Cancun is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Even when sargassum seaweed becomes an issue along the Riviera Maya (late spring to the middle of autumn, but it is not set in stone and varies slightly from year to year), Cancun’s beaches often stay relatively clear. This is thanks to the proactive cleanup efforts of the Hotel Zone, where many hotels invest heavily in maintaining their beachfronts. Most of Cancun’s main public beaches are within the Hotel Zone, a stretch of over 20 km (about 12.4 miles) lined with many of the city’s major hotels, making it the heart of Cancun’s tourism scene.
Best Beaches In Cancun
It’s important to remember that all beaches in Mexico are public by law. It means you can enjoy any beach without paying—even those in front of luxury hotels. You may not be able to walk directly through a hotel’s property to get to a beach, but you can usually access it by following the shoreline. Relaxing on the sand is always free. However, you might need to pay for amenities like sun loungers or parasols, especially near hotels. Many hotels in Cancun offer paid Day Passes which allow holders to use the hotel’s amenities for a day while enjoying the beach in front of it.
In this article, we are going to make a quick review of all the beaches in the Hotel Zone. We will cover them in the same order they are located if you are driving from downtown Cancun to the Hotel Zone. The first on our list is Playa Las Perlas.
Playa Las Perlas
Playa Las Perlas, the closest beach to downtown Cancun, is nestled on the 2.5 km (approx. 1.5 miles) of Kukulkan Boulevard at the start of the Hotel Zone. This convenient location makes it popular with both locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere. Though not expansive, the beach offers stunning views and a vibrant scene.
As the beach is located on the northern end of the Hotel Zone, the water here is generally calm, thanks to the land shielding it from strong winds. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for families with young children. While the seafloor is mostly sandy, there are some rocky areas, so it’s good to be mindful when entering the water.
Despite its smaller size, Playa Las Perlas is well-maintained and offers a charming, relaxing experience. With easy access, ample shade from palapas (thatched-roof sun parasols), palm trees and other greenery, and a clean, safe environment, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.
There are a few local eateries and food vendors nearby where you can grab a quick bite or refreshments.
Compared to Cancun’s more popular beaches, Playa Las Perlas tends to be less crowded, offering a peaceful and laid-back vibe. This beach is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more family-oriented experience without venturing far from Cancun’s main attractions.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Closest to downtown
- Beach Size: This is not a large beach
- Parking: Yes
- Bathrooms & Showers: yes, including wheelchair accessible ones
- Shade: Lots of shade available: palapas, palm trees, covered tables and benches
- Shops & Cafes: available within walking distance from the beach
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Medical assistance: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets and showers
- Other: Outdoor gym, Information booth
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is a popular public beach located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone at kilometer 5. This beautiful stretch of coastline is known for its calm, clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, making it ideal for families with young children or those who prefer a peaceful swimming experience. One of the highlights is the colorful “CANCUN” sign, perfect for that quintessential vacation photo op.
While Playa Langosta offers a more developed beach experience compared to more secluded spots like Playa Pez Volador, it still retains a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find convenient amenities such as showers, restrooms, and a children’s playground, making it comfortable for a longer visit. There’s even a beach bar and an ice cream stand to keep you refreshed. Shade is somewhat limited, however, with only a couple of trees providing natural cover.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach size: This is not a very large beach
- Parking: Yes
- Bathrooms & Showers: Showers, toilets
- Shade: Limited natural shade
- Shops & Cafes: Beach bar, ice-cream stand
- Lifeguard: Not specified – it’s always best to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at any beach.
- Medical assistance: Not specified
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Other: Children’s playground, Cancun letters
Playa Pez Volador
Playa Pez Volador is a bit of a hidden gem in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, located right behind the Casa Maya hotel. Because of its tucked-away location, this beach is known for being quieter and less crowded than many of Cancun’s popular spots, making it a wonderful place to relax. Locals sometimes refer to it as “Playa Casa Maya” because it is located right behind this hotel, which is currently (as of December 2024) closed. This beach has a secluded feel, with beautiful turquoise waters and white sand. The water is generally calm, perfect for families with children, although there are some rocky areas, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes.
Playa Pez Volador has a more natural vibe with minimal amenities—there aren’t any sun loungers, parasols, or water sports rentals, and there are no public restrooms or changing rooms. But what it lacks in facilities, it makes up for with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the crowds, offering a chance to appreciate the raw beauty of the Mexican Caribbean.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Behind the hotel Casa Maya
- Beach size: It is a wide beach
- Parking: Parking available
- Bathrooms & Showers: No
- Shade: Limited natural shade
- Shops & Cafes: No
- Lifeguard: No
- Medical Assistance: No
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is one of the most popular and lively beaches in Cancun. It’s got everything you need—full amenities, a wide stretch of soft sand, and plenty of water activities to keep you entertained! The shoreline here is gentle, making it easy to wade into the water, which is perfect for a fun day out.
You’ll find several bars and restaurants along the beach, offering refreshments and food. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, especially Mexican families who appreciate its vibrant, festive atmosphere. It can often get quite busy and noisy, though.
While the Hotel Zone generally keeps seaweed under control, Playa Tortugas and other nearby beaches like the ones we reviewed above and the ones that are coming up next might see some sargassum occasionally. However, this doesn’t detract from its classic Caribbean beauty—the kind of picturesque scene you dream of when you think of a tropical getaway.
Near the beach, you’ll find a large parking lot, shops, and a souvenir market. Plus, the Ultramar ferries to Isla Mujeres depart from a nearby dock, giving you the option to explore another island paradise.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 08:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach size: Not very large
- Parking: Yes
- Bathrooms & Showers: Public toilets available
- Shade: Limited
- Shops & Cafes: OXXO convenience store, shops, beachside restaurants
- Lifeguard: Usually present, however, exercise caution, especially with crowds and potential for strong currents near the pier
- Medical Assistance: Not specified
- Accessibility: Not easily accessible by wheelchair
- Other: Souvenirs, Tour vendors, Pier to Isla Mujeres
- Note: Can get VERY crowded, loud music
Playa Caracol (One of Our Personal Best Beaches in Cancun)
Playa Caracol is a small, cozy beach nestled between hotels and a residential complex right in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, in Punta Cancun. It’s conveniently located across from the Chedraui Selecto supermarket. In the evenings, you might find quite a few locals here unwinding after work, which adds to its authentic, laid-back vibe. The beach is always relatively clean, with powdery white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters, and you won’t often encounter enormous waves.
The strip of sand here is quite narrow and ends at the edge of a hotel pool. After 3 p.m., the sun dips behind the hotels, casting the whole beach in shade, offering a welcome respite from the afternoon heat. In our opinion, Playa Caracol is one of the best beaches in Cancun, especially if you’re seeking a break from sprawling crowds, organized activities, and persistent vendors. It’s simple, charming, and quiet—a perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of the Caribbean. The only downside is the lack of restrooms and changing rooms.
However, the nearby piers lend the beach a unique romantic feel. This beach is a great spot for snorkeling. If you walk a couple of hundred meters to the left from the entrance until you reach the skijet rental place, you will find a rocky area where the sea gets deep really quickly. If you’re lucky, you might spot some stingrays or small barracudas. Bring water shoes. After Playa Caracol, Kukulcan Boulevard and the sandbar take a sharp turn south, where the sea opens up and becomes less calm. The beaches beyond this point are wider, and the deeper waters give them a more intense shade of turquoise.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: Not specified. As this is a public beach, it doesn’t have set opening hours like a business. You can generally access it at any time of day or night. However, keep in mind that some amenities and services might have limited hours.
- Location: Entrance Near Xcaret offices
- Beach Size: Not very wide, stretched out
- Parking: There is a dedicated parking area, however it is small and can fill up really quickly. Last couple of times we went there, it was closed. However, there is parking available at the Chedraui supermarket across the road.
- Bathrooms & Showers: Only in nearby hotels
- Shade: Limited
- Shops & Cafes: Chedraui supermarket, OXXO convenience store across the street, shops, beachside restaurants
- Lifeguard: Not specified – exercise caution
- Medical Assistance: Not specified – exercise caution
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
- Other: Pier to Isla Mujeres
- Note: The beach is usually crowded
Playa Gaviota Azul / Playa Forum (aka Playa Coco Bongo)
The farther along Kukulcan Boulevard you go, the wider the beaches generally get and the fewer people you’ll find. However, the ocean also tends to be rougher here, with stronger winds. Playa Gaviota Azul is a bit of an exception—it’s always busy, especially with a younger crowd, but the waves are usually calmer and more manageable for swimming. Playa Forum (aka Playa Coco Bongo) and Playa Gaviota Azul are two beaches that are essentially the same continuous stretch of sand—they just blend together seamlessly.
You can access Playa Forum by taking the path behind Coco Bongo. This means the beach has a lively atmosphere, with music often blasting, club waiters serving cocktails, and lots of vendors. It’s not always the most family-friendly environment. Restrooms and showers are typically available for a fee, as is common in this part of the Hotel Zone, and prices for food and drinks are generally on the higher side.
Nighttime beach parties are common at Playa Forum, and the party vibe rarely quiets down even after dark. If you’re looking for a place to socialize and have fun, this is the beach for you.
If you follow the beach to the left until the large cube rocks, you’ll reach Playa Gaviota Azul. It’s a bit wider and calmer than Playa Forum, with shallower waters but still a very lively atmosphere.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: Open during daylight hours, with activity concentrated during the day and into the evening.
- Location: Cancun Hotel Zone, near the Forum by the Sea mall.
- Beach size: Wide and large, with rocks on the right side of the beach
- Parking: Parking can be challenging. There’s no dedicated beach parking lot, but you can usually find parking across the street in the lot for the Forum by the Sea mall (which includes Chedraui supermarket).
- Bathrooms & Showers: Lockers, showers, and restrooms are available in a designated area on the right side of the entrance to the beach.
- Shade: Limited
- Shops & Cafes: There’s a 7-Eleven convenience store right on the beach.
- Lifeguard: Lifeguard presence is typical, but always exercise caution.
- Medical Assistance: First aid for emergencies
- Accessibility: This beach is NOT generally considered wheelchair accessible due to soft sand and potential obstacles.
- Other: Sunbed rentals are available.
- Note: Can be extremely noisy and very crowded, especially in the central area. If you’re looking for a quiet beach experience, this is NOT the spot. This beach is known for its party vibe, with beach clubs, loud music, and a younger crowd.
Playa Chac-Mool
Playa Chac-Mool is a wide beach with powdery white sand that only tends to get crowded on weekends. It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll along the shore, with plenty of space to wander for long distances. You’ll find everything you need here—sun loungers, parasols, cocktails, and even vendors offering cold beer, a Cancun beach classic. The sea here can be less calm than other beaches in the area, but there are lifeguards on duty who put up colored flags to indicate the strength of the waves.
A green flag means calm conditions, yellow signals moderate waves and currents, and red warns of strong currents and hazardous conditions where swimming is prohibited. This beach is popular with those who love parasailing, though perhaps not the best spot for experienced surfers.
When it’s windy, a mist from the crashing waves can create a haze on the horizon, sometimes making the beach feel a little less spacious. On the bright side, those sea sprays are a refreshing relief on hot days.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach Size: Not a large beach
- Parking: Available for beach users from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Bathrooms & Showers: Yes
- Shade: Several palapas
- Shops & Cafes: No
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Medical assistance: First aid station
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Other: Information booth
Playa Marlin
Playa Marlin is quite similar to Playa Chac Mool, with its wide expanse of powdery white sand, but it’s bigger and therefore tends to be less crowded.
