Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas is the family-friendly beach that parents in the know head to when they want calm water and happy kids. Located at Kilometer 6.5 on Boulevard Kukulcán in the Hotel Zone, this public beach sits on the north-facing (bay) side of Cancún's narrow strip, which means it's protected from the big Caribbean swells that pound the ocean-facing beaches farther south.

The result is water that's genuinely calm — gentle lapping waves, no serious undertow, and a gradual sandy slope that stays shallow for quite a distance out. For families with toddlers and young children, this matters enormously. Your three-year-old can wade in a few inches of warm turquoise water right at the shoreline without you having to worry about getting knocked over by waves.

Older kids can wade out farther and still find manageable depth.

The beach itself is compact but well-equipped. Vendors rent beach chairs and umbrellas ($10-$20), and several beachside restaurants line the sand, so you can order food and drinks without leaving. The rocky sections at either end of the beach are home to small tropical fish, making this an excellent spot for kids to try snorkeling for the first time in a safe, shallow environment.

Basic snorkel gear rentals run about $10-$15.

A distinctive feature of Playa Tortugas is the Ultramar ferry pier that extends from the beach. Ferries to Isla Mujeres depart from here regularly, which means you can combine a morning beach session with an afternoon island trip if you're feeling ambitious. Kids love watching the big boats pull in and out.

The beach is public and free to access, though it's smaller than Playa Delfines and can feel more crowded, especially on weekends. The vibe is more commercial — there are activity vendors selling jet ski rides, parasailing, and bungee jumping from a tower near the pier. It's easy to say no, but if you have a thrill-seeking teen, the bungee tower is right there.

Facilities are basic: no dedicated restrooms or showers on the beach itself, though the nearby restaurants have restrooms. The R1 and R2 public buses stop within walking distance, making it easy to reach from downtown for $12 MXN per person.

Playa Tortugas is ideal for families who prioritize calm, safe swimming water over dramatic scenery. It doesn't have the wow factor of Playa Delfines' expansive views, but it has something more practical: water your kids can actually play in without worry.