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Clearest waters! Best beach in Mexico and by some perspectives, the top 7th in the world. Very calm waves and shallow, warm waters (27-28'C). You can rent beach chairs for around 300 pesos, but I recommend bringing your sunscreen in a bag and setting them on the sand while you swim. We never used our towel and just air-dried afterward. Peddlers walk around selling fruit and ice cream. Get the guaya (Spanish limes) if you like tart tropical fruit - it's like a tart lychee. 50 pesos for a bunch, even though some will ask for 100. I told a girl I had bought it the previous day for 50 ("Los yo compré ayer por cincuenta pesos,") and she sold them to me at 50. If she hadn't, I would've bought it from the next person, maybe even for 40. The beach exit by Ixchel (hotel) gets you to Hidalgo, the main street, right in front of Stingray (restaurant). - Jurassic Park next to it sells delicious churros starting around 3pm. I like the option of 6 churros with a topping for 60 pesos: I asked for crema pasteleria (pastry cream) on the side and chocolate drizzled on top. Go early for the frying oil to be the cleanest; I loved that these didn't leave a nasty oil film in the mouth. Super light and crispy, and they don't skimp on the topping or the cinnamon sugar. The plain ones are 45 pesos for six and the filled ones are 35 pesos each; the filled ones with topping are 55 pesos each. - The Marquesitas (rolled up crepes) just in front are also delicious. Choose two things to put inside (Nutella/banana) for 40 pesos, or three for an extra five pesos (add cajeta, or caramel). Available starting around 4pm. Enjoy the sunset here around 7pm in June/July - and check out the beach walk on the east side of the island for the sunrise at 6am! Start walking southeast around 5:30am from the center and watch the dawn break :)
This is the best beach on Isla because the water is so beautiful, there's tons of beach clubs, it's easy to get to and the women can wear next to nothing. This is by far one of my favorite beaches of all time and I've been to some pretty awesome beaches. This is a beach that you don't want to miss out on I promise!!!
Places like these I am learning to give short reviews, because words do not describe the experience. It is beautiful, fun and affordable. Any of us can come experience sections of Cancun. All it takes is a little saving, planning and hard work. Don't take my word for it come experience it for yourself and give me a vote on my review, lol.
The most beautiful beach I have ever seen. I haven't snorkled a lot but the snorkeling here was so much fun for me. We saw a ton of fish. A little puffer, barracuda, porkfish, bluestriped grunt, angelfish, big ass parrot fish, sting rays you name it! Fine sand, shallow water perfect for kids.
This will be formatted a bit different than my other reviews. I love this beach. We both did. But we only loved it in the early morning. Hardly anyone is there except for others working out or enjoying the quiet. I like my beaches quiet. We had gone in the evening and another time in the afternoon and we just aren't interested in being around "drunk people" or having to make our way through boats as quickly as we can. It was like people passed out on the canopy beds, stumbling around, all the college level nonsense you'd expect in Cancun. The beach is stunning white sand. The water, I can't even describe. I've seen so many beautiful bodies of water in my life and this is easily top 5 currently. The fish come right up to you to play and investigate. Hopefully that gives you a sense of when you'll be most likely to go depending on what kind of crowd you like!
Located in Isla Mujeres, this is a gorgeous beach with crystal blue water and white sand. We got here with a catamaran from Cancun. It is not a secluded beach if that's what you're looking for. This place is actually located right near the dock where all the ships from Cancun come and go. However, it was not crowded at all and was very laid back and relaxing. There are plenty of bars and restaurants and shops close by too in terms of convenience.
I went recently in August for my birthday celebration. It's our second time here, and it still takes my breath away! We rented a golf cart to get around the island. To get to Playa Norte Beach area, we drove towards to the left of the island. Parked our golf cart on the side streets. Just pull up Google Maps and it will tell you exactly where to go. The ocean was crystal clear and warm! Sand is white and soft. You can see fishes swimming by. The water still reaches to my waist even half a mile out in the ocean! This beach does get a bit packed after 2:pm, but there is still plenty of space for all. The boats and yachts are docked near the shore playing music. People dancing and drinking a cold beer in the ocean. Along the beach, there are beach chairs and umbrella rentals, beach bars, and restaurants. I would suggest bringing your own towels, so you can lay out in the sun wherever you want to on the beach.
