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Cancun is a renowned beach destination for travelers from all corners of the globe. The city’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters are captivating, offering a slice of paradise for those looking to unwind and soak up the sun.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cancun also boasts a wide range of tourist amenities, from world-class resorts to lively nightlife. But the best attraction has to be the beaches.
The warm weather and gentle breezes make it the perfect place to relax and soak up the rays. But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
The 14 Best Beaches in Cancun in 2023
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best beaches in Cancun. There’s something for everyone, from breathtaking coastline views to secluded stretches of sand.
So, whether you’re looking for a place to unwind or an activity-filled beach day, check out our list!
1. Playa Chac Mool
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There are many reasons why Playa Chac Mool is one of the best beaches in Cancun. First, its location is excellent – it’s situated right in the heart of the Hotel Zone, so it’s easy to get to. Second, the beach itself is stunning.
It has soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Third, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or even take a glass-bottom boat tour. Fourth, the food at the beach restaurant is outstanding.
The seafood is fresh and delicious, and the margaritas are out of this world! So, if you’re looking for a perfect spot to soak up the beauty of Cancun, Playa Chac Mool should be at the top of your list.
2. Tulum Beach
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Tulum beach is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. The main attraction is the Mayan ruins, some of the best preserved in the world.
You can also visit the Tulum National Park, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters or explore the jungle. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cocktail or some traditional Mexican food.
And, of course, no visit to Tulum would be complete without spending some time lounging on the stunning white-sand beaches. So whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Tulum beach has something for everyone.
3. Playa Delfines
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Playa Delfines comes third on our list. Playa Delfines is one of the most popular beaches in Cancun due to its unique features. First, the beach is home to a colony of bottlenose dolphins that can often be seen swimming and playing in the waves.
Second, the sparkling white sand and turquoise waters are simply unbeatable. Third, the beach is situated close to many hotels and resorts, making it easy for visitors to enjoy all it offers.
So, whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, swim with the dolphins, or experience some of the best snorkeling in Cancun, Playa Delfines is the place to be.
4. Playa Norte
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Fourth on our list is Playa Norte. Playa Norte, or North Beach, is located on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun. This secluded beach is well known for its clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand.
Visitors can find plenty of shade under the palm trees that line the shore. There are also several restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun. Playa Norte is considered one of the best beaches in Mexico, and it’s easy to see why.
The water is warm and inviting, and the sand is as soft as powdery. This is the perfect destination for book readers since the beach here is very silent.
5. Playacar Beach
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Also known as Playa Del Carmen, Playacar is located just outside of Cancun. It is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, and this white sand beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Visitors can also find a variety of bars and restaurants along the beach and plenty of shops selling souvenirs and beach gear. Although it can get crowded during peak season, Playacar Beach is still one of the best places to enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful scenery of Cancun.
6. Sian Ka’an Biosphere
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Sian Ka’an Biosphere in Cancun is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico. It is a protected area covering over 5,000 square kilometers of natural beauty. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including over 300 species of birds.
Visitors can explore the area on foot, boat, or even swim with dolphins. There are also many Mayan ruins to be found within the park boundaries.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere is an excellent place to spend a day or two if you’re looking to experience some of the best that Mexico offers. Sian Ka’an is for nature lovers, as it offers plenty of activities to get you close to flora and fauna.
7. Playa Maroma
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Playa Maroma is one of the most popular beaches in Cancun. It’s well known for its white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is also a great place to snorkel, as many reefs are just offshore. Playa Maroma is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
However, if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, you can head to the nearby town of Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village that has a laid-back atmosphere.
There are several small beaches in Puerto Morelos and a few restaurants and bars. Puerto Morelos is also home to a large coral reef, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
8. Akumal Beach
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Akumal Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Cancun, is well-known for its calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and just relaxing.
Akumal means “place of the turtles,” and it’s named after the sea turtles that come to the beach to lay their eggs. Visitors can often see them swimming just offshore. Swimming with the sea turtles is free, and all you have to bring is your mask, fins, and snorkel.
