These 5 Beaches in Cancun are the Safest for Swimmers
Cancun is a Mexican paradise for beach lovers but not all beaches are made equal. So if you are looking for swimmable beaches in Cancun, I am here to help!
Living in Cancun since 2010 has allowed me to explore every inch of its stunning coastline. While the city is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, not all beaches are ideal for swimming. Places like Playa Delfines and Playa Chac Mool, despite their beauty, are known for their strong currents and are not the safest choices for a swim. In fact, you will find surfers there most of the time.
However, Cancun is home to numerous other beaches that offer calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimmers of all levels.
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Where are Cancun’s swimmable beaches located?
The hotel zone, where Cancun’s best beaches are located, is marked in Kilometers. So from Km 0, at the beginning of the Boulevard Kukulkan, to approximately km 9, you will find some of the best swimmable beaches, because this is the most protected area of the bay.
From Km 9 to the end of the Boulevard Kukulcan you can still find a few swimmable beaches but they are rare.
In this brief article, I will guide you through the best swimmable beaches in Cancun that promise both safety and beauty. Scroll through the article to find a map of the safest beaches for swimmers and some more Travel Resources.
5 Swimmable Beaches in Cancun that are the Safest for Swimmers
1. Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is the best beach that is closest to Cancun Downtown and it’s very much swimmable. Sometimes the tide is even too low and you need to walk quite a bit to be able to swim. In the summer the water even gets too hot. Here you need to pay attention to motorboats but if you stay within the area delimited by the buoys you are good to go.
It’s a public beach with free access but if you want to stay in one of the nearby hotels you have a great choice of hotels of different budgets.
Playa Langosta Nearby Hotels
Breathless Cancun Resort and Spa – a luxury hotel especially loved by solo travelers and young couples for the festive atmosphere and luxury ambiance.
The Villas at The Royal Cancun – All Suites Resort – Self-Catering luxury apartments, includes: two pools, tennis courts, gym, beach massage service, a mini market, bicycles, sailboats, travel agency, car rental and an activities program for children and adults.
PLAYA LANGOSTA INFO
- Location Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 5, Zona Hotelera, Google Maps
- Facilities: Public restrooms, showers, restaurants, and parking. It’s also equipped with playgrounds for children.
- Swimmability: Absolutely. The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for families and casual swimmers.
2. Playa Pez Volador
Right beside Playa Langosta at only 5 minute’s walk on the beach, you find another swimmable beach Playa Pez Volador. The beach is located right in front of the hotel Casa Maya, which is now temporarily closed. So without the hotel facilities, you have even more space for yourself.
The beach here is very swimmable and there is a cord in the water that delimits the space where the boats cannot go. So besides being protected from vehicles, you also have a buoy to hold on to in case you get tired while in the water.
The beach gets overcrowded during weekends, especially Sundays because it’s a local’s favorite. So if you love peace and tranquillity you should avoid this beach on a Sunday.
PLAYA TORTUGAS INFO
- Location Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 6.5, Zona Hotelera, Google Maps
- Facilities: Lifeguards, sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, and water sport rentals. It also features a pier for ferries to Isla Mujeres.
- Swimmability: Yes. Its calm waters make it ideal for families and swimmers of all levels.
3. Playa Tortugas
Playa Tortugas is mainly known for being one of the departure points of the ferries to Isla Mujeres. The good side of it is that you will find a parking space (although small) shops and bars.
On the other end the beach can get a bit crowded and the ferries that come and go can be annoying. However, if you walk a few meters left or right you will find unspoiled public beaches with great swimmable water.
Just keep in mind that there may not be a beach guard. Keep your belongings close to you and don’t swim far off the coast.
PLAYA TORTUGAS INFO
- Location Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 7, Zona Hotelera, Google Maps
- Facilities: Lifeguards, sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, and water sport rentals. It also features a pier for ferries to Isla Mujeres.
- Swimmability: Yes. Its calm waters make it ideal for families and swimmers of all levels.
4. Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol is located right before Punta Cancun in front of the Plaza Caracol, one of the Cancun Shopping places that you may enjoy.
This beach is not equipped and is very narrow and crowded but I have included it here because I use it as a getaway to find one of my favorite beaches in Cancun. It doesn’t have a name, but if you get to the beach through Playa Caracol and walk to your left you will pass by Riu Cancun Hotel, The Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa, Fiesta Americana Resort and Spa (one of the most renowned Spa in Cancun).
