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These 3 Beaches Near Cancun Are Among The Best In The World According To Travel Experts 

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Pretty much every beach in the Mexican Caribbean is beautiful, with the same white sand and clear aqua-blue water.   

From Cancun down to Tulum and beyond, the coast is lined with these stunning beaches, and travelers worldwide love them.   

Three of these beaches near Cancun are even among the best in the world, according to travel experts from Lonely Planet.   

Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, Near Cancun, Mexico

They are Playa Holbox in Isla Holbox, Playa Ruinas in Tulum, and Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres.   

Let’s take a look at what makes these beaches so special:

Playa Holbox – Isla Holbox 

Isla Holbox is a gorgeous island that’s situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, located a couple of hours from Cancun.   

Playa Holbox is the main beach in the idyllic destination.   

Along with powdery soft white sand and shallow blue-green water that’s perfect for swimming, Playa Holbox is also the beach where all of the action is, with beach clubs, bars, and restaurants lining the beach.  

@kat_khoroshun

Holbox, pronounced “hol-bosh” is a small tropical island just off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and only about two hours away from Cancun. Its famous for it’s crystal-clear blue waters, pristine beaches, bioluminese and whalesharks. Be sure to add it to your bucket list! Best time to visit January-April

♬ This is heaven – Nightshade

Playa Ruinas – Tulum 

Tulum is a stunning destination located about 2 hours south of Cancun.   

It’s unique because it is the only Mexican Caribbean destination with Mayan ruins above the beach with views of the Caribbean Sea.   

The beach is called Playa Ruinas, and it is a fascinating site, with ruins atop a cliff overlooking the beach and stairs leading down to the sand. 

@bucket.list.hotels Mayan Ruins Beach in Tulum Chethumal📍 #mexico #tulum #tulummexico #playa #beach #beachvibes #tulumvibes #travel #chetumal #quintanaroo #cancun ♬ Tuyo – E

Playa Norte – Isla Mujeres 

Isla Mujeres is a magnificent island paradise that is just a short ferry ride off the coast of Cancun.   

It has some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, namely Playa Norte.   

This beach has some of the clearest, cleanest blue-green water in the region and amazing snorkeling.   

It’s also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. 

@angelrincon29 Playa Norte, Islas Mujeres 🏖 #playanorte #islasmujeres #cancunmexico ♬ Paradise – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

Getting To These Stunning Beaches 

There are several ways to get to all of these beaches.   

To get to Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox you’ll have to get to each of the ferry ports first, but getting there is simple.   

Private transportation, taxis, and even buses travel to each of these destinations.   

Renting a car is also an option and the most affordable.   

If you prefer not to drive in Mexico, though, you do have other options too.   

@pictureperfectwrld Come with me to Isla Mujeres – One of the top 10 beaches in the world #islamujeres #traveladdict #travelwithme #tiktoktravelgoals #mexicocancun ♬ Moments / Tides – Goth Babe

Where To Stay When Visiting 

The Mexican Caribbean is known for its fabulous all-inclusive resorts, and all these three destinations are also home to some great boutique hotels as well.   

Each offers a different experience, and there is something for every budget in each destination.   

All-inclusives are the number one choice in the Mexican Caribbean because they offer a hassle-free luxury vacation.   

@charmedcompass Omg. Seriously STUNNING. Get at me now to book this new adults only oasis on Isla Mujeres, Mexico! 🇲🇽 All inclusive and a new class of luxury. #allinclusive #honeymoon #mexico ♬ Only You X Playdate – ded4$$

Other Mexican Caribbean Destinations With Amazing Beaches 

Holbox, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres are just a few of the amazing vacation destinations that line the Mexican Caribbean coast.   

Cancun, of course, has amazing beaches, and Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are only an hour from Cancun. Beyond Tulum, there are fascinating destinations like Bacalar.   

If you can take some time to explore the Mexican Caribbean, you have no shortage of amazing destinations to visit.   

@nathaliegissel2 Cancún🌊🥥🌴💫 #happynewyear #2024cancun #cancunbeach ♬ sonido original – YAMBIIR

Why Getting To The Mexican Caribbean Is Easier Than Ever In 2024 

The Mexican Caribbean is popular now, but it’s going to be even more popular starting this year, thanks to the Maya Train.   

Once fully operational, travelers will be able to move throughout the entire region.   

You’ll be able to reach the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean coast easily, affordably, and faster than with traditional modes of transportation. 

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

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