This place is what Cancun is all about! White sand beaches, lots of people, sipping margaritas, with super loud American pop music blasting in the background. We came to the island to hangout on the beach and get a tan. This is the beach we had heard alot about, so we decided to check it out. After all, Cancun is about sun tanning and beach time. The beach was super duper crowded, so many people, hard to even find a spot to put down our towels. Also to rent beach chairs and umbrellas it was $20usd/hour, WTF! It doesn't even cost that much back in the US! The water wasn't very clean due to all the people, and drinks are also very expensive! It was cool to spend a few hours, but compared to other beaches, it's just a bit cheap, and lacks class.
One of the prettiest beaches I have ever been on. It's located on the leeward north edge of the island and doesn't have huge waves. Shallow waters make it a perfect beach for enjoying both sand and surf. Many boats will pull up to this beach as well and people will get off and wade up to the beach restaurants/bars. We had minimal seaweed when we were there. Many of the beachfront hotels offer umbrellas and beach chairs. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel to use the umbrellas/chairs. They will charge approximately $150 MEX per chair and umbrella. Pay in Pesos. It cost us $450 for all three. That's only about $23 USD for all day so it's very affordable. The only downside is the constant flow of vendors selling everything from massages to trinkets, to beach towels. Don't be surprised if you see various forms of fully armed Mexican law enforcement. Bottom line - Beautiful beaches, soft sand, and perfect water. What more can you ask for. read more
2 months ago
Beautiful Beach. Get there early. Stay late. Have dinner close by. Then head back to your hotel. Repeat! read more
2 years ago
We come back every year because you cannot beat the beaches here. Tip- come During a weekday because weekends get too packed- even Fridays. read more
3 years ago
Oh yeah! Fun fun fun! A definite must do while here! The water was warm, music was good and the locals were very friendly to say the.least! read more
5 years ago
Clearest waters! Best beach in Mexico and by some perspectives, the top 7th in the world. Very calm waves and shallow, warm waters (27-28'C). You can rent beach chairs for around 300 pesos, but I recommend bringing your sunscreen in a bag and setting them on the sand while you swim. We never used our towel and just air-dried afterward. Peddlers walk around selling fruit and ice cream. Get the guaya (Spanish limes) if you like tart tropical fruit - it's like a tart lychee. 50 pesos for a bunch, even though some will ask for 100. I told a girl I had bought it the previous day for 50 ("Los yo compré ayer por cincuenta pesos,") and she sold them to me at 50. If she hadn't, I would've bought it from the next person, maybe even for 40. The beach exit by Ixchel (hotel) gets you to Hidalgo, the main street, right in front of Stingray (restaurant). - Jurassic Park next to it sells delicious churros starting around 3pm. I like the option of 6 churros with a topping for 60 pesos: I asked for crema pasteleria (pastry cream) on the side and chocolate drizzled on top. Go early for the frying oil to be the cleanest; I loved that these didn't leave a nasty oil film in the mouth. Super light and crispy, and they don't skimp on the topping or the cinnamon sugar. The plain ones are 45 pesos for six and the filled ones are 35 pesos each; the filled ones with topping are 55 pesos each. - The Marquesitas (rolled up crepes) just in front are also delicious. Choose two things to put inside (Nutella/banana) for 40 pesos, or three for an extra five pesos (add cajeta, or caramel). Available starting around 4pm. Enjoy the sunset here around 7pm in June/July - and check out the beach walk on the east side of the island for the sunrise at 6am! Start walking southeast around 5:30am from the center and watch the dawn break :) read more
4 years ago
This is the best beach on Isla because the water is so beautiful, there's tons of beach clubs, it's easy to get to and the women can wear next to nothing. This is by far one of my favorite beaches of all time and I've been to some pretty awesome beaches. This is a beach that you don't want to miss out on I promise!!! read more
Places like these I am learning to give short reviews, because words do not describe the experience. It is beautiful, fun and affordable. Any of us can come experience sections of Cancun. All it takes is a little saving, planning and hard work. Don't take my word for it come experience it for yourself and give me a vote on my review, lol. read more
The most beautiful beach I have ever seen. I haven't snorkled a lot but the snorkeling here was so much fun for me. We saw a ton of fish. A little puffer, barracuda, porkfish, bluestriped grunt, angelfish, big ass parrot fish, sting rays you name it! Fine sand, shallow water perfect for kids. read more
