Cancun in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo offers many beautiful beaches. That’s why this sunny coastal resort is one of Mexico’s most widely used holidaymaker destinations.
The Cancun area has so much to offer, including world-class shopping, dining, and nightclubs, along with the famous Mayan ruins, found only in this a part of Mexico.
But let’s discuss the beaches. They are the major reason why so many people flock to this area, plus they vary from long stretches of sand where you can enjoy a casual trip to the beach as much as luxurious resorts using their private beaches.
Best Beaches in Cancun MAP
Latest Seaweed Sargassum Map in Cancun and Riviera Maya (MAY 12)
8 Best Beaches in Cancun
1. Playa Tortugas
Located just west of downtown Cancun, this can be a small but often very busy beach lined with many palapas and restaurants (incidents where offer free beach chairs and towels). There’s also a popular beach club known for its foam parties.
The main advantage of Playa Tortugas is that it has something for everybody. You will find pursuits like volleyball, basketball, and soccer. There’s additionally a lot of shopping nearby if you wish to get some souvenirs or any other local handicrafts typical in this region of Mexico.
But why is Playa Tortugas especially popular is that it’s not so crowded at all before the weekend. After which it fills up, because of the residents who come here en masse from Thursday through Sunday for any day at the beach.
The downside is that there’s a significant seaweed sometimes, especially following a storm. But overall, this can be a excellent and clean beach with beautiful sand and near-perfect water conditions if you don’t mind the occasional seaweed.
2. Playa Delfines (Playa Delfin)
It is one of the best beaches in Cancun, located just west of downtown close to the Hotel Zone. It’s got a great coral reef with lots of fish, so it’s well-liked by snorkelers. There are also kayaks for rent.
There are lots of palapas here, plus plenty of beach chairs and towels available (for a small charge) in the many beach clubs, including bars along with other facilities like food, stands. There’s even volleyball if you wish to play with other people who happen to be about this stretch of sand.
Some areas of the beach are a little rocky, but overall, the sand is soft, white, and very clean. The water conditions can’t be beaten as this stretch of beach offers a few of the calmest waters in Cancun.
3. Playa Marlin (Playa Palancar)
It is another excellent beach within the Hotel Zone area, located just about miles west from the previous beach.
The water is extremely calm and superior, making it a popular for families with kids. There’s additionally a popular seafood restaurant right on the beach if you want to grab some lunch.
There are palapas and chairs and towels at any of the many beach clubs along this stretch of sand.
If you want a luxurious experience, the Playacar Palace also offers its private beach club ten or twenty yards in the actual beach. The only problem with this particular area is that it could possibly get very crowded during holiday weekends or when special attractions are happening in Cancun.
4. El Embarcadero
It is a superb spot for snorkeling with pristine and calm water. There are also boat rides open to take you out into the big blue.
There’s lots of beach access here, plus many palapas and beach chairs (for a small fee) at a number of beach clubs known for their food quality. The area gets busy on weekends and holidays, but it’s less crowded because in other areas.
5. Playa Caracol (Playa Tortugas)
Located just to the east of downtown Cancun, this stretch of fresh white sand is great for walking and relaxing among charming beachfront resorts. You will find restaurants and palapas nearby, plus pursuits like volleyball for those who wish to play on the sand.
There are also parasailing tours available here where you can float over Cancun’s famous blue waters and catch amazing views from the hotels about this side of town.
6. Playa Marinero (Playa Langosta)
It is located about halfway between the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. There are lots of kayaks available here if you wish to take a tour around Cancun’s famous coastal area.
Beach chairs, towels, parasols, food stands, restaurants, bars, along with other amenities can be found at various beach clubs. Water is calm, making this a nice destination to spend the day. It gets busy on weekends, but not during weekdays or holidays.
Are beaches in Cancun swimmable?
Well, not every one of them are. There are spots where the water is simply too rough to swim at. But overall, Cancun has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and you may easily spend an entire day by the sea relaxing or swimming.
It’s certainly worth stopping by a number of these amazing beaches during your next trip to Cancun.
Cancun is one of the places to go if you are a avid beach lover. Just about all beaches only one have clear turquoise waters, white sands, and lots of hotels with bars, restaurants, along with other amenities.
Over time there has been many developments on these beaches meaning several areas might be overcrowded, especially during holidays and special events. However, some areas remain relatively untouched by development, so that you can still benefit from the natural splendor of these beaches.
7. Sian Ka’an, Biosphere Reserve
Located South of Tulum lies the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO World Heritage with 23 archaeological sites, and some of the very most stunning unspoiled beaches worldwide.
Visitors mostly access the beaches by hiking -with a guide- with the jungle for an opening. They can also lower the Quintana Roo coastline from Tulum down to Punta Allen to find out some exposures.
Beachgoers can also participate in customized nature excursions from the crowded mass group tours. These kinds of customized experiences are recommended given that they allow unique access to the region’s wildlife, coastal wetlands, lagoons, and hidden beaches.
So, Sian Ka’an isn't just THE place to tan on the beach and explore ancient Mayan routes but additionally to identify endemic birds, dolphins, marine turtles, and over 500 types of fish.
8. Isla Contoy
First and Foremost, Isla Contoy is one of the few beaches in Cancun not impacted by the dreaded Sargassum algae growth.
This pristine natural treasure is situated just a few miles from the coast of Cancun, near Isla Mujeres.
Located on the second-longest coral reef on the planet, Isla Contoy has gorgeous blue Caribbean waters and white-sand beaches. The location is fantastic for world-class diving and snorkeling.
Over 150 species of tropical birds and 4 endangered species of sea turtles call the island home. On this strictly protected island, these animals and some scientists are the sole permanent residents.
Here is all that you should know before visiting the island!
According to official sources, generally, an excursion to Isla Contoy
- “Costs between $100-150 USD and frequently includes Isla Mujeres.
- Includes a light breakfast, drinks, snacks included, and a buffet lunch.
- Picks you up at the hotel in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.
- Takes you to Ixlache Reef for snorkeling.
- Lasts from 9 am to 5 pm (excluding pick-up time).
- Does not incorporate a $10 national park fee (payable in cash on the area).”
