7 stunning Cancun beaches

11.10.2023 - 14:57 / lonelyplanet.com / El Rey

Cancún is a beach lover’s paradise: miles and miles of white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Most of the city’s best beaches are found in the Zona Hotelera, a good reason to consider staying at one of the many high-rise hotels or all-inclusive resorts there. But even if that’s not your style (or budget), you can still easily enjoy Cancún’s beaches, which are as varied as the visitors who come here. Explore a bit and you’ll find everything from beach clubs with thumping-bumping music to palm tree lined beaches with not a soul in sight. 

Best all-around beach 

Playa Delfines is a sloping, expansive beach on the southern end of the Zona Hotelera; it's a gorgeous place, and one of the only beaches in town without the backdrop of a towering hotel. It’s a great spot for playing in the waves and boogie boarding – though heed the water condition flags, the undertow can be especially strong here. Popular with both locals and visitors, Playa Delfines has amenities that most beaches are missing in Cancún: rows of free thatch-roofed palapas, public restrooms, even a playground and life guards. It also is one of the only beaches with a car park and a public bus stop. If you need a mid-day break from sand and surf, Cancún’s most visited archaeological site – El Rey – is just across the street.

Best quiet beach

Playa Pez Volador is a hidden gem on a small bay in the Zona Hotelera. Locals come here for the calm turquoise waters and laid back vibe – sand castle-making is the most action you’ll find here. Amenities are scarce, so be sure to bring your beach blanket, umbrella and plenty of water and snacks. You’ll probably want a good book or gossip mag too. Minimal signage keeps the spot gloriously off the radar; to find it, look for the public access path across from the supersized Mexican flag on the north end of the main drag. 

Best party beach

Playa Forum is a curving stretch of white sand beach in the heart of the Zona Hotelera. This is literally where people come to get their groove on – most of Cancún’s famous nightclubs open directly on or near this section of sand. By day, beach clubs do their best to recreate the nighttime scene, with DJs and pumping music, scantily clad folks and bottles galore. Mandala Beach Club is the hot-spot here with pool parties and Jacuzzi mixers, beach beds and VIP beach access. Public access to the beach itself is just south of the club – a good way to soak up the party vibe without having to shell out for admission.

Best family friendly beach

For families with kids, Playa Langosta in the Zona Hotelera is a welcome sight. Facing Bahía de Mujeres, the beach is wide, the water shallow, and ropes and buoys keep boat traffic from the onsite pier at a distance – perfect