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 specific purpose 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 word for beach, which is “playa” in Spanish.
Ready for the seashore — or rather our list of beaches? Remember these beach picks are subjective, and you should always research, especially if you have a particular beach style or budget constraints.
Beaches for Water Sports
Playa Marlín
Playa Marlín is in the heart of the Hotel Zone, offering stunning views and attractions between the many resorts near Plaza Kukulcan, at kilometer 13. While it's a popular spot with facilities, it's a Blue Flag site that tends to be less crowded than other beaches nearby. Currents can be strong, so water sports like surfing are ideal, as long as you adhere to safety warnings from lifeguards. You also can enjoy sunbathing or shopping at the open-air La Isla Shopping Village, an upscale mall within walking distance.
Playa Las Perlas
Located just a short distance from the hotel zone, this Blue Flag beach offers a well-maintained beach with gentle waves and amenities like 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
Located 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. You'll want to arrive early, possibly as early as sunrise, as parking is limited, and it’s a favorite place to go among locals. Because it's a little off-the-beaten-path, late-night businesses or transportation are limited.
Playa Tortugas
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
Imagine a remote beach, and you'd be close — even beach camping. What it lacks in infrastructure you'll find in charm. Sunsets are especially spectacular. Bring everything for the day you'll need, including bug spray to deter mosquitos. On the lagoon side, there are crocodiles. However, you'll enjoy the side facing the sea as well as the ability to snorkel and take in the 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 Downtown Cancun and Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone).
Playa el Cocal
Located near Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women), Playa el Cocal on Isla Mujeres will allow you to enjoy the calm waters of the bay. 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 with its 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
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. It's within walking distance of Señor Frog's, off Boulevard Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone, at kilometer 10. 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 generally less crowded, you may hear music from nearby beach clubs.
Playa Mujeres
This luxury resort area offers a romantic escape while still being conveniently close to Cancun attractions. Located north of the Hotel Zone, there are pristine beaches and stunning sunsets that create the perfect backdrop for a couple's retreat or adults-only vacation. Generally, sargassum seaweed isn't much of a problem here, as it's well-kept, especially by the properties. Personally, I also enjoyed the service beachside. It's not uncommon to receive an offer of a soothing massage from a cabana on the beach — often for a much better price than the resort.
See-and-be-seen Scenic Beaches
Playa Delfines
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 means it can get overcrowded, 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)
This is a popular place to go — not only for the people-watching but also for the ease of access. You can buy passes from fun places to go, such as Coco Bongo Beach Club and Mandala Beach Club. Keep in mind, though, that beach clubs aren't for little ones or the faint of heart — drinking, twerking and partying bikini contestants are to be expected, but you can choose to avoid the rowdiness and head to the beach, where you can instead see the amazing rock formations, sandy beach and views of the Caribbean Sea. In fact, 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.
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 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 “seven,” as calmer waters are on the horizontal strip. Consider Playa Mujeres to the north or south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya resort district. Although the Hotel Zone's vertical side still features lovely beaches and views, there are occasionally rough waves and strong undertows, which would be challenging for a less experienced swimmer or child. You’ll also want to ask your hotel about sargassum seaweed, but more about that later.
- 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 allowed).
- What are Blue Flag beaches? Meanwhile, sites certified as Blue Flag Beaches recognize sustainable tourism and a high level of quality and commitment to environmental and safety standards. The 2023-2024 Blue Flag Beaches in Quintana Roo include Playa Delfines, Playa del Niño, Playa Langosta, Playa Marlín, Playa Las Perlas and Playa Ballenas. Playa Norte and Playa Centro on nearby Isla Mujeres also hold this certification.
- What should I bring to the beach? One of the perks of a beach club or waterfront resort is that you have nearby food options and somewhere safe to store your belongings. If you're on your own, you'll need to use reasonable precautions. Bring a beach bag that's spacious enough for essentials like snacks, towels and sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Swimsuits are a must, too, as nude sunbathing is not permitted. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen for UV protection, filtered water to safely stay hydrated and cash for rentals and vendors. You can use Mexican pesos, of course, but many vendors prefer American dollars.
Visit a Cancun Beach 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 to November, as well as currents and 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 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 beautiful scenery and a festive time with loved ones or friends.