Best Beach Photography Locations in Playa del Carmen

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Playa del Carmen

The Best Beach Photography Locations in Playa del Carmen

Top Beaches Playa del Carmen

Discover Playa del Carmen's Stunning Beaches for Your Photoshoot

^{Playa del Carmen boasts various public and semi-private beaches, making it an excellent destination for all photography sessions. Whether you're planning family portraits, boudoir photography, or a romantic couple's shoot, these beaches provide vibrant turquoise waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking scenery.}

^{Below, you'll find detailed insights into six key spots to help you organize your visit smoothly.}

1. Playacar Downtown Beach

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Playacar Downtown Beach}

^{Type: Public access.}

^{Access: Located right next to the Ultramar ferry station to Cozumel. You can easily walk to this beach via the public access near the ferry terminal.}

^{Parking: Paid parking is available across from the Miniso store, and street parking with meters is also an option, though spots fill up quickly.}

^{Highlights: This beach offers calm waters and soft sand, making it ideal for early morning photoshoots with minimal crowds. However, it tends to get busier during sunset.}

2. Playacar Access via Cunaro de Piedra Street

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Playacar Cunaro de Piedra Access}

^{Type: Public and private access.}

^{Access: This entrance is a 5-10 minute walk from downtown Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, you can enter through the Fase 1 security gate next to Playacar Palace, which is open for pedestrians starting at 8:00 AM.}

^{Parking: Paid parking options include nearby lots and metered street parking, both of which can fill up quickly.}

^{Highlights: This spot is quieter than the downtown beach, offering a more serene setting perfect for scenic portraits.}

3. Playacar Public Entrance - Arrecife F1

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Playacar Arrecife F1}

^{Type: Public and private access.}

^{Access: About a 20-30 minute walk from downtown Playa del Carmen. Like the previous option, it is also accessible through the Fase 1 security gate next to Playacar Palace, open for pedestrian access from 8:00 AM.}

^{Parking: Paid options are the same as other Playacar entrances, with street and lot availability nearby.}

^{Highlights: This stretch of beach offers a peaceful ambiance with fewer tourists, making it ideal for group sessions or romantic couple shoots.}

4. Playa del Amor (Nude Beach)

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Playa del Amor}

^{Type: Secluded public beach.}

^{Access: Getting here requires more effort, as it involves a 60-minute walk from downtown Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, access can be gained through the Playacar private complex via the Fase 1 security gate, which opens at 8:00 AM, and exits near the Reef Playacar. High tides may block access at up to three points.}

^{Parking: Only paid options are available near the private access points.}

^{Highlights: Known for its raw natural beauty and seclusion, this beach is perfect for intimate boudoir sessions. For convenience and to avoid issues with high tides, booking at least one night in a hotel within the Playacar complex is recommended.}

5. Playa Punta Esmeralda

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Playa Punta Esmeralda}
^{Type: Public access.}
^{Access: Easily reachable from downtown Playa del Carmen.}
^{Parking: Paid parking is available near the area. Street parking options may be available but require caution.}
^{Highlights: A favorite spot among locals and tourists alike, this beach features stunning cenote views and ample space for photography. While it’s a beautiful location, visitors should remain mindful of their belongings and vehicles.}

6. Xcalacoco Beach

^{Google Maps Link:}^{Xcalacoco Beach}
^{Type: Public access.}
^{Access: Located north of Playa del Carmen, about a 15-minute drive from downtown.}
^{Parking: Paid parking is available, or you may find nearby street parking options.}
^{Highlights: Some areas are a bit rocky, but this beach offers unique scenery for creative photoshoots. It’s also a strategic spot to avoid the outside vendor fees often charged by surrounding hotels, making it a budget-friendly option for stunning photos.}

Additional Information

^{Restrooms: Available at}^{Ultramar Ferry Station}^,^{ADO Bus Station}^{, and}^{Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall}^.

^{Parking: All parking options are paid; no free parking is available.}
^{Parking App: Visitors can use the parking meter app Mueve Ciudad to manage street parking payments conveniently.}
^{You can download the Mueve Ciudad app from the following links:}
- ^{Google Play Store: Google Play}
- ^{Apple App Store: Apple Apps}

^{Tide Awareness: Be mindful of high tides, which may limit access to some areas.}

^{Boudoir Photography Tip: Choosing a hotel in Playacar with direct beach access simplifies logistics for outdoor boudoir sessions and ensures a stress-free experience.}^{Palmaïa, The House of AïA}^{is the closest option to this secluded beach.}
^{Payment Options: Bring Mexican pesos, low-denomination USD bills, or a travel-dedicated credit card that can be activated or deactivated during use for secure transactions.}