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After a gruelling winter period of hard work, deadlines and routine, what could be better than a summer vacation relaxing on some of the finest beaches Mexico has to offer. But with so many sun-soaked coastlines to choose from, it can be hard to know just where exactly the best spot to relax is, especially with the rise of plastic polluting Caribbean shores in recent years.
This is where the Blue Flag jury comes in: the global conservation company have devised a system to rank beaches worldwide on how pollutant-free they are.
Known as the ‘Blue Flag’ system, beaches are given awards based on their high environmental quality standards, including the testing of water quality for potential pollution.
Today, the jury awarded 10 beaches in Cancun with Blue Flag status for the 2022-2023 season, making the coastal haven the destination with the most litter-free beaches in Caribbean Mexico. Overall, Cancun now hosts 10 out of 19 total Blue Flag status beaches in the whole of Quintana Roo state:
The Ballenas
Located in close proximity to the luxury resorts of Secrets and JW Marriot, the Ballenas beach is a typical Caribbean paradise for travellers in need of rest and relaxation. Characterised by its azure waters and fine white sand, the beach is very close to the La Isla peninsula, perfect for a visit to Cancun’s Ferris wheel or aquarium.
Coral Beach
This idyllic location is at the northernmost point of the Hotel Zone and is easily accessible for guests at the Grand Coral Beach Resort and Spa. The beach boasts spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from the Lighthouse of Punta Cancun – just a short walk across the sands.
Chac Mool
Known as a hidden gem of the Cancun region, Playa Chac Mool is a delight for tourists and locals alike. With a designated area for hotel-goers, as well as plenty of space for those who are not staying close to the beach, Chac Mool also has plenty of bars and eateries close by.
Playa Delfines
Famous for being a place to spot sea turtles and dolphins, Playa Delfines has been a much-loved spot for tourists for years. The litter-free nature of the beach emphasizes the beauty of its natural environment and helps to preserve the natural reef wall that lies adjacent to the shore.
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun
The Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun is yet another quintessential Mexican-Caribbean slice of paradise. Also located in the hotel zone of Cancun, the beach is reserved especially for hotel residents and provides a calm environment to sunbathe and swim.
Iberostar Cancun
As expected, the family-friendly Iberostar Selection Cancun has a private, blue-flag-certified beach for its guests to enjoy. The crystal-clear waters and stunning, trash-free landscape provide travellers with the perfect opportunity for water sports, including snorkelling and paddle-boarding.
Live Aqua Cancun
The beach at Live Aqua has a different atmosphere to the Iberostar Cancun: as part of an adults-only resort, the beach is a haven for grown-ups. With an all-inclusive bar next to the beach and a plethora of sun-loungers and umbrellas, the beach at Live Aqua is the perfect getaway if you are travelling without children.
Playa Del Nino
Playa Del Nino is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches in the entire state of Quintana Roo. Despite the multitude of families visiting the beach in the summer season, the shoreline is regularly cleaned of unsightly garbage.
Marlin Beach
Known for being a picture-perfect beach throughout Quintana Roo state, Marlin Beach provides travellers with a stunning visual experience and plenty of sun to relax in. Special attention has been paid to this beach in recent years to ensure its cleanliness.
Las Perlas Beach
Las Perlas is an excellent option for those looking to relax on a beach after walking in downtown Cancun. Many local families are known to enjoy this beach for its gentle waves and shallow waters, making it a perfect afternoon outing for little ones.
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