Cancun Beaches
Cancún is famed for its soft, powdery beaches and tranquil turquoise waves, which wash onto the fine white sands of the shore. Visit the largest public beach here, Playa Delfines, and unwind under sun-soaked skies as you laze on the sand, overlooking the glistening aqua ocean. Or, head to the peaceful Puerto Morelos and sunbathe on the seafront to see the boats sail by.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is about an hour and a half drive from bustling Cancún, so you can explore this gorgeous part of Mexico and see even more of the breathtaking coastline here. This breathtaking bay is certainly something to write home about, thanks to its distinctive half-moon shape, which makes it a truly picturesque part of the coastline.
If you’re looking to get away from the party beaches and see some unique natural features, then Half Moon Bay is the ideal place for you. It is a great spot for a stroll to take in the tranquil views of the Caribbean Sea; there are many tour operators offering snorkelling trips here, too. Meanwhile, you can grab some food at one of the many restaurants scattered along the seafront.
There are condos and hotels dotted along the bay, but it is no way near as busy as many of the other beaches in Cancún, or in the surrounding area. So, you can spread out on the sands, without having to worry about busy tourist crowds.
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool is a wide, expansive beach, with plenty of room to spread out for a day in the sun. As a public beach, there is no entrance fee like many others in Cancún. So, you don’t have to belong to one of the on-site resorts to come and relax on the sands while taking in the lively atmosphere.
There are many local buses to ride on over to Playa Chac Mool, which is the perfect spot to enjoy an ice-cold beer while looking out onto the turquoise, Caribbean Sea. Rated well for the range of water sports to partake in, this beach is any water baby’s dream.
You can find some large rocks on the beach, too, if you fancy exploring. Holidaymakers can then grab a bite to eat at one of the diverse bars that line this glorious coastline. Plus, there are plenty of shops close by if you fancy picking up some snacks or memorable souvenirs.
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is a clean, sandy beach which can be easily reached by bus from central Cancún. It is actually one of the most popular public beaches in the area due to its large size, and there are plenty of nearby amenities which make bringing both family and friends here absolutely ideal.
You can expect gorgeously warm weather on this beach, as well as room to spread out on. Why not take a walk down to the beach and listen to the rolling waves? The on-site facilities here include toilets, showers and free umbrellas to use. Plus, you can hire a sun lounger to soak up the warm temperatures all day long.
The ocean is perfect for swimming in if you fancy splashing about in between catching some rays. Meanwhile, there are plenty of wines, beers and cocktails available to sip at the beach bar. This is a fantastic and convenient beach for everyone to enjoy, which brings both locals and visitors back again and again, for a day in the sun or a scenic evening stroll.
Playa Forum
Playa Forum is a lively beach, where you can pick up some food or simply sunbathe under the beaming sunshine. The beach is located in the heart of the hotel zone, with access to the nearby shopping centre, too, meaning you can indulge in some local finds just a short walk away from the sands.
Check out the menus at the cafés and restaurants along Playa Forum to pick up some quick bites, such as nachos or burritos, while the bar staff whip up delicious ice-cold cocktails for you. The sea is a gorgeous blue all along the coast and its warm inviting waters are the perfect place to take a dip.
This public beach has plenty of room to lie on, plus, umbrellas are available to use for when the sun gets high in the sky. So, why not come and experience the buzz around Playa Forum in Cancún and see what all the fuss is about?
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is an excellent beach for families visiting Cancún; it offers plenty of amenities, as well as fine, white sand which stretches all the way out to the ocean. This idyllic beach is the ideal place to spread out and soak up the sun, with plenty of room to do so thanks to the reduced tourist crowds.
Holidaymakers can use freshwater showers after taking a quick swim in the azure ocean waters here. There are also toilets located on-site, alongside lockers, which are available to rent to store your belongings in while you spend hours basking in the sunshine.
This clean beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing on and will leave you wanting to return again and again, especially since it is here where you can hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres. So, sail atop the crystal-clear waters on an exciting day trip and explore some of the spectacular destinations Cancún has to offer.