This will be formatted a bit different than my other reviews. I love this beach. We both did. But we only loved it in the early morning. Hardly anyone is there except for others working out or enjoying the quiet. I like my beaches quiet. We had gone in the evening and another time in the afternoon and we just aren't interested in being around "drunk people" or having to make our way through boats as quickly as we can. It was like people passed out on the canopy beds, stumbling around, all the college level nonsense you'd expect in Cancun. The beach is stunning white sand. The water, I can't even describe. I've seen so many beautiful bodies of water in my life and this is easily top 5 currently. The fish come right up to you to play and investigate. Hopefully that gives you a sense of when you'll be most likely to go depending on what kind of crowd you like! read more
Located in Isla Mujeres, this is a gorgeous beach with crystal blue water and white sand. We got here with a catamaran from Cancun. It is not a secluded beach if that's what you're looking for. This place is actually located right near the dock where all the ships from Cancun come and go. However, it was not crowded at all and was very laid back and relaxing. There are plenty of bars and restaurants and shops close by too in terms of convenience. read more
I went recently in August for my birthday celebration. It's our second time here, and it still takes my breath away! We rented a golf cart to get around the island. To get to Playa Norte Beach area, we drove towards to the left of the island. Parked our golf cart on the side streets. Just pull up Google Maps and it will tell you exactly where to go. The ocean was crystal clear and warm! Sand is white and soft. You can see fishes swimming by. The water still reaches to my waist even half a mile out in the ocean! This beach does get a bit packed after 2:pm, but there is still plenty of space for all. The boats and yachts are docked near the shore playing music. People dancing and drinking a cold beer in the ocean. Along the beach, there are beach chairs and umbrella rentals, beach bars, and restaurants. I would suggest bringing your own towels, so you can lay out in the sun wherever you want to on the beach. read more
3 years ago
The beaches on the island are beautiful. The water is so clear and swimming in it is heaven. Anywhere you are on this beach you can rent chairs and umbrellas. The further you walk the cheaper the prices just keep that in mind read more
This place is what Cancun is all about! White sand beaches, lots of people, sipping margaritas, with super loud American pop music blasting in the background. We came to the island to hangout on the beach and get a tan. This is the beach we had heard alot about, so we decided to check it out. After all, Cancun is about sun tanning and beach time. The beach was super duper crowded, so many people, hard to even find a spot to put down our towels. Also to rent beach chairs and umbrellas it was $20usd/hour, WTF! It doesn't even cost that much back in the US! The water wasn't very clean due to all the people, and drinks are also very expensive! It was cool to spend a few hours, but compared to other beaches, it's just a bit cheap, and lacks class. read more
6 years ago
Beautiful beach with many fun bars. We had a blast on our recent trip there. Beautiful views, shallow turquoise waters and vibrant crowd. read more
This beach is beautiful! The water is crystal clear and has one of the best sunsets in the world. The water is great for swimming and many boats anchor up near the beach. This is definitely the area of the beach with the most hubbub. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and there are people who will come wait on you. There are also a lot of people walking around selling local items and doing corn rows. In high season it can get pretty crowded. This is definitely a party of the island you must visit! read more
5 years ago
Beautiful. Crowded but worth it. Water is warmer than weather. Great company. Definitely will be back. read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
We spent a few hours on Play Norte Beach and it was perfect. The beach was almost empty I'm sure due to Covid. The water is crystal clear and the perfect temperature, the sand is soft on your feet. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella for 200 MX pesos. read more
I cannot even describe to you this beauty of this beach and the sunset and this island and the vibe and the food and the COCONUT drinks.... you cannot go wrong visiting here! If you come to Cancun, or anywhere in this area, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the ferry to Isle for a day trip (doesn't even have to be a full day, you could do a few hours). Super easy to get here from the Cancun port, you can easily walk the island, shop, eat and drink for cheap, and experience a slightly different cultural vibe (more Caribbean feel here). Ironically, I think I had THE BEST FISH TACOS I have ever had in what I would consider a more touristy restaurant here, and the fresh coconut drinks were to die for! Do not miss your chance to go here, I am not kidding! read more
7 years ago
9 years ago
I am madly, deeply, and unconditionally in love with this beach. Morning, afternoon, and sunset it remains breathtakingly gorgeous with its gentle waves and crystal clear waters. The soft sand and warm breezes elevate the experience leaving you in a state of total bliss. One simply doesn't understand words such as stress, work, bills, responsibilities, etc when in the presence of such beautiful tranquility. And anything you desire can happen while relaxing here too! Want a massage? They have someone for that. Need a drink or a bite? You're covered. Looking to shop for a sarong or ankle bracelet to take home as a souvenir? Done! How about a fresh coconut to drink from with a straw, seasoned peanuts, or a refreshing paleta? You shall have it! All while never leaving the comfort and shade of your beach recliner and umbrella. Coming to this beach feeds my soul and I always leave feeling renewed and recharged (and sometimes even tan!!!). It's all around a magical place. read more
