How is the beach in Cancun?


While swimming and enjoying one of the beaches in Cancun, I decided to walk around and explore to see what other great beaches there are to be found along the white powder stretch sand and I discovered amazing beaches and clubs with spectacular views and I thought that maybe not many people know about them.

So, how is the beach in Cancun Mexico? The beach in Cancun is soft with white sand and picturesque gorgeous turquoise water, the beaches in Cancun are the main attractions for visitors.  The beach on the north side of the hotel zone is calm and shallow and the beach on the Caribbean side, the water is more turquoise, the waves and currents are stronger and offer more water activities for the crowds.

How safe is the beach in Cancun for swimming?

Most of the beaches are safe for swimming, the best swim-friendly beach is on the northern side of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The ocean waves and winds are protected by Isla Mujeres located right in front of it.

The eastern beaches of Cancun are unprotected, this means that winds and currents can sometimes come roaring up and produce very wavy conditions. So, when swimming on this beach be caution and look for the colored flags that proclaim the status of the water before going in the water.

Colored Flags on the beach in Cancun:

You`ll see flags on the public beaches and in front of the hotels indicating whether it is safe to swim or not and there are lifeguards stations periodically on the beaches.

  • Black Flag: No swimming
  • Red Flag: Conditions could be dangerous, be cautious.
  • Yellow Flag: Swimming with caution
  • Green Flag: Safe for swimming

Where is the less crowded beach in Cancun?

The less crowded beaches are Chac Mool beach and Playa Las Perlas.  The beaches in the morning usually are less crowded.

  • Chac Mool Beach Location: km 10 in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Las Perlas Location km. 2.5 in the Hotel Zone north side, perfect for children

The temperature of the ocean in Cancun, never drop below 78° Fahrenheit (26°Celsius) during winter months, (November to February).  During the summer months (June-September), when the sun is more directly over Cancun, the water temperature rises to 84°. The ocean feels like a bathtub.

The average sea surface temperature in July for Cancun is around 87.6°F. The maximum and minimum values approximate 86.4°F and 89.0°F respectively.

Public Beach in Cancun

Is there a public beach in Cancun?

All the beaches in Cancun are public and reachable by public transportation.  With a map on hand, you will find signs in their location .

Where is the beach in Cancun?

The beach is on the Hotel Zone on the Caribbean (east) and north side and you can ask to the concierge at the hotel for a map, the bus driver will drop you off in any of them, or if you are driving just pick up a map, it will show where the beaches are.

Here is a list of public beaches in Cancun and location

  • Playa Las Perlas:Location: 2.5 km (at the beginning of the Hotel Zone)
  • Playa Juventud:Location: km 3 in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Linda:Location: 4 km in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Langosta:Location: km 5 in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Tortugas:Location: km 6.5 in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Caracol/Las Palmas:Location: km 8.5 in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun
  • Playa Chac Mool:Location: km 10 in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun
  • Playa Marlin:Location: km 13 in the Hotel Zone entre Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, behind Kukulcan Mall.
  • Playa Delfines:Location: km 19.5 in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun
  • Playa Ballenas:Location: km 14.5 in the Hotel Zone
  • Playa Gaviota Azul:Location: km 9.5 in the Hotel Zone
Cancun Hotel Zone

Is it possible to walk long distances on Cancun beach?

You can walk the beach shoreline north or south in either direction for hours!  If you feel like exploring.   You will absolutely love it, especially if you walk early in the morning.

Can I use an umbrella at the beach? Using an umbrella will shade you from harmful UV rays and give you a place to rest without the direct light and the heat of Cancun.  There are some beaches clubs that offer lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day for a cost, but you can also bring yours if you prefer.

Tips to go to the beach in Cancun

  • Arrive at the beach early
  • Be aware of the weather conditions, watch for the colored flags on the beach before getting in the water.
  • Protect yourself, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going in the water. 
  • Bring a comfortable place to sit or sunbathe
  • Walk on the beach as an exercise better in the morning, is a great way to start the day.
  • Use lip balm regularly
  • Take as many photos as you can
  • Bring a magazine or a book
  • Do not bring dogs to the beach
  • Protect your valuables while at the beach
  • Stay hydrated
  • Wear a hat all the time
  • Pack snacks and drinks if you are not in a beach club or near a restaurant.
  • Collect your trash before leaving the beach
  • Check your surroundings before leaving to make sure you have all your belongings.

The best way to get to the beach in Cancun

The best way to get to any of the Cancun beaches is by bus.  You can catch a bus downtown to the hotel zone at any time all day and night every day. City buses travel up and down the Hotel Zone and into Downtown Cancun frequently, every few minutes and are very reliable.   The fare is reasonable, around $10 pesos, and bring cash with you and always pay in Mexican pesos.  The Taxis are also available from your hotel as well available all day.

How to protect your valuable while on the beach: Do not bring to the beach anything of value that you don’t absolutely need, leave it at the safe in the hotel or at home.  

There are some valuable items that you have to keep with you like phone, wallet that should be hidden, if possible. There are some bags and beach blankets that have hidden zippered pouches for this purpose, and certain coolers can be locked.

What to bring to the beach:

  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Beach mat
  • Beach Towel
  • Flipflops or water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Dry cloth (extra T-Shirt)
  • Bring a bottle of water
  • A mesh tote bag for carrying your things
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • A plastic bag
  • Lip balm
  • After sun gel (aloe)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Underwater digital camera
  • Float straps for devices
  • Leave-in hair conditioner
  • Cooler bag
  • Swimsuit cover-up
  • A book
  • Hairbrush
  • Rash guards if you are doing other activities than sunbathing.
  • Cash in small bills or coins

Related Questions

Is there a nude beach in Cancun? There are no nude beaches in Cancun, as the beaches are generally family-oriented. But since it’s an international tourist destination, you may come across an occasional topless sunbather.

Is there surfing in Cancun? There is surfing in Cancun, on the Caribbean side you’ll find waves good for beginners or intermedium surfers, the waves may not be extra-large as most surfers would like them to be, but you will find nice once.  The best beaches to surf in Cancun are Playa Delfines, Playa Marlin, and Playa Ballenas

What is the best time to visit Cancun Mexico? The best time for tourists to visit Cancún is in the wintertime, from December to April which is also the peak season and is when you would experience beautiful near-perfect weather.  Some people like the summertime, great weather sunny but very hot and some rain showers. Spring is beautiful as well as good weather and good fares.

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