Are you looking for the best beaches in Cancun? You have come to the right place! I’ve listed the most beautiful beaches in Cancun (and nearby), so get ready to pack your bags and head to this great Mexican destination!
Turquoise waters, pearly white sand under your feet, salty ocean breeze in your hair, and the perfect weather to enjoy all this! That’s what rounds up your experience of a Mexico beach!
With over 5800 miles of coastline, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, not all beaches are as picturesque as the ones in the city of Cancun on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea.
Cancun, a true tropical paradise, has two districts, the downtown area, and the beachfront strip (known as the hotel zone). And while you’ll find a variety of things to do in downtown Cancun, its magnificent and vibrant coastline is quite popular among tourists, making it one of the most frequented summer destinations in Mexico.
So, for your next trip to this Caribbean beauty, I have put together 5 of the best beaches in Cancun.
View Contents
- 5 Best Beaches in Cancun (And Nearby!) You Can’t Miss
- Best Time to Visit the Beaches of Cancun, Mexico
- FAQ about Cancun Beaches
- What is the nicest beach in Cancun?
- Where is the clearest water in Cancun?
- Are there swimmable beaches in Cancun?
- Is the white sand in Cancun natural?
- Are the beaches better in Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
- What time of year is seaweed bad in Cancun?
- What beaches are not affected by sargassum?
- Is the water warm in Cancun?
- Are Cancun beaches safe?
- Final Words about the Best Cancun BEACHES
5 Best Beaches in Cancun (And Nearby!) You Can’t Miss
1. Playa Chac Mool
If you’re looking for a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Playa Chac Mool is the perfect pick.
This beach has soft white sand perfect for relaxing and getting a tan, while the blue-hued water is calm and shallow, just right for swimming.
Not up for a tan? Grab some sun umbrellas and loungers from the beach-side rentals to relax by the calming sound of waves. The rentals also provide gear for some fun water activities like snorkeling and parasailing.
Also, while you’re there, look around for Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles that inhabit the beach.
When you’re done enjoying a lovely dip and tanning on the beach, head over to the Coral Negro Market and Forum by the Sea to get lovely souvenirs, including jewelry, ceramics, t-shirts, etc.; and have some of the best tacos in Cancun at the various restaurants that line the beach.
Also, the beach does not have a parking space; therefore, I would suggest getting there by public transport or Uber.
2. Playa Delfines, one of the Best Public Beaches in Cancun
Playa Delfines is one of the biggest and most beautiful beaches in Cancun!
It is the ideal spot for breathtakingly beautiful and aesthetic photography. Plus, the vibrant Cancun sign is the highlight of the place as it makes for a great spot for taking Insta-friendly images.
Do you know what else makes Playa Delfines one of the best beaches in Cancun?
The thatched palapas spread all over the sand, free parking, and dolphins! If you get lucky, you can catch a glimpse of groups of dolphins gliding on the surface of the electric blue water!
There’s also a hilltop deck at the beach that overlooks the thrashing waves and the scenic surrounding of the beach.
So, whether you’re at the beach for a swim, just to sprawl on the soft sand for a relaxing afternoon, or if you want to take amazing images to wow your friends and followers, Playa Delfines is the perfect place to be!
3. Tulum Beach
Tulum Beach is located just a few miles from Cancun and is considered one of the best beaches near Cancun.
Many people consider Tulum a part of Cancun; however, they are two different locations near each other. So, you can visit both places on the same trip.
Tulum Beach has sugar-white sand, just like most beaches in Cancun, but it is significantly less crowded. The beach has palm trees lining the beachfront, and with the aquamarine water in the background, it truly is a sight to behold.
The beach is quite a scenic place, with clear water inviting you for a dip!
If you want to make the most out of the picturesqueness of Tulum Beach, stay till sundown to witness the magnificent sunset and maybe click a picture or two of the breathtaking sight.
Also, if you’re a fan of historical artifacts, head over to the ancient Mayan ruins for some exploration, or explore some of the best cenotes in Riviera Maya and have a glimpse of the past.
