Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 18, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Located near Ruinas del Rey at Km 18, where Boulevard Kukulcán curves into a hill, Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is one of the last beaches before Punta Nizuc. Hotels have yet to dominate this small section of coastline, and there’s an incredible lookout over the ocean. On a clear day you can see at least four shades of blue in the water, though swimming is treacherous unless a green flag is posted. This resort-free area has plenty of sand and surfers, and it’s one of the few places in Cancún where you can take surfing lessons. Although decent waves roll in during hurricane season, they seldom hit “epic” status. At best, you might find choppy, inconsistent surf here and at Playa Chacmool and City Beach. Those seeking more than just a ripple should avoid the placid northern beaches, where Isla Mujeres lies just offshore.
Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol (Snail Beach) (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — the last “real” beach along the east-west stretch of the Zona Hotelera, is near Plaza Caracol and the Xcaret dock. Located at Km 8.5, the whole area has been eaten up by development, in particular the high-rise condominium complex next to the entrance. This beach is also hindered by the rocks that jut out from the water to mark the beginning of Punta Cancún, where Boulevard Kukulcán turns south. There are several hotels along here and a few sports rental outfits.
Nichupté Lagoon
Nichupté Lagoon
Nichupté Lagoon — You’ll find sophisticated French, Italian and Mexican cuisine at the beachfront resorts and low-key restaurants on Nichupté Lagoon. Choose from a variety of cuisines and romantic settings: perhaps Southeast Asian satay in a private palm-covered booth or Mexican peppers stuffed with fresh lobster in a Spanish-style courtyard.
Cancún Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok
Cancún Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok
Cancún Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 7.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) – this is Cancún’s main golf course. Its club has fine views of both sea and lagoon; its 18 holes were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It also has two practice greens, three tennis courts, a pro shop, and a restaurant. For more info, go to: www.cancungolfclub.com.
Plaza Las Avenidas
Plaza Las Avenidas (Av. Yaxchilán, Sm 35, N.C-2, El Centro, Cancún) — Far from the Hotel Zone, this shopping area is most convenient for those staying in El Centro. There are gift shops, fast-food restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, and a karaoke bar. You’ll also find a drugstore and a bakery on the premises.
Playa Marlin
Playa Marlin
Playa Marlin (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 13, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — this is a seductive stretch of sand in the heart of the Zona Hotelera, accessible via a road next to Kukulcán Plaza. Despite its turquoise waters and silky sands, the waves are strong and the currents are dangerous. If this beach is crowded, you can walk in either direction to find quieter spots. There’s also a small tent where you can rent boogie boards, snorkel equipment, and motorized sports equipment. Although there are currently no public facilities, you can always walk over to Kukulcán Plaza if you need a restroom.
Playa las Perlas
Playa las Perlas
Playa las Perlas (Pearl Beach) (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 2.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Located at Km 2.5, between the Cancún mainland and the bridge, it’s a relatively small beach on the protected waters of the Bahía de Mujeres, and is popular with locals. There are several restaurants lining the sand, but most of the water-sports activities are only available to those staying at the nearby resorts like the Imperial las Perlas or Holiday Inn Cancún Arenas.
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Small, placid Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach), which has an entrance at Boulevard Kukulcán’s Km 5, has calm waters that make it an excellent place to swim. There’s a dock (mainly used by Dolphin Discovery) that juts out in the middle of the water, but swimming areas are marked off with ropes and buoys. The safe waters and gentle waves make this a popular beach with families as well as Spring Breakers.
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 10, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Located at Km 10 on Boulevard Kukulcán, Playa Chacmool can be accessed through the beach entrance across the street from Señor Frog’s. As at Playa Caracol, development has greatly encroached on Chacmool’s shores. There are a lot of rocks, but the water is a stunning turquoise and the beach is close to shopping centers and the party zone, so there are plenty of restaurants nearby. The short stretch to the south has gentler waters and fewer rocks. Public changing rooms are also available. The clear, shallow water makes it tempting to walk far out, but be careful—there’s a strong current and undertow.
Playa Ballenas
Playa Ballenas
Playa Ballenas (Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 14.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún) — Also known as Whale Beach, this is raw stretch of sand and crystal water at Km 14.5 between Sandos Cancun and Cancún Palace. Jet skiers often zoom through the water, and the strong wind makes the surf rough. The beach is open to the public, and parking and beach access are available at Calle Ballenas.
