Best 10 Beaches in Cancún

Cancún: where your sunscreen goes on faster than your worries melt away. Located on the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Cancún is a beach lover’s heaven. But wait, what makes this place more than just a sun-kissed getaway? Well, it has a rich Mayan history, famous sites like Chichen Itza (where you can pretend, you’re in an Indiana Jones movie), and of course, the Hotel Zone. Every year, over 4 million tourists come to this paradise—seriously, it’s more popular than a beachside margarita on a hot day! But let’s not forget the real star of the show: the beaches. Whether you’re into snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Caracol or partying at Playa Chac Mool, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your flip flops, and let’s dive into the best 10 beaches in Cancún—are you ready to dive in?

Chac Mool Beach in Cancun serves as a public beach promising turquoise waters, soft white sand, and family-oriented activities. Situated in the Hotel Zone, it is just a stone's throw away from Kukulcan Blvd, featuring a small parking area, and can be reached by taxi, bus, and car easily. At Chac Mool Beach in Cancún, you'll find a lively mix of beachgoers—from families building sandcastles to couples enjoying the sunset, friends catching waves, and holiday groups living their best tropical life. The beach is lined with lively bars and restaurants, attracting partygoers from all over. You can even sip on your favorite cocktail while lounging in the sand, thanks to the convenient beachside service straight to your chair! During the daytime, lifeguards are also available to ensure your safety! On those days when the waves are higher, you can witness surfers gathering on the beach to showcase their amazing surfing skills. To avoid crowds, make sure to visit the beach early!

Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 9.5, Cancun, Mexico

Caracol Beach is a sweet little spot at the north end of the Hotel Zone, loved by locals and visitors alike who want to get away from the crowds. Situated between two lagoons, Caracol Beach is famous for its soft white sand and turquoise waters while couples love this place because of the panoramic sunset views. Offering umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, you can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Caracol Beach where a beautiful coral reef is home to tons of colorful fish—other activities are windsurfing, boat rentals, and paddle boarding. Along the beach you’ll find Coco Bongo, seafood restaurants, juice bars, pubs, and dessert shops, it’s all part of the experience.

Address: Punta Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Forum Beach is located at the north end of the Hotel Zone in Cancún and is a public beach famous for its white sand and turquoise water. Near Coco Bongo and Mandala Cancun, it’s a local hot spot, you can get there by bus or car, but be careful with parking. Good for families, couples, and solo travelers, the small waves are perfect for swimming and several other water activities like jet skiing and parasailing. You’ll find restaurants and bars right on the beach serving Mexican food, tropical cocktails, and local beers. To have a quieter and more peaceful visit, locals recommend going early or in the evening, when the crowd disappears, perfect for a sunrise or sunset view. Right next to the beach is the Forum By The Sea shopping center with stores and cinemas to add some shopping and entertainment to your beach day.

Address: Unnamed Road, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

About 20 minutes from Cancún's downtown, situated along the Hotel Zone strip, Playa Gaviota Azul, also known as Gaviota Azul Beach, is a well-liked beachfront with a bustling nightlife. This beach is quite long and features white powdery sand along with rental reclining chairs and vendors. The waves here are usually calm, however, they may get bigger and higher with blowing winds. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, allowing you to spot vibrant fish even from above the surface. You can also experience the lively party scene since the parties can turn wild and boisterous at night.

Address: Punta Cancun, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Known for its turquoise water and exceptional snorkeling adventures, Punta Maroma is a breathtaking beach on the Riviera Maya. In addition to taking a refreshing dip in the surf and unwinding on the soft, sun-kissed shores, you can also participate in water-related activities. There are several clubs and resorts along the coast where you may spend the entire day getting pampered or taking in the exciting nightlife. Snorkel to spot the marine life or dive to the depths on a scuba adventure at the beach. For adrenaline junkies, there’s jet skiing, parasailing and kite surfing. You may also enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking to enjoy the blue waters.

Address: Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal-Cancun Km 306.5, Solidaridad, Mexico

Marlin Beach Cancun, located southeast of Downtown Cancun, promises an expansive span of white powdery shores along with a vast expanse of turquoise waters. Just a brief stroll away from a shopping mall, this beach features umbrellas and beach lounging chair rentals along with lifeguard services. Marlin Beach is renowned for its strong waves, which can make swimming challenging. However, it’s an excellent location for adrenaline-pumping activities such as parasailing and jet skiing.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 13, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Long stretches of fine white sand, calm turquoise seas, lots of room to sprawl, and the chance to engage in water sports are all features of Ballenas Beach. Renting a jet ski at the beach delivers an adrenaline-pumping adventure, letting you race across the waves and glide, bounce, and tumble over the Caribbean. You can read a nice book while lounging on the smooth, candy-soft sands. To escape the heat, you may wade down into the transparent waters. One of the best things about Ballenas Beach is that it's not too busy, making it a great place to visit if you are interested in tranquil surroundings.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Playa Linda, or "Pretty Beach," is a lovely spot in Cancun's Hotel Zone, featuring smooth powdery white sand and clear blue waters. You can relax on the beach, watch boats, or take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. Swimming is not recommended due to boat traffic. Instead, enjoy people-watching or ascending a 300-foot tower for panoramic views. The strategic location of the beach makes it close to many dining establishments, shopping centers, and lively nightlife locations.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

El Niño Beach, or Playa Del Niño, is a small beach perfect for families with kids, featuring playgrounds, swing sets, ascending structures, and peaceful waves. Locals prefer this beach, so you can avoid large crowds of tourists. Located 20 minutes from the northeast end of Cancún's city center, it's a tranquil spot to relax while kids burn off energy playing or swimming. Adults can enjoy activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, and diving!

Address: López Portillo 2-85, 84, 77525 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

One of the best places to visit in Cancun is Las Perlas Beach, or you may call it Playa Las Perlas! Las Perlas Beach is the nearest recreational beach to the historic city center and features lovely smooth sandy shores, water-based activities, and shallow waves. As a Blue Flag location, it meets strict standards for safety, environmental preservation, and water hygiene. Lifeguards are on duty and buoys are used to identify authorized swimming zones. You may hire jet skis, catamaran vessels, and paddleboards, or you may try snorkeling to observe vibrant tropical species. Even a boat cruise around the bay is an option!

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km. 2.0, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico