Cancun Beaches
The new, great, and gorgeous beaches of white sand caressed by warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea stand out as the hottest spots in Cancun. Almost all the hotels in the Hotel Zone in Cancun have their private beaches providing services such as beach waiters, volleyball courts, bars, restaurants, showers, restrooms, towels and lifeguards as well as various water sports activities. Topless bathing is acceptable in "Cancun beaches" and many of the surrounding areas along the Mayan Riviera. On the other hand total nudity is rare and illegal especially on the major beaches of Cancun.Almost all beaches are on the ocean side of Cancun Hotel Zone. The beaches on the north side of Cancun are quite different from those on the east side. As these beaches are quite sheltered from the Caribbean winds by Isla Mujeres they are very suitable for some water sports, swimmers and families with kids. The area is called Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women). If you are planning a trip to Isla Mujeres (Mujeres Island), you will find the docks for the ferries and ships that leave for Isla Mujeres.
When driving into the Hotel Zone of Cancun, the first beach you see is the Playa las Perlas. It about 1.5 miles away from Cancun City. Next to Playa Las Perlas is Playa Linda with its cyrtal clear water. Playa Linda is the best beach to find submarine and scuba diving tours. Playa Linda is followed by the Playa Langosta which is already about 3 miles away from Cancun City. Following Playa Langosta, you find Playa Tortugas (Turtle Beach) and Playa Caracol (Snail Beach). These three neighboring beaches are well known for their pristine sand and relaxed atmosphere. Playa Caracol has long been one of the most popular beaches of Mexico. The water is very shallow water which makes this beach one of the best destinations for families. At the end of the Playa Caracol, the street turns southwards along the eastern part of Cancun Island.
The ocean view on east Cancun is what you see on billboards and in newspapers, the infinite shades of blue in a crystal clear water. The wind on the east side of Cancun can be moderate to heavy. You must take caution while swimming, check the flags and lifeguards and don't swim alone. You can enjoy long walks along the beaches that are nearly 20 kilometers long, get up early to watch the sunrise over the beautiful Caribbean Sea or rent a jet ski for some fun in the waves.
Gaviota Azul, Chac Mool and Playa Marlin are the less popular beaches of the east side of Cancun. Still you will find plenty of space and high waves here that are suitable for various water sports. Playa Ballenas is located at the center of the east side of Cancun. This beach is famous for its family-friendly activities. You can find activities such as boating, tubing and waterskiing here. Further south, San Miguelito adds some history to a perfect beach experience in Cancun. You will find some ancient Mayan ruins in this beach. Playa Delfines and Playa Nizuc beaches are located at the southern end of the Hotel Zone. These beaches are nestled against some of the best hotel resorts of Cancun which makes it possible to reach some fancy restaurants and boutiques.