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Playa Gaviota Azul (Forum Beach)

4.7
·2k reviews·Cancún, Mexico

Cancun's 'Forum Beach' offers calm, swimmable waters protected by a breakwater, perfect for families and a serene beach day.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Calm waters & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Playa Gaviota Azul_Sanju-18

Playa Gaviota Azul (Forum Beach)

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Calm waters & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cancun's 'Forum Beach' offers calm, swimmable waters protected by a breakwater, perfect for families and a serene beach day.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"The best beach to swim in Cancun - calm, with little fish and a tad pool for kids!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Vibes

This beach is a great spot for dog owners! Your furry friends can enjoy the clean sand and calm waves too. :dog:

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Point

Look for the small street near the Coco Bongo sign for a straightforward walk to the beach. :arrow_right:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Swimming Waters

Calm Swimming Waters

Near the breakwater

Protected by a breakwater, the waters are exceptionally calm, perfect for swimming and families.

Kid-Friendly Tad Pool

Kid-Friendly Tad Pool

Shallow areas

A small, shallow pool-like area ideal for children to splash and play safely.

Abundant Marine Life

Abundant Marine Life

In the water

Spot numerous small fish swimming around you, making for an engaging underwater experience.

Scenic Hilltop View

Scenic Hilltop View

Small hill overlooking the beach

Capture postcard-perfect photos from a small hill offering turquoise waters, sand, and sun.

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Planning Your Visit

Beach Access & Amenities

Beaches in Cancun's Hotel Zone are public property. You can access Playa Gaviota Azul via public access points, often near landmarks like Coco Bongo. Note that amenities like restrooms and showers are limited, so plan accordingly.

Best Time for Calm Waters

For the calmest swimming conditions, aim for weekdays and mornings. Weekends can get busy, and while the breakwater usually keeps waves gentle, strong winds can bring larger swells.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Calm waters & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Breezy wind & sunset
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Access to the beach in the Hotel Zone without hotel reservation?

🐾 Dog-Friendly Vibes

This beach is a great spot for dog owners! Your furry friends can enjoy the clean sand and calm waves too. :dog:

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Point

Look for the small street near the Coco Bongo sign for a straightforward walk to the beach. :arrow_right:

reddit.com

Beach recommendation

💰 Chair & Umbrella Rental

Vendors offer rentals for chairs and umbrellas, typically costing 200-300 pesos. :moneybag:

🐠 Swim with Fish

You can often see many small fish even when you're only waist-deep in the water. :tropical_fish:

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Vibes

This beach is a great spot for dog owners! Your furry friends can enjoy the clean sand and calm waves too. :dog:

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Point

Look for the small street near the Coco Bongo sign for a straightforward walk to the beach. :arrow_right:

💰 Chair & Umbrella Rental

Vendors offer rentals for chairs and umbrellas, typically costing 200-300 pesos. :moneybag:

🐠 Swim with Fish

You can often see many small fish even when you're only waist-deep in the water. :tropical_fish:

📸 Hilltop Photo Op

Climb the small hill for that perfect postcard shot of the beach. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Gaviota Azul is highly praised for its exceptionally calm waters, thanks to a protective breakwater, making it ideal for swimming and families. Visitors love the clean sand, the presence of small fish, and the scenic hilltop views. However, some find the lack of amenities like restrooms and showers inconvenient, and weekends can get quite crowded.

"Not big tides and less sea weed than other beaches. But no umbrella/shade and beach bed. No washroom, showers around. It is should be easy to make a fountain/showers for people to clean up from the sand. Weekends are busy with many people."

Traveller

"Great spot! Dog friendly beach, clean and calm waves!"

LiveLoveLeonardLee

"Best beach best swim in cancun. The breakwater makes for waters calm enough to actually swim in. Great for families or anyone who actually wanted to get in the water.

Clean.

Fantastic.

Easy access not too far of a walk from the entry by the coco bongo and 7-11."

Alex S

What People Like

Calm, swimmable waters
Great for families
Clean sand

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Crowded weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Gaviota Azul is located behind Plaza Forum Shopping Mall at Kilometer 9.5 of Cancun's Hotel Zone. You can find public access points, often near landmarks like Coco Bongo and a 7-11. Reddit

Yes, beaches in Cancun are public property by law. You can find access points and walk along the coastline without a hotel reservation. Reddit

While direct parking at the beach is unlikely, you can find parking at the nearby Plaza Forum Shopping Mall or other commercial areas in the Hotel Zone. Reddit

From downtown Cancun, you can take a local bus heading towards the Hotel Zone. Ask the driver to drop you off near Plaza Forum or Coco Bongo. Reddit

Yes, it's not too far of a walk from the entry points by Coco Bongo and the 7-11. The beach itself is long and wide. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa Gaviota Azul is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free for everyone. Reddit

