The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cancún, Mexico
Relax in paradise at Playa Delfines, and admire rolling waves from a sun lounger | © MaxPhotoArt / Alamy Stock Photo
Cancún, Mexico, has many gorgeous white-sand beaches, each attracting a unique type of visitor. Playa Delfines is a local favorite, while watersports enthusiasts head to Playa Chac Mool. To help you find your coastal paradise, here’s our guide to the top beaches in the area.
Book Culture Trip’s nine-day Yucatán Peninsula tour for an immersive experience led by a local insider – you’ll be fast-tracked to the best beaches and cenotes, and get your own private catamaran to explore the shoreline of Isla Holbox.
Playa Delfines
Natural Feature
© Jean-Bernard Nadeau / Alamy Stock Photo
Known for its rolling waves, Playa Delfines is best experienced from the comfort of a sun lounger on the sand. With no hotels or resorts taking prime spots, you can expect a relaxed vibe and magnificent views. It’s a public beach filled with locals and food and drink vendors. Want to snap a selfie in front of the large colorful Cancún sign? You’ll find it here, but first, you’ll have to stand in line behind a slew of other Instagrammers.
Puerto Morelos
Natural Feature
© Greg Vaughn / VWPics / Alamy Stock Photo
When the crowds of Cancún become too much, take a 35-minute drive south to reach the quiet fishing village of Puerto Morelos. It has a much calmer pace. With groomed beaches, friendly locals and a cozy small-town vibe, you’ll never have to worry about being hassled at the beach by timeshare salesmen. One of the most notable parts of this area is the Mesoamerican coral reef that is popular with snorkelers and divers.
Playa Chac Mool
Natural Feature
© JZajic / Alamy Stock Photo
Playa Chac Mool is perfect for beach lovers who enjoy splashing about in (and on top of) the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Here, water sports and other activities are widely available. It would be a shame to venture to the eastern coast of Mexico without exploring this paradisiacal gem.
Playa Tortugas
Natural Feature
© Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo
The crystalline waters of Playa Tortugas need no introduction. A ferry operates between here and Isla Mujeres, meaning this tiny beach can become very crowded. However, with weaker currents than some of the other spots nearby, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing swim. Drinks, food and shops are reasonably priced, so you might stay longer than you expect.
Playa Forum
Natural Feature
© agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo
Playa Forum is vibrant, beautiful and full of life, a mix of everything you could want in a beach retreat. As it’s in the heart of the Hotel Zone, there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars and entertainment; indeed, it’s directly behind one of the hottest spots for nightlife in the region. This beach offers the best of Cancún’s signature white sands and crystal water.
These recommendations were updated on September 3, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
