Petrel Norte
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Petrel Norte is a coastal beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico, 5.64 km from Playa del Carmen. It holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for water quality and safety standards. The beach operates year-round during its designated season. Swimmers should…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Petrel Norte
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Petrel Norte?
Petrel Norte is a coastal beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico, 5.64 km from Playa del Carmen. It holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for water quality and safety standards. The beach operates year-round during its designated season. Swimmers should take standard precautions in the water. April through June offer the best conditions, though the beach sees its heaviest crowds from January through March and in December.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Quintana Roo, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Mexico certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Petrel Norte faces west toward Pacific Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Feb | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Mar | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Apr | 26°C | 23°C | Med |
| May | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Jun | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Jul | 28°C | 25°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | Low |
| Sep | 28°C | 25°C | Low |
| Oct | 27°C | 24°C | Low |
| Nov | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Dec | 25°C | 22°C | High |
The best time to visit Petrel Norte is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 28°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 25°C in July.
How crowded does Petrel Norte get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Mexico, Petrel Norte sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Petrel Norte open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Petrel Norte
Is Petrel Norte safe to swim?Petrel Norte is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Petrel Norte?Peak water temperature at Petrel Norte reaches around 25°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 23.5°C.
What is the beach like at Petrel Norte?Petrel Norte on the Quintana Roo coast of Mexico. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Petrel Norte have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Petrel Norte meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Transport
Getting to Petrel Norte
How do I get to Petrel Norte by car?Petrel Norte is approximately 5.64 km from Playa del Carmen. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Petrel Norte?The nearest airport is Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum "Felipe Carrillo Puerto", approximately 85.69 km away.
Can I get to Petrel Norte by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Playa del Carmen.
Nearby
Near Petrel Norte
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Petrel Norte. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Petrel Norte
- Public toilets Public toilets 382 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 481 m
Cafés near Petrel Norte
- Muelle 8 Restaurant 240 m
- Casa de Rosa Restaurant 335 m
- Natura Restaurant 349 m
- Snack Sunset Restaurant 415 m
- Mestizo Restaurant 420 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | February – December |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 20.6648°N, 87.0305°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Mexico |
Frequently Asked Questions
Petrel Norte FAQ
Is Petrel Norte suitable for children?
Petrel Norte is Blue Flag certified in Mexico, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Petrel Norte free to access?
Access to Petrel Norte is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Petrel Norte?
The best time to visit Petrel Norte is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: January, February, March, December, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 25°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Petrel Norte?
Petrel Norte is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Petrel Norte?
Petrel Norte is located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is approximately 5.64 km from Playa del Carmen. The nearest airport is Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum "Felipe Carrillo Puerto", 85.69 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Petrel Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Petrel Norte, including 382 m away and 481 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Petrel Norte?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Petrel Norte, including Muelle 8 (240 m), Casa de Rosa (335 m), Natura (349 m), and Snack Sunset (415 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
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Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
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Explore MexicoWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Petrel Norte
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.