Langosta Beach

Playa Langosta, or Lobster Beach, is a tranquil stretch of sand which still has something of the allure of the old Cancun, Cancun before the tourism industry took off. It’s a lovely place to spend the day, whether you want to sunbathe, roll around in the white sand, or hang out with the locals and jump off the pier.

The water here is safe, shallow and warm, making this a good swimming spot for families with young children and for less-confident swimmers. An added bonus is that there aren't many boats here, and not many large waves. It's not a bad snorkelling spot either, so you could always don some flippers and join one of the organised dolphin swims that leave regularly from the shore.

The beach can get quite crowded at weekends so it's a good idea to hit it on a weekday if possible. Further on up the beach there are some more shaded areas to set up camp. Pick up a cold drink from one of the beach vendors on your way, and really chill out and enjoy the great views over the tropical turquoise sea.

Once you've had enough of laying on the beach or lolling in the water, head up to the wharf and make friends with the locals who hang out here. The locals are normally very easy-going and friendly, so this might be a good opportunity to practice your Spanish if you know any, or learn some if you don't.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the seafront for when you start to feel the need to recharge. The restaurants are prime spots for tasting fresh seafood cooked traditionally, and you can top it all off with a nice smooth cocktail from one of the local bars.

Playa Langosta is 6 kilometres from central Cancun and easy to get to by bus or taxi. There’s also some paid parking here for those who have access to a vehicle. Playa Langosta is a public beach which means that it's open to the public round the clock, and there are no entrance fees.