As a public beach, it's generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, specific amenities or nearby establishments might have their own operating hours. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for individuals. However, large events during peak seasons like Spring Break might have temporary access limitations. Reddit

Yes, you are typically allowed to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Please be mindful of any local regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public spaces. Reddit

The beach itself is free to access. However, vendors may charge for services like chair and umbrella rentals. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The beach features a breakwater that creates calm, swimmable waters, making it ideal for families and those who want to enjoy the sea without strong waves. Reddit

Amenities are limited. While there are no dedicated washrooms or showers directly on the beach, you might find some at nearby establishments or shopping centers. Reddit

Absolutely! The calm waters and a small, shallow 'tad pool' area make it a fantastic and safe choice for families with young children. Reddit

Yes, vendors are usually present to rent reclining chairs and umbrellas for a fee, typically between 200-300 pesos. Reddit

Weekends can be quite busy with many people enjoying the beach, especially during peak seasons or events. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

A small hill overlooking the beach offers a fantastic vantage point for postcard-perfect shots of the turquoise water, sand, and sky. Reddit

Yes, visiting in the evening can be beautiful with the breezy wind, waves, and sunset creating a picturesque scene for photography. Reddit

The clear, calm waters often allow you to see small fish swimming around, which can make for interesting underwater or shallow-water photography. Reddit

The beach is located in the vibrant Hotel Zone, with the iconic Coco Bongo nearby, which can serve as a backdrop or point of reference in your photos. Reddit

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide beautiful sunset colors. The breakwater also creates interesting textures in the water. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Gaviota Azul is an excellent choice for families. The breakwater ensures calm, shallow waters, creating a safe environment for children to play and swim. There's even a small, natural 'tad pool' area perfect for toddlers. Reddit Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as dedicated facilities are minimal. Consider renting chairs and umbrellas for added comfort, or bring your own beach blanket. The easy access from the Hotel Zone also makes it convenient for a quick family outing. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

This beach is a gem for dog owners! Playa Gaviota Azul is known for being dog-friendly, allowing your furry companions to join in the fun. They can enjoy the clean, soft sand and the gentle waves alongside you. Reddit Just be sure to bring water for your pet and clean up after them to help keep the beach pristine for everyone. The calm waters are also less intimidating for dogs who might be hesitant with rougher surf. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Breakwater's Impact

One of the most significant features of Playa Gaviota Azul is its breakwater. This man-made structure plays a crucial role in shaping the beach experience by significantly reducing the impact of ocean waves. For visitors, this means the water is generally much calmer and more placid compared to other beaches in Cancun that are more exposed to the open sea. This calm environment is a major draw for families with young children and for anyone who prefers a gentle swimming experience. The breakwater effectively creates a large, natural swimming pool right on the coastline. Reddit

This calmer water also makes it easier to spot marine life. The reduced turbulence allows for clearer visibility, and many visitors report seeing small fish swimming around their feet even in waist-deep water. This adds an element of discovery and wonder to a simple swim. While the breakwater is beneficial for calm waters, it's worth noting that during periods of strong winds, the waves can still become larger and more energetic, attracting local surfers. Reddit

Navigating Amenities and Comfort

When planning a visit to Playa Gaviota Azul, it's important to be aware of the limited amenities. Unlike some more developed tourist beaches, Gaviota Azul typically lacks readily available restrooms, showers, and fixed umbrella/chair setups. While vendors do offer rentals for chairs and umbrellas, these are often temporary and can come at a cost (around 200-300 pesos). Visitors are advised to come prepared with their own essentials if they plan to spend an extended period on the beach. Reddit

This means bringing your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and any personal items you might need. For those seeking convenience, it might be wise to utilize facilities at nearby establishments like Plaza Forum before or after your beach visit. Despite the lack of extensive facilities, the beach's natural beauty and calm waters make it a worthwhile destination for many, provided they manage their expectations regarding comfort and convenience. Reddit

The 'Forum Beach' Experience

Playa Gaviota Azul is often referred to as 'Forum Beach' due to its prime location directly behind the bustling Plaza Forum Shopping Mall and its proximity to popular nightlife spots like Coco Bongo. This central location in the Hotel Zone makes it incredibly accessible for tourists staying in the area. You can easily walk to the beach from many hotels or find public access points nearby. Reddit

The surrounding area offers a vibrant atmosphere, with bars and beach clubs contributing to the lively ambiance. However, this also means that during peak times, especially weekends and during events like Spring Break, the beach can become quite crowded. The combination of its convenient location, calm waters, and lively surroundings makes it a popular choice for a wide range of visitors, from families to those looking for a beach day with easy access to entertainment. Reddit

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