Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Beaches

Playa Norte

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST BEACHES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 18 2026

No. 1 in North America

Playa Norte

A long strip of soft white sand lined with palm trees, beach clubs and restaurants, facing calm, shallow turquoise water with a buoyed swimming area close to shore. Visitors arrive by ferry or catamaran from Cancun, and the beach is a short walk from the ferry dock.

Highlights

  • Soft white sand
  • Calm, shallow turquoise water
  • Fish and snorkeling

Good to know

  • Short walk from the ferry dock
  • Chairs and umbrellas cost extra, often minimum spend
  • Tour boats crowd it 11am to 4pm

Also in Mexico

  1. Playa Ensenada Grande N° 66 Playa Ensenada Grande Isla Partida Island beach
  2. Playa Balandra N° 79 Playa Balandra La Paz Wild beach