Parasols aren’t only available through the surrounding hotels; you can also rent one from vendors near the lifeguard stations. There aren’t any bars directly on this beach, but vendors stroll through selling drinks, and there’s an OXXO store right by the beach entrance where you can grab drinks, snacks, and other necessities.
Restrooms and showers are available at the beach entrance for a small tip. Alternatively, you could try your luck by asking to use a hotel’s facilities. Playa Marlin is sometimes known as a nesting spot for sea turtles, although their numbers have sadly declined in recent years. Another unique feature of Playa Marlin is its proximity to the Yamil Lu’um Mayan ruins, which you can access for free through The Westin hotel. These ruins are quite modest compared to some of the more famous Mayan sites, but they’re still a cool piece of history to check out. If you’re looking for a meal or more entertainment options, you’ll need to cross the main road and walk around 10-15 minutes to La Isla Shopping Village.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach size: Medium-sized beach
- Parking: Small parking lot
- Bathrooms & Showers: Yes
- Shade: Several palapas (traditional thatched-roof shade structures)
- Shops & Cafes: OXXO convenience store
- Lifeguard: Yes
- Medical Assistance: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Other: Pharmacy, Information booth
Playa San Miguelito
Playa San Miguelito is part of a long, stunning stretch of sand that runs for approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) from the heart of the Hotel Zone nearly to the airport. While it may lack the dramatic scenery of some other Cancun beaches, it offers a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere with plenty of space to unwind.
Keep in mind that beach amenities, such as lounge chairs and parasols, are generally available only through the hotels that line the shore. One of the standout features of Playa San Miguelito is its proximity to the Maya Museum (Museo Maya) and the San Miguelito archaeological site. These attractions provide a captivating insight into the Mayan history of the region and are a fantastic way to add a cultural touch to your beach day.
It is important to note that Playa San Miguelito is a largely undeveloped beach. Accessing it requires a bit of effort, as you’ll need to walk some distance from the nearest parking area and navigate sandy paths, including a small hill.
Additionally, this beach is known for its strong and unpredictable currents, which make it extremely dangerous for swimming. There have been reports of frequent drownings in the area. For instance, in December 2023, two tragic incidents were reported on the same day, underscoring the risks associated with these waters.
For your safety:
- Always pay attention to warning flags (red flags indicate dangerous conditions).
- Swim only in areas monitored by lifeguards.
- Avoid swimming alone or venturing too far from the shore.
Playa Ballenas
Playa Ballenas is a small, charming beach nestled between two prominent hotels—Hard Rock Hotel and Secrets The Vine. Its name translates to “Whale Beach,” but the stretch itself is relatively modest, with just a few palapas (thatched parasols) dotting the sand.
Access to the beach is a bit hidden and not immediately obvious. Visitors can find the entrance between the two hotels, marked by a discreet doorway that might be easy to miss. Alternatively, you can also reach Playa Ballenas by walking from nearby beaches.
While the beach is picturesque, its proximity to several hotels often means limited options for independent amenities. Services like lounge chair rentals or refreshments are typically available only through the hotels lining the area.
Important safety note: Playa Ballenas is known for experiencing stronger underwater currents, which can make swimming more challenging and, at times, hazardous. Always heed the warnings indicated by lifeguard flags.
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach Size: Small
- Parking: Limited parking near the entrance
- Bathrooms & Showers: Bathrooms available nearby (likely through hotel access), No showers
- Shade: 3 palapas (It’s a very small beach!)
- Shops & Cafes: No
- Lifeguard: Present; pay attention to warning flags for swimming conditions.
- Medical Assistance: Not explicitly available—exercise caution and be prepared.
- Accessibility: No
- Note: Playa Ballenas is a small beach with limited infrastructure. Services are primarily offered through nearby hotels, so plan ahead.
