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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds

Playa Gaviota Azul (Forum Beach)
Best Time
Calm waters & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cancun's 'Forum Beach' offers calm, swimmable waters protected by a breakwater, perfect for families and a serene beach day.
"The best beach to swim in Cancun - calm, with little fish and a tad pool for kids!"

🐾 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Kid-Friendly Tad Pool
Shallow areas
A small, shallow pool-like area ideal for children to splash and play safely.

Abundant Marine Life
In the water
Spot numerous small fish swimming around you, making for an engaging underwater experience.

Scenic Hilltop View
Small hill overlooking the beach
Capture postcard-perfect photos from a small hill offering turquoise waters, sand, and sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Amenities
Best Time for Calm Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, beaches in Cancun are public property by law. You can find access points and walk along the coastline without a hotel reservation.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa Gaviota Azul is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free for everyone.
As a public beach, it's generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, specific amenities or nearby establishments might have their own operating hours.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for individuals. However, large events during peak seasons like Spring Break might have temporary access limitations.
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.
The beach itself is free to access. However, vendors may charge for services like chair and umbrella rentals.
🎫 🏊 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.
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.
Absolutely! The calm waters and a small, shallow 'tad pool' area make it a fantastic and safe choice for families with young children.
Yes, vendors are usually present to rent reclining chairs and umbrellas for a fee, typically between 200-300 pesos.
Weekends can be quite busy with many people enjoying the beach, especially during peak seasons or events. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
A small hill overlooking the beach offers a fantastic vantage point for postcard-perfect shots of the turquoise water, sand, and sky.
Yes, visiting in the evening can be beautiful with the breezy wind, waves, and sunset creating a picturesque scene for photography.
The clear, calm waters often allow you to see small fish swimming around, which can make for interesting underwater or shallow-water photography.
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.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide beautiful sunset colors. The breakwater also creates interesting textures in the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Breakwater's Impact
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.
Navigating Amenities and Comfort
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.
The 'Forum Beach' Experience
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit