Cancun beaches follow the smoking ban, making it technically illegal to smoke on them. Officials have installed several signs around public beaches – including in Caracol, Defines, and Marlín – stating that the consumption of any type of product containing tobacco or nicotine is strictly prohibited.

Smoking in Cancun, and throughout Mexico, is governed by some of the strictest anti-tobacco laws in the world, which were significantly expanded in 2023. In 2026, it is illegal to smoke in all public places, which includes beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants, and terraces. Most resorts in the Cancun Hotel Zone have removed their "smoking sections" entirely to comply with federal law, meaning that even lighting up on your private hotel balcony can result in a significant fine or eviction from the property. Vaping and the importation of e-cigarettes are also technically prohibited under Mexican law, and these items can be confiscated by customs at the airport. While enforcement can vary, travelers should assume that any area where other people are present is a "No Smoking" zone. If you are a smoker, you should only light up in designated, isolated areas that are specifically marked with "Fumadores" signage, which are becoming increasingly rare. Breaking these laws can result in fines ranging from $50 to $300 USD, or even detention by local police if you refuse to extinguish the cigarette in a public area.