How to Find the Best Public Beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone

Every year millions of world-travelers flock to Cancun. The main reason?

The spectacular white-sanded, warm-watered, turquoise-colored beaches. And there’s not just one beach. There are 11 public beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Read this article to learn how to find the best public beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

We’re going to show you…

• Which side of Cancun has the best beaches for you (Caribbean or North Side)
• Which activities are available
• How you can stay safe from rip currents

Ready? Let’s get started!

Beach Layout

If you look up at the map of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you’ll see it has the shape of the number 7.

The top of the 7 is the “North Side”.

On the North Side you’ll find that…

• There are fewer people here so privacy is better (ideal for couples)
• The waters are much calmer (perfect for children)
• There may be fewer activities like snorkeling or diving

The long part of the 7 is the “Caribbean Side”.

On the Caribbean Side you’ll find that…

• The water is typically more turquoise and aesthetically pleasing (perfect for strolling down the beach)
• The waves & currents can be much stronger (can be better for activities but dangerous for swimming if extremely strong)
• The are more people and thus more activities available (bigger crowds, but more things to do)

 IMPORTANT:
The numbers on the Cancun beach map DO NOT represent kilometer markers. Each number corresponds to the beach number in this article. For example, #1, is “Playa Ballenas”, and #2 is “Playa Caracol”, and so forth.

The 11 Best Public Beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone

The following is a list of the 11 public beaches found in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

To make things easier for you, we broke everything into the following sections.

Kilometer Marker: If you’re taking a taxi, or have no internet, this should help you get there.

Beach Positioning: Depending on what style of beach you prefer, this will help you make that decision.

Google Map Directions: If you have internet access, just click, and receive step-by-step directions from google maps.

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says: For a non-biased perspective, we included some of the latest Trip Advisor reviews for each beach.

Enjoy!

1.      Playa Ballenas

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 14.5

Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“Very nice beach with turquoise waters. A little disappointed because it seemed like the Secrets resort has taken over the beach. There were free lounge chairs and umbrellas, food and drinks, but they were for people who were staying in the hotel with all inclusive. Overall, a nice beach.”

2.      Playa Caracol/Las Palmas

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 8

Beach Positioning

North Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“Sure wish we had stayed closer to this area than we did. The water was so beautiful clear clean warm and shallow for a long ways out. you could see fish in the water. My only concern was broken glass on the sand and you would need to watch out for that. Wish the beach area was cleaner.”

3.      Chac Mool Beach

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 10

Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“I love this beach! Not very crowded. Clean sand. Great waves for jumping. Lots of seashells and corals. The turquoise colors are so gorgeous. Nice ocean temperature. The city offers free showers, sunchairs and umbrellas! Wow !!! Highly recommended !!!”

4.      Playa Delfines

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 19.5

Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“This beach is the Classic Image of Cancun. The water with its different shades of blue are quite seductive, you can also appreciate often rainbows, when weather is auspicious. Be warned: if you are not a good swimmer, better enjoy in the beach, since currents and waves here can be treacherous. Not a place for Little Kids to swim.”

5.      Playa Gaviota Azul/Forum

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 9.5

 Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

 Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“This is the beach tourists come to Cancun for. It is nice sand, gorgeous water, beautiful clouds, and lots of people. It extends from the bar area in the north down the isthmus. In the bar area there are a lot of bars pumping music onto the beach. It can be crowded. If you are people watching it is entertaining.”

6.      Playa Langosta

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 5

Beach Positioning

North Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“Took the bus in the hotel Zone to this beach for a morning. We wanted to see what the ocean was like on the north side. Lovely calm turquoise water, a new playground for the kids, clean bathrooms and a cancun sign to take photos. The ferry dock to isla mujeres is here. A fun and low cost excursion!”

7.      Playa Las Perlas

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 2.5

Beach Positioning

North Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“this not the most fancy beach in cancun , but we love it is a perfect place to relax , in order that there not many people ,and have all the facilities , showers , rest rooms and little “palapas” everywhere, we highly recommend to visit it”

8.      Playa Linda

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 4

Beach Positioning

North Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“Even if you haven’t booked a tour leaving from Playa Linda, go for a visit. Rent a wave runner, look at the ships, have a cool drink at Capt. Hooks, heck, even smoke a Cuban cigar. If you have little children, the beach on the Gulf side is really calm, no waves. Take the kiddies in for a soak and see some fish passing by.”

9.      Playa Marlin

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 13

Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“One of my favorite in Cancun;) As here (unlike “Playa Tortugas and Langosta) you can feel and see real Caribbean waters. This part of coast “looking” straight to the ocean, thus water is more blue and clean. But – with waves… So, if you are with kids – not the best option. In the rest – nice. Can jump in the waves!;)) Free entry. There are lifeguards, bathroom, showers (both were closed around 6 p.m.). Right in front of the beach – bus and taxi stops. Also on the other side of the road, you can find nice restaurant “El Fish” 😉 Firstly, you can think that it is some local “not really cute” place, but need to go downstairs and will find a really cozy spot 🙂 Have a great time!)”

10.  Playa Punta Nizuc

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 24

Beach Positioning

Caribbean Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

 Trip Advisor Says

“Beautiful beaches, beautiful infiniti pools, great kids club and also areas that are adults only, free kayaks and standing boards, and very high quality restaurants.”

11.  Playa Tortugas

Hotel Zone Kilometer Marker: 6.5

Beach Positioning

North Side

Google Map Directions

Google Map Directions (Click Here)

Trip Advisor Reviewer Says

“The Playa Tortugas Beach is just beautiful, the white sandy beach to crystal blue waters. As you walk you can see the many beautiful homes and the views of all the Hotels that line the shore. Enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise.”

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