so much more.

Catalonia Playa Maroma offers various rooms, from basic to extravagant.

If you’re traveling with family, you can book the Premium Deluxe Family Room, with enough space for everyone.

If you want your piece of heaven, go with the Priviliged Ocean View & Private Swimming Pool.

If you want a romantic escape, consider the Adults-Only Romance Deluxe Room.

No matter what you’re looking for, Catalonia Playa Maroma has precisely what you’re looking for.

And combine that with their fine dining and stunning decor, and you won’t ever want to leave.

Good value for money in nice location.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ MING, JULY 2023

🛏 Maroma, A Belmond Hotel

The world-renowned Maroma, A Belmond Hotel closed down in April 2022 for renovations and is reopening on August 3rd, 2023.

Considering Maroma was one of the best hotels in the Riviera Maya before renovations, there is a lot of buzz and excitement over this reopening.

The renovations have brought Maroma 10 brand-new waterfront suites, the first Guerlain Spa in Latin America, a general redesign by skilled Mexican artisans, and several other property improvements.

 Many of the rooms at Maroma include a stunning ocean view and have the perfect balance of jungle immersion and Carribean splendor.

Additionally, each room is uniquely designed, with only the best products, and is spacious.

Maroma is perfect for all ages, with plenty of activities and amenities.

Staff, setting, vibe, intimate size…. Wonderful beach and jungle setting. Yoga on the roof, terrific snorkeling, terrific food. Will definitely return.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ carolyn, march 2021

🛏 Mayan Water Hotel

Mayan Water Hotel is located 1.7 km (1.05 miles) from Playa Maroma and offers a different experience from other regional hotels.

Mayan Water Hotel is simple, clean, and modern, with few room options.

However, Mayan Water Hotel is a unique experience because it’s located right on a water park, with water sports activities (like water skiing) available at an additional charge.

This hotel is excellent for families or adventurers looking for extra fun in the area.

With the onsite pool, fitness facility, and access to the thrilling waterpark, you’re sure to keep entertained throughout your entire stay.

Great for what we were there for- wakeboarding.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WILLIAM, JULY 2023

How do I get to Maroma Beach?

🚙 Drive or rent a car

The easiest way to get to Punta Maroma Beach is to drive yourself.

Punta Maroma Mexico is only 20 km (12 miles), when you drive or rent a car from Playa del Carmen and 54 km (33 miles) from Cancun, and it is close to the main highway (Highway 307) that connects the two cities.

That means you can quickly drive yourself for a day of fun or as a weekend escape.

From Highway 307, you will turn off the highway, following signs for El Dorado Maroma.

You have to go through security to get down to Punta Maroma, so be sure to have the name of the hotel or beach club you have reservations with.

Fortunately, plenty of parking near Punta Maroma Beach and the beach clubs.

🚕 Hire a taxi

You can also taxi directly to Punta Maroma from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.

It’s a little more expensive and involves more planning with finding a taxi, but it makes for an easy and fast trip.

A taxi to Punta Maroma Beach should cost around 400 MXN one-way.

From Punta Maroma back to your original destination, you can coordinate a taxi with the hotel or find some street taxis near the main road in Punta Maroma.

🚌 Take the ADO bus

The ADO bus is one of the best ways to arrange transportation between popular cities in Quintana Roo and other parts of Mexico.

However, the ADO does not run directly to Punta Maroma Beach.

You can take an ADO bus between Playa del Carmen and Cancun and ask to be dropped off near Puerto Moreles or outside Punta Maroma.

From there, you must take a taxi or walk 30-60 minutes to Playa Maroma Beach.

ADO fares can range between 80 MXN and 340 MXN.

🚊 Playa Express / colectivo

The Colectivo and Playa Express station in Cancun for Punta Maroma is directly in front of the ADO entrance.

You can take a colectivo toward Playa del Carmen and exit on the highway in front of Punta Maroma. It is a 30-minute walk down to Punta Maroma Beach.

Public transportation is the cheapest way to Punta Maroma Quintana Roo Mexico.

You can take a local colectivo from the main bus depot in Playa del Carmen, located near Avenida Juarez, on Highway 307 (just behind the McDonalds and Chedraui).

The Playa Express station is located just across the highway.

Local transportation should cost around 50 MXN each way.

Are dogs allowed at Punta Maroma Beach?

Dogs are not allowed at Punta Maroma Beach. Some hotels, like Secrets Maroma, allow small dogs in the suites and on the grounds.

However, you cannot bring or walk your pup on the public beach in Punta Maroma.

What to pack for a Punta Maroma Beach trip

Here is everything you should remember to bring for your trip to Punta Maroma Mexico, and the surrounding area:

📌 Swimsuit and fresh clothes

📌 Beach towel

📌 Snorkel gear

📌 Cards or cash you might need for food

📌 GoPro and your camera

📌 Reef-safe sunscreen

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up: Punta Maroma Beach Travel Guide

To this day, Punta Maroma Beach has remained one of the Riviera Maya’s best-kept secrets.

While Cancun and Playa del Carmen beaches can get flooded with snowbirds, spring breakers, and other international travelers, Punta Maroma remains relatively untouched and calm.

If you want to escape the business of nearby cities and towns, a day trip or a weekend trip to Punta Maroma Beach is the best way.

You’re sure to enjoy the calming and soothing atmosphere while you possibly indulge in some of the finest resorts and enjoy the exciting activities this region offers.