More than 5,800 miles of coastline are present in Mexico. There are more than 5,800 miles of beaches in the United States, and each region has its own distinct beach environment. Cancun is home to arguably some of Mexico's most picturesque beaches.
The Mexican Caribbean, which includes Cancun and the surrounding areas, rewards visitors and locals with electric turquoise sea, sugar-colored sand that is as fine as powder, and some of the top resorts and dining establishments in the whole nation. The coastline in this area of the country, which stretches from Cancun to the border with Belize, is extremely stunning.
Although the majority of beaches in Mexico are open to the public, resorts frequently feature private stretches of sand that are just for visitors. The fact that locals and visitors frequently interact and mingle on Mexico's beaches enriches the vacation experience tremendously. Nonetheless, it's not uncommon for a continuous stream of beach merchants to pass by and offer to sell you tours or trinkets on some popular beaches. The less popular beaches in the farther-flung locations provide a noticeably more quiet experience.
Are you prepared to discover? Take a seat back, pack some sunscreen, and browse our selection of Cancun's top beaches.
1.Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is Cancun's biggest, busiest, and conceivably most gorgeous public beach. It is surrounded on both sides by expansive expanses of sand that are controlled by resorts. Imagine a beach with dazzlingly bleached sand and the most electrifying blue ocean. Rentable umbrellas, thatched palapas, and restrooms can be found near the sand.
Beach Delfines is also referred to as El Mirador because it features a hilltop balcony with views over the sea and neighborhood. Take note of the vibrant Cancun sign, which is a perennial Instagram favorite. There will be a good mix of visitors to resorts and locals at Playa Delfines because it is close to the Hotel Zone as well.
If you're not a good swimmer, approach with caution because the waves can be a little choppy here. Even so, this is still one of Cancun's top beaches.
2.Costa Mujeres
There is a brand-new, gated luxury complex located on a stretch of sun-drenched sand about 30 minutes north of Cancun's Hotel Zone. A gated neighborhood, Costa Mujeres has a number of all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and other amenities.
The Isla Blanca beach, historical buildings, the Chacmuchuc lagoon, and more are just a few of the breathtaking natural attractions in Costa Mujeres. The beach in Isla Blanca is frequently cited as the best one around.
You'll need to rent a car unless you're staying at one of the local hotels, but the drive will be well worth it. You must also arrive prepared. There aren't any eateries or public facilities available here. But what keeps this beach so pristine and lovely is the lack of development.
3.Playa Norte
Isla Mujeres, one of Cancun's best-kept secrets, is located just off the Hotel Zone's coast. One of Cancun's top beaches, Playa Norte, is located on Isla Mujeres and is well-known for its long list of hotels and lively beachside eateries.
With its clear, shallow seas and powder-soft, sweet sand, this beach is the stuff of postcards. Playa Norte is undoubtedly the place to meet people because of the countless beachside bars and restaurants that offer wonderful beach food as well as rentable lounge chairs and umbrellas.
For limitless souvenir shops, stroll the pedestrian-only lanes close to the beach. Instead, hire a golf cart for the day and tour the remainder of the island.
4. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe would struggle to discover a more picture-perfect, fairytale beach than those found in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located south of Tulum and is one of Mexico's best-preserved environments. It also contains 23 archaeological sites and some of the world's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches.
Entrance to the beaches is often through an opening in the bush, usually with a guide's assistance. Nonetheless, tourists can locate rocky exposures by traveling along the Quintana Roo coastline from Tulum to Punta Allen. Parking lots are uncommon on beaches, and the majority of beach sites require BYO supplies.
Plan a tour of the Biosphere and spend the entire day there. Amazing wildlife will be visible to you, and you'll experience a side of this region of Mexico that is typically missed on the regular tourist route.
5.Beach Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool boasts the same expanse of brilliant sand as other more well-known Cancun beaches, yet it is praised for its undiscovered status. Chac Mool, which is right next to the more rowdy Playa Gaviota Azul (Playa Forum), is the ideal location for curling up with a good book under an umbrella. (But, keep in mind that Playa Forum can get rather rowdy, and there may occasionally be spillage.)
One of the nicest beaches in Cancun for diving into the jewel-toned ocean is Playa Chac Mool. On the sand near the beach, visitors can rent water sports gear. Also, the waters are tranquil and ideal for wading.
6.Playa Maroma
Playa Maroma is one of the most visited (and photographed) beaches in the area, located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This beach, which is home to several of the area's most opulent resorts, is renowned for its extensive stretch of bone-colored sand and numerous shades of turquoise water.
On the sand is a tiny marina where guests can book fishing or snorkeling excursions. Yet, some of the best snorkeling is right offshore, so spending money on an excursion is not necessary.
The El Dorado Maroma, one of the greatest hotels on this beach, is renowned for having the only overwater bungalow accommodations in Mexico. Nonetheless, using the sand is not restricted to resort visitors. There are many beachside bars along the shore, or you can pack your own food.
