Cancun Beaches are known worldwide thanks to their gorgeous turquoise color and its warm and white sand. In them, you will be able to enjoy several aquatic sports. Some hotels count on private beaches for guests’ enjoyment. If your hotel does not have a private beach, there is no need to worry, we will show you some options for your consideration.
You might have wondered how many beaches are there in Cancun. Truth is they are all gorgeous, even though some are more famous than others, that’s why we will make a shortlist of Cancun public beaches and how can you get to them, so you won’t leave without trying them.
All these beaches are in Cancun Hotel Zone, so it will be really easy to move from one to another and be amazed by the nearby hotels and monuments.
Cancun Hotel Zone Beaches
Playa Ballenas (Whale Beach)
It stands out from the rest of Cancun beaches thanks to its distance from the hustle and bustle that allows spending a quiet and calm day. It has an incredible landscape, crystal waters, and surf-convenient waves throughout the year.
This is an open-sea beach, therefore it’s not recommended for swimming, as there is no wave-breaker to lower sea intensity. It counts with restrooms, dressing rooms, wooden-umbrellas (little “palapas”), showers and some nice restaurants.
Its access is a bit hidden around Hotel Zone km 14 between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc. It’s right between Hard Rock and Secrets hotels. Even though it looks like it, is not a private beach.
Playa Delfines (Dolphins Beach)
The most popular public beach of Cancun. It’s also known as El Mirador (The Lookout) thanks to a high wooden structure that works as a lookout right in front of the sea from where you will be able to enjoy amazing sunrises and sunsets. It’s ideal for those looking for calm and tranquility. Considered one of the best familiar beaches in Cancun.
It has warm and crystal waters. Plus, you will find several free services such as a kids’ playground, an open-air gym, a lookout, palapas, and free Wi-Fi. It’s one of the best beaches to practice aquatic sports.
To get there is pretty easy. It’s located on Boulevard Kukulcan km 18. Although it’s a bit far from buildings and hotels, you can reach it by bus, car or even bike.
Playa Las Perlas (Pearls Beach)
Is one of the most visited coasts in Cancun. Its waves are normally tranquil, making it a peaceful beach perfect to swim calmly and near to the touristic district. Plus, it counts with beachfront restaurants offering exquisite dishes to enjoy.
It’s a small beach compared to others. We recommend to first to rest enjoying the sun and stunning landscape. You could try scuba or snorkel if looking for recreational activity.
It’s located exactly on Kukulcan Boulevard km 2.5. You will be able to reach it via private vehicle or public transport.
Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach)
A crystal-water white-sand beach where suntanning can be ideal. Its waves are calm, which will let you swim peacefully.
There is a Dolphin Tour available, in which you can interact with these smart aquatic friends. Besides a walk by the pier and kayak all around it, from its coasts, you will be able to reach Isla Mujeres and to play either football or volleyball. Thanks to its easy surge, it is on the list of preferred beaches by tourists. It also has an inflatable to play and workout.
Reach this beach is also easy. It is located on Boulevard Kukulcan km 5, where you can arrive either by public buses or private cars.
Playa Chac-Mool (Chac-Mool Beach)
Waves on this beach are less calm, making it one of the most visited by surfers and those who dare to take adventures. It’s one of Cancun’s beaches with the most touristic potential. It is located few meters from several hotels and restaurants.
Everything about this beach is amazing. Its waters are crystal clear and it is surrounded by several shops. A public beach offering free restrooms, dressing rooms, and beach chairs.
It is located on Kukulcan Boulevard km 10, where is actually easy to arrive either by car o public transportation.
Playa Tortugas (Turtles Beach)
This can be one of the best options in terms of Cancun Beaches. It counts with a nice and festive atmosphere where you can relax or practice aquatic sports.
This small but beautiful beach gives the option to bungee-jump, snorkel, scuba, or sail to Isla Mujeres. It is considered a familiar beach, and it has all the amenities you may hope to find, besides several nearby restaurants.
It is located in Kukulcan Boulevard km 8. If you happen to be traveling on public transport, there is a stop right in front of the beach entrance, so it may be really easy and comfortable to arrive.
Playa Marlin (Marlin Beach)
One of the biggest beaches in Cancun. Ideal to surf although it’s low-waves. If you’re getting started with surfing, here you will be able to completely enjoy the wind and waves. It counts with restrooms, parking lot, showers, and public dining tables which can be very useful if you happen to bring food.
It is located in the heart of Hotel Zone. A recommendation would be to visit it on turtles season.
Playa Linda (Cute Beach)
A familiar beach thanks to its calm waters and its tranquil ambiance. Although it’s quite near Downtown, it counts with a channel (Sigfrido Channel) where Nichupte Lagoon and Caribbean Sea waters join, and a bridge (Calinda Bridge). A tranquil zone, ideal for children.
You will be able to enjoy a Pirates show, piers, the scenic tower (which is very close to the beach), and ships sailing to Isla Mujeres. Although looks like a private beach, it’s public.
It is located in Kukulcan Boulevard km 4, short-distance from Downtown.
Playa Caracol (Snail Beach)
A wide, clean, cute, and turquoise waters beach. A bit small, but with dedicated spaces for all tastes, both for family and friends groups.
There are not many things to do here, however, you can relax, enjoy the atmosphere and take a dip into the turquoise sea or eat something delicious in any of the nearby restaurants.
It is located on Kukulcan Boulevard km 9, also accessible via public buses or private vehicles.
Playa Gaviota Azul (Blue Seagull Beach)
A complete tropical paradise with a strong turquoise tone and moderated waves, allowing relaxed visits. It’s possible to practice surf, rent a jet-ski or paddle-board. Atmosphere is youthful and party-lover, where you can also enjoy bars and restaurants. It is located in the heart of Kukulcan Boulevard, Hotel Zone.
Playa Punta Cancún (Cancun Tip Beach)
This beautiful beach separates Hotel Zone’s north area and south area. Most popular activities are kayak, windsurf, autonomous scuba, and snorkel. It’s a beach with slow waves and an amazing color that will let you swim calmly.
Playa Sonrisa (Smile Beach)
An adults-only optional-clothing beach. In case you like this kind of adventure, this is the ideal place. Considerably far from what is actually Cancun, but still in the area (kind of). It counts with nearby hotels. A beach without many amenities but offering everything necessary for a comfortable experience with privacy, happy and festive ambiance.
No more to say, you may now plan which of these Cancun Beaches are you visiting. Don’t forget to book your transportation, and enjoy these tropical treasures.