by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

Whether you are want to be in the sun holding a drink with an umbrella or partying all night like you were on spring break, Cancun is a great place to spend time at the beach. The sand in Cancun is bright white and never gets too hot, no matter what the weather is like. Turquoise waters surround the beaches, calling to swimmers. The coastline is beautiful and the clubs are plentiful, so you can relax all day and enjoy all night. All of the beaches in Mexico are public property so there are plenty of options for visitors. Most of the hotels in what is known as the "hotel zone" have their own beach access but if you want to go exploring, here are a few great beaches to check out.

Playa Linda

Convenient to downtown Cancun is Playa Linda. Many tours leave from this beach, so if you are interested in diving or a submarine tour you may want to check it out. The waves aren't great for surfing, but it is a family friendly beach with great swimming conditions. The waters that surround Cancun have an amazing color to them and if you go swimming at Playa Linda, you will find them clear and calm. There are plenty of restaurants and changing rooms at Playa Linda.

Playa Tortugas

If you are a novice at diving or snorkeling, there is no more beautiful place to learn than Cancun. The strikingly clear water at Playa Tortugas is one of the many places that you can learn to dive. I could stay there forever without running out of things to do, since you can also try parasailing or rent kayaks. The currents can be strong, so other beaches may be best for swimming (especially if you have kids). If you want to keep your feet planted on land, the beach is lined with cafes and bars. You can go straight from the sun to the scene. Either way, you are bound to have a fantastic time. This beach is a popular favorite of the locals.

Playa Marlin

While all the activities and sports are fun, sometimes you just want to sunbathe in peace. Stretching out on the cool, white sand of Playa Marlin may be the way to go. It is more secluded and quiet than many of the other Cancun beaches. Somehow it never attracts the crowds like some of the other beaches do, though it is just as beautiful.

Playa Las Perlas

Playa Las Perlas, which sits on the northern side of the "7" that makes up the hotel zone, is one of the safest beaches for swimming. If you are taking your family to Cancun, you may want to consider beginning at this beach so your children will be safe from the strong tides. You can bring your own equipment to enjoy other water sports, but there aren't really any rentals available here unless you are staying at a nearby hotel.

No matter which beach you choose, keep an eye on the flags before heading into the water. If you see black flags on the shore, it is a warning that conditions are too dangerous and you should not enter the waves. If the flags are red or yellow, use caution. When that green flag is out on the beach, the time is perfect to dive in. Use good judgment and pay attention to your own limitations if you want to swim.

Cancun has some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Explore them all!

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