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is one of the largest and most famous beaches in Cancun. This is where you’ll find the iconic “CANCUN” sign, a popular spot for that perfect vacation photo. This beach is massive—wide, seemingly endless—and it’s the perfect place to experience the beauty and power of the Caribbean Sea.
Playa Delfines offers free palapas for shade, free restrooms and changing rooms, and mostly free parking (though you might encounter some locals unofficially trying to charge a fee). It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, when both tourists and locals flock to enjoy it. However, the sea here is often quite rough, so always pay attention to the lifeguard flags. The water at Playa Delfines gets deep quickly, and the waves can be strong. But those powerful waves rolling in from the horizon are truly mesmerizing!
Infrastructure, Opening Hours, Accessibility etc:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Beach Size: Wide & large
- Parking: Free parking nearby
- Bathrooms & Showers: Several facilities available (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), including accessible options
- Shade: Lots of free palapas for shade
- Shops & Cafes: None nearby—bring your own supplies
- Lifeguards: Present during operational hours. Always check flags for swimming conditions.
- Medical Assistance: Available for emergencies
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets and showers
- Other: Public Wi-Fi hotspot, Scenic lookout point, Information booth, Several swings and playgrounds directly on the beach, Cancun letters photo point
Playa Coral
Playa Coral holds a special distinction. It’s the only beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone where you may officially bring your dogs! Also known as “El Mirador II,” it’s located at kilometer 25 of Kukulcan Boulevard, right where the road curves towards the airport. This makes it the very last beach within the Hotel Zone.
Playa Coral offers free parking, palapas (thatched parasols) for shade, and changing rooms. While not the largest beach, it’s known for its green surroundings and well-maintained environment, making it a pleasant place to relax with your furry companion.
Rating: And the Best Beach in Cancun Award Goes To?
What’s the point of a list if there’s nothing ranked, right? I mean, we could say we liked one beach better than another, but then again, that’s just our opinion—and, well, opinions are like… hair? Everyone’s got some, and they’re often subjective!
So, we thought long and hard about which beaches to recommend and why, and then it dawned on us: all the rankings and certifications based on real criteria have already been done by the Environmental Education Foundation. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Denmark, is known for its Blue Flag program—one of the world’s most recognized eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating operators.
As it happens, the Mexican Caribbean has seven Blue Flag beaches in Cancun as of 2024 (Source: Cancun Government Website).
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. It’s a prestigious recognition, and beaches have to reapply every year to maintain their status. The list of Blue Flag beaches can change from year to year, so it’s always exciting to see which ones make the cut. So, here are the beaches in Cancun that have earned the Blue Flag in 2024:
- Del Niño
- Perlas
- Chac-Mool
- Marlin
- Ballenas
- Delfines
- Coral
Ultimately, “best” is subjective! Cancun might be the perfect beach destination for someone who loves a lively atmosphere with lots of amenities and activities. But for someone seeking a quieter escape or a different kind of experience, the beaches on the list might be a better fit.
And Last, but Not Least: How to Travel Between Your Best Beaches in Cancun?
If you’re visiting Cancun as a tourist, you’ll likely be staying in the Hotel Zone. While some beaches might be within walking distance, the Hotel Zone stretches over 10 km (about 6.2 miles), so the most convenient way to get around is by bus. The R-1 and R-2 buses run along Kukulcan Boulevard, the main road through the Hotel Zone, and connect to downtown Cancun. These buses operate frequently, with departures every few minutes. The fare is 12 MXN (around $0.60). Just tell the driver the name of the beach you want to visit, and they’ll let you know where to get off. You can also catch these buses from downtown Cancun to reach the Hotel Zone beaches.
If you prefer a taxi, be prepared to pay at least 150 MXN (around $7.70), even for short distances within the Hotel Zone. Negotiation is possible but not always successful. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, but remember that not all beaches have free parking. Some have limited or no parking at all. If you find your best beach in Cancun with no parking available, simply move on to the next one – there are plenty to choose from in Cancun!
Curious about the best time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya? Discover all the details in our comprehensive article!