Tulum is one of my favorite beaches near Cancun which is why I put together a few epic resources to help you make the most of your time there. Take a look at my Best snorkeling in Tulum and my article on the Best beach bars in Tulum.
4. Playa Norte, one of the Best Beaches Near Cancun
You must have seen those postcards with divine beaches, right? What if I told you that such beaches do exist in real life? Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres is one of them!
With the clear blue crystalline waters, shallow enough to go for a relaxing swim, and soft pearly white sand, it is the best of Cancun beaches you’ll find in Mexico.
It has various hotels and restaurants lined across the beachfront and has many visitors swarming the place. So, if you’re a social butterfly, you will have a great time at Playa Norte socializing and making new friends.
The best part about this beach that sets it apart from the rest is the availability of a variety of beach cuisine. So, grab a bite after a day of swimming in the calm waters, golf carting around the place, and collecting souvenirs from the stalls.
5. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Ever heard of a beach in the middle of the jungle? Well, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve has one such beach!
But this place is not only famous for its beach. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 23 archaeological sites with 2000-year-old Mayan ruins.
Also, what makes this spot unique is the jungle on one side and the beach on the other. It is unlike any place you have ever visited!
The reserve is home to many exotic species that you can view by booking a tour of the reserve or a fishing trip. But make sure to bring along all the essential things you might need for the beach and tour, as there are no stores or rentals inside the reserve.
So, if you’re looking for some downtime to relax on the sun-drenched soft sand, and have a quiet stroll around the reserve, book a trip to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in the heart of Riviera Maya.
Best Time to Visit the Beaches of Cancun, Mexico
The rainy and hurricane season runs from June to November, with a higher chance of storms from August to October.
The best time to visit Cancún is from December to April, but have in mind that it’s peak season, so prices go up as there is a high demand for accommodation and tours. May is a good time to visit Cancun, but there is a high probability of finding sargassum on the beaches.
TRAVEL TIP: Make sure you get travel insurance before traveling to Mexico. Trust me, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. I recommend World Nomads, one of the best travel insurance companies; or SafetyWing, perfect for long-term travelers.
FAQ about Cancun Beaches
Here you have the answers to the top Cancún beaches travel FAQs, so you’ll have an epic trip.
What is the nicest beach in Cancun?
Playa Delfines is one of the best beaches in Cancun. It has turquoise, calm, and transparent waters, it is perfect for swimming, and its sand is fine and white.
Where is the clearest water in Cancun?
Most of the beaches in Cancun have turquoise and transparent waters when it is not hurricane season.
Which part of Cancun has the best beaches?
Are there swimmable beaches in Cancun?
Yes! Most of the beaches in Cancun are calm and perfect for swimming; in fact, here are some of the best beaches in Mexico. But it is also true that there are some areas with currents where the water is too rough to swim at.
Is the white sand in Cancun natural?
The sand on the beaches of Cancun is completely natural. In fact, most of the sand is bits of shells and corals that have turned into fine sand over the years, and pieces of coral defecated by the Parrotfish.
Are the beaches better in Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
In general, I have found that the beaches in Cancun are better than those in Playa del Carmen. Cancun has larger, better-kept beaches with finer sand.
What time of year is seaweed bad in Cancun?
sargassum seaweed season is generally between May and October each year, but in recent years the sargassum has begun to arrive in April, and sometimes it is found on some beaches until November.
What beaches are not affected by sargassum?
To find out which beaches in Cancun and the state of Quintana Roo do not have sargassum, I recommend you check this page: Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network. There they update daily the status of the sargassum on the beaches.
Is the water warm in Cancun?
Cancun’s sea water is always warm, ranging from 80ºF in winter to 83ºF in summer.
Are Cancun beaches safe?
The hotel zone of Cancun is considered the safest, and that is where the beaches of Cancun are located.
Final Words about the Best Cancun BEACHES
If you visit Mexico, a trip to Cancun is a must! The mesmerizing beaches, luxury resorts, and happening nightlife is something you shouldn’t miss while there.
Our picks for the 5 best beaches in Cancun are definitely going to guide you to the right places on your spring or summer break. So, pack your bags, get a huge bottle of sunscreen, and head to Cancun now!
