Cancun's beaches are a paradise of turquoise waters and white sands and it is very difficult to decide which ones to visit, where is the best place to spend the day or which beach offers the best restaurants and services.
But do not worry, The Mexico Guide knows the region well and will show you in detail which are the 18 best beaches in Cancun (Updated 2026): Tortugas Beach, Dolphins Beach, Isla Mujeres, Playa Fórum and also the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya (plus a bonus beach at the end of the post).
What are the beaches in Cancun?
Cancun boasts 22 km of public white sand beaches. The main ones are Playa Delfines, Tortugas, Langosta, Chac Mool, Las Perlas, and Playa Fórum—all free and distributed along the Quintana Roo Hotel Zone. All are public and cater to all tastes: calm waters, fun waves, crowds, parties, or more secluded and peaceful spots. Read this post to the end to find out which of these magnificent beaches best suits your style.
How Cancun beaches work: calm sea and rough sea.
Cancun's Hotel Zone is shaped like the number 7. In the upper section—from kilometer 1 to kilometer 9—the waters are shallow and calm, ideal for families with young children. From kilometer 9 onwards, as Boulevard Kukulcán extends southward, the sea becomes progressively rougher, with larger waves and stronger currents. At the most critical points, lifeguards install red flags signaling danger. The turquoise-blue color remains stunning along the entire coastline—only the intensity of the waves changes.
Which Cancun beach is ideal for you?
With 22 km of coastline and more than 10 public beaches, choosing the right one makes all the difference to your trip. Use the table below to decide:
| Beach |
Type of sea |
Ideal for |
Km from the Hotel Zone |
| Tortugas Beach |
Calm |
Family, water sports, boats to Isla Mujeres |
km 6,5 |
| Playa Langosta |
Calm |
Young children, tranquility |
km 5 |
| Las Perlas Beach |
Calm |
Couples, shallow diving, children |
km 2,5 |
| Playa Linda |
Calm |
Boat trips, meeting of the sea and the lagoon. |
km 4 |
| Caracol Beach |
Calm |
Swimming, relaxing, pier with panoramic views. |
km 8,5 |
| Playa Fórum (Blue Seagull) |
Moderate |
Young people, parties, nightlife |
km 9 |
| Marlin Beach |
Moderate |
Photos, stroll along the beach |
km 13 |
| Chac Mool Beach |
Agitated |
Sports, peace and quiet, no vendors. |
km 10 |
| Ballenas Beach |
Agitated |
Water sports, open sea |
km 14 |
| Dolphins Beach |
Agitated |
Photos at the sign, surfing, sunset |
km 18 |
| Nizuc Playa |
Calm |
Pet friendly (dogs allowed until 11am) |
km 25 |
Want to get straight to the point and start researching the best hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya? Check out this quick selection I've put together to make your life easier.
Cancun Accommodations Rated Fantastic or Exceptional
Riviera Maya Accommodations Rated Fantastic or Exceptional
Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
5 Star Hotels in Cancun
4 star hotels in Cancun
3 Star Hotels in Cancun
Beachfront Hotels in Cancun
Hotels in Downtown Cancun
Apartments in Cancun
Do you want to do the tours on your own and book them in 12 installments without paying IOF (Brazilian tax on financial transactions)? Take a look at this list of 5 activities best rated and recommended by Brazilians who travel to Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Chichen Itza and Chichi Kan Cenote Tour
Xcaret Park Entrance Ticket
Transfers in Playa del Carmen
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Ferry to Cozumel
Cancun map
Before talking about the beautiful beaches of Cancun, take a look at this map to locate and understand how the Cancun Hotel Zone works.
Public beaches in Cancun
There are no strictly private beaches, what happens is that there are many hotels, especially 5-star ones, located very close to the sea, that close off an area by placing some chairs and umbrellas just for their guests, but if you arrive walking along the coast, you will have no problem passing by anywhere.