The beach is also home to a coral reef, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Akumal Beach is located about 45 minutes south of Cancun, and it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing beach.
9. Xpu-ha Beach
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Because a cove shields the beach, the water here is very calm. Visitors can find a variety of activities to take part in while at the beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
There are also a few restaurants and bars located near the beach so that visitors can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink.
10. Puerto Morelos Beach
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Puerto Morelos is one of the best beaches in Cancun for snorkeling and diving. The reef here is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
There are over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish found in the waters around Puerto Morelos. In addition to being an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, Puerto Morelos is also a beautiful sandy beach with clear turquoise waters.
It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are several restaurants and bars in Puerto Morelos and a few hotels and resorts. So if you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy Cancun’s natural beauty, Puerto Morelos is worth a visit.
11. Costa Mujeres
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Costa Mujeres is located just north of Cancun and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. Costa Mujeres is a relatively new destination, and as such, it is still relatively undeveloped.
This means that there are fewer crowds and more opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The beaches here are some of the best in Mexico, and there are also plenty of activities to keep visitors busy.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, as there are many reefs and shipwrecks to explore.
Visitors can also spend time hiking through the jungle or visiting one of the many Maya ruins in the area. Costa Mujeres is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the best of Mexico’s beaches and culture.
12. Playa Paraiso
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If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, look no further than Playa Paraiso in Cancun. This idyllic stretch of sand is dotted with palm trees and offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The beach is also great for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing on a sun lounger with a good book.
In addition, there are plenty of nearby bars and restaurants if you fancy grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing cocktail. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Cancun and enjoy some time in paradise!
13. Playa Langosta
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Playa Langosta is widely considered one of the best beaches in Cancun. Located on the northeastern tip of the island, it offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is well-known for its clear turquoise waters.
Visitors can find plenty of activities to keep them busy, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
The beach is also home to various restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to spend a day or evening. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Playa Langosta is sure to exceed your expectations.
14. Playa X’cacel
Just a few miles south of Cancun’s hotels and nightlife is the small, secluded beach of X’cacel. Unlike the crowded beaches in town, X’cacel is a nature lover’s paradise. The sand is soft and white, and the water is crystal clear.
Visitors can find plenty of shade under the palm trees, and there are also several tide pools perfect for exploring.
X’cacel is also a great spot for snorkeling, as there is a coral reef just offshore. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, X’cacel is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit.
Things to Consider When Visiting Cancun
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When planning a trip to Cancun, there are a few things to consider when deciding which beach to visit. First, think about what kind of activities you want to do.
Second, think about the time of year you’re planning to visit. The weather in Cancun can be pretty hot and humid, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the off-season (May-October).
Finally, think about your budget. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Puerto Morelos is good. However, if you’re willing to splurge on accommodations, Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres might be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Cancun.
Will I be safe while visiting Cancun?
The crime rate in Cancun is relatively low, but there have been reports of petty theft and scams directed at tourists. So it’s essential to be cautious with your belongings and not leave them unattended in public places.
However, there are armored guards at many of the resorts, especially closer to the downtown Cancun area, which makes this area as safe as possible.
How is the weather in Cancun?
Cancun enjoys some of the best weather in the world. The average temperature is a comfortable 78 degrees Farenheit, with highs of 90 degrees in the summer and lows of 70 degrees in the winter. There’s very little rainfall, so you can count on blue skies and sunshine all year round.
What activities should you do at Cancun’s beaches?
For those who want to stay active, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are great options. Snorkeling is also a popular activity in Cancun.
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The Best Beaches in Cancun: Final Thoughts
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Cancun can arguably take the award of having the best beaches. The weather, activities, and even restaurants/bars by the beach give it a well-deserved reputation. However, deciding on the best among these stunning beaches will depend solely on your interests.
Do you want a party beach? A secluded beach? Each of these beaches has something different to offer, so it’s upon you to take the time to consider what you want from your beach vacation.