If you plan on experiencing beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters visit Cancun, Mexico this summer. Cancun is home to many beaches and each one offers you something different- from peaceful getaway to lively dance floors. Are you finding it difficult to decide where to go? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you plan your perfect vacation. We’ve put together a guide to 20 best beaches in Cancun so that you can research about them at one go.
At Cancun Vacation Experts, we’re passionate about showing tourists the real Cancun. We offer personalized tours and activities to make your trip special. More than just being a guide, we aim to help you create lasting memories. Let’s go through the list of beaches you could add to your Cancun itinerary.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Cancun is home to various beaches with calm waters, soft sand, and a welcoming atmosphere for children and parents. The most iconic ones are mentioned below:
Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas, also known as the Turtle beach, is a relaxed family oriented spot. The water here is calm and shallow, which makes it great to visit here with kids to splash, and the soft sand for building sandcastles. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists having picnics under the palm trees.
If you don’t want to carry food, don’t worry you can find small shops and restaurants here for grabbing a quick bite. The beach has other activities that one can explore, like snorkeling, swimming, boat tours to nearby islands. Playa Tortugas is ideal for a peaceful family beach day.
Playa Langosta
The lobster beach’s bay is an attraction for families with kids as it works as a natural pool for the kids to play. On weekends, the beach might be crowded as many locals like to visit here during their time off. There’s a playground nearby for the kids as well. Along with Mexican snacks, the beach vendors sell BBQ items too.
A tip for families who are planning to spend the entire day here, it’s better to buy day passes at hotel Casa Maya for food, then take boat tours to Isla Mujeres. You can also engage in activities like swimming, playing in the sand or joining a friendly volleyball game. Additionally, the calm water is also great for kayaking and paddleboarding. With lots of fun activities and a safe environment the beach can be a very good option for your family outing.
Playa El Nino
Playa El Nino translates to The Child’s Beach and is a small and serene beach perfect for families with young kids. The clear, shallow water makes it safe for your toddlers to waddle around and play.
The smaller size of the beach makes it easy to keep an eye on everyone. Classic activities like building sandcastles and collecting seashells are popular here. You can also enjoy snorkeling in the calm waters of El Nino. The beach is perfect for relaxation as it is very quiet and hidden away from the crowd.
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool’s waters are calm but have high waves at designated areas, so the families with kids of different age groups can visit here. There is plenty of space to spread out and relax, with some shaded spots available. You can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, or try boogie boarding in the wavy sections.
The beach is popular for playing volleyball so go grab a ball and get to it. Chac Mool has something for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you can’t decide whether to go to calm waters or want a bit of excitement, the beach has got it covered.
Playa Caracol
Head to the northern point of Cancun if you’re looking for a quiet family time. The beach is close to Riu hotel, it’s really easy to reach here through buses as they literally will drop you at the front of this beach. People can rent beach chairs, sunbeds and umbrellas for shade. There is plenty of space to spread and lay out towels and mats on the white sand.
There is a square shaped space for parking which leads to the beachside pathway. There is also a pathway to the ancient buildings. The beach is best for swimming and water sports like paddle boarding, boat rentals, windsurfing, kayaking and jet skiing.
There is so much wildlife to see like herons and fish, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see sea turtles.The beach houses hygienic restrooms if you decide to rent lounge chairs and eat food and beverages at certain joints.
The beach offers a very calm experience. With our help, you could turn into a whole day trip. Just book a tour on our website. There are different tiers available that could fit your Cancun itinerary.
Party Beaches
Cancun is definitely known for one thing and that is partying. It being a tropical paradise, the waters and the partying tend to sort of mix up and become one huge fiesta. Let’s take a look at some of the Cancun beaches that are going to blow your mind.
Playa Forum
Playa Forum is the heart of Cancun’s beach party scene. It’s where music fills the air, drink flows, and the energy never stops. The vibe is very lively, with DJ’s playing the latest hits, cocktails and fun beach games. The soft sand and turquoise waters create a stunning environment for dancing and socializing.
You can find top restaurants, resorts and beach clubs in the vicinity, making it easy to continue partying after the sun sets and get back safely to your stay. You’re free to take a swim by the bay where the waters are calm. Visit the souvenir shops to buy something for your peers back home. Go ahead and engage in amazing water sports.
You can relax in a cabana or even get a massage when the body goes numb from all the fun. To have the best experience, come early as it tends to get crowded on the weekends, mostly having a young atmosphere. Playa Forum is the most iconic place to chill and party at the same time.