Playa Marlin
Nestled in the Hotel Zone, located just minutes away from the bustling Kukulcan Plaza shopping mall lies the blissful beach - Playa Marlin. This is one of the most popular beaches in Cancún; it provides the ideal space to escape the tourist crowds, who flock to the area to enjoy the gorgeous weather.
Savour peace and quiet here, along with the relaxing sound of the rolling waves, as this beach has fewer vendors than many of the others in Cancún. Holidaymakers can rent out sun loungers as well as umbrellas to relax on under the sizzling Mexican sunshine. Lifeguards are present on this beach; giving parents peace of mind when they venture on a family-fun day out.
Playa Marlin is easily accessible by either bus or car, with bus stops situated close by, as well as numerous car parks found nearby. Adventure-seekers love heading over to this sandy hotspot since the waters offer great conditions for surfing and parasailing. So, pack up your surfboard and head here to really make a splash.
Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is one of the smaller beaches in Cancún but has plenty going on and offers an array of things to do. You won’t be short of cafés, bars and open-air restaurants to choose from; you can even order a drink while sitting on the warm sand, meaning you can savour pure relaxation in Cancún without having to lift a finger...
As Playa Tortugas has a ferry terminal, there is plenty going on and there are all kinds of tours available here, from snorkelling adventures to boat trips, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re travelling by car or bus, there are various parking spots to choose from and it’s easy enough to hop on and off the bus.
Like many beaches in Cancún, the water at Playa Tortugas is beautifully blue and very inviting. For this reason, many visitors take a dip in the warm ocean or snorkel to see the fish and coral beneath the surface.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a small, quiet town just a short drive from the bustling city of Cancún. If you want to get away from the busy beaches and tourists to experience a little slice of paradise, then this is the spot for you. The blissful beach here is not far from the town square, where you can find light coloured sand and a shallow ocean that is bright, blue and clear.
Take in the tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere of this beach as you recharge in a place where the pace of life is that bit slower, while the whole family enjoys sunbathing in the sunshine.
Look out onto the glorious Caribbean Sea while the kids build sandcastles, or embark on a snorkelling tour with one of the many tour operators you can find on this part of the coastline. You will also get the chance to see a whole range of tropical fish, coral and even sea turtles swimming all around you in the depths of the ocean.
Tulum Ruins Beach
Tulum Ruins Beach is located right next to the intriguing archaeological site of Tulum Ruins. So, if you fancy a quiet beach visit which feels like going back in time, then this is the sandy spot for you.
Compared to many of the bustling public beaches you can find in Cancún, this small beach certainly feels off-the-beaten-track, as you can experience some peace and tranquillity in Tulum. In fact, it takes just under two hours to drive here from Cancún, but not to worry; there are plenty of tour operators that can take you and show you the best features.
The sand here is fine and white, plus the shallow, turquoise waters are perfect for a relaxing dip in the ocean. Make sure you also visit the incredible, neighbouring archaeological site of Tulum Ruins; embark on a tour to admire the ancient structures and how they came to be, before relaxing on the adjacent beach. So, for a diverse beach with a difference, venture here on your holiday to Cancún.
Xcacel beach
Xcacel is where travellers can find enchanting ocean vistas and powdery white sand, amongst a backdrop of luscious greenery. The beach offers warm, welcoming sea waters that are both shallow and clear; being ideal for taking a dip or even snorkelling in, to discover a glorious underwater world. Bring your own snorkelling gear along with you to explore the coral reef teeming with life, before relaxing on this blissful stretch of coastline.
Xcacel beach is also a nature reserve and protected turtle sanctuary, so there is a host of trails to embark on for a peaceful stroll. You’ll even get to see turtles here in certain seasons. There are various activities to enjoy here, too, and seeing majestic dolphins dipping in and out of the sea is certainly an experience you should encounter.
As there are no shops at this secluded beach, make sure you bring anything you might need to spend a day unwinding in the Cancún sunshine.