Why is the water in Cancun so blue?

The deeper the water gets, the darker is its tone simply because blue is the only color of sunlight left after all colors were absorbed by the water's molecules. However, another very important biological factor is algae or small microorganisms known as phytoplankton.



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The Caribbean Sea is much like every other tropical ocean in that it has very clear, blue water. The water appears blue due to the fact that the ocean absorbs all wavelengths of light very well, except for the short wavelengths of blue.

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“The Caribbean sea is so clear and blue because it has little presence of plankton – or other substances – and it's relatively shallow so most of the light is reflected. As a result, we see beautiful clear blue water. Water gets its color from the interaction of sunlight with water and the substances in the water.”

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Phytoplankton absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the reds and blues of the visible spectrum but reflects the greens, which explains why the waters they inhabit look green.

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Tap water in Cancun is not recommended for drinking, even for locals. But don't worry. With a bit of preparation and know-how, you'll have no problem staying properly hydrated during your stay.

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Beaches in Cancún are a popular reason to visit this city, as is the nightlife scene. Many beaches offer both, with gold and white sand, turquoise waters, and a party atmosphere. Here you can relax on the soft sands and snorkel, surf, or swim in the endless, clear sea.

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Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.

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But the culprit for the beautiful blue is the limestone! Limestone is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and is white in color. As the river breaks down this rock into tiny crystals, these crystals will get mixed up into the water.

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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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Cancun and the Riviera Maya are known for their stunning blue waters, soft white sand, and all-year-round warm weather. Located on the Mexican Caribbean coastline, it's no doubt Cancun's beaches have some of the most transparent waters in the world.

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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.

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Devil's Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
  • Buck Island, U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten.
  • Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten.
  • Honeymoon Beach in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Ffryes Beach, Antigua.
  • Blue Bay Beach, Curaçao.
  • Blue Bay Beach, Curaçao.
  • Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.


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Exuma, specifically Specifically, the bluest waters of the Caribbean is said to be at Tropic of Cancer Beach on the island of Exuma in the Bahamas. Its long sweeping sandbar is flanked by an eager shoreline expressing every gradient of blue. On a clear day at this Exuma beach, it looks like the sea flows into the sky.

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As you can tell by now, many factors come into play to create the perfect turquoise color that defines the Caribbean. We are lucky to enjoy mother nature showing off with the beautiful intense tones that Cancun gives to everyone who visits.

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Photo: Marama Beach has the clearest water in Mexico Perfection at Palifitos Paradise!

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Though the tap water in Cancun does in fact meet the standards of safety, it is always a good idea to stick with bottled water. Head to the nearest supermarket and stock up on your favorite brand.

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Seaweed and algae in the ocean´s floor, can darken the color of the water or give a green aspect to it. Plankton, algae and other organisms transform blue color into green. Also if there is seaweed floating light cannot penetrate the surface and shed light deep enough.

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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.

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A deep blue colored wave viewed from the water surface near Encinitas, California, United States. The Pacific Ocean contains some of the most deep blue colored waters in the world.

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While boiling water does kill off bacteria, freezing it does not, so by and large, ice is safe in Mexico.

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