Whether you’re looking for beach parties or secluded islands, these are the best spots to enjoy Mexico’s Caribbean coast
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As one of the world’s most famous beach destinations, Cancun draws millions with its white sand and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Along with the pristine Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy floating just off the coast, Cancun offers a surprising diversity, from lively party spots to tranquil, protected coves. However, be mindful of the powerful currents on the open-water side of the Hotel Zone and aware of the seasonal presence of sargassum seaweed, which can occasionally affect the beaches.
Note that all Mexican beaches are public by law; you are allowed to use any beach, including the ones fronting resorts and restaurants. However, some beach clubs charge a day pass to use their amenities like sun loungers and restaurants.
All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Cancun. Find out more below, or for further Cancun inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs and things to do.
Cancun’s most well-known public beach, Playa Delfines, is a wide, windswept expanse of sand and powerful waves. Famed for its colourful “Cancun” sign and the panoramic views, this is a local favourite and the only beach in the area without hotels or restaurants directly on the sand. The archaeological ruins of El Rey stand just across the road from the beach. There’s free parking as well as a kids’ playground, restrooms, showers and lifeguards.
Insider tip: There are no restaurants on the beach, but there are plenty of vendors selling mango and snacks.
How to get there: By bus R1 or R2 or taxi from the hotel zone. You can easily park rental cars in the public parking by the beach.
One of the first beaches you’ll encounter when entering the Hotel Zone from Downtown, Playa Las Perlas is a small, quiet beach. Popular with local families and residents, it’s dotted with thatched-roof palapas and large leafy trees that provide shade on balmy days. The beach is equipped with an eco gym, public restrooms and a wooden deck.
Insider tip: A great spot to get away from tourists and mingle with locals.
How to get there: Take bus R1 or R2 and stop at Puerto Cancun; lots of parking available.
With exceptionally calm and shallow waters, Playa Langosta is a favourite for families. Situated on the northern end of the Hotel Zone, where the Caribbean and the Nichupté Lagoon meet, the beach’s gentle waves make it a haven for children and a perfect spot for floating peacefully. The sand is soft, and the atmosphere is always relaxed, providing a welcome change of pace.
Insider tip: El Pececito, a restaurant right on this beach, offers fresh fish tacos and frosty drinks.
How to get there: Catch an Uber or take bus R1 or R2 from the hotel zone; there are a few parking spaces available.
If watersports call to you more than lying on the beach, head to Playa Tortugas. Next to the ferry terminal, the pier here serves as a launching point for snorkelling tours, banana boat rides, overwater obstacle courses and even bungee jumping. For a thrilling view, watch bungee jumpers from the platform on the pier. The numerous restaurants and bars provide an endless supply of food, drinks and music.
Insider tip: If you want to partake in the activities, make sure to negotiate and compare prices before you decide.
How to get there: Take bus R1 or R2 from the hotel zone and stop at the ferry terminal.
Located behind the famous Coco Bongo nightclub, Playa Forum is where Cancun’s energy truly comes to life. Young and energetic travellers looking to party will like its vibrant atmosphere, DJ-fueled beach parties and lively crowds. It is a fantastic place to people-watch and soak up the party vibe. Just off the beach, head to Mandala Beach Club for sun loungers, food and an electric party atmosphere with regular DJ sets and events.
Insider tip: Bring your party outfit and prepare to continue the beach party indoors in the evening.
How to get there: Take bus R1 or R2 – look for Hard Rock Hotel or Señor Frogs restaurant for the stop.
If the energy at Playa Forum is a little too much for you, tone it down at the next-door Playa Gaviota Azul, which offers a similar high-energy vibe but with slightly fewer crowds and less music. The beach is still a popular spot for young spring breakers, with beach clubs and restaurants lining the shore. Take advantage of the public-access showers available here to rinse off the salt and sand before heading to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Insider tip: Stay for the epic sunsets here.
How to get there: Walk further north of Playa Forum or catch an Uber from anywhere in Cancun to Señor Frogs.
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Playa San Miguelito offers a rustic and offbeat experience away from the crowd. This beach is situated south of the main Hotel Zone, tucked behind the Cancun Mayan Museum and San Miguelito archaeological site. As a non-commercial beach, it has few amenities but an abundance of natural beauty and an untouched feel. The waves can be strong, but the sense of peace and lack of noise are worth the trip.
Insider tip: This is one of the few pet-friendly beaches in the area.
How to get there: Take bus R1 or R2 from the hotel zone and stop at the Cancun Mayan Museum.
Featuring remote, pristine beaches, Isla Blanca is a long, narrow peninsula with the Caribbean Sea on one side and a shallow, calm lagoon on the other, making it a kite surfer’s paradise. With its undeveloped shoreline and stunning natural beauty, it is the perfect spot for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection to nature.
Insider tip: Pack a picnic and bring all you need to spend a whole day here.
How to get there: The only way to get here is by taxi or car, and it’s an hour’s drive from the Hotel Zone.
While technically a ferry ride away, no guide to Cancun’s best beaches is complete without Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. Consistently rated one of the world’s best beaches, its incredibly shallow and calm waters are a stunning shade of turquoise. The soft, powdery sand and lack of waves make it feel like a massive swimming pool, and its west-facing location provides some of the most spectacular sunsets in the region.
Insider tip: Rent a golf cart once you’re on Isla Mujeres – it’s a fun way to explore the island.
How to get there: Catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez or Playa Caracol.
Lying further north off the coast, Isla Contoy is a highly protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary that can only be visited on a guided tour. Access is strictly limited to 200 visitors per day to protect the delicate ecosystems. On guided day tours, visitors can spend the day exploring the island and kicking back on palm-fringed Playa Norte, lauded as the best beach on the island.
Insider tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, SPF50+ rashguard and a sense of adventure.
How to get there: Book a guided boat tour to Isla Contoy on contoyadventures.com.
Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.
Nellie descended on the shores of Mexico four years ago after living in Singapore, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands, and finally found her happy place here. She has since written about Mexico for publications worldwide.

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