The Best Cancún Beaches

2 Preliminary Cancún Beach Tips

• All public beaches are owned by the government and are free to all visitors.
• Topless bathing is not scandalous, but also not common.

Playa Langosta

Playa Langosta (lobster beach) is a great place to for watersports and socializing. This beach offers an array of activities including snorkeling, diving and great open areas for swimming.  Beach restaurants and bar line Playa Langosta, making it the perfect spot for recreation and relaxation.

Playa Caracol

Playa Caracol (snail beach) has everything for families, restaurants, activities and calm, shallow waters.  This long, wide beach is most known for its flat, shallow bed which makes it perfect for children or poor swimmers.  Though, it is one of the most frequented of the best beaches in Cancún, it usually has enough space to accommodate. 

San Miguelito

If you debated between going to the beach and visiting the famous Mayan ruins, San Miguelito (St. Michael Beach) is the perfect compromise. This pristine beach is located just a little south of Punta Cancún and has its own archeological site with small Mayan temples and pyramids, also named San Miguelito.

Playa Ballenas

Whale beach, or Playa Ballenas, has incredible views of the Gulf Coast.  This is a fantastic beach for taking postcard-like pictures. 

(Note: be sure to look for warning flags before swimming, there can be days with strong currents).

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas (turtle beach) is a local beach with a nice pier and lots of amenities.  The water is calm which makes it a nice place for swimming and water sports.  Canoe, kayak and Seadoo rentals are all available.

Playa Linda

Playa Linda (pretty beach) is a little bit difficult to get to because you have to actually go through a hotel lobby. (If you’re willing to spend the extra energy, you can also walk around the bridge, but it takes a while). 

This calm beach has no tides, which makes it perfect for children and leisure swimming.

Playa las Perlas

Pearl beach, or Playa las Perlas, has “pearl-white” sand and a lot of water sports. It’s a fun for kayaking, jet skiing and snorkeling. It’s also has many restaurants and bars for lunch in the middle of the day or a cocktail at night.

Note that all public beaches are owned by the government and are free to all visitors. Topless bathing is not scandalous, but also not common.

For more guides of things to do, explore the top 10 things to do in Cancún. For something more substantial, there are plenty of amazing Cancún restaurants to be found.