Odds are you’re going to the beach in Cancun if you’re visiting this popular Mexican destination. And figuring out the best beaches in Cancun — renowned as much for its all-inclusive resorts as spring breakers — depends on your travel style and preference. Are you looking to book an all-inclusive resort overlooking the beach? Are you looking for an Instagram-worthy scenic view or a family-friendly beach in Cancun? Do you want to be able to reserve a Bali bed or palapa, like at AAA Four Diamond Paradisus Cancun Resort? Whatever your preferred beach vibe, you'll find some of our top picks. You'll also find best practices for your beach vacation, tips and things to know — starting with the Spanish word for beach, which is “playa."
These playas, or beaches, are among the top things to do in Cancun, both for convenience and beauty. So let's get ready for the seashore — or rather our list of beaches!
Note: These beach picks are subjective, and you should always research, especially if you have budget constraints or a particular beach style.
Beaches for Water Sports
Because of the beautiful waters and semi-tropical climate, Cancun beaches are perfect for an assortment of activities, including parasailing, snorkeling or surfing. Use caution if swimming; you can expect occasional rough waves and strong undertows in the Hotel Zone, which can be challenging for children or less experienced swimmers. You’ll also want to ask your hotel about sargassum seaweed, but more about that later.
Playa Marlín
Location: Boulevard Kukulkan, km 13, Zona Hotelera
Playa Marlín is in the heart of the Hotel Zone, offering stunning views and attractions between the many resorts near Plaza Kukulcan. While it's a popular spot with facilities, it's a Blue Flag site that tends to be less crowded than other beaches nearby. Waves can be strong, so water sports like surfing are ideal, as long as you adhere to safety warnings from lifeguards. (Remember to swim parallel to shore if you get caught in a riptide.) On land, you can enjoy sunbathing or shopping at the open-air La Isla Shopping Village, an upscale mall within walking distance.
Playa Las Perlas
Location: Boulevard Kukulkan, km. 2, Zona Hotelera
This Blue Flag beach features gentle waves and well-maintained amenities like free parking, restrooms, showers and palapas for shade. There are also plenty of fun things to do, including catamaran rentals for exploring the coast from Las Perlas Marina. This is where I enjoyed a catamaran luxury sailing experience, which included the option to snorkel and visit Isla Mujeres.
Family-Friendly Beaches and Calm Waters
Cancun's family-friendly beaches, like Playa del Niño and Playa Tortugas, offer calm waters perfect for swimming and playing. Bring essentials such as sunscreen, water, snacks and beach toys to ensure a fun and safe day for everyone. If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, see if you can borrow any beach gear you might need or use your resort credit for beach activities.
Playa del Niño
Location: Avenida López Portillo 2-85, in Cancun's Puerto Juárez neighborhood
This small Blue Flag Beach offers calm waters and gentle waves as well as an enjoyable environment for all ages. With lifeguards on duty, you and your family can swim with peace of mind. Offerings include a playground as well as restrooms, showers and palapas. You'll also be able to grab lunch or a snack from nearby vendors. It's a popular place for locals especially. You'll want to arrive early, possibly as early as sunrise, as parking is limited (and for a fee).
Playa Tortugas
Location: Boulevard Kukulkan, km. 6.5, Zona Hotelera
Near downtown Cancun, this beach is perfect for budget-conscious families who appreciate easy access and gentle waves. Enjoy affordable food from kiosks and consider swimming, snorkeling or partaking in other adventures. With frequent ferry departures from this area, getting to Isla Mujeres for a day trip is convenient and hassle-free.
Off-the-Beaten Path and Relaxed Beaches
Keep in mind that on less crowded beaches, you will need to bring your own goods, and pack away any trash on your way out. There may or may not be lifeguards.
Isla Blanca
Location: Off Avenida Bonampak — 12.4 miles (20 km) north of Downtown Cancún
Imagine a remote beach, and you'd be close — even beach camping. Bring everything for the day you'll need, including money and bug spray to deter mosquitos. Plan ahead for your return trip, as cellphone service may be spotty at this thin peninsula. What it lacks in infrastructure, however, you'll find in charm. Sunsets are especially spectacular. On the lagoon side, there are crocodiles. On the seaside, you can snorkel and view coral. There is beach parking, but you might need to negotiate. Alternatively, book a ride on a shuttle service or take a taxi to get there. Taxis will be more expensive from Cancun's downtown and Zona Hotelera.
Playa el Cocal
Location: On the northern end of Isla Mujeres, just a short walk from the ferry terminal.
This beach on Isla Mujeres will allow you to enjoy the calm waters of the Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women). It's perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Isla Mujeres itself is less than 5 miles long, making it easy to explore. Nearby Playa Norte — a Blue Flag Beach — provides another serene beach option on the tip of the island with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
Romantic Beaches
Cancun's romantic beaches offer stunning sunsets and adult-only vibes. Expect soft white sand, turquoise waters and an atmosphere ideal for intimate strolls and quiet moments together.
Playa Chac Mool
Location: Boulevard Kukulcán Km 9.5, adjacent to Playa Forum/Gaviota Azul and across from Señor Frog's
Bring a picnic lunch to this destination, which gets its name from a reclining statue associated with the God of Rain in the Maya culture. Though parking is limited, it offers a great beach for sunbathing and beach sports, such as snorkeling and windsurfing, and there's a lifeguard on duty. You'll see rocks on the shore and attractive shallow blue water; be aware of coral and the stronger currents occasionally present. Though it's generally less crowded, you may hear music from nearby beach clubs.
