Cancún’s seashores are the stuff of goals.
Right here, swathes of large, windswept strands alternate with ivory sand spits and distant sandbanks alongside the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Such pure treasures imply it’s no surprise Cancún has grown from a sleepy fishing village into considered one of North America’s hottest seashore locations.
The most effective seashores stretch alongside the Zona Hotelera, a 21km (13-mile) strip of land lined with all-inclusive resorts, glittery malls and nightclubs.
On one aspect of the slender strip lie the darkish marshes of Laguna Nichupté; on the opposite sprawls the spearmint-colored water of the Caribbean Sea – dwelling of probably the most elegant sandy stretches in Cancún.
Like the remainder of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Cancún has been affected by sargassum seaweed since 2008. Regardless that many resorts clear up the sargassum every day, the algae washes up once more quick.
The Cancun Lodge Affiliation gives day by day updates on the state of the seashores on social media, so test the most recent for the seashore you wish to go to upfront.
Whether or not you are searching for a castaway strand with not a single soul in sight or an adrenaline-pumping surf spot, Cancún has a seashore to match your temper. To satisfy your beachcombing goals, right here’s our lineup of the perfect.
1. Playa Delfines
Greatest native seashore
Ask any native about the most effective seashore in Cancún, and also you’re positive to listen to about Playa Delfines. Operating south of the Zona Hotelera throughout the road from Cancún’s most essential historical archaeological website – El Rey – Playa Delfines is among the few seashores in Cancún not dominated by an imposing resort.
You actually gained’t be alone right here because it’s vastly common with each locals and vacationers – nevertheless it’s a big place, and there’s loads of powdery sand for everybody to unfold out. This sweeping seashore is among the uncommon browsing spots in Cancún, so carry your board or just play within the waves.
A longtime native favourite, Playa Delfines sits on the backside of a delicate slope, the place you’ll discover the parking zone, bus cease and colourful letters spelling out Cancún (pure Insta bait).
It additionally has amenities which might be lacking from most seashores in Cancún: public restrooms, lifeguards, rows of thatch-roofed palapas which might be free to make use of, and even a playground.
Planning tip: There are not any snack bars right here, however you’ll discover distributors promoting churros and mango-on-a-stick.
2. Playa San Miguelito
Greatest quiet seashore
Whereas the crowds flock to the surf of Playa Delfines, you may escape them by making your manner just a few miles north to the quieter, extra secluded Playa San Miguelito.
Backed by low-lying villas, San Miguelito has the identical sugar-powdered sand, electric-blue water and delicate surf – with a fraction of the guests Playa Delfines receives.
This seashore is a great spot for a refreshing dip after visiting the Museo Maya de Cancún, simply south of the strand. You gained’t discover any facilities or palapas right here – simply pristine white sand to stretch out on.
If you happen to’re feeling peckish, the seashore is only a few minutes’ stroll from the lagoon-facing La Torta Brava, which has inexpensive sandwiches, and the swanky, Tulum-style Taboo, a extra upscale restaurant.
Planning tip: All of Mexico’s seashores are public, together with these dominated by mega-resorts. Whereas the inns’ sundecks and benches are off-limits, anybody is free to lie on the sand and benefit from the crystalline waters subsequent to such developments.
3. Playa Tortugas
Greatest sargassum-free seashore
Operating nearly perpendicular to the Cancún shoreline, this superb comma of sand within the northern finish of Zona Hotelera receives much less sargassum seaweed than different seashores within the space.
If you happen to’re visiting through the sargassum season, which runs roughly between April and August, that is your finest shot at swimming in seaweed-free water.
Poised subsequent to the ferry terminal, Playa Tortugas can get crowded with passengers ready for his or her journey to Isla Mujeres.
Not like the same old expansive sandy seashore you’ll discover in Cancún, Playa Tortugas is rimmed with rocky outcrops that make neat spots for poking round, particularly for anybody touring with youngsters.
4. Playa Mujeres
Greatest seashore for {couples}
A decade in the past, Playa Mujeres to the north of the Zona Hotelera was a secret spot solely whispered about by locals and residents within the know.
Right this moment, the world is dwelling to greater than a handful of adults-only resorts and the Playa Mujeres Golf Membership. The seashore tends to enchantment to a mature, well-heeled crowd seeking to unwind.
Whereas it’s now not a secret, it stays comparatively quiet and unvisited. You gained’t discover thumping seashore golf equipment or imposing mega-resorts right here – simply elegant boutique inns and miles and miles of pristine sand.
5. Isla Blanca
Greatest seashore off the overwhelmed path
To the north of Cancún lies the elegant sandbank of Isla Blanca – which is distant sufficient to really feel lots of miles away from town. But the thin, just about untouched peninsula is a mere 23km (14 miles) away.
You may attain this seashore with a simple drive previous Playa Mujeres, till you notice the spearmint Caribbean Sea in your proper and the glimmering Laguna Chacmochuk in your left.
This hidden a part of Cancún is properly definitely worth the drive – and also you’ll most probably have all of it to your self. Backed by mangroves and hovering palm bushes, this wild powder-puff-white sand spit is among the few remaining patches of wilderness in and round Cancún.
Planning tip: There are not any eating places or distributors on the seashore, so carry snacks and drinks with you. It’s value packing a mat and hat, because the solar can get overpowering on this shade-less seashore.
6. Playa Langosta
Greatest family-friendly seashore
On the north shore of the Zona Hotelera lies the curved bay of Playa Langosta, which overlooks the Bahía de Mujeres. What makes this spot such an enormous hit with households is the shallow, crystalline water that’s secure and loads of enjoyable for the little ones.
In between splashing within the water, households can take pleasure in shrimp tacos at one of many waterfront eating places. This seashore additionally has a parking space, lifeguards, restrooms and a playground.
7. Playa Gaviota Azul
Greatest occasion seashore
Thumping techno music, swimsuit-clad dancers and bottles galore: Playa Gaviota Azul (also referred to as Playa Discussion board) is occasion central for spring breakers. Positioned on the busiest stretch of Zona Hotelera, this curved bay is the place individuals go to let their hair down and occasion all day and night time.
Lots of Cancún’s greatest nightclubs – together with The Metropolis, Coco Bongo and Mandala – are positioned right here.
Planning tip: If you happen to’re not ready to shell out for admission to the dance flooring, you may nonetheless benefit from the seashore at no cost by the public-access level simply south of the nightclubs.
