by M. Torres

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 21, 2008

The beaches of Cancun draw millions of visitors each year. The pristine turquoise water and the sugar white sand are tourist magnets, beckoning to those seeking a tropical oasis. Every inch of Cancun's fifteen miles of spectacular coastline is explorable to the tourist heart's content because all of Cancun's beaches are government owned and considered public property. While you may have accessibility issues on some beaches bordering private properties such as hotels in the area, the vast majority of the coastline is easily accessible. Your access point may vary, however, depending on the type of atmosphere you're looking for.

Tourists to the Cancun area have many options to choose from when selecting the perfect beach to while away their stay. College students and young adults may want a beach with lots of action, while honeymooners may opt for a more secluded area. Whatever you're looking for in a beach, you're sure to find it along the Cancun coastline.

The fifteen miles of Cancun beach front is known as The Hotel Zone. The middle of this sections is referred to as The Party Zone. Party going tourists, Spring Breakers, and rowdy locals alike all converge on this midsection dotted with bars and restaurants to make it a hopping place. Playa Ballenas, located at kilometer 14 in the Hotel Zone, Playa Tortugas, kilometer 6.5 in the Hotel Zone, Playa Las Perlas, located a kilometer 2.5 in the Hotel Zone, and Playa Langosta, located at kilometer 5 in the Hotel Zone are all hubs of activity.

If family-friendly beaches with lots of water sport activities are more your style, Cancun offers a number of beaches to suit your needs, too. Playa Caracol, located at kilometer 6 in the Hotel Zone, is a great place for the kids to explore the waters and sea life because of the shallow sandy sea floor. Playa Linda, located at kilometer 4 in the Hotel Zone, offers some of the best swimming in all of Cancun, while San Miguelito, located at kilometer 16.5 in the Hotel Zone, has Mayan ruins for exploring. Be advised that the northern beaches on the sea side of Cancun are the best for swimming and tranquil waters because they have protection from Isla Mujeres. The eastern beaches on the lagoon side that do not have the protection of Isla Mujeres will often encounter strong currents and waves, making them less than ideal for water activities.

Finally, if you're just looking to kick back and soak up the Cancun sun in a more tranquil setting, there are also some scenic and secluded beaches

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