Costa Mujeres
Location: 9.3 miles (15 km) north of Downtown Cancún and the Zona Hotelera
This luxury resort area offers a romantic escape while still being conveniently close to Cancun attractions. There are pristine beaches and stunning sunsets that create the perfect backdrop for a couple's retreat or adults-only vacation. Beachside service is a perk. It's not uncommon to order drinks by the beach or receive an offer to get a massage at a cabana on the beach — often for a much better price than the resort. Expect beautiful scenery as well. Generally, sargassum seaweed isn't much of a problem here, as it's well-kept, especially by the properties.
See-and-be-seen Scenic Beaches
Playa Delfines
Location: Km. 18 toward the southern end of the Hotel Zone
Turquoise waters, white sand and its Blue Flag certification, recognizing its water quality, safety and environmental management, make this a must-do beach. However, its popularity (and free parking) can lead to overcrowding, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may detract from your relaxing beach experience. The waves also are often strong, making it less ideal for swimming than other beaches in Cancun. (In fact, it's said to be where most beach rescues happen, so pay attention to beach flags and lifeguards if you go.) Unlike other commercialized spots in the Zona Hotelera, Playa Delfines offers charming features and the iconic “Cancun” sign that is perfect for photo opportunities.
Playa Forum (Playa Gaviota Azul)
Location: Km. 9.5 near nightlife in the heart of the Hotel Zone
This is a popular place to go — not only for the people-watching but also for the convenience. Access is free, of course, but you can buy passes from fun places to go, such as Coco Bongo Beach Club or Mandala Beach Club. Keep in mind, though, that beach clubs aren't for little ones or for the faint of heart — drinking, twerking and partying bikini contestants are to be expected. If you go to, say, Coco Bongo and choose to bypass the rowdiness, you can go straight from the entrance to the beach, where you'll witness amazing rock formations, sandy beach and views of the Caribbean Sea. How do I know this? My friends and I used Coco Bongo as a base before heading out to shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Coral Negro. As part of our package, we received free drinks, sliders or hot dogs with fries and the use of the restroom. This package was much cheaper than simply traveling from a resort by taxi and offered a lot more perks.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun Beaches:
Going to the beach in Mexico might feel a little intimidating if you decide to visit a beach outside of your resort area. Here are some things to know about beaches in Cancun:
- Are beaches in Cancun public? All beaches in Cancun are public beaches, although full access may come from a hotel or restaurant reservation. For the most part, you can enjoy the beaches in front of all-inclusives, although you won’t be able to access food or all the amenities without a day pass. Popular AAA Four Diamond properties Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Secrets The Vine Cancun, among others, offer day passes.
- What about beach parking? For easily accessible beaches, a local told me she often buys a day pass to a resort — or pays admission at a beach club, if seeking a livelier scene at the beach. Note: It's not a major problem in Cancun, but drivers might encounter franeleros or viene-viene — aka “come, comes.” This informal parking attendant, often with a cone, guards parking areas for tips or even blocks spaces. They aren’t expressly permitted, but you might find it’s easier to pay 20 to 50 pesos at the most (just under $3).
- What to know about swimming in Cancun? Many places to stay in Cancun are in the Zona Hotelera, aka Hotel Zone, which geographically resembles the numeral seven. If you’re looking for a calm swim zone, either go to the pool or book a place to stay at the top of the “7,” as calmer waters are on the horizontal strip. Consider Costa Mujeres to the north or south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya resort district.
- What should you expect of marine life in Cancun? You'll find people plan to swim with docile whale sharks and bull sharks since dangerous species tend to stay farther offshore, and attacks are rare. Do stay aware of sting rays. Although not entirely effective, the “stingray shuffle,” in which you move your feet slowly in the sand once you get into ankle-deep water, is better than nothing and might alert the shy creature to flee.
- How do I get in the water safely? As in many coastal destinations, there's a beach flag system to alert beachgoers: green (safely go), yellow (use caution), red (note danger) and black (no swimming).
How and When to Visit Cancun with AAA
The beaches in and around Cancun offer something for everyone, from vibrant beach clubs and waterfront resorts to the beautiful beaches on Isla Mujeres. When planning your trip, it's crucial to consider the best time to go to Cancun. The dry season, from December to April, offers clear skies and pristine waters, although it can be busy during peak periods. Also be mindful of challenges, such as hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November, as well as currents and the influx of sargassum seaweed. In Cancun, sargassum seaweed typically becomes problematic from May to October, during which time officials and Cancun hotels and resorts actively clean the beaches daily to maintain their pristine condition. Informal and formal groups on social media have popped up to monitor conditions and maintenance, including Mexico Sargassum Seaweed Updates and Red Sargazo.
There's a lot to decide, so consider opting for a hassle-free vacation experience through a AAA Travel Agent, who can help you refine the details and find anything from budget-friendly things to do in Cancun to tropical all-inclusive packages for a honeymoon or other special event. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or family fun, Cancun's beaches promise a festive time with friends or loved ones and beautiful scenery at a great price.