Which beach is better Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

I've always loved the laid-back vibe of Playa del Carmen, and I prefer the beach clubs to the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. However, if you're looking for that picture-perfect beach shot and a vacation with plenty of things to do, then Cancun may be the better choice for you.



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While the entire area has great beaches, there is definitely a difference in the types of beaches contained in each area. The ocean water in Cancun tends to have more waves and surf rolling in, while the waters in the Riviera Maya are often calmer thanks to the natural barrier reef that protects this area.

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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.

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The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.

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Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!

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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.

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The 9 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico
  • Playa Balandra. ...
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. ...
  • Playa Blanca. ...
  • Costalegre, Jalisco. ...
  • Punta Mosquito. Location: Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo. ...
  • Playa Norte Celestun. Location: Celestun, Yucatan. ...
  • Playa Mayto. Location: Mayto, Jalisco. ...
  • Playa Zipolite. Location: Zipolite, Oaxaca.


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Best Beaches in Mexico
  • Isla Holbox.
  • Zihuatanejo.
  • Isla Mujeres.
  • Cozumel.
  • La Paz.
  • Sayulita.
  • Tulum.
  • Cancun.


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Maroma Beach is located in Quintana Roo State, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is on the Mexican Caribbean Coast, so expect gorgeous, crystal clear waters in every shade of blue — maybe even the clearest water in Mexico.

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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.

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Playa Delfines Cancun's largest and most popular beach is also one of its most beautiful. Ivory sands meet electric turquoise waters at Playa Delfines, also known as Dolphin Beach.

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Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.

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Walking the beaches of Playa Del Carmen. Walking along the beach is a great way to get some exercise. All beaches in Mexico and public, however, access is dependent on public access.

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It is in Puerto Bahía Balandra (Balandra Bay), a sheltered area in the Gulf of California just across from Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has what many consider the bluest water in Mexico.

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Cancun is recognized worldwide for its spectacular beaches of fine white sand, its fascinating turquoise blue sea and unparalleled weather, as well as excellent air and land connectivity, and a first-class hotel infrastructure that places it as one of the best destinations for tourists throughout the world thanks to ...

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Playa Delfines Cancun's largest and most popular beach is also one of its most beautiful. Ivory sands meet electric turquoise waters at Playa Delfines, also known as Dolphin Beach.

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Where It Is: Los Cabos is the strip of coast between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, in Baja California. Playa Cemeterio, Playa Santa Maria, and Playa Costa Azul are all located close to downtown Cabo San Lucas. Playa Costa Azul and Los Cerritos are favorites with the surfing crowd.

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Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach City Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico. While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts, you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.

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Seaweed season in Cancun is May to October so if you are visiting during those months in 2023 you could encounter sargassum seaweed on the beaches and/or in the water.

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The beaches in Playa del Carmen experience a seasonal seaweed influx that can change throughout the year. While efforts are being made to address the situation, visitors should know that the seaweed may impact their beach experience.

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