11 best photo spots in Cancun

Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is a hotspot for spring breakers and beach lovers. Beyond its ivory beaches and sun-kissed seas, there’s a whole collection of picturesque spots around the city for you to get some amazing photos.

We’ve rounded up 11 best photo spots in and around Cancun that capture the city’s color and culture. Here’s the low-down–from where to take pictures in Cancun to ideal timings for the best photos and other insider tips.

Mark your trip with a classic jump shot in front of a colorful Cancun spot sign. Head to the one at Playa Langosta instead of Playa Delfines, where it’s less crowded. The backdrop is also more striking, with towering green palms, light golden sand and azure waters in the distance.

This family-friendly beach has calm and shallow waters, too—perfect for the kids to splash around. Visit on weekdays when it’s quieter and if you have spare time, take a 10-minute stroll to the nearby observation tower, Torre Escénica, for breathtaking views of Playa del Carmen. Get your camera ready.

A 20-minute ferry hop from Puerto Juarez, Isla Mujeres is a great spot for photography enthusiasts—especially during sunset, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Start by visiting one of Mexico’s most idyllic beaches: Playa Norte. The wooden pier is a popular photo spot among newlyweds. Later, rent a golf cart and scoot over to Punta Sur to see the Ruins of the Temple of the Goddess Ixchel. The sweeping coastlines and rugged cliffs look like incredible otherworldly landscapes.

Grab your underwater camera for a snorkeling trip to Cancun's Underwater Museum of Art. Remember to check the departure times and plan for the three-hour tour in advance.

Jump into the crystalline waters and keep your eyes peeled for life-sized sunken statues. Get closer to the nooks and crannies–you might find parrotfish, pufferfish, and barracudas hiding amongst them. If you’re lucky, rare sea turtles might play peek-a-boo and enter your frame for a candid shot.

This open-air shopping center is not your typical mega-mall. La Isla Shopping Village, in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, boasts Venetian-style winding canals, playful fountains and a ferris wheel almost 200 feet tall known as “La Gran Rueda”.

Whether you’re here for a serious shopping spree or a casual family outing, there’s ample opportunity to snap some spontaneous family shots. Venture to the Marina area which overlooks the charming Nichupté Lagoon. Or, let the kids roam around the Interactive Aquarium Cancun. The Touch Tanks and cool exhibits are choice spots for photos.

It’s not hard to capture photos of the dazzling waters, palapas (thatched-huts) and sensational views when you’re in Cancun. Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is the city’s largest public beach, and a firm favorite for wedding photography in Cancun. It’s also the only beach in the Hotel Zone without towering resorts in the backdrop.

Swing by El Mirador in the early morning; if you’re lucky, you might catch glimpses of dolphins frolicking in the water. From the same lookout, admire unobstructed vistas of the vast Caribbean sea—an awesome way to start your day.

If you’re sussing out photogenic resorts or an oceanfront wedding venue in Cancun, look no further. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is a sprawling 5-star resort nestled in Riviera Maya. There is a dizzying array of photo ops from the glistening infinity pool and octagonal suites, to the six gourmet restaurants and palm-studded beaches.

​​This all-inclusive resort is also home to a wide range of activities and entertainment—suitable for couples and families alike. The mini-vacationers will be busy at the Mayan-themed Explorer’s Club, while the adults indulge in some R&R at Dreams Spa by Pevonia®. Expect terrific vacation photos all around from this luxe getaway.

Plan an unconventional date at Xoximilco Cancun, a vibrant Mexican fiesta on water. During this three-hour dinner cruise, sample traditional Mexican food onboard a colorful wooden trajinera boat. You’ll be serenaded by mariachi bands and marimba medleys as the gondola glides through the festive canals.

Plus, there’s an open bar where you can enjoy beer, tequila and soft drinks while you enjoy the tunes. Pack your dancing shoes and camera to capture the neon lights and wonderful memories.

Cancun’s prominent art murals are transforming the resort town into an open-air art gallery. Created by both local and international artists, the street art pays homage to innate Mayan and Yucatán heritