Best Beaches In CancúN
The beaches at the northern end of the Hotel Zone fronting Bahía Mujeres are narrow and have calm, shallow water. Those fronting the Caribbean are wider and more dramatic, with occasional crashing breakers and dangerous undertows.
The best beaches are in front of the big hotels. All beaches in Mexico, however, are federally owned and therefore public, even stretches that may seem like they are on hotel property. Keep in mind that you cannot use hotel facilities unless you are a guest, although changing areas and outdoor showers are available. Note the flags posted to indicate surf conditions. A green flag indicates safe conditions for swimming; yellow indicates caution; and red or black, dangerous conditions. Riptides can be unpredictable; when conditions are dangerous, do not venture past where you can safely stand.
The biggest issue facing Cancún's beaches today is the recent arrival of a smelly seaweed known as sargassum. Stick to the northern beaches to avoid the worst of it.
The “inner” coast of Cancún Island borders saltwater Nichupté Lagoon. Much of the lagoon is lined with stands of mangrove. Nichupté doesn't have the Caribbean's beauty, but the calm water is ideal for things to do like boating and water skiing, and the local restaurants along the shore are popular places for sunset watching.
The following designated public beaches are described in the order they appear along Cancún Island, beginning at the top of the island's “seven” configuration after leaving the mainland.