Playa del Secreto

Until recently, Playa del Secreto was a "secret" half-mile-long stretch of white sandy beach. Now, it's slowly gaining recognition as one of the most beautiful coastal communities in Riviera Maya. Surrounded by jungle and Caribbean waters, this area is comprised of residential homes, vacation rentals, and the Valentin Imperial Maya Resort. Travelers are drawn to the protected shores that serve as a nesting ground for giant sea turtles. From May through October, 300-pound leatherbacks return to Playa del Secreto to lay their eggs in the soft sand. Early risers can see baby turtles hatch from their shells and battle their way to the ocean. The bordering jungle is home to foxes, deer, crocodiles, wild boars, and even jaguars. Bird-watching is excellent here with species ranging from wild parrots and hawks to kingfishers and black-necked stilts.