Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Playa Norte

Playa Norte, or North Beach, is a hidden gem located on the tropical island of Isla Mujeres in Mexico. This picturesque beach is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, making it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. One of the main draws of Playa Norte is its calm and shallow waters, which are perfect for families with children. The beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, as the colorful coral reefs and marine life just off the shore provide a unique and exciting underwater experience.

Another great feature of Playa Norte is its close proximity to the town of Isla Mujeres. The beach is just a short walk or bike ride away from the main street, where visitors can find a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. This makes it easy to take a break from the sun and enjoy some local cuisine or shopping.

Discover accommodation options near Playa Norte, where you can enjoy the serene turquoise waters and vibrant marine life just steps from your door.

Getting to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is relatively easy and convenient. The island can be accessed by ferry from Cancun, which takes about 20-30 minutes. The ferry terminal is located in the heart of Cancun, making it easy to reach via taxi or public transportation. Once on the island, visitors can choose to rent a golf cart, bike or even walk to reach the beach. Golf carts are the most popular mode of transportation and can be rented from various places on the island. The beach is a 15-20 minutes ride from the ferry terminal, or a 20-25 minutes walk. Keep in mind that the island is small and easy to navigate, so getting around should not be a problem.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that visitors enjoy the sandy beach and clear water on the South side of the seawall, and the beach activities available for $20. Some visitors complain about the presence of seagrass. Overall, visitors are pleased with the beach, with one person calling it one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Where to Stay near Playa Norte?

If you’re planning a trip to Playa Norte, consider staying in the town of Isla Mujeres, which offers a variety of accommodations within walking distance to the beach. Many visitors choose this area for its convenience and proximity to both the stunning beach and local amenities like restaurants and shops.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Playa Norte?

Latitude: 20.552397 / Longitude: -86.92477

Playa Norte is located in Riviera Maya. The following map of Playa Norte shows the exact location.

Playa Norte: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, May 10, 2026
Today is a mediocre day for a beach visit to Playa Norte, as the weather remains unsettled. You should be prepared for light, persistent mist throughout the day, which keeps the skies mostly grey. While the air temperature will reach 31.1 °C and the water is a warm 28.8 °C, the conditions are far from ideal for sunbathing due to the heavy cloud cover. Strong winds are expected, creating choppy water conditions that might make swimming less relaxing than usual. If you do head out, remember that the UV Index is 9, so sun protection is essential even through the clouds. Overall, it is a better day for a casual stroll along the sand than for a full day of lounging by the shore.
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Air

Low / High26.9°C/31.1°C
Feels Like (High)35.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.8 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance24%
Rainfall0.6 mm
Rain Duration5 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:12/19:15
Sunshine Hours12.4 hrs
UV Index9
Cloud Cover73%
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Wind

Speed21.9 km/h
Gusts48.2 km/h
DirectionSE

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