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Swim Safe In Cancun: Water Quality Study Shows Beaches In Excellent Condition

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A new study by Mexico’s federal environmental agency has found that all of Cancun’s beaches are safe for swimming this summer and are clear of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 

The busy summer season has just kicked off in the coastal resort hotspot, with thousands of travelers expected to set foot in the destination every day. 

Swim Time! New Study Shows All Cancun Beaches Are Highly Safe For Tourists This Summer (1)

Cancun’s resort zone is dotted with white-sand beaches, which are by far the biggest draw for travelers in the Caribbean destination. 

With that in mind, here’s what the latest studies have to say about Cancun’s white-sand beaches

sunny day on a cancun beach with travelers

Cancun And Mexican Caribbean Beaches Among The Cleanest In Mexico: New Study 

Each year, Mexico’s Federal Commission Against Sanitary Risks analyzes the state of public beaches across the country to ensure that they are suitable for swimming.

The latest study published by the technical agency shows that beaches in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are among the cleanest in the country and are free of contaminants and harmful bacteria & viruses

a white sand beach in playa del carmen with swimmers

All of the 28 beaches included in the study were determined to be in excellent condition, making them ideal for swimming, tanning, and aquatic sports and activities.

The study also concluded that Cancun’s seawater is of excellent quality, with only minimal traces of harmless bacteria detected in some beach areas. 

The analysis took place between late June and early July and analyzed dozens of beaches in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel.

More remote beach destinations were not included in the study. 

cancun's colorful resort zone at night

Despite the excellent results, beaches in Mahahual were found to have slightly higher concentrations of the Enterococcus bacteria, although not enough to pose a risk to human health. 

The study on beach cleanliness comes as Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean begin welcoming thousands of travelers for their annual summer getaway. 

Lifeguard Chair on a Sargassum-Free Beach in Isla Mujeres

Most travelers will opt for coastal resort towns this summer, with the latest projections showing occupancy rates of more than 80% for Quintana Roo’s main destinations. 

Beach Safety A Top Priority For Cancun This Summer

Although Cancun is among the safest destinations in Mexico, enjoying the city’s beaches isn’t always without its risks. 

Each year, several cases of drownings occur in the coastal hotspot, which is why authorities are deploying more lifeguards this summer to watch over travelers as part of the city’s annual summer safety campaign.

Three girls taking pictures in a Cancun Beach with the waves in the background

In addition to reinforcing Cancun’s contingent of lifeguards, officials in the sun-soaked destination are urging visitors to be aware of beach safety tips. 

One of the most important things travelers can do is to take note of Cancun’s color-coded beach flag warning system, which indicates swimming safety conditions. While a green flag points to safe conditions, travelers should avoid swimming when a red or black flag is hoisted, as waves, currents, or wildlife may pose a danger to swimmers. 

In addition to unpredictable weather, excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to drownings. Travelers are urged to drink in moderation when enjoying Cancun’s splendid beaches. 

aerial view of a large white sand beach in playa del carmen

Something that is often overlooked is applying (and reapplying!) sunscreen; this summer is expected to be among the warmest on record, with more intense heatwaves that can see temperatures of up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit affect the Mexican Caribbean. 

In addition to Cancun, numerous other coastal destinations in the region are stepping up beach safety this summer, including Playa del Carmen, which is currently building more lifeguard towers to protect travelers.

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