Playa Norte is a popular white sand beach on the north end of Isla Mujeres in Cancun. Isla Mujeres is a small tropical island located off the shores of Cancun, where the waters of the Caribbean Sea encounter the Gulf of Mexico. Reaching the island is easy, with daily ferry services running between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Visitors and locals of all ages are attracted to Isla Mujeres and Playa Norte in Cancun. Playa Norte is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, with swaths of soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and gentle blue waters. Beachgoers often spend up to four hours lounging in the sand, playing in the water, and enjoying the area’s beachside bars and restaurants. This beach is known as an especially beautiful place to catch a sunrise or sunset, with the sky glowing vibrantly over the Caribbean Sea.
Playa Norte in Cancun - one of the highlights of 14 Best Beaches in Mexico and 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Cancún (Read all about Cancun here)
What Are the highlights of Playa Norte in Cancun?
Cancun’s Playa Norte is a haven for all kinds of beachgoers. Families flock to Playa Norte for the wide stretches of calm turquoise waters. A large stretch of clear, shallow water extends far into the ocean, making it a safe place for children to play without fear of a current. Beachside rentals are available for lounge chairs and umbrellas, or you can spread out a blanket on the soft white sand.
Couples are also drawn to the scenic shores and warm waters of Playa Norte. You can sip tropical drinks while lounging in the clear waters offshore, relax on the sand, and take a romantic sunset stroll down the beach. Beachside vendors offer souvenirs and street food, or you can order from one of the many delicious beachside restaurants and bars.
What Is the nightlife like around Playa Norte?
Cancun’s vibrant nightlife scene extends across the water to Playa Norte and Isla Mujeres. A variety of beach clubs and bars adjacent to Playa Norte shift into evening hot spots, with lively music, drinks, and events spilling out from their patios onto the beach. You’ll also find casual dining spots nearby with live music and dancing that run well into the evening.
Not far from Playa Norte are a number of lively sports bars and colourful themed bars, as well as lounges, nightclubs, and discotheques. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed evening, you can enjoy an evening stroll down the shore or stop in for ice cream and sweet treats at one of the local cafes.
Good to know when visiting Cancun’s Playa Norte
There aren’t many public bathroom facilities near Playa Norte in Cancun. You can head to one of the beachside restaurants and order a snack or a drink, then use their facilities, or pay a small fee to use the facilities at one of the beach clubs onshore.
Check the ferry schedules before visiting Isla Mujeres in Cancun, as boat schedules often change by season. The ferry trip from the shores of Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes less than 30 minutes. Once you arrive on the island, you can enjoy a 10-minute stroll up to Playa Norte. If you’d rather ride, the beach is easily accessed via bus, or you can rent a golf cart from local dealers near the ferry drop off.
Playa Norte in Cancun
Location: Rueda Medina 130, SM 001, Centro, 77506 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Open: 24/7
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