With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun is paradise for beach lovers. But with so many stunning coastlines to choose from, deciding on the best Cancun beaches can be tough. To help build the anticipation, I’m counting down my top 10 picks starting from #10…let’s begin!
10. Playa Caracol
Families love this protected swimming cove that retains Cancun’s lush natural beauty. Calm, clear waters are ideal for kids, with amenities like restrooms, showers and a small playground. Loungers and umbrellas can be rented for the day. Plus there’s an on-site restaurant serving snacks and light fare. After swimming and building sandcastles, walk over to the adjoining Xcacel beach for even more pristine coastline and a look at the nature reserve’s diverse flora and fauna. A true hidden gem for a relaxed family beach day.
9. Playa Chac Mool
Bohemian vibes prevail at this laid-back surfing hot spot in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Rent a board for the day from one of the local surf shops on the beach and test your skills on Chac Mool’s famous waves. Novices can also sign up for lessons. The soft sand and calm water near the shore are ideal for sunbathing and swimming on days when the surf is too rough. Small beach bars like Sundowner serve cocktails and simple food like tacos and ceviche. For heartier fare, stop into one of the casual restaurants along the main boulevard. Stay late to catch Chac Mool’s legendary sunsets that light up the evening sky in brilliant hues.
8. Playa Del Carmen
Just south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen’s lively public beach stretches along the bustling pedestrian 5th Avenue. Palm trees intersperse sunbathers. Beach clubs like Mamita’s and Kool offer all-inclusive amenities with beach chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks included. Stop at a taco stand for cheap eats between swimming sessions. Or enjoy a meal at a restaurant like La Cueva del Chango with tropical decor and fresh Mexican cuisine. For shopping and nightlife, the vibrant 5th Avenue pedestrian strip is just steps away.
7. Playa Mujeres
For a remote island feel near Cancun, visit Playa Mujeres in the Hotel Zone’s quiet northeast end. Spend lazy days sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing along this secluded coast dotted with palm trees. The area’s few small hotels and resorts have amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and watersports equipment to borrow. Stop at beachfront restaurant Limoncello for brick-oven pizza or fresh seafood overlooking the sand. Or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy total seclusion. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. At the end of the day, retire to the utter solitude of this undiscovered stretch of sand.
6. Playa Langosta
Escape Cancun’s crowds at this hidden gem frequented mostly by locals. Lined with soaring palms, the long stretch of soft sand at Playa Langosta offers a peaceful spot to swim, read, or simply relax to the soothing sounds of the sea. Small beach bars serve up fresh seafood plates, bottled beers and fruity cocktails. The beach is also surrounded by a protected mangrove forest, adding to its peaceful, eco-friendly vibe. Amenities are limited so pack your own food, drinks, umbrellas and beach chairs. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for paddling a kayak or cooling off with a swim.
5. Playa Paraiso
True to its name meaning paradise, Playa Paraiso is a secluded hideaway near Playa del Carmen and Tulum offering tranquility amid exquisite natural beauty. Sink your toes into the soft sand, take a dip in the calm waters, and admire the coastal views. Five-star resorts like Iberostar Paraiso Maya and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda offer sublime amenities right on the sand like comfy beach chairs and umbrellas, massage huts, snack bars and swim-up pool bars. Dine beachside at the resort restaurants for everything from fresh ceviche to Brazilian steakhouses. Nearby Mayan ruins like Tulum and Coba offer a dose of history and culture.
4. Playa Tortugas
For nonstop excitement, head to the bustling Playa Tortugas in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Parasailing, jet ski rentals, surf lessons, beach clubs with thumping music, bars serving tropical drinks, and local vendors offering souvenirs ensure Tortugas lives up to its reputation as Cancun’s premier party beach. Showers, restrooms, and thatched huts provide shade. Nearby restaurants like La Destileria and Harry’s Steakhouse are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join tourists and locals alike soaking up the electric, festive ambience from sunrise to sunset.
3. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
Accessible via a short ferry from Cancun, Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte repeatedly lands a spot as one of Mexico’s top beaches. With velvety soft sand and tranquil turquoise waters, this postcard-perfect escape offers a peaceful atmosphere away from Cancun’s crowds. Thatched umbrellas and beach chairs are available to rent for the day. Small, casual beachfront restaurants like Picus serve fresh seafood, burgers, and cold drinks right on the sand. For shopping and nightlife, downtown Isla Mujeres is just a quick golf cart ride away. The shallow waters make this an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling with the small fish, or paddling around in a kayak.
2. Playa Maroma
Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa Maroma’s powdery white sand and peaceful turquoise waters epitomize tropical paradise. Located south of Playa Del Carmen, palm tree-lined Maroma Beach has luxurious resorts with amenities like beachside cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, jet ski rentals, and refreshing drinks served right on the sand. Multiple on-site restaurants offer everything from fresh ceviche to wood-fired pizzas. Given the many all-inclusive resorts here, the beach has an abundance of amenities while retaining a relaxing vibe. The calm, shallow waters make for excellent swimming and snorkeling. Luxury vacation home rentals in the area provide an even more secluded experience.
1. Playa Delfines
Drumroll please…The #1 spot on my list of best beaches in Cancun goes to the one and only Playa Delfines! With its breathtaking natural vistas and raw, untamed beauty, Delfines is the ultimate choice. Dramatic cliffs overlook the beach’s intense waves, making this a hot spot for experienced surfers and photographers seeking to capture rugged seascapes. Come prepared – there are no services on the beach itself. After riding the waves, stick around for Delfines’ magical sunsets over the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The lack of big hotels and amenities means the beach has retained a wild, natural vibe – true Mexican beauty at its finest.
And there you have my countdown of the top 10 can’t-miss beaches in Cancun! No matter which stretch of sand you choose, get ready for sun, surf, and fun in paradise. Time to grab your swimsuit and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the calmest swim beaches? Playa Paraiso, Playa Maroma, and Playa Delfines have gentle waves perfect for swimming.
Which beach is best for families? Playa Caracol is a protected cove with playground, amenities, and calm shallow water perfect for kids.
Where are the public beaches? Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas, Playa Delfines and Playa Chac Mool are all open to the public.
What is Cancun’s most secluded beach? Playa Mujeres offers a remote escape with few crowds or hotels in the north Hotel Zone.
Any beaches to avoid? Playa Linda, Playa Las Perlas, and Playa Corona can have rough waves and rocky terrain making swimming tricky.
Let the countdown begin! Time to start planning your Cancun beach vacation.
