Playa Las Gaviotas
A stunning stretch of white sand and clear waters in Cancun, or a dramatic black sand beach in Tenerife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pristine waters, less crowded
Playa Las Gaviotas
Best Time
Pristine waters, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning stretch of white sand and clear waters in Cancun, or a dramatic black sand beach in Tenerife.
"Lovely sandy beach, beautiful and for the most part very clean."
🎯 Go Early for Clear Waters
Water is clearest and cleanest before midday. Avoid swimming after noon as it can become murky.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Long Sandy Beach
Enjoy leisurely walks along the expansive shoreline, perfect for relaxation and scenic views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa Gaviota Azul (Blue Seagull Beach)
Cancun Hotel Zone
A stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, often hailed as Cancun's most beautiful beach.
Playa Forum
Behind Coco Bongo, Cancun Hotel Zone
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to entertainment, this beach offers a lively beach experience.
Family-Friendly Shores
Playa Las Gaviotas
A wide, clean, and welcoming beach perfect for families, with convenient amenities nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Pristine Waters
Beach Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Clear Waters
Water is clearest and cleanest before midday. Avoid swimming after noon as it can become murky.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Long Sandy Beach
Enjoy leisurely walks along the expansive shoreline, perfect for relaxation and scenic views.
🏖️ Respect the Sand
Be mindful of cigarette butts left behind; use provided trash bins to keep the beach clean.
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
If visiting Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife, parking is limited and the road is narrow.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Clear Waters
Water is clearest and cleanest before midday. Avoid swimming after noon as it can become murky.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Long Sandy Beach
Enjoy leisurely walks along the expansive shoreline, perfect for relaxation and scenic views.
🏖️ Respect the Sand
Be mindful of cigarette butts left behind; use provided trash bins to keep the beach clean.
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
If visiting Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife, parking is limited and the road is narrow.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Option
Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Playa Las Gaviotas for its beauty and cleanliness, especially in the mornings. While the water can become murky later in the day, the long sandy shores and nearby amenities make it a highly recommended spot. Some minor drawbacks include the occasional cigarette butts in the sand and the potential for showers to be non-operational.
"Lovely sandy beach, beautiful and for the most part very clean, people flat out cleaning even of a Sunday morning, highly recommend a trip although the cons are showers and foot cleaners were not on, as to remind people of the droughts over the last few years pretty silly really, the water was lovely up till about midday on all three visits and becomes manky dirty with sludgy waste, you just don’t want to be in there. So best times 8am to midday it’s magic."
mick noonan
"Clean and great beach not too crowded"
Zane Sturmane
"Stunning place, amenities are close. Full of wonderful places to eat. Locals are friendly too."
Lauren Jade Midgley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Gaviota Azul, also known as Playa Forum, is conveniently located behind Coco Bongo in Cancun's Hotel Zone. You can easily reach it by public bus or taxi from most hotels in the area.
Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife can be a bit tricky to access. Parking is limited, and the road is narrow, so going early is recommended.
In Cancun, public buses frequently run along the Hotel Zone, making it easy to access Playa Gaviota Azul and Playa Forum.
Playa Las Gaviotas in Tenerife is considered a hidden gem. Be prepared for limited parking and a narrow approach. 
Depending on your hotel's location in the Hotel Zone, it might be walkable, or a short bus or taxi ride away from Playa Gaviota Azul.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Las Gaviotas, in both Cancun and Tenerife, are public beaches and do not typically have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
As a public beach, Playa Gaviota Azul in Cancun is accessible throughout the day and into the evening. However, for the best swimming conditions, visit in the morning.
No, tickets are not required for these public beaches. You can visit them spontaneously.
In Tenerife, Playa de las Gaviotas is known for being nudist-friendly and allows dogs.
Visiting in the early morning, especially before noon, is recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the clearest water. September is also noted as a less crowded month.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Playa Gaviota Azul in Cancun offers restrooms and is located near a boardwalk with various eateries.
While some reviews mention showers and foot cleaners, they may not always be operational due to drought conditions.
The water at Playa Las Gaviotas is lovely in the morning but can become murky with sediment by midday. For the best swimming experience, visit between 8 AM and noon.
Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife features volcanic black sand, offering a unique and striking landscape.
Playa Las Gaviotas is generally not too crowded, especially outside of peak season or early in the morning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Playa Gaviota Azul in Cancun is situated near a boardwalk with numerous eateries and dining options.
While specific dining details for Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife aren't extensively covered, its proximity to coastal areas suggests local restaurants are likely available.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted on public beaches, allowing for a picnic experience. Remember to dispose of your trash properly.
The boardwalk near Playa Gaviota Azul in Cancun likely hosts beach bars and cafes, offering refreshments and snacks.
Near Playa Gaviota Azul, you can expect a variety of Mexican and international cuisine from the numerous restaurants on the nearby boardwalk.
📸 📸 Photography
The crystal-clear waters, white sand, and the vibrant blue sky make for stunning photos. Capture the expansive shoreline and the lively atmosphere. +1
Absolutely! Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife offers dramatic volcanic black sand, wild views, and unique energy, perfect for striking photography.
Early morning light provides soft, beautiful illumination for beach photography. The golden hour before sunset can also offer magical shots.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Playa Las Gaviotas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families visiting Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife, the pet-friendly aspect might be a draw if you're traveling with a furry companion. However, the black sand and potentially wilder conditions might be less ideal for very young children compared to the Cancun location. Always check local conditions and consider the age and comfort level of your children when choosing between the two.
💰 Budget Travelers
In Cancun, you can save money by packing your own snacks and drinks and enjoying the numerous affordable eateries along the boardwalk instead of opting for pricier beachfront restaurants. In Tenerife, the focus is on natural beauty, so the main 'cost' is transportation to the beach. Once there, you can enjoy the scenery and the unique black sand without spending a dime. Bringing your own provisions is also a smart move here, as dining options might be more spread out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife presents a more dramatic and unique photographic subject with its black volcanic sand and rugged coastline.
The contrast between the dark sand and the ocean is striking. Remember to check local regulations if you plan to use a drone for aerial shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Playa Gaviota Azul & Playa Forum
While the visual appeal is undeniable, it's important to note that the water quality can change. For the most pristine swimming conditions, visiting in the early morning hours, ideally before noon, is highly recommended. By midday, the water can sometimes appear murky due to sediment.
Travelers often praise the beach for its cleanliness and the friendly atmosphere. However, a common point of feedback is the occasional presence of cigarette butts in the sand, underscoring the importance of responsible beach use and utilizing the available trash receptacles.
Exploring Playa de las Gaviotas in Tenerife
This beach is known for being a more secluded treasure, offering tranquility and a chance to connect with nature. It's a place where nudism is welcomed, and it's also pet-friendly, making it a versatile spot for different kinds of visitors.
However, accessing Playa de las Gaviotas requires a bit of planning. Parking is limited, and the road leading to it is narrow, so arriving early is a key tip for a smoother visit. Despite its more remote feel, Playa de las Gaviotas provides a memorable experience for those who seek out its unique charm. The dramatic landscape, combined with the freedom to enjoy the beach in a more natural state, makes it a noteworthy destination for travelers exploring the diverse coastlines of Tenerife.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit