Cancun's beaches are some of the most popular in Mexico, recognized for their vast sands and crystal clear waters. While many will stick to the shoreline outside their resort, visitors should consider exploring the area's other options, too.
If you want to go to a Mexican beach and be 100% confident that the water is pristine, your best bets are on the Pacific coast. Two of the top-10 (all tying with the same score) cleanest beaches in Mexico were in Campeche. One was in Quintana Roo, but far to the south.
East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.
Many beaches are closed to swimmers because they aren't safe—steep ocean floor drop-offs close to shore create strong waves and undercurrents, making it dangerous to enter the water. These beaches are clearly marked with red flags, warning swimmers to stay away.
The Weddell Sea has been claimed by scientists to have the clearest waters of any ocean in the world. Described by a historian as “the most wretched and dismal region on earth”, due to the flash freezes that caught Shackleton's ship, its clarity is only belied by the sheer depth of the ocean below.
Although the sea that borders Cancun and the Riviera Maya is known for its beauty, it is not always totally calm! Strong currents and big waves can make some beaches in the Riviera Maya dangerous. You have to watch children while they swim! And even some beaches are only recommended for seasoned swimmers.
Located on the Mexican Caribbean coastline, it's no doubt Cancun's beaches have some of the most transparent waters in the world. Famed for its turquoise color and crystal clear waters, it makes it the ultimate destination for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
With its stunning beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands, the region is a true tropical paradise. If you are looking for a beach to enjoy water sports or just relax, Playa del Carmen is an excellent choice.
While exposed eastern shores are most likely to get hit by surges of sargassum, some beaches in Mexico have no sargassum. This includes Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo and Cozumel's western shore. They're generally seaweed-free. However, much depends on winds and ocean currents.
Cancun is considered to be the heart of the Mexican Caribbean and year on year thousands of visitors who come to the Yucatan Peninsula end up right here! The gorgeous beaches, great weather, and amazingly clear and clean waters are huge pulls for many tourists, but Cancun has much more to offer than just this.
Xpu-Ha BeachThere you'll find Xpu-Ha (pronounced sphu-ha) Beach, another one of the best beaches on the Riviera Maya. Why It Made Our List: Awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, Xpu-Ha is a small beach that makes a huge impact with its unsullied white sand and clear, crystal-blue waters.
Wrapping around the northern nose of Isla Mujeres, this beautiful stretch of beach has some of the clearest turquoise water to be found anywhere in the world.
3. Be cautious at night if you're traveling alone – Cancún isn't the most dangerous place at night, but in some places, it's not as well lit as it should be. Don't walk around alone late at night if you can avoid it.
1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
For example, some bacteria accumulating in the pipes when not used for a while can cause sickness. Also, it was mentioned that it can contain heavy metals that are not exactly good for our system. So, generally, tap water in Mexico isn't considered safe for drinking because you are far more likely to get sick from it.
Cozumel is one of the safest beach towns in Mexico. Playa Dzul Ha, Playa Palancar, and Playa Sur eco-Park are some of the best beaches in Mexico you can find. The white sand beaches and deep blue water with its white foamy waves make for a relaxing retreat.