Playa Tortugas

With its promenade located at the point where the Caribbean and Laguna Nichupte meet, Playa Linda, which translates as "Pretty Beach", is a popular place for locals to come and pass the time. It is also one of the area's main departure points for chartered boat tours and ferry crossings. Cancun’s famous rotating viewpoint is found here too, which is well worth a visit in its own right.

There’s something very laid back and inviting about the atmosphere at Playa Linda, so it’s really no surprise that it’s such a popular spot. It’s not just about the beautifully glistening sands and the deep turquoise colour of the water either it also has a lot to do with the number of locals who like to spend time here strolling along the coast, chatting and relaxing. In actual fact, it’s recommended that you do as the locals do at Playa Linda more than most beaches as, being next to a busy marina, there is a lot of boat traffic and there are times when it’s not safe to be out in the water.

The marina precinct here is known as El Embarcadero, and this is the place to come if you want to charter a fishing boat, get yourself onto a dolphin-watching tour or catch a ferry to Isla Mujeres. In the afternoons, you can join the crowds of locals and tourists who flock here to watch the fishermen coming in after a day at sea and unloading their bountiful catches.

Lest we forget, this is also the home of La Torre, Cancun's famous rotating observation tower which allows for a 360-degree panorama of the city, the lagoon and the sea. The views in every direction from the tower are breathtaking, and it really is a mesmerising experience watching the deep blue waves that roll on for miles and miles ahead.

Playa Linda is also the location of some of the best hotels in Cancun. The pleasant local ambience and the convenient touring options here are both major draws for tourists.

The beach is 5 kilometres from Cancun centre and is easy to get to via bus and taxi. There is paid parking available at the marina for those arriving by car. Being a public beach, it’s open 24/7 and there’s no fee for admission.