10 years ago
Playa Norte is one of the world's most beautiful beaches with it's white soft sand and clear green water that meets the blue of the sea. No matter what time or season you visit the beach you are always in awe of the beauty and wildlife and WILD LIFE of this beautiful beach. I usually like to visit between May and August during low season when less tourist frequent Playa Norte, but even during high season the beach is still breathtaking and a wonder to behold. There are some negatives to the beach such as the parts that beach clubs or hotels have blocked off when the whole beach should be enjoyed by all. Usually you won't get in trouble if you decide to hang out in these areas, but sometimes they'll come up and tell you have to buy a pass from the hotel. We have never really had an issue with any part of the beach, but then again they were probably scared of the Americano with the sleepy eye who's body is shaking like a live wire. On Playa Norte besides just enjoying the beach and water you can also get a massage at one the nearby tents, buy fresh seafood and trinkets that locals are peddling; but I prefer to just swim out past the breakers and enjoy baking in the sun on the beach. read more
8 years ago
so it was storm last night and water was full of reef :( ... we have read reviews about this Playa Norte beach like how beautiful it can be, its turquoise breath-taking water and best beaches in the world. I had even read blogs about it and by pictures, it deserves to be in it, but you cannot defeat nature here. After coming out of Isla Mujeres terminal, you can rent golf cart of scooty, we rented scooty and the first thing we did to drove to Playa Norte beach as we were super excited and had been to Cancun beaches so wanted to see this. And our excitement got thrashed back by water full of reefs... we asked staff over there who rent chair and umbrellas. They said it was a storm for last 2 days, so all reef came out from sea... yes, you can go inside the water, but reefs were floating and it was not a pleasant sight. Onshore, it was all blackish sand, so we bunked the idea of swimming over there. We were equally disappointed. But I would suggest if you are in Cancun, go to Gaviota Azul Beach (right behind the Hard rock café, coco bongo). Dude, if it is not more, then not even less than playa Norte beach and I have pictures to prove that. I ll write about that in the separate review. So we started our scooty and we came to see Playa Centro beach, another side of the island, near to Playa Norte. And it was good. We decided to go in the water, like playa Norte you cannot go much deep into the water here as there was a restriction in form of rope in the water and you were not supposed to cross that. But the water was clear, up to 5-6 feet it was waist height, no harsh water, we enjoyed here. We rented an umbrella and reclining chairs and had our time. Here you can go to any restaurant nearby its beach, unlike Playa Norte where you are bound to eat from where you rented the chairs. read more
8 years ago
Playa Norte isn't the most beautiful beach on the island; however, it is the most beautiful beach inhabited by people on the island, but it very well maybe one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to. There are lots of beachside restaurants and bars to choose from and an umbrella and two chairs will run you about $20 USD for the day. This is my second trip to Isla Mujeres, and it definitely won't be my last. The beautiful beaches, friendly faces and affordable accommodations will keep me coming back!! read more
If you're planning a vacation to Cancún, do not skip this beach, Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. It's a beautiful and peaceful place where you can rent a chair for the whole day, just relax, eat, drink and enjoy the sunshine. Playa Norte does get a fair number of tourists but it's not as busy or dirty as other popular tourist beaches in Cancún such as Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas and Playa del Carmen. It may not be a big beach but the sand at Playa Norte is much softer and the waves are much gentler than the other beaches. I absolutely loved walking on the soft, white sand. I also walked on a pier and the view of the beach and its surroundings from the pier was fantastic. The water is clean and is of all shades of pretty blue. You can order food at your chair or go explore food options at Isla Mujeres. read more
11 years ago
Plays Norte is a beautiful beach on the northern tip of the island with warm water and gentle waves. The atmosphere on the eastern end is a bit more sophisticated than Playa Centro with its hordes of selfie stick welding day trippers from Cancun. read more
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More info about Playa Norte
Isla Mujeres
77400 Salinas, Quintana Roo
Mexico
Isla Mujeres
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4 years ago
Playa Norte - beaches - Updated August 2026
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