Playa Tortugas Cancun Hotel Zone: Your Perfect Beach Getaway
If you are looking for a new beach to explore in Cancun, Playa Tortugas could be a great option and in this post I will tell you all about it.
Honestly, I have lived in Cancun for more than a decade and I have underestimate the beauty of this beach. The reason being it looks a bit overwhelmed from the road, with lots of boats and people coming and going. So I was never drawn to it. But I was wrong and I will tell you why in this post.
Playa Tortugas is mainly popular for being one of the departure points of the Ultramar Ferry to Isla Mujeres and other private boat tours and although it’s not a major hub, it still brings quite a bit of traffic.
However if you get to the beach you can see that despite the boats the water is crystal clear and if you walk just a few steps on the right you will find a beutiful private swimmable beach. Keep reading to learn more about it.
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Where is Playa Tortugas located
Playa Tortugas is located on Km 4 of Boulevard Kukulcan in Cancun Hotel Zone, within walking distance of some of the best accommodation options Cancun has to offer. From budget-friendly stays to all-inclusive resorts like the Hilton Cancun, there’s something for every traveler.
After reading my post and looking at my picture you can decide whether staying in one of the beautiful hotels near Playa Tortugas or just go there for a beach day. Read more to learn about these options.What to Expect at Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortuga: The Beach
Let me tell you what really surprised me about Playa Tortugas. Yes, the main area near the ferry dock can get busy, especially in the mornings when people are heading to Isla Mujeres. But here’s the secret – if you walk just a bit to the right side of the beach, you’ll find a much quieter spot with the same beautiful turquoise water.
The sand here is that soft, white Caribbean sand that Cancun is known for. The water is incredibly clear, and I was honestly shocked at how clean it was despite all the boat activity. You can actually see your feet when you’re waist-deep, which is not something you can say about every beach in the Hotel Zone.
One thing I really appreciate about this beach is that it has a more authentic, local vibe. You’ll see families from Cancun spending their weekends here, not just tourists. It gives the place a different energy that I personally love.
Avoid weekends, though, as it gets too crowded.
Unfortunately this beach does get sargasso seaweed when it’s the wrong season. So make sure you check before going there if you are traveling between May and October. Read my detailed post on the sargassum seaweed in Cancun for more info.
Tortugas Beach Facilities
This is one of the reasons I actually recommend Playa Tortugas now. The beach has pretty much everything you need for a comfortable day.
There are beach chair and umbrella rentals available right on the sand. The prices are reasonable – you don’t need to book anything in advance, just show up and rent what you need. This is perfect if you’re staying somewhere without beach access or just want a change of scenery.
You’ll also find a couple of restaurants and beach clubs lining the shore. Some places will let you use their facilities if you order food or drinks, which is a nice option.
There are also public bathrooms and showers available, which is honestly a lifesaver when you’re spending the whole day at the beach.
Water Activities and Things to Do
Playa Tortugas is actually pretty active if you’re into water sports. I’ve seen people jet skiing, parasailing, and even trying their hand at windsurfing here.
The snorkeling is decent too. While it’s not as spectacular as what you’ll find at Isla Mujeres, you can still spot some colorful fish and interesting rock formations just offshore. I’d recommend bringing your own snorkel gear if you have it, but there are also rental options available.
The big draw here, of course, is the Ultramar Ferry to Isla Mujeres. The dock is right there on the beach, and boats leave regularly throughout the day. If you’ve never been to Isla Mujeres, I highly recommend making the trip – it’s only about 20 minutes by ferry and the island is absolutely beautiful. In my post linked above I will explain all about it.
Getting to Isla Mujeres from Playa Tortugas
Since so many people come to Playa Tortugas specifically for the ferry, let me give you some practical info about this.
The Ultramar ferries run pretty frequently – usually every 30 minutes to an hour depending on the season. You can buy tickets right at the dock, but I’d suggest getting there a bit early during high season (December through April) as the boats can fill up.