In any case, remember that the range of beaches in Cancun is very varied. After all, it's the same sand and the same sea, and not all of them are crowded and noisy as is commonly believed. There are many public beaches in Cancun away from the more central areas that offer excellent, comfortable and peaceful spaces.
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Best Beaches in Cancun: Hotel Zone
Without a doubt, the most spectacular beaches in Cancun are located in Hotel Zone. So, if you are looking for hotels in Cancun right on the beach, I recommend you stay in this part of the city.
So, during your trip, be sure to visit the 18 best beaches in Cancun and the surrounding area:
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1 – Playa Tortugas: what is it and what's there?
Playa Tortugas is the best-equipped public beach in Cancun: calm sea, bungee jumping, diving, and boats to Isla Mujeres. It is located at km 6,5 of the Hotel Zone.
It's the right place if you want to have fun in Cancun. You can play beach volleyball or other sports, sunbathe, dance, or relax with a nice cocktail. It's ideal for... plan the entire trip to Cancun.
Although it's not as large as other beaches in Cancun, there's enough space for you to lay your towel on the sand and enjoy a beautiful day in this place.
2 – Playa Delfines: why is it the most famous in Cancun?
Playa Delfines is the most beautiful beach in Cancun: located at kilometer 18, it has the famous colorful sign and an unparalleled panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea.
If you want to take great photos, don't forget to take the traditional picture at the "Cancun sign," which has become an icon of the city. In the morning, it's possible to see dolphins that stay very close to the shore, but it's advisable to book a tour to better appreciate these beautiful creatures and swim with them.
Although you won't find shops and restaurants, the Dolphins Beach It has many street vendors selling authentic Mexican food. It's a beach frequented mostly by locals, so the food is quite traditional and much cheaper than in other places.
3 – Langosta Beach
Playa Langosta is one of the best for those looking for tranquility because of its calm waters, making it a popular and family-friendly place, ideal for taking your children without having to worry too much about the dangers of the sea.
Playa Langosta is not suitable for surfing, but you can play other fun sports such as soccer and beach volleyball. It also offers the possibility of swimming with dolphins.
It is located in the center of the northern end of the Hotel Zone at km 5. It has a pier with services to travel to Isla Mujeres and take other tours.
4 – Caracol Beach
This beach has fine sand and calm, shallow waters. It is ideal for swimming and relaxing due to the tranquility of its surroundings.
Caracol Beach Cancun has a beautiful pier with a viewpoint to enjoy an incomparable panoramic view, as well as excellent hotel and restaurant options. It is located 8,5 km from the hotel zone.
5 – Beautiful Beach
It is one of the best beaches in Cancun for swimming. The water resembles a large swimming pool and is the starting point for very good diving and entertainment excursions.
It also has a wide variety of bars and places to eat very close to the beach. There is a pier for ferries to and from Isla Mujeres. It is located at kilometer 4 of the hotel zone, very close to the city center.
6 – Whale Beach
A peaceful place for those who prefer to relax, rather than the party atmosphere of the more central beaches. This beach is ideal for water sports, as it is located in the open sea.
Pay attention to the warning signs from the security staff, because the currents here are usually very strong all year round. It is located between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, at kilometer 14 of the Hotel Zone. To help you get your bearings, this is the beach of Hard Rock Hotel Cancun.
7 – Forum Beach
It is one of the most visited beaches in Cancun, located behind Plaza Forum, very close to the best nightclubs, bars, restaurants and a good craft market.
It also has great beach clubs for daytime outings and plenty of cool spots for those who want to enjoy a good party at night. It is located at kilometer 9 of the Hotel Zone.
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8 – Las Perlas Beach
With a family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere, this is another excellent beach for swimming and water sports, with many special games for children and the whole family.
Surrounded by places to eat and bars, it has parking, public toilets in very good condition and excellent facilities in general. It is located at kilometer 2,5 of the Hotel Zone.
9 – Chac Mool Beach
Chac Mool is one of the few beaches in Cancun that have a Mayan name, the same name given to stone sculptures from pre-Columbian times in Mesoamerica.
