The 12 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in cancun"
Named by 6 of 71. Playa DelfinesCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoThe largest Cancun beach, with a wide stretch of palapa-covered white sand and room to spread out.Has umbrella rentals, restrooms, palapas, fruit stands and rinsing areas.
Named by 4 of 72. Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)Isla Mujeres, MexicoDoes not face open ocean, so the water is calm enough for families to swim.Calm clear water with a reef offshore suits snorkeling.
Named by 4 of 73. Playa Chac MoolCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoSits in a busy part of the Hotel Zone, so it draws tourists and locals.A good water sports area for sail boarding, water skiing and parasailing.
Named by 3 of 74. Playa MarlinCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoNot the best for swimming and has no beach clubs, but lifeguards are usually present.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Cancún.
Named by 2 of 75. Playa LangostaCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoUsually has no waves, which suits families with small children.Faces the Bahia de Mujeres and has some of the best swimming in Cancun.
Named by 2 of 76. Playa TortugasCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoSand mixes with a rocky section, and you can swim in one part while looking at the other.Described as good for water sports, with restaurants and refreshment bars.
Named by 2 of 77. Playa Las PerlasCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoSmaller and often quiet, at the edge of the Hotel Zone.The water is clear and clean though not as bright blue as at other beaches.
Named by 2 of 78. Playa BallenasCancun Hotel Zone, MexicoA full-service beach in the middle of the Hotel Zone, lined with hotels.Currents can be very dangerous at any time of year, so watch the flags.
9. Playa Centro (Isla Mujeres)Isla Mujeres, MexicoThe quieter of the two main Isla Mujeres beaches, near the ferry arrival.Ferries to the island leave hourly and take about 20 to 30 minutes.
10. Playa del NiñoBetween Puerto Juarez and Costa Mujeres, MexicoAvoids Hotel Zone crowds but still has kayak and paddleboard rentals and beach bars.
11. Playa CoralCancun, MexicoTree-lined and shady, with calm water but no lifeguards.
12. Playa del CarmenRiviera Maya, MexicoA former fishing village with a beach-town feel, reachable from Cancun Airport by transfer.
Named by 6 of 71. Playa DelfinesThe largest Cancun beach, with a wide stretch of palapa-covered white sand and room to spread out.Has umbrella rentals, restrooms, palapas, fruit stands and rinsing areas.
Named by 4 of 72. Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)Does not face open ocean, so the water is calm enough for families to swim.Calm clear water with a reef offshore suits snorkeling.
Named by 4 of 73. Playa Chac MoolSits in a busy part of the Hotel Zone, so it draws tourists and locals.A good water sports area for sail boarding, water skiing and parasailing.
Named by 3 of 74. Playa MarlinNot the best for swimming and has no beach clubs, but lifeguards are usually present.
