Bahía Petempich

A gently curving bay just north of Puerto Morelos, also called Punta Tanchacté, marking the point where the Riviera Maya technically begins.

Nearly three kilometres of fine white sand front calm, shallow, reef-protected water with a very gentle entry, which makes it popular with families.

Its southern end is lined with all-inclusive resorts while the quieter northern stretch stays largely undeveloped; it sits about 15 to 20 minutes from Cancún airport.