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Just in Cancun’s Hotel Zone alone, there are 11 public beaches, which are visited by millions of tourists every year.
Among them is the popular Caracol Beach, located at the quieter northern end of the busy tourist area.
It’s a favorite among those looking for a more laid-back beach experience, but the popular Cancun beach is becoming harder for tourists to access for one main reason.
Businesses Illegally Blocking Access
According to reports, businesses along the beach are illegally blocking off what is supposed to be a small, quiet public beach.
One business, the Almadia Cancun bar, has installed umbrellas and seating on the beach for its customers.
They are allegedly blocking access for beachgoers who just want to visit the beach.
The Law In Cancun That Protects Public Access
In 2020 it was decided that access to beaches could not be blocked from the public.
In the ruling that described the new rules, it was stated that “Access to the maritime beaches and the federal maritime land area adjoining them may not be inhibited, restricted, hindered or conditioned except in the cases established by the regulation.”
The blocking of Caracol Beach goes against this ruling.
Other Beaches Where Access Has Been Temporarily Blocked
Unfortunately, there are other businesses that are still not following these rules, according to reports.
A similar situation arose at Playa Gaviota Azul when the Mandala fenced in a portion of the beach to form a beach club that was not registered or regulated.
The club blocked access to the beach and installed umbrellas and lounges for their customers’ use.
Other beaches were found to be in the same condition over the last two years.
What Officials Are Doing About It
During the last two years, authorities have initiated tours of various Cancun beaches to verify that they can be accessed.
The tours, performed by the National Guard and the Army, ensure that businesses follow the mandates and do not block public beaches from the general public.
Those businesses that do not comply with the rules can be hit with some pretty stiff fines.
Why Caracol Beach Is So Popular
Caracol Beach is one of Cancun’s most popular beaches, not despite being a smaller beach but because of it.
Its location between two small docks and its lack of restaurants, businesses, and beach vendors makes it feel more secluded.
It also has some of the softest white sand and clearest turquoise water in Cancun, although all of Cancun’s beaches are quite beautiful.
Other Quiet Beaches To Visit In Cancun
While many of the beaches in the Cancun Hotel Zone are typically filled with tourists, there are some quieter beaches that offer a more relaxing experience.
Two of the best-secluded beaches are located north of the Hotel Zone.
Playa Langosta is situated at the northern end of the Hotel Zone, and Isla Blanca is even further from the busy tourist area, located in the exclusive Costa Mujeres area.
Both are perfect for a laidback beach day.
Cancun’s Top 5 Beaches According To Travelers
If you don’t mind the busy tourist-filled beaches, you have even more options, more than ten just in the Hotel Zone.
Cancun has nearly 15 miles of beach coastline! Along that coast, the top five beaches, according to traveler ratings are:
- Playa Delfines
- Playa Chac Mool
- Playa Tortugas
- Xcacel Beach
- Playa Langosta
You also have the option of jumping on a ferry to get to one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, Playa Norte, located on the island of Isla Mujeres.
This beautiful and often sargassum-free beach is just a short ferry ride from Cancun’s mainland.
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Sherry
Wednesday 20th of March 2024
I will not take a taxi from my hotel. Cheaper if you walk down the street and ask for a taxi how much it is to go where you want it is usually cheaper and you can barter with them. I enjoy taking the bus. It's much cheaper than the taxi.