One of Cancún’s nicest beaches boasts pristine white sand, sparkling turquoise water and access to numerous bars and restaurants.
Chac Mool Beach (Playa Chac Mool) is one of the collection of picturesque and family-friendly beaches in
Cancún’s Hotel Zone. Despite its location in the heart of the vibrant tourist district, Chac Mool Beach has a laidback atmosphere and receives fewer visitors than other areas of Cancún’s Caribbean Sea coastline. Chac Mool Beach is a certified Blue Flag beach. Come early to witness the beautiful sunrises, relax on the soft sand and go for an invigorating swim.
The beach takes its name from a pre-Colombian Mesoamerican statue associated with the ancient Aztec and Maya cultures. This statue of a reclining figure has been found at important archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Tula.
A wide stretch of powdery sand encourages visitors to the beach to throw down a towel and top up their tans. There’s an area where you can rent sun umbrellas and loungers. Make yourself comfortable, admire the views and watch as adventurous tourists pass by on parasailing excursions. Food and drink options are limited on the beach so it’s a good idea to bring a picnic.
Gaze out across the water, which displays vivid hues of blue ombre and invites you to take a dip. Strong waves are common here so be careful when entering. Lifeguards patrol the beach during daylight hours. Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles inhabit the waters and from May to October females can sometimes be seen coming ashore to nest.
There’s plenty to do in the beach’s immediate surroundings, too. Coral Negro Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and hone your bargaining skills. Vendors here sell everything from ceramics and embroidery to jewelry, Mayan objects and T-shirts. Forum by the Sea is a shopping mall home to a varied selection of retail outlets and restaurants.
Situated at Km 9.5 of Avenida Kukulkan, Chac Mool Beach is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Cancún. There’s no parking at the beach so it’s best to get here by bus or taxi.
