Welcome to Cancun, Mexico’s beautiful and sunny beaches! Cancun is a beach lover’s paradise with kilometers of white beaches, pristine lagoons, and thriving marine life. Everyone can find something to do in Cancun, whether they want to relax in the sun, swim in the clear waters, or participate in water sports.
The beaches in Cancun, from the well-known Playa Delfines to the quiet Playa Nizuc, are some of the best in the world. Cancun provides the ideal environment for a restful and rejuvenating holiday with its tropical climate and wide stretches of shoreline. So gather your sunscreen and sunglasses, and get ready to explore Cancun’s top beaches!
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#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.
People also refer Beach Delfines 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. Tulum Beach
This is one of the top beaches in Cancun, Mexico, that tourists can visit and have fun. It is lovely to travel to Tulum Beach, where there are many things to do. Some of the greatest preserved Mayan ruins in the world are the main draw.
The Tulum National Park is another place you might go, where you can go swimming in the glistening seas or explore the rainforest. There are several beach bars and restaurants where you can have a cocktail and some authentic Mexican food if you’re seeking a more laid-back experience. No trip to Tulum would be complete, of course, if you didn’t spend some time relaxing on the gorgeous white-sand beaches. So Tulum Beach has something to offer everyone, whether you’re seeking excitement or leisure.
#3. Costa Mujeres
Located on a stretch of sun-drenched sand, a brand-new gated luxury development lies about 30 minutes north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. A gated enclave with numerous all-inclusive resorts, dining options, golf courses, and other amenities is Costa Mujeres.
The Isla Blanca beach, archeological ruins, the Chacmuchuc lagoon, and other natural wonders are among the magnificent sights of Costa Mujeres that can be explored. Isla Blanca Beach is frequently cited as the best beach in the vicinity.
The journey will undoubtedly be worthwhile, but you’ll need to rent a car unless you’re staying at one of the local hotels. You must also be ready when you arrive. Here, there are neither eateries nor public restrooms. But, the absence of development is what keeps this beach so beautiful and unspoiled.
#4. Playa Norte
A little island off the coast of Cancun called Isla Mujeres is home to Playa Norte, also known as North Beach. The pristine white sand and brilliantly blue seas of this remote beach are well recognized.
The palm trees that flank the shore provide plenty of shade for visitors. It is the ideal location to spend a day in the sun because it has several bars and restaurants. It’s understandable why Playa Norte is regarded as one of Mexico’s top beaches. The sand is as smooth as powder, and the water is warm and welcoming. Given how quiet the beach is, this is the ideal place for book readers.
#5. Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool boasts the same expanse of brilliant sand as other more famous 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. (And though, keep in mind that Playa Forum can get rather rowdy, and there can 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. Isla Mujeres Playa Centro
This is one of the beaches in Cancun without seaweed. Playa Centro is unquestionably one of Quintana Roo’s most well-liked beaches thanks to its white sand and stunning waves. Isla Mujeres must therefore be visited by many tourists while they are in Cancun. A number of leisure activities are available at this sargassum-free beach, including paddleboarding, snorkeling, and whale and dolphin viewing. Many dining establishments, bars, and shops that sell fine jewelry are located near the shore.
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#7. Cozumel
Another island off the coast of Playa del Carmen with beaches that face west is Cozumel. This sizable island, which is still largely undeveloped, is popular for scuba diving and the underwater artwork of the Museo Subacuático de Arte. Together with a few top-notch resorts and eateries, Cozumel is also home to some magnificent Mayan ruins. The east half of the island has seen some sargassum over the past year, but the west side has seen absolutely no seaweed.
#8. Isla Blanca
A one-hour journey will take you to the north of Cancun to this peninsula. With a lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, it frequently avoids the seaweed that affects areas further south. For fans of water sports, the lagoon is a great spot to kitesurf.
Due to the fact that Isla Blanca is largely undeveloped and the final stretch of the road is unpaved, many tourists opt to rent a car or go on a tour. Sargassum levels during your visit can also be advised by tour firms. If you’re traveling alone, the beach club offers food and drinks, as well as rental umbrellas and loungers.
#9. Bacalar
This tiny fishing community is situated close to the Belizean border in the extreme south of Quintana Roo. There isn’t a beach here, but the town is perched on the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, where you can kayak through undiscovered coves and swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.
Together with the cenotes and Mayan remains located just outside of town, you can also learn about the historic fort of San Felipe, which was constructed in the 18th century to stave off pirates. Instead of all-inclusive resorts, Bacalar is home to distinctive B&Bs and boutique hotels, many of which put an emphasis on eco-friendly travel.
#10. Cenotes
Some of the most amazing natural beauties in the Riviera Maya are cenotes or sinkholes. These freshwater swimming holes, scattered across the jungle and many of which are easily accessible from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, were formed when the limestone above collapsed. Some are ideal for diving or snorkeling, while others are better suited for a leisurely swim. They might be shallow or deep, entirely open or partially covered.
With five cenotes and a range of tour options, Park Dos Ojos, which is located just north of Tulum, offers the best of both worlds. Shower before going into the water when visiting a cenote to get rid of any sunscreen or other items that can contaminate the water. Due to the fact that people own almost all cenotes privately, there is a nominal entrance fee.
What Is the Most Popular Beach in Cancun?
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.
Are Beaches Swimmable in Cancun?
There are few places where swimming is not recommended. Overall though, Cancun features some of Mexico’s best beaches, and you can easily pass a whole day swimming or lounging by the water there.
Are Beaches Free in Cancun?
The relatively modest Playa Tortugas beach is located about 6 kilometers to the northeast of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The beach is open all year round for free use, and the water along its edges is shallow enough for kids to swim in.
Should I Rent a Car in Cancun?
To be able to freely explore the Yucatan Peninsula at your own leisure and take advantage of everything it has to offer, we highly advise renting a car in Cancun. Driving was safe and simple for us, and we heartily recommend renting a car in Cancun.