Cancun, Mexico, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. It’s no wonder- Cancun is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
If you want to be close to all Cancun has to offer, but don’t know where you want to stay just yet, consider one of these beautiful beaches around town.
Cancun is a great place to visit if you’re looking for sun, sand, and culture.
The beaches are beautiful, and there are plenty of things to do both on the beach and off of it.
You can explore the ancient Mayan ruins, go shopping, or take a catamaran tour. Click here to check out some of our favorite U.S. beaches for more sunny travel fun!
10 Best Beaches in Cancun
1. Playa Delfines
Just south of Cancun’s hotel districts sits Playa Delfines, a quiet little beach that sits between two major hotels. The sand here is soft, the water is crystal clear and there are plenty of shady spots for those seeking respite from the sun.
Plus, you can walk to some fun neighborhood restaurants from this beach without having to take a taxi or bus.
2. Xcacel Beach
Xcacel Beach is one of the most beautiful and diverse beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula. Here you’ll find white sand, clear water, and plenty of marine life swimming right up to the shore; you may even see an oarfish, which can grow to be more than 40 feet long.
The beach is also home to some great swimming holes; take a short hike and find a cavern that leads you through shallow caves filled with natural light.
3. Playa Norte
For a quieter beach experience, head to Playa Norte, located in the northern part of Cancun. It’s a great spot for families who want to get away from the party scene. You’ll find calm, clear waters here, along with plenty of shady spots.
The beach has round-the-clock security and there is a boardwalk that runs right along the sand, making it easy to get to a restaurant or other attractions without having to use a taxi or bus.
4. Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool beach works for both those looking for a quick dip and those who want a little more of a leisurely swim. The best part about this beach is that it’s relatively empty during the day; you’re more likely to have this whole beach all to yourself, which makes it the perfect spot for an afternoon swim.
5. Playa Akumal
Akumal is south of Playa Delfines and is a little more off the beaten path. The beach here sits between the water and an area that’s filled with natural reefs, making this a great place to go snorkeling.
If you want to get even closer to marine life, there are also kayaks and paddle boats available for rent. Akumal has also been declared an ecological reserve by the Mexican government, so it’s a wildlife treasure trove!
6. Playa Las Perlas
Las Perlas is a beautiful, little black sand beach south of Playa Delfines. The sand here is soft and the water is clear. This beach works best for people who like to swim or snorkel since you won’t be able to get into the water much beyond ankle-deep.
However, the beach does have some great restaurants, so if you find yourself here for lunch or dinner be sure to grab some food from one of the many spots nearby.
7. Forum Beach Cancun
The Forum Beach is the southernmost beach in Cancun and is located just north of the Hotel Zone. This popular beach is perfect for lounging in the sun or snorkeling; you’ll find plenty of marine life swimming around nearby.
Thanks to its proximity to the hotel zone, there are lots of great places to grab a bite or a drink nearby.
8. Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is a very popular spot for its natural environment and services. Located on a small peninsula where the Cerro Blanco mountain stands, the area offers miles of powdery soft sand and calm waters.
While it is ideal for families and those who want to relax in privacy, the resort’s popularity has created some problems in the course of time.
9. Costa Mujeres
Located just north of the Hotel Zone, Costa Mujeres is one of Cancun’s best beaches. The beach is relatively empty and has great views of the nearby Mayan reef.
There are lots of swimming spots located here, so if you’re feeling energetic and want to enjoy some water polo or other watersports; this beach is worth checking out.
10. San Miguelito Beach
San Miguelito Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Riviera Maya. This beach is incredibly quiet and offers great swimming opportunities. With perfect water conditions, this beach gets high marks from tourists and locals alike.
Plus, this beach is across from a wildlife refuge and is home to several types of marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
How to have fun in Cancun: not just beaches!
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and the sand, there’s no better place than Cancun. This Mexican city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s also a great place to enjoy other fun tourist activities.
When it comes to the beach, Cancun has a lot to offer. There are many different beaches to choose from, and each one has its own unique features. For example, Playa del Carmen is a great choice for those who want to experience a more traditional Mexican beach atmosphere. Meanwhile, Puerto Morelos is perfect for those who are looking for a more relaxed and secluded beach experience.
Of course, Cancun isn’t just a beach destination. There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy in this Mexican city. For instance, you can visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, or you can explore the underwater world at the Cancun Underwater Museum.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Cancun. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
The beaches have specific pros and cons- so make sure they have what you want before visiting:
- Puerto Morelos: a great choice for those who want to experience a more traditional Mexican beach atmosphere.
- Puerto Morelos: perfect for those who are looking for a more relaxed and secluded beach experience.
- Cozumel: a world-famous diving destination
- Isla Mujeres: known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters
- Akumal: perfect for snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles
- Xpu-Ha: an unspoiled natural beach
- Tulum: home to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city
Other tourist activities you shouldn’t miss
Visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza: This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cancun. Chichen Itza was once a major city of the Mayan civilization, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the underwater world at the Cancun Underwater Museum: This museum is perfect for those who love to explore the underwater world. The museum has many different exhibits, and you can even go on a diving tour.
Visit the Xcaret Eco Park: This eco park is a great place to learn about the animals and plants of Mexico. You can also enjoy some of the park’s many activities, such as swimming with dolphins.
Take a catamaran tour: A catamaran tour is a great way to see the sights of Cancun from the water. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and you might even spot some dolphins or other marine life.
Go shopping: Cancun is home to many different shops, and you’re sure to find something that you’ll love. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just some new clothes, you’ll be able to find it in Cancun.
Visit a Mayan village: If you want to learn more about the Mayan culture, then you should visit one of the Mayan villages in Cancun. You can learn about the history and culture of the Maya, and you might even get to try some traditional Maya food.
My story
I had always wanted to visit Cancun. The beaches looked so beautiful in the pictures, and I knew that I would love the Mexican culture. So when I had the chance to go on a trip there, I jumped at the opportunity.
I arrived in Cancun and was immediately impressed by the beauty of the city. The beaches were even more beautiful than I had imagined, and I spent every day lounging on the sand and swimming in the ocean. The water was so clear and blue, and it was really refreshing to cool off in during the hot Mexican sun.
I also did some other fun tourist activities while I was in Cancun. I visited the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, and it was really amazing to see these ruins that were so old. I also went snorkeling at Akumal, and it was a lot of fun to see all of the different fish and coral up close.
Overall, I had a great time in Cancun. The beaches were beautiful, the culture was interesting, and there were plenty of fun things to do. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some sun and sand, then Cancun is definitely the place for you. I also love these awesome Guatemala beaches…
Conclusion
Cancun, Mexico is a great vacation spot if you want to spend some time on the beach. Check out these great El Salvador beaches since you’re somewhat in the same area! There are plenty of gorgeous beaches to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits what you’re looking for. No matter which beach you choose, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy it a lot.
Hi, I’m Ryan Nelson! I live in the Hamptons, out on Long Island, near Ponquogue Beach. The beach is a place where I can find peace and serenity. It’s a place where I can sit and clear my head. The waves crashing on the shore somehow helps me to relax, while also reminding me that I am far from the stressors of daily life.
