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Cancun is one of the most famous beach destinations in the world. The Mexican Caribbean has countless miles of white sand and turquoise waters. You will find everything from quiet beaches, ideal for families, to vibrant spots with a party atmosphere, not to mention all the places to snorkel. Here is a list of the ten best beaches in Cancun so you can plan and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Punta Nizuc
You don't need to go far from the hotel zone to live a beach day full of adventures. Punta Nizuc is one of the best beaches in Cancun for snorkeling and diving. The water is shallow and gives home to a fantastic coral reef. Don't forget your mask and tube to see lots of fish. You can also see a portion of the Museum of Underwater Art (MUSA), including the beautiful sculpture “The Gardener of Hope.”
Playa Gaviota Azul
If beach and party are synonymous for you, in Playa Gaviota Azul, you will find paradise. It is very close to major nightclubs such as Coco Bongo and Mandala. That's why there's a very lively atmosphere with young people at all hours. This is usually a crowded beach; therefore, it is not ideal if you are looking for tranquility or traveling with children.
Chac Mool
Chac Mool is among the busiest beaches in Cancun due to its location next to the main nightlife area. But if you are looking for a quieter atmosphere, relax at Chac Mool beach. You can rent a sunbed on its white sand to spend the day contemplating the perfect color of the water with the enormous buildings of the hotel zone in the background. An ideal time to visit this beach is at dawn; you will be alone watching the sunrise over the ocean.
Xcaret
Xcaret is a theme park that fuses the best the Riviera Maya has to offer: nature, Mayan traditions, gastronomy, and cultural events. You can swim in rivers with an underground origin, cenotes, visit a recreation of a Mayan village and, of course, enjoy its beaches. This is an enjoyable place to spend a day full of activities surrounded by a spectacular atmosphere. It is one of the most popular excursions from Cancun and is 45 miles south of the city.
Playa Delfines
In the southern part of the hotel zone, Playa Delfines is indisputably the most popular. Here you will find one of the famous colored signs where it says “Cancun.” This beach is not ideal for swimming, as there is usually quite a bit of swell and currents. But if you are one of those who enjoys spending the day toasting yourself in the sun under an umbrella with good sea views, you will surely like it. Also, as the name suggests, you're likely to see dolphins swimming in the distance.
Playa Tortugas
Most beaches in Cancun are very extensive, but Tortugas beach is relatively small in comparison. They say that good things come in small packages, and this is a good example. Despite being a smaller spot, Tortugas beach has everything you need: shops, restaurants, a generally quiet swell for swimming, many water sports, and even a platform 82 feet above the sea from which to do bungee jumping. In addition to this, it is next to the pier from where the ferries depart to Isla Mujeres.
Punta Maroma
Punta Maroma is another spectacular place to go on a day trip from Cancun. It is located about 30 miles south of the city and takes an hour to get there by car. Being further away from the city, the atmosphere is quieter. But it also has all kinds of facilities: there are many beach clubs where you can spend the day, and it's also an ideal beach for snorkeling. If you want to treat yourself, you can stay in the fantastic villas on the water of the Dorado Maroma resort.
Puerto Morelos Reef
About 30 miles south of Cancun, you will find Puerto Morelos, a former fishing village that now lives on tourism but maintains its charm. Unlike other overexploited places in the Riviera Maya, this municipality retains a relaxed atmosphere. The Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is the best spot, a vast coral reef about 500 meters from the coast. Without a doubt, one of the best beaches in Cancun for diving and those that love watching marine fauna.
Isla Blanca
Are you looking to get away from the crowds? If you drive about half an hour north of Cancun, you will arrive at Isla Blanca. Do not be fooled by the name; it's a peninsula covered mainly by wild vegetation. It also has a long coastline with white sand and fantastic water for a swim. Of course, there is usually some swell due to its exposure to the wind. That's why Isla Blanca is also an ideal place to go windsurfing. Remember to bring food and everything you will need during the day because there are no shops in Isla Blanca.
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is one of the best beaches in the hotel zone of Cancun to visit with kids. If you don't feel like going very far from your accommodation, here you will find everything you need to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean. Its crystal clear water is very shallow, which makes it a perfect beach to visit with family. In addition, it can be reached comfortably using the public buses that connect downtown Cancun with the hotel zone.
The beaches of Cancun are very close to paradise. With its many gorgeous white-sand beaches, each one attracts a unique type of visitor. Tell us which is your favorite!
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