Beaches

The beaches in Cancun are the main attraction, known for their soft white cool sand and brilliant crystal clear turquoise waters. The temperature year round in Cancun ranges between 80 to 90 degrees farenheit, making it a perfect destination to be visited at any time of the year. Topless sunbathing is an activity that is quietly condoned in Cancun and many of the surrounding areas along the Mayan Rivera. On a hotel property in Cancun, you may be asked to put on your top at the hotel’s discretion. Total nudity is uncommon (as well as illegal), especially on the major beaches.

Northern Side Beaches - Hotel Zone to Punta Cancun

The beaches on the northern side of Cancun are clean, have white soft sand, turquoise calm waters with almost no surf, and are shallow for some distance out, making them an excellent place for swimming and practicing water sports. All shuttles to Isla Mujeres leave from the northern beaches. At the docks on the northern side vistors can find water taxis and boats that offer diving and snorkeling tours. Most beaches have restaurants and bars close by.

Playa Las Perlas

Playa Linda

Location:
4 km in the Hotel Zone Playa Linda is near downtown Cancun and directly in front of Bahia de Mujeres. This beach is excellent for swimming. There are some restaurants around the area, changing rooms, and a dock.

Playa Langosta

Location:
km 5 in the Hotel Zone Playa Langosta, or Lobster beach, is a nice clean beach and a great place for swimming and practicing water sports. Some restaurants and bars are located along this beach.

Playa Tortugas

Location:
km 6 in the Hotel Zone Turtle Beach is also a great place for swimming and practicing water sports. A number of restaurants and refreshment bars are located nearby.

Playa Caracol

Location:
km 6 in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun Playa Caracol is the perfect kiddy beach as a result of the shallow flat sandy seabed, making it one of the most crowded beaches along the strip. Restaurants and bars cater to visitors.

East side beaches

East side beaches in Cancun face the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. The Caribbean side has white sand, turquoise waters and a lot of surf, meaning that the undertow can be very dangerous. The winds and currents vary and produce wavy conditions from time to time. Swimming and tanning takes place on the ocean side. Nichupte is a 5000–hectare salt water lagoon and a water sports haven. Marinas on the lagoon offer jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing and boat jungle tours. The Nichupte lagoon has crocodiles that feed on fish and wildlife; the non aggressive animals are in areas distant from visitors except those that are fed by restaurants as a tourist attraction.

The eastern beaches are similar to many Florida beaches, with some surf for fun in the sun.

Gaviota Azul

Blue Sea Gull beach is the perfect place for relaxing, tanning, swimming and practicing water sports.
Location:
9 km in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun.

Chac Mool

Chac Mool beach is located across the street from Senor Frogs and has a public changing area. The current here can be strong; making this an excellent area for practicing water sports like sail-boarding, water skiing and parasailing.
Location:
10 km in the Hotel Zone near Punta Cancun

Playa Marlin

Marlin beach is a haven for sunbathers, and peaceful expansive views make tanning an experience to enjoy. The beach uses warning flags to make visitors aware of currents and tides in the area.
Location:
13 km in the Hotel Zone in between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.

Playa Ballenas

Whale beach attracts many visitors and is also known as a sunbathers delight. If wandering into the water, keep an eye out for the warning flags as strong currents are dangerous at any time of year. Some restaurants and bars are located in the surrounding area.
Location:
14 km in the Hotel Zone in between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.

San Miguelito

This beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming and enjoying the nearby Mayan ruins.
Location: 16.5 km in the Hotel Zone

Playa Delfines

Dolphin Beach is a beach for sunbathing and tanning. The currents and surf can be strong and treacherous. The beach is perfect for contemplating the sea and sunbathing, but swimming is not recommended.
Location: 18 km in the Hotel Zone near Punta Nizuc

Punta Nizuc

Nizuc Point beach is the perfect place to relax and take a dip in the water.
Location: 21 km in the Hotel Zone, near the the high end hotels.

Flags

Flags are used throughout the beaches in the Cancun area depending on the weather, surf and tide conditions. Each section of a beach is marked with a flag indicating whether it is safe to swim on a certain beach. Below are the flags and their meanings:

• Black Flag Don't swim, too dangerous.
  
• Red Flag Use caution, dangerous.
  
• Yellow Flag Use caution.
  
• Green Flag Water conditions okay; safe to swim.