Playa Delfines

The Basics

A favorite among locals and travelers looking to get off the beaten path, the untouched nature of Playa Delfines offers an escape from the busyness of Cancun. While the shores are calm, proceed with caution when dipping your toes in the ocean here: the current can be strong and the waves impressive. During the day, lifeguards patrol the beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Playa Delfines is ideal for folks looking for a quieter alternative to Cancun’s more popular beaches.

• Pack your own food and drink, or purchase lunch from the street vendors serving traditional Mexican fare.

• Be on the lookout for dolphins in the water (after all, delfines means dolphins in Spanish).

• The bold “Cancun” sign featured in many of the city’s advertisements is located at this beach.

How to Get There

Playa Delfines is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the center of Cancun, and is easily accessible by taxi or local bus from the ADO station. You can also grab the R1 or R2 bus from their stops all along the hotel zone. The beach offers free public parking, though spots can be hard to find.

When to Get There

Arrive early if you want to snag one of the built-in beach umbrellas. If you’re hoping to snap a photo of the “Cancun” sign, plan to get there before 8am to avoid the crowds—wait times to shoot the sign can be an hour or longer. Peak travel season in Cancun is December to April, and hurricane season can stretch from June to as late as December.

Isla Mujeres

Another lovely option for secluded sands is Isla Mujeres, located off the northeastern tip of the Yucatan ­Peninsula, right off the coast of Cancun. Several sailing tours stop at the tiny island, where you can relax at a beach club and browse the artisan shops for the day. If you have ample time, spend the night so you can enjoy quiet evenings and empty beaches once the tour boats depart.

Ways to explore

For most visitors, a trip to Playa Delfines doesn’t take much planning. Unlike at resort beaches, there are no sun beds to reserve or cabañas to book—simply show up with everything you need to relax at a beautiful beach with limited amenities. If you’re still getting your bearings in Cancun, it can help to come with a guided tour, which offers the additional help of an insider to show you around. Playa Delfines is an included stop on many tours of the city, from half-day outings to day-long explorations.

Accessibility

The parking lot and beach access accommodate wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Food, water, towels, and everything else you plan to use at the beach—there are few vendors and no shops.

What to wear

Bathing suit, sun shirt, brimmed hat

Not allowed

Pack out everything you bring with you—leaving trash behind is not allowed.

Amenities

Toilets, showers, palapas

Address

Playa Delfines is located on the Punta Nizuc-Cancun Road, just south of the hotel zone. It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Cancun—or 15 minutes from the airport.

Driving

To reach Playa Delfines by car from the hotel zone, drive south on the Punta Nizuc-Cancun Road. A free parking lot is on the left, with restrooms and showers nearby.

Public transportation

Both the R-1 and R-2 bus routes that run 24 hours a day in the hotel zone stop at Playa Delfines. Bring pesos in small denominations to pay the bus driver.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning to nab one of the sought-after, free palapas on the beach—or come at sunset for the gorgeous evening light.

Best days to visit

Weekends bustle with local families, so come on a weekday for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Cancun’s busy December–April high season has low humidity and mild temperatures that are ideal for a beach day. For fewer crowds and similar weather, consider visiting in November.

Special events

Cancun festivals draw visitors throughout the year, including for the mid-August Fiesta de la Playa (Beach Festival) that celebrates all things seaside with free events and music.