Playa Marlin
Playa Marlin will offer you a lively but more relaxed scene. Its wide stretch of sand and bigger waves makes it great for people who enjoy beach fun with some energy. Due to the highest wave action here, it is not recommended to bring kids and also swimming deep can be dangerous, but don’t worry lifeguards will be present for monitoring.
Beach bars and restaurants along the shore serve tasty drinks and snacks. If you want to grab quick bites, you can buy some special Mexican food from the beach vendors as well. Activities like swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and simply soaking up the lively surroundings are popular in Playa Marlin. Make sure you add enough sunscreen to your Cancun packing list.
This is the blue flag beach, if you’re looking for a fun day but want to escape the intensity of Playa Forum, Playa Marlin can be the best balance.
Beach Bars In The Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone has a significant number of beach bars offering a fun and relaxed vibe, especially in the evening. There is a blend of live music, DJs, and themed events. If you’re looking for things to do in the Cancun Hotel Zone, then add this plan at the top of your list.
You can dance under the stars, have delicious cocktails, and engage in interesting conversations with fellow travelers. These beach bars are great for enjoying Cancun’s nightlife without the hustle of crowded clubs.
Playa Gaviota Azul
This beach has deep blue enchanting water, and hence the name Gaviota Azul. Though the meaning of Gaviota is Seagull and Azul is deep blue so the true translation would be Seagull Deep Blue. But, culturally speaking, it holds deep resemblance.
The beach is to the North of Coco bongo and near the Mandala Beach. The water is so clear that your snorkeling experience is about to be heavenly. There are tons of other water sports like parasailing and jet skiing that can make your day delightful.
The beach clubs offer a vibrant atmosphere with food and drinks for the visitors just by the beach front. The undercurrents here are not safe for surfing or swimming deep, so families with kids need to be cautious.
You can also add shopping to the list as there are many shops nearby and after the sun sets the beach offers a very cozy backdrop for couples too. So the beach is all in one, with accommodation of all types of moods.
Playa Ancha
Playa Ancha is right in the middle of the Hotel Zone, a 500 metre long stretch of land with white soft sand. It can be considered to be slightly calmer than other beaches in the Hotel Zone but it can be crowded during the weekends. There is free parking available at a short distance from here but you’ll need to come early to get a spot.
The underwater museum, Aquarium, and El Rey Ruins are some of the attractive tourist places nearby to Ancha. The best way to plan to come here is to visit before having lunch, have a swim, sunbathe, take walks and then head to shop and eat at a good restaurant right across the street.
If you want to visit in the evening, come by to witness the beautiful sunset and then experience the nightlife in one of the pubs down Kukulcan Boulevard.
Romantic Beaches
If you plan on visiting Cancun and you’re bringing your date, then spending time at some of the designated romantic beaches definitely adds to your list of things to do in Cancun for couples.
Let’s take a look at some of the places where you could enjoy a romantic day with your special someone.
Playa Mujeres
If you’re looking for a romantic escape, visit the most peaceful paradise just North of Cancun, Playa Mujeres. Experience cozy moments under the influence of soothing turquoise waters and soft white sands. Add the breathtaking sunsets to your list. At sunset, the sky appears to be painted in vibrant colours.
Walking down the beach with your loved one in a calm environment while enjoying the beautiful scenery is one of the best things to do here. The resorts have also made provisions for giving the tourists the best romantic setups like private cabanas, dining on the beach side and spa for couples.
Book the cruise during the sunsets and have dinner under the stars on the beach to make the most out of the romantic getaway.
Playa Delfines
If you want to avoid the crowd, go to the southernmost end of the hotel Zone. There lies the most picturesque and calm beach of all in Cancun. Playa Delfines is very quiet and relaxing with mostly no bars or clubs seen here.
It is the most beautiful public beach with sparkling turquoise water and soft white sand with a spot for clicking pictures in front of the infamous “CANCUN” sign. The water currents are dangerous here, the length of the waves can reach up to 5 meters which can be good for surfing but not for beginners, lifeguards can be seen here.
There are free thatched roofs that make it distinct amongst so many other beaches, and free parking is also available here which can be used as first come and first serve. It has a mix of crowds from locals and tourists.
The beach has no restaurants or eateries but is filled with food vendors selling Mexican baked food, though it is good to be travelling with a picnic basket. If you are planning to go to the dolphin beach, go see the El Rey, an archeological spot with stones and iguanas which will give you a break from sand and surfing.
Day trip to Isla Mujeres
Take a short ferry trip to Isla Mujeres for a charming and romantic getaway. The couples find the calm environment, turquoise waters and lovely streets perfect for a small outing. Playa Norte can be chosen for a relaxing spot, but if you want to have the energy to explore take a golf cart ride of the island.
