Soliman Bay is a truly hidden gem, a secluded beach devoid of tourists. You will find it just 15 minutes north of Tulum. It is the tranquil and romantic getaway that we all yearn for so much.

The extensive outer reef creates calm waters. But while the bay is a quiet place to stay on the surface, there’s a whole lot of action under the water. It is the only place along the coast where you can reach the coral reef on foot. While access to the sea in most parts of the bay is a bit rocky, the locals cleared a sandy path to the reef through the seagrass, so you can access the wonders of underwater life on foot. You don’t even need beach shoes. Even non-swimmers can have a go! If you do give it a go, you will find puffer fish, needle fish, flounders, squid and sea turtles.

You will not find this bay listed in the tourist brochures and guides. This secluded bay doesn’t have any big resorts or complexes, just a small community of upscale private homes. Some of the luxury villas are for vacation rental, having their own stretches of beach. From the villas you can take a kayak ride out to the small but perfectly formed reef.

But you don’t have to stay in one of these homes. You can come here for a day and enjoy the public beach at the southern end of the inlet, lined with coconut palms and the rustic Chamico’s restaurant, full of hammocks under the palm trees. Here you will find the sandy path to the reef. Just relax in a hammock and read a book, or enjoy bird-watching and the vista of the bay. The restaurant is just a shack but you will be treated to a whole grilled fish or a seafood ceviche with lobster, probably one of the best on the entire coast of Riviera Maya. You can also bring your own picnic and just sit under one of the palms. Alternatively, you can try Sahara Café at Hotel Jashita, on the northern part of the beach, a more upscale experience.

The icon of the beach is an abandoned boat, covered in graffiti. It symbolically expresses the low-key ambience of this bay. The beach sand is fine, white, and silky and invites you for a walk along the bay. There are just a few rocks that make the coastline interesting and you can collect large seashells. You will not find those on most of the beaches of Riviera Maya.

Enjoy the peace! (Just don’t tell too many other people about it.)