Bahías de Punta Solimán, Protected bays in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Bahías de Punta Solimán are two protected bays featuring white sand beaches on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, backed by mangrove forests that line the shore. An outer reef formation naturally shields the water from larger waves, creating calm conditions suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
These bays resisted large-scale development that transformed much of the Mexican Caribbean coast during recent decades. They have remained largely unchanged, preserving their natural appearance and coastal character.
Local fishermen and guides conduct their work using traditional methods, and visitors can observe them preparing nets or launching small boats from the shore. This daily rhythm of coastal labor remains visible and accessible throughout the day.
Access is via an unmarked dirt road east of Highway 307, located across from Oscar y Lalo's Restaurant, about 11 kilometers north of Tulum. Wear comfortable shoes as the path can be sandy and uneven, and swimming and snorkeling conditions are best during warmer months.
The outer reef formation acts as a natural wave barrier, creating stable water conditions year-round, which is unusual in this Caribbean region. This geology allows calm swimming waters to persist even during rougher seasons.
Location: Quintana Roo
GPS coordinates: 20.28533,-87.36960
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07
Quintana Roo is a coastal region where remote beaches, Mayan archaeological sites, and natural wonders come together. The area is known for its cenotes – natural freshwater sinkholes, some with underwater caves and clear water for swimming and diving. You will find ancient ruins hidden in the jungle, small islands with diverse wildlife, and beaches where you can experience local Mexican culture away from crowds. Sites like Muyil, Kohunlich, and San Gervasio reveal the history of the Maya people, while cenotes such as Sac Actun, Casa Cenote, and Angelita expose an underwater world beneath the surface. Lagoons like Kaan Luum and Bacalar invite exploration of mangrove forests and aquatic life. Beaches such as Xcacel, Paamul, and Xpu-ha offer tranquility far from major tourist centers, while small islands like Isla Contoy shelter seabirds and marine habitats. Together, these places form a destination where history, nature, and local life intertwine.
Maya Ruins of Tulum
10 km
Sistema Sac Actun
10.8 km
Xel-Ha Park
3.8 km
Sistema Dos Ojos
5 km
Xelha
3.8 km
Xpu Ha Beach
23.8 km
Cavernas de Tulum
12.8 km
Xcacel Beach
6.3 km
Native Park Tulum
1.7 km
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
3.9 km
Kanan
17.6 km
Cenote Tak Be Ha
5 km
Cenote Tajma-Ha
24.1 km
Sfer Ik Uh May
24.8 km
Cenote Car Wash
12.2 km
Cenote Cristal
17.8 km
Playa Chemuyil
8 km
Tulum National Park
10 km
LabnaHa
2 km
Cenote Zacil Ha
12.4 km
Cenote Cristalino
26 km
Cenote Manati
3.1 km
Cenote Calimba
10.8 km
Xcacel Beach
6.3 km
Cenote Xunaan-Ha
6.6 km
Tulum Beach
10.1 km
Playa Xpu-Ha
23.8 km
Cenote Calavera
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