Agree with Suze as to The Mayan area. Lots of Europeans have pretty much put this issue to rest there as far as topless goes.
On The Costa Grande (Zihuatanejo) Coast you occasionally see a gal topless who almost always is a European. Now I've never seen one arrested but lots of disapproving looks. Also it's maybe 2 or 3 a year while I am in residence.

I also agree with Suze as far as the Riviera Maya and Cancun area. We have seen topless women whenever we have visited. Mostly Europeans. I suppose if you go to resorts that cater to mostly Americans, you won't see much of it.

I'll keep a look out next time I'm there lol!
I am European but I'm not so fond of Playa now it's become so busy so I don't stay there.
I like Akumal and it does have a high % of American tourists but I haven't seen anyone topless in Cancun either. Is it permitted at the pools or only the beach?
It can't be as prevalent as in the Mediterranean where it is more culturally accepted and where it seems bikini tops are in short supply!

I think it's a shame that the local culture is disrespected for the sake of tourism but not surprised.

Thanks for more votes people. sassy_cat, Truly I've got no horse in this race, with no personal plans of sunbathing nude in Mexico or any other public place for that matter... it's just I am pretty darn sure my original statement, that you would find more people doing it on the Caribbean side of Mexico was correct.

I live on the Caribbean side and there is a measure of toplessness on the beaches especially during high season. It does make me cringe though especially on the weekends for the local Mexican families with children. It is disrespectful. But, if you're in a place like Playacar where the shorefront is lined with AI's, there is not a lot of locals there and it wouldn't matter much. I've only seen one nude guy in the past 10 years on the beach but it was in the north area which used to be less crowded. Now, with the extension of 5th ave the beach is populated to the north also. Not as busy as in Playa central but not isolated like it was.

sass_cat,
It is usually not permitted at the pools and is limited to the beach.

Thanks schmerl, that makes sense as I nearly always walk along the beach in Cancun in the mornings before or after breakfast and again at sunset. I usually spend the afternoon sitting in the shade by the pool so I'm not on the beach at peak tan time.

I agree suze that even with this info I'm not planning to sunbathe nude in Mexico anywhere/anytime.

When, my husband & I were on the beaches of Tulum in 2010, we saw several nude males on a couple of beach areas with no regard to the local residents. These fellows were walking around the beach areas. They were not just sun-bathing. I thought that they could have been a little more discrete. I have nothing against nude sunbathing. But, do it discretely, in a private area on the beach where you do not offend the local people.

Copal in Tulum has nude sunbathing, but since more than 1/2 of their land was grabbed for redevelopment, it is rather small, and is still primitive, but Gorgeous. After Jan. 2011 being there for a week, mid-week a rather tall, hefty man showed up everyday after rather obviously having taken VIAGRA, if you get my drift, w/a Giant Flagpole waving while he lounged around on his back and kids ran around w/their nude hippied parents. And the terribly overweight 50ish couple who were real flaunters as well...Never again. Wasn't for me.

Maybe I should change some of our requirements. Sounds like what we want just really doesn't exist with the exception of St Barts and that is way out of our budget. I should make a note that we really want an adults only resort. Not interested in dealing with any kids while on our vacation.

This site lists adults only clothing optional resorts. There are a couple Couples Resorts in Jamaica.
http://www.cmtravelonline.com/adult-...tional-resorts

try hidden beach in tulum mexico or couples resort in negril jamaica or look up aanr site we r naked most of the time and live in massachusetts there r alot of resorts all over usa like i said look up AMERICAN ASSOC OF NUDE RECREATION have fun stay naked if you need more help email me ill tell you the real nice comfortable places joe [email protected]

Private balcony is your best choice for undisturbed ability for topless or nude sunbathing, no annoying children, romantic time, and "let your inhibitions go" wild. St. Martin (French side) Orient Beach is also clothing optional and there are many "romantic coves" on the French side of St. Martin. Enjoy your journey!

topless is common on the beach at Tulum. watch for the topless flag.