The ferry ride itself is smooth and comfortable. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and the views of the Caribbean are stunning. Once you’re on Isla Mujeres, you can rent a golf cart, bicycle, or scooter to explore the island.
Where to Stay Near Playa Tortugas
If you’re considering staying in this area, you have some really good options. The northern part of the Hotel Zone where Playa Tortugas is located tends to be a bit more affordable than the southern end, but you still get that beautiful Caribbean beach experience.
Some of the closest hotels include Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula and Hotel Riu Caribe. These are high-end all-inclusive resorts with premium prices, and honestly, they’re located on an amazing beach themselves. But they’re still at walking distance from Playa Tortugas, which is great if you want to catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres or just explore a different beach for the day.
For more affordable options that are still great, check out Dos Playas by Faranda, Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel, and Maya Caribe Beach House by Faranda. These give you easy access to Playa Tortugas without the high-end price tag. All of these are within easy walking distance of the beach and ferry dock.
How to Get to Playa Tortugas
Getting to Playa Tortugas is pretty straightforward, but let me break down your options depending on where you’re coming from.
From the Airport
If you’re arriving at Cancun Airport, I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. It’s reliable, comfortable, and you’ll have someone waiting for you when you land. They’ll drop you off right at your hotel or directly at Playa Tortugas if that’s where you’re headed.
From Downtown Cancun
You have several options here:
✅ The cheapest way is taking the R1 or R2 bus. These run frequently along the Hotel Zone and cost just a few pesos. Just tell the driver “Playa Tortugas” and they’ll let you know when to get off. It’s easy and honestly, this is how a lot of locals get around.
✅ Taxis are available throughout downtown and will take you directly to Playa Tortugas. Just agree on the price before you get in.
✅ Uber can take you from downtown to the Hotel Zone, which is convenient and usually cheaper than taxis. However – and this is important – Uber cannot pick you up from the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is only handled by official taxis, and there’s a taxi stand right at Playa Tortugas. Don’t be surprised if the price to go back to downtown is double what you paid to get there. That’s just how it works with the taxi monopoly in the Hotel Zone.
Renting a Car
Honestly, having a car is highly recommended in Cancun. It gives you so much freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re planning to rent one, I would recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals. There’s parking available near Playa Tortugas, though it can fill up on busy days. If you are concerned about driving in Cancun, read my detailed guide.
What I like about staying in this area is that you’re close to downtown Cancun, so you can easily explore the more local side of the city. You’re also right by the ferry to Isla Mujeres, which saves you a taxi ride if you’re planning to visit the island.
My Honest Opinion
After finally giving Playa Tortugas a proper chance, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not going to be the pristine, resort-style beach experience you might find further south in the Hotel Zone, but that’s actually part of its charm.
If you want a beach with a more authentic feel, where you can easily spend the day without breaking the bank, Playa Tortugas is worth checking out. The water is beautiful, the amenities are solid, and the location is super convenient.
Plus, having the ferry to Isla Mujeres right there makes it easy to turn your beach day into an island adventure if you feel like it.
Would I go back? Absolutely. And I probably wouldn’t have said that before I actually spent time there and looked past the busy ferry dock area.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Here are a few things I learned that might help you:
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon. The ferry crowds die down after the morning rush, and you’ll have more space to yourself.
What to bring: Sunscreen (seriously, the sun here is strong), water, snacks if you want to save money, and a towel if you’re not renting chairs.
Parking: There’s parking available nearby, but it can fill up on weekends. If you’re taking the bus (R1 or R2 routes), just tell the driver “Playa Tortugas” and they’ll let you know when to get off.
Safety: The beach is generally safe, but as with anywhere in Cancun, keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
I hope this guide helps you decide whether Playa Tortugas is the right beach for your Cancun trip. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments – I’m always happy to share more about my favorite spots in Cancun!
If you want to learn about the other swimmable beaches in Cancun check out my detailed guides listed below.
Keep in mind though that not all Cancun beaches are made equal and some of them can get a bit dangerous for their rip currents. Check out my guide on the most dangerous Cancun beach hazard to stay informed.
