Stepping off the plane in Cancun we were hit with a wave of heat. Heaven! After days of chilly, wet and windy weather (even a hailstorm) we found the sun to be a welcome relief.
We were so keen for the beach.
(Waiting for our taxi to the airport)
After beers and tequila we braved a local bus, getting off somewhere in the ‘Hotel Zone’. Why the Hotel Zone? Because these massive monstrosities basically dominate the beach. It’s normal to sneak through the lobby of the Intercontinental or some 6 star hotel to see the ocean.
But it’s worth it.
The sand is powder fine and white as snow, and the ocean is clear and turquoise blue. The beach strip is divided by little coves or small strips of beach. On the beach you will find tourists on deck chairs listening to music from a nearby bar. The locals only come out in the twilight when the tourists are off in search of a happy hour somewhere.
But beware, should you even venture close to hotel territory looking like you don’t belong, you will be kicked out of their ‘public beach’ area.
(Beach front dining)
(Sunset and locals playing at the beach – photos courtesy of Sonia Moloney)
We day tripped to Isla Mujeres, with perfect white sand but loads of tourists. A cute island just off Cancun with narrow streets and sombreros for sale on every corner. A beautiful island for soaking up the sun (sorry to all the Cancer Council people reading this!).
(The quieter side of Isla Mujeres)
While the beach is stunning Cancun is overrated. Sure, if you want to stay in your 5 star hotel and lay on the beach with all the holiday makers drinking overpriced drinks it is great. But even staying local in the downtown area there isn’t much to do. Clearly the PR marketing machine has done its job well, for the town is full. As for us, we couldn’t wait to get out.