Located in an open sea area, characterized by its amplitude and very busy waves, it receives thousands of tourists every year. Great for water sports.
It has bathrooms and showers in very good condition, lifeguards and a small parking lot. It is located at Km 10 of the Hotel Zone.
10 – Playa Nizuc (Pet Friendly)
It is one of the lesser-known and lesser-visited beaches in Cancun. However, it is one of the few beaches that accept pets.
It's far from the main tourist areas, so you certainly won't find many people here. Pets are allowed from 5 am to 11 am. It's located at kilometer 25 of the Hotel Zone.
11 – Punta Cancun Beach
Another beautiful beach, with calm, shallow waters, very popular due to its location near important areas of the Hotel Zone. When night falls, you can start the party just a few steps away. It is located at km 9,5 of the Hotel Zone.
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12 – Marlin Beach
Playa Marlin is a gem for beach lovers. Known for its crystal clear waters and white sand, this beach offers a stunning setting for relaxing and sunbathing.
Although the currents can be strong, the charm and natural beauty more than make up for it, making it an unmissable destination for tourists and locals alike. Ideal for photo walks and tranquil seaside experiences. It is located at km 13 of the Hotel Zone.
13 – Blue Gaviota Beach
Playa Gaviota Azul is a vibrant combination of natural beauty and urban hustle and bustle. This beach is known for its lively parties and a young-friendly atmosphere.
With its turquoise waters and fine sand, it offers an ideal environment for those seeking fun and entertainment. Furthermore, its proximity to restaurants and bars makes it a perfect spot for those who want to experience the local nightlife after a day of sun and sea. It is located at km 9 of the Hotel Zone, next to Coco Bongo.
14 – Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres It is a fascinating and picturesque place, located in front of the Cancun bay. Although it is located very close to the city, for most tourists it is one of the best beaches in Cancun and Mexico.
Its warm, clear waters are the ideal habitat for turtles and dolphins, which tourists can swim with. It also has incredible reefs to explore by scuba diving or even snorkeling.
You can reach Isla Mujeres with ferries that depart throughout the day from Cancun Hotel Zone or Puerto Juarez, however I I recommend a complete tour to Isla Mujeres, one of the best tours in Cancun.
It is also a place of great historical value in relation to its connection with Mayan culture and has spectacular beaches that will leave you speechless.
This beautiful island offers excellent options for adventure lovers, those interested in culture and history, those seeking entertainment, or those who simply want to relax in the sun.
North Beach of Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte is a true spectacle, considered one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, and also considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world according to Tripadvisor.
Its extremely blue waters are calm and shallow, ideal for relaxing and seeing fantastic colorful reefs very close to the coast. A few meters from the beach you will find very good hotels, craft stalls ideal for shopping, restaurants and places to rent chairs, tables and umbrellas.
Beaches near Cancun – Riviera Maya
Leaving the city of Cancun towards Playa del Carmen you enter the Riviera Maya, which has the best beaches in Mexico, also considered by many to be one of the best in the world.
The Riviera Maya is made up of hundreds of kilometers of beautiful beaches, along the road that goes from Puerto Morelos to Sian Ka´an.
With vast stretches of fine white sand and clear blue water, each one is worthy of admiration, from the best beaches of Playa del Carmen and Tulum to the lesser-known but spectacular Akumal and Cozumel.
Many are little explored due to lack of information, some are practically virgin and others are more touristy, but they all offer their own special charm, captivating with their beauty every visitor who visits the region.
Below, I have chosen some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya so you can start choosing:
15 – Playa del Carmen
Short distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen This is one of the reasons why it is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya. You can spend the day relaxing on its beautiful beaches or doing different activities.
Diving and snorkeling are the most popular, as this place is known for having some of the most fascinating marine life in the world.