Right after that, you will find a luxury condo hotel and that’s where you want to lay your towel and enjoy the spectacular beach and shallow turquoise water. There are no beach facilities, but you will find a lot of palm trees that will offer a good shade for you to get some breaks from the sun.
PLAYA CARACOL INFO
- Location Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 8.5, Zona Hotelera, Google Maps
- Facilities: Easy access to shops and restaurants.
- Swimmability: Yes. The beach features gentle waves and crystal-clear water, ideal for swimmers and snorkelers alike.
5. Playa Gaviota Azul
Playa Gaviota Azul is not very well known by its name. I found out only recently when I looked on Google Maps. This stretch of beach in Cancun is renowned for being right in front of the Crystal Altitude Hotel (Former Hyatt) Grand).
The beach is very spacious so as long as you don’t use the hotel facilities you are free to hang out anywhere you like. It’s a very well-protected stretch of beach with turquoise waters and very little currents.
To get to this beach you need to use the beach entrance on the side of Coco Bongo, the famous nightclub. Once you get to the beach you walk left until you get to the man-made barrier. That’s the best place where to swim in tranquillity.
PLAYA GAVIOTA AZUL INFO
- Location Address: Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 9, Zona Hotelera, Google Maps
- Facilities: This beach is surrounded by some of Cancun’s most famous clubs and restaurants, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Facilities include showers, lifeguards, and rental services for water sports.
- Swimmability: Yes, even though sometimes you can see some waves, the beach is swimmable, just don’t venture out too far away from the shore where you may find strong currents.
Hotels with the best swimmable beaches in Cancun
Besides the aforementioned hotels on the beaches I listed, other hotels feature some of the best beaches in Cancun but you must be a guest of the hotel to be able to enjoy them. Here are my top three.
🛏️ Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Nestled on the scenic Punta Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a family-friendly resort that offers stunning sea views, modern accommodations, and access to two exclusive beaches. The resort’s unique position provides calm, swimmable waters on both sides, making it a paradise for water lovers. From its vibrant pools to gourmet dining options, every detail is designed for an unforgettable stay.
🛏️ NIZUC Resort & Spa
Located at the very end of Kukulcan boulevard in Cancun, NIZUC Resort & Spa is one of the finest luxury resorts in Cancun. The pluri-awarded resprt offers elegant suites ane spacious villas with private pool perfectly blending the contemporary style and local traditions as a tribute to the Mayan Heritage. With two private beaches, the resort is a sanctuary for serenity and natural beauty. The waters here are calm, inviting guests to swim or snorkel in peace.
NIZUC is also home to multiple gourmet restaurants, a world-class spa, and accommodations that offer the utmost in luxury and comfort, all designed with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic.
Additionally, the hotel is suitable both for families and couples, who can enjoy a children-free area for peace and tranquillity
🛏️ Club Med Cancun RESORT PASS
Perfect for families and adventure seekers, Club Med Cancun Yucatan provides a full-inclusive experience. Situated at the tip of the iconic Riviera Maya, the resort boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, tailored for safe swimming and rich in aquatic life for snorkeling enthusiasts.
With a focus on sports, wellness, and entertainment, Club Med ensures a dynamic stay with activities and facilities for all ages, including the acclaimed Circus School for kids.
Club Med is one of the few resorts that allow you to purchase a Hotel day pass and enjoy all the hotel facilities and watersports without being a guest.
Each of these hotels not only provides direct access to Cancun’s most swimmable beaches but also ensures a stay replete with luxury, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re in search of adventure, relaxation, or a luxurious escape, these beachfront havens promise to make your visit to Cancun truly remarkable.
Cancun Swimmable Beaches FAQ
Are these beaches safe for solo travelers?
Do I need to pay an entry fee to get to a public beach in Cancun?
What’s the most dangerous hazard of Cancun Beaches?
Map of the safest beaches in Cancun for swimmers and hotels with best beaches
The Most swimmable beaches in Cancun: Conclusion
Cancun’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming. By choosing the right spot, you can enjoy the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea safely. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or visiting with family, these swimmable beaches offer the perfect escape into paradise, combining the ease of access with the serene beauty of Cancun’s shores. As a local who has witnessed the transformation of these beaches over the years, I assure you that a day spent at any of these locations will be a day well spent.