7.Playa Paraiso
Beach Paraiso in Tulum, which is free of high-rise hotels, is frequently cited as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, not to mention one of the greatest in Cancun. Visitors get the sense that they are one of the few people there despite the beach's popularity because it is lengthy and seems to go on forever.
Playa Paraiso is a hotspot for wealthy tourists, Instagram influencers, and international celebrities. It's a place to be seen and be seen. Keep an eye out for A-listers as you pass the palapa roofs on the sand.
Playa Paraiso looks like it came straight out of a movie set. There are just palm trees, white sand, and a few beachside shops where you can rent lounge chairs or get a refreshing fruit juice.
8.Playa Akumal
The small seaside hamlet of Akumal and its associated beach can be found south of Cancun. Travelers visit Akumal for the powder-soft beach and expansive blue bay, as well as to snorkel with sea turtles.
From April through October, thousands of turtles migrate to the coast at night to lay their eggs. As a result, it makes for an incredible environment where snorkelers and divers may play beneath the seas with these lovely creatures.
Beaches are the biggest attraction in #Cancun due to its soft white sand and bright turquoise blue water. In the Hotel Zone, there are more than 14 miles of beaches, 10 of them are open to the public. Do not forget to visit them on your next trip! 🏖✨
— Royal Reservations® (@royalRSV) August 5, 2019
-https://t.co/KyMfTwGJTa pic.twitter.com/lPOMO76ooj
The tranquil seas and protected cove make this one of the best swimming beaches in Cancun, even if you aren't interested in snorkeling. Sand-covered streets with stores, eateries, dive shops, and lodging options are close to the main beaches.
9.Playa Xpu-Ha
Both locals and visitors are enamored by Playa Xpu-sweet ha's sands, which are located near Puerto Aventuras, a resort town south of Cancun. Although there is a little entrance fee, this peaceful sanctuary is far more private than the bustling beaches in Cancun.
The relaxed beach is all about relaxed vibes, which are readily reached by the absence of construction and crowds. The sand is gentle, and the surf is tranquil because it is in a cove. While there are restaurants that pour out onto the sand and serve up regional beach favorites, many locals choose to pack their own lunches.
People frequently can be seen practicing beach yoga or playing beach soccer on most days.
10.Beach Playacar
The gated neighborhood of Playacar is located just south of Playa del Carmen. This exclusive neighborhood of homes and hotels is protected from the Fifth Avenue crowds in Playa del Carmen. But because all beaches in Mexico are open to the public, it's simple to stroll down the sand and arrive at Playacar's lovely shoreline.
One of the longest and whitest beaches in the Cancun region is Playacar. If you're not staying at one of the many all-inclusive hotels or private residences that line the long stretch of sand, you'll need to carry everything you need with you. Apart for those in the resorts, there are no eateries or beachside hangouts here.
Even so, it's worth the distance to reach one of the best beaches in the Cancun region, and Playa del Carmen's attractions and amenities are never far away.
11.Beach X'cacel
If you thought Akumal was a haven for turtles, wait until you see Playa X'cacel. One of the best places to see turtles close to Cancun and the Riviera Maya is X'cacel, which has the finest Caribbean sand.
In fact, hundreds of turtles actually lay their eggs on the powder-soft sand each spring and summer. A nearby sanctuary guards the turtle nests and the eggs, and they ask for donations of between 10 and 20 pesos per person to support the operation. The gift also grants you access to a nearby little cenote in addition to the beach.
This well-kept secret is simple to overlook. Search for it off the main route between Chemuyil and Xel-Ha water park. It is undoubtedly a unique beach that is only intended for people who are "in the know." But keep in mind that since it's off the usual road, you'll need to pack everything you'll need for the day.
12.Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is the place to go if you're looking for a taste of authentic Cancun. It is regarded by locals as one of the best beaches because to its laid-back atmosphere, immaculate sand, and several beachside dining options.
The beach, which is close to the Hotel Zone, is a well-liked starting place for trips to Isla Mujeres. Daily ferries transport inhabitants and visitors over the tranquil, blue lake from a pier.
The beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling due to the calm waters. Also, it is a convenient location to set up camp for the day due to the availability of public restrooms, gift stores, and lounge chair rentals.
13. Playa Forum
Playa Forum, often referred to as Play Gaviota Azul, is one of the nicest beaches in Cancun and is right in the middle of the excitement. This length of powder-soft sand, which sits directly along Cancun's Hotel Zone Beach strip, is just a short distance from the bustling center of the city's tourism district.
Playa Forum has a terrific social environment and is close to a lot of hotels, eateries, and beach hangouts. Nonetheless, individuals seeking a peaceful experience ought to probably find elsewhere. When you're camping in Playa Forum, you won't be getting much R&R.
14. Beach Langosta
Among the numerous high-rise all-inclusive hotels in the Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa Langosta is ideally situated. This indicates that it is simple to travel there by foot, by public transportation, or by taxi.
Locals particularly like this beach because of its sun-bleached sand and how little tourists know about it. Although a large pier separates the beach from the water, the water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for splashing around.
Families don't mind bringing their own beach chairs because there are frequently not enough of them. Youngsters adore the playground at the seaside. Also, there are public restrooms on the property.