The island has a laid back vibe so that one can soak into it, and also offer romantic meals beachside. Isla Mujeres offers the best scenic views along with clear water for swimming.
Playa Akumal
Playa Akumal is the best place if you’re looking for Turtles. Visit this beautiful beach to have a magical experience and you can even swim along with the sea turtles. You might want to make a plan before visiting here as it’s a long drive from Cancun.
The commute can be done via a rental car or a bus. You might even have to buy a ticket that costs 5 dollars. For seeing the turtles, you’ll have to also hire a tour guide for 20 dollars per person and they will take you snorkeling in designated areas where you can find the turtles.
Additionally, ask to go for the Xtun Cavern, a beautiful underground river system. Consider this one of the best activities to do with your partner to cherish forever.
Playa Puerto Morelos
The beach is in the centre of a tiny town, Puerto Morelos. It is a 40 minute ride from Cancun, away from the city hustle. The beach will give a sense of calmness and time away from the rush life to spend time with your loved ones. The best time to visit is during mid week to have the best of the tranquility. Explore the little shops along the sea village and eateries with local dishes can be good for quick bites. The reef is only 500 metres away from here, so its recommended to bring your own snorkelling gears. While you can swim on your own to the reef due to calm waters, taking a guide with you will make it easier.
Natural Beauty and Relaxing Beaches
Isla Blanca
Away from city life, 20 Kms north of Cancun, lies Isla Blanca, the “White Island”. The beach has a very calm atmosphere with no traffic, no clubs, no tall hotels. The beach is untapped due to the private lands between the roads and Blanca, the place can be entered through the parking spaces other than that it is difficult to get into the public but restricted entry beach.
On the western side of Blanca there’s a beautiful lagoon, Laguna Chacmuchuch, filled with a variety of fish species. Activities like kiteboarding and fishing at various spots are a must. People often enjoy bird watching as it is home to distinct bird species. The beach is good for good getaways from the hustle and for spending a quality solitude time.
Playa Norte
The northern part of Playa Norte can be calm and more retreat. The area is not crowded, has shallow waters and powdery white sand. The Caribbean view is very soothing which helps in relaxation.
There are charming restaurants and activities to make your day memorable. You can plan to visit here, have a quiet sunbathe and swim before exploring Isla Mujeres.
Playa del Carmen
If you want to enjoy isolation at best, visit Playa Del Carmen, a 45 minute ride from Cancun. The beach has white sand, turquoise water and a free and easy bohemian atmosphere. It used to be a village where people were mostly occupied in fishing but today it has become one stop for enjoying solitude.
The 5th Avenue in the town is a major tourist attraction, filled with shops, clubs, palm trees, and eateries with bright lighting. Another major attraction for snorkelers and scuba divers is the MesoAmerican Coral Reef, which is the 2nd largest one in the world.
The Mayan Archeological sites nearby can also be on your list on your visit here, the natives and cultural experience are really good. Playa Del Carmen is the best escape from the crowd and hustle bustle energy of Cancun main city, visit to create wonderful memories to cherish your lifetime.
Playa San Miguelito
The beach is between the high rise buildings in the Hotel Zone, which is literally 8 minutes of walking. San Miguelito was once a trading town but today its small archeological site contains remains of the Mayans. There are 4 divisions of the site and information about the important structures have been mentioned in Spanish and English.
You may be charged about 80 dollars to enter here. The tickets can be booked online as well. Make sure to be prepared when you visit the beach, as there will be no eateries or restrooms. The tides here are high but still swimming near the coast can be done.
Playa Gaviota Azul
The Playa Gaviota Azul is tucked away along the Quintana ROo coastline like a well-kept secret. Take a slice of this paradise and bask in the beauty of this beach. You’ll find yourself lost in the embrace of Villa del Palmar Cancun.
There are perfect spots to sit and catch the sunset on Costa Mujeres. This beach will give you the most captivating experiences. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.
Plan your Cancun Beach Getaway With Us
Your dream vacation is just one call away, connect with us to have the most beautiful experience of your life. Book tours for everyday and night because we even have dinner tours you could be interested in. There is so much to explore in Cancun and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on anything.
We help people not just to travel but to explore the originality of the place. Choose your own type, from a romantic and relaxing trip to having culturally exposed and family outings, our experts will help you with the perfect tour option.
Join us to enhance your Cancun vacation, the huge number of beaches and each having different attributes can be quite confusing. We will do the work for you, while you just have to pack and hop on the wonderful journey to the magical paradise.
Visit our website, to know more about us: https://cancunvacationexperts.com/