The beaches of Playa del Carmen also offer the option of horseback riding along the seafront, renting a bicycle or motorbike to visit the city, playing golf, visiting the Mayan ruins of Cobá, among others.
It has a multicultural and relaxed atmosphere, with its 5th Avenue, the main street, as one of its biggest attractions, full of cafes, restaurants, craft shops and bars. It is located approximately 68 km south of Cancun, following route no. 307.
16 – Tulum Beaches
Tulum It has approximately 9 km of beautiful beaches, very quiet, located just 4 km from the city. The famous archaeological site (one of the most beautiful in Mexico) is located on the coast, just at the point where the beaches end.
The beaches of Tulum They offer you, above all, an excellent space for relaxation and privacy to enjoy with your family or partner.
Plus, they're usually a must-see if you hire any of the tours to see the best of them. parks in Cancun.
17 – Cozumel
Like other tourist attractions in the Mexican Caribbean, Cozumel It is characterized by its beaches with turquoise waters and fine white sand. This is the preferred island for scuba diving enthusiasts, due to the huge number of marine species that live here.
What sets it apart from many others is its calm atmosphere and the gentle waves. The town center also retains this tranquility. Although there are all-inclusive hotels in different parts of the island, it doesn't lose its provincial charm.
the center of Cozumel Cozumel is known for its affordable accommodations, numerous restaurants, and stalls dedicated to selling handicrafts and folk art. You can reach Cozumel through its international airport or via its sea connection to Playa del Carmen.
18 – Holbox
Holbox is a fascinating island located 165 km northeast of Cancun, 10 km off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It offers great options for your vacation. It has 36 km of unspoilt beach and its landscape is truly unique.
There you can swim in calm waters, practice sport fishing, see exotic birds, or do adventure activities, among other things. Holbox is a sanctuary for whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. You can see them from May to September.
19 – Akumal Beach
It is a small, very peaceful village with great natural attractions, ideal for relaxing. Although it is not well-known, it is one of my favorite places in the Riviera Maya and it would be a sin not to visit it.
Its name means "Land of Turtles," and this is precisely its biggest attraction, as it is home to hundreds of sea turtles that can be seen through snorkeling or diving. During the nesting season, a large number of turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs, offering an unmissable spectacle. It is located south of Cancun, and getting there takes about an hour and a half.
20 – Puerto Morelos
It is a peaceful fishing village with a bohemian atmosphere, very attractive for its great natural beauty. Here you can practice activities such as Extreme Snorkeling, diving and sport fishing. There are also many ecotourism excursions.
You can book tours for mountain biking, ziplining, exploring wildlife, visiting cenotes, horseback riding on the beach and much more. It also has excellent hotel services, bars and restaurants. It is located just 35 km from Cancun.
Bonus beach: Isla Blanca
Isla Blanca is a hidden paradise near Cancun. It's a coastal peninsula located in the mainland area of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
This island is one of the few that are perfectly preserved in Mexico, and it also has a large strip of white sand that separates the Chacmuchuc lagoon from the Caribbean Sea.
One of the most common activities on this island is sport fishing, cycling, and kitesurfing. Along the beach you can see mangrove orchids, which are pink in color, as well as pelicans, frigatebirds, turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and iguanas.
Parking prices in Isla Blanca
One of the best advantages of Isla Blanca is that you can park your car in public spaces near the lagoon and the beach. If you want to leave your vehicle very close to the beach, you will have to pay approximately 70 reais.
Isla Blanca Schedules
As it is a public beach, you can enjoy this place every day at any time you want. However, I recommend that you do so between 9:00 am and 16:00 pm, to make the most of the sun's rays.
How to get to Isla Blanca?
To get to Isla Blanca, head north from Cancun on Punta Sam Road, extending along Bonampak Avenue. By public transport, from Lopez Portillo Avenue near Tulum you will find buses that go to Isla Blanca. Departure times are: 7:00, 11:00 and 16:00.
What to bring to Isla Blanca?
If you go to a beach day on White Island, what you can't forget to take is:
- Light and comfortable clothes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Repellent
- If you're bringing a pet, take a poop bag and don't forget the leash.
- Folding umbrella
- Bring a bag to collect your trash — the use of public restrooms is limited.
Final tips for enjoying Cancun's beaches
What is the best beach in Cancun?
Playa Delfines is considered the most beautiful beach in Cancun due to its privileged view of the Caribbean Sea and the famous colorful sign at km 18. For calm seas and good infrastructure, the best option is Playa Tortugas (km 6,5). For families with children, Playa Las Perlas (km 2,5) and Playa Langosta (km 5) are the safest. For those seeking excitement and parties, Playa Fórum — also called Playa Gaviota Azul — at km 9 is the right choice.
How do I get to the public beaches in Cancun?
The R1 and R2 buses run throughout the Hotel Zone and pass every 5 minutes. The fare is 12 Mexican pesos (about R$3). If you are in the city center, just take any bus that indicates R1 or R2 on Avenida Tulum. They identify the route with the words... beaches ou hotels no display. To return, take the same bus in the opposite direction.
Are all beaches in Cancun public?
Yes, all beaches in Cancun are legally public. What happens is that many 5-star hotels set up chairs and umbrellas in front of their stretch, creating an exclusive area for guests. However, if you arrive walking along the coast, no one can prevent your access. The beaches with direct access from the street are: Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas, Playa Langosta, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Las Perlas, Playa Nizuc, and Playa Linda.
How are umbrellas managed on Cancun beaches?
Unless you're in an area reserved for hotel guests, you can find umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent at affordable prices on most public beaches in Cancun. The exception is Playa Chac Mool, which has no commercial facilities whatsoever—bring your own towel and sunscreen.
Is there sargassum on the beaches of Cancun?
Sargassum seaweed is most prevalent between July and October, peaking in August and September. From December to April, the beaches are practically free of seaweed. Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas are the most monitored and cleaned daily by lifeguards. In Tulum, a barrier has already been built in the sea to reduce the impact of sargassum. If sargassum is a concern, avoid traveling in August and September.
How strong is the sun on Cancun beaches?
The sun in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is very intense — the UV index can exceed 11 (extreme level) in the summer. Bring biodegradable sunscreen with an SPF above 50 and avoid prolonged exposure without protection, especially if traveling with young children. The times of lowest sun intensity are before 10 am or after 16 pm.
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If you liked the Cancun tips and want to know more about Mexico, leave your comment here or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
FAQ
The most beautiful beach in Cancun is often considered to be Playa Delfines.
The sea is particularly beautiful at Playa Marlin in Cancun.
Cancun's public beaches include Playa Delfines, Playa Chac Mool, and Playa Tortugas.
In Cancun, be sure to visit the Hotel Zone and Xcaret Park.
The best time to visit Cancun is between December and April.
The beaches, water parks and Mayan ruins in Cancun are worth visiting.
In addition to the beaches, in Cancún you can visit museums, theme parks and take boat trips.
Yes, it is possible to see and interact with dolphins in Cancun.
Cancun is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The sea that bathes Cancun is the Caribbean Sea.
Before going to Cancun, it is important to know about the climate, local currency and tourist regulations.
Generally, 5 to 7 days are enough for a good experience in Cancun.
For 5 days in Cancun, it is recommended to take between 500 and 1000 dollars, depending on the activities planned.
The language spoken in Cancun is Spanish.
The price of photos with dolphins in Cancun varies, but can cost around 100 dollars.
In Cancun, you can visit some beaches and public parks for free.
Yes, drinking is allowed on some beaches in Cancun. However, drinking on the street is prohibited.
Yes, Brazilian citizens need a physical visa to enter Mexico.
The cost for 7 days in Cancun varies, but can start from $1000, excluding airfare.
In Cancun, visit places like Isla Mujeres, Coco Bongo and the Underwater Museum.
A lunch in Cancun can cost on average between 10 and 30 dollars.
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