Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is an adults-only resort of about 355 suites that opened in June 2023. For a session, the hour before sunset at the water's edge, or sunrise. Sessions start at 245 USD.
Playa del Carmen gives a session both the beach and a lively town. Here is how we plan one for guests of Margaritaville Riviera Maya.
The Session at a Glance
- ResortAn adults-only resort of about 355 suites that opened in June 2023
- AreaNorth of Playa del Carmen
- Beach facesEast, toward Cozumel
Where We Shoot
The water's edge. Away from loungers, with Cozumel on the horizon.
Around town. Parque Fundadores, with the Portal Maya sculpture and the ferry pier to Cozumel, is the classic Playa del Carmen backdrop, busiest in the evening and quiet at sunrise.
Sunrise or Sunset
Times for this beach on the 15th of each month in 2027.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:56 pm | 6:28 pm |
| March | 6:57 am | 6:28 pm | 6:58 pm |
| May | 6:11 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:07 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:16 am | 7:01 pm | 7:32 pm |
| September | 6:35 am | 6:22 pm | 6:51 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:36 pm | 6:07 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:37 pm | 6:10 pm |
The beach faces east toward Cozumel: sunrise lifts over the channel, and the hour before sunset is soft and even. If you can face an early start, in December the sunrise appears from behind Cozumel.
How the Photographer Gets In
For staying guests, there is no complicated paperwork: you register the photographer as your guest with the front desk a day or two before, and we check in on arrival. The vendor fee you may read about applies to weddings; for a private session, Margaritaville Riviera Maya guests are very seldom asked for it, and we confirm the policy in writing before your date. If you are staying at another hotel, a day pass usually applies. More in our guide to outside photographers at resorts.
Sessions in the Riviera Maya, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios sessions along the Riviera Maya. They show our work in the area, not necessarily at Margaritaville Riviera Maya.
Collections and Prices
Every collection includes editing and a private 4K gallery delivered in one to three business days.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |