Why do visitors come to Cancun? For the beaches, of course! Fourteen miles of silky white sand, caressed by a tropical sun, beckon to sun worshippers and water activities enthusiasts from around the world. The sand on Cancun beaches is lightweight and cool, and the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea dazzle the senses.
Just a resort concept in the Mexican government’s eye in the early 1970s, today Cancun boasts nearly 25,000 hotel rooms and accommodates up to 200 international flights a day. This beautiful destination was the one of the first master-planned resorts in Mexico and its success has exceeded expectations. Some of the world’s top hotel chains maintain mega-resorts here, and the all-inclusive packages that they offer make vacationing in Cancun an unforgettable experience.
Cancun is really divided into two sections. The Hotel Zone, home to most of the city’s sleek, beachfront resorts, is shaped like a “7” with sandy beach on all sides. It is connected to the mainland via two bridges, and Cancun City, with its broad avenues and whitewashed buildings, is the resort’s oldest section and most authentically Mexican. Hotels here may not be as extravagant as those in the Hotel Zone, but they are less expensive.
When it comes Cancun’s beaches, location matters. The waters to the north of the Hotel Zone are protected by the Isla Mujeres and are tranquil, making them the best Cancun beaches for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Playa las Perlas is known for its water sports and restaurants, and Playa Linda is a great spot for finding dive tour operators. Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas are home to bars and restaurants, snorkel tours, dive tours and shuttles to Isla Mjujeres. Playa Caracol has shallow waters, lots of entertainment arcades and is great for kids.
Cancun beaches that face to the east are not as sheltered as those facing north and can have large swells and strong currents. These beaches are the most popular with tourists and are usually crowded. Playa Chac Mool and Playa Ballenas, unmatched for playing in the waves and sunning, are particular favorites. With plentiful restaurants and delicious cuisine, they are also an enticing spot for cocktails and a romantic dinner. Playa Nizuc, toward the southern end of the island and home to some of most fabulous Cancun resorts and hotels, is quiet and secluded, and the glistening sand behind the Camino Real Hotel, accessible through the hotel lobby, is another great spot for a peaceful beach experience.
After lounging on the northern or eastern beaches for awhile, the Nichupte Lagoon, to the west of the Hotel Zone, is the place to find lots of water sports activity. Here vacationers enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, para-sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.
From diving to sunbathing to snorkeling, Cancun beaches have it all.
