Cancun is called the Queen of the Caribbean. This tiny island represents the heart of tourist activity in Mexico and its greatest attraction is the unending stretch of beautiful, white beaches that enfold it from every side. Imagine this: a clear blue sky above, fine white sand beneath and the beautiful lapping waters of the Caribbean all around – when you’re in Cancun, you’re not too far away from paradise.   

The best thing about Cancun is that all beaches here are public property, though you may have to get the concerned hotel’s permission to access parts of the beach connected to a hotel. However, there are a number of public access entries to every beach and nothing can stop you from visiting any you take a fancy to.   

According to many beach enthusiasts, some of the best beaches in Cancun are at the seaward side of the island. Taking a stroll on the sands here is in itself something straight out of a dream. The waters are as clear as glass and the play of colors in the dazzling light of the sun is captivating. From a pale aqua in the morning to deep turquoise in the afternoon and an orangish pink in the sun-drenched evenings, there is enough here to steal one’s breath away. A surprising feature of Cancun beaches is that the fine white sand never gets hot even when the sun is shining directly overhead.   

The beaches in Cancun are neatly divided into two distinct zones. Those located at the North are protected from the thrashing waves by the Isla Mujeres. This is the beach area for all kinds of fun activities for kids and adults alike. On the eastern side, the beaches open into the Caribbean, so the waters can be a little unpredictable. Most of the beaches here have a nasty undertow and the surf can rise as high as three feet at times. For your protection, the beaches and marinas on this side make use of colored flags as a warning system. So, pay attention to these before getting into the water. There are no lifeguards here and each year at least a few people drown in the waters due to sheer carelessness and daredevilry.   

Every beach in Cancun is unique. So, really, what you get from a beach depends on what you are looking for. On the northern side of Cancun, you have the Playa Linda, Playa Las Perlas, Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. According to some, these beaches are the best because they are more secluded and less crowded.   

Playa Linda is a swimmer’s heaven. It offers dive tours and even boasts of an exciting and adventurous shuttle service in a submarine that will take you all the way to Isla Mujeres! An experience you’re likely to cherish forever.   

The Playa Langosta is the place you want to be if you love water sports like snorkelling and diving. Here, you will also find a number of exciting water activities like dolphin adventures. The beach is lined with swaying tropical trees and beautiful latched roof cabanas. It even boasts of a private cove.   

Playa Caracol is a shallow flat bed; great for families with adventurous children. You can spend hours exploring the sand for starfish and seashells and build lots of sand castles. No wonder this is one of the most crowded beaches in the area. Never a dull moment here as there are lots of activities for the entire family.   

Far down to the south is the Punta Nizuc. This is the tip of the peninsula and the last stop in the hotel zone. Some of the best snorkelling in the area takes place at this spot.   

If all you are looking for is some quite time to soak up the sun or indulge in the thrill of exciting water sports, then you should visit Playa Marla and Gaviota Azul. At San Miguelito, you will be spending your time amidst authentic Mayan ruins. These are all situated at the eastern side of Cancun.   

The Playa Chac Mool at the South around the Punta Cancun is a stunning beach that offers a rare display of colors. The water gets rough at times, but during the calm phases, you can walk out into the beach for quite a bit before it starts getting deep. At Playa Ballenas, you can try your hand at tube rides, beach volleyball and parasailing.   

It would not be wrong to say that Cancun is one large beach or a number of beaches strung together on an amazingly beautiful island. There are beaches all around and you can get to any beach by taking a bus or hiring a cab. One of the most arresting and tourist-friendly characteristics of Cancun is the fact that the hotels in the Hotel Zone have direct access to some of the best beaches. These hotels are very customer-friendly and they provide their guests with a variety of luxurious facilities. However, public beaches are quite different and the most you can expect here are some great food stands. No lifeguards and no showers!   

If quiet beaches and some privacy is what you’re after, then the best time to visit Cancun is during the off-peak season. Since this is the lean season here you can easily get the best deals at runaway prices. However, if you are looking for a party atmosphere, February to March is the time to come. Taking early reservations are recommended and are a must from December to April.   

If you love the feel of the warm sea wind in your hair and dream of feeling the cool sand beneath your feet, visit Cancun. The beaches here are to die for and the pictures you see do no justice to the beauty of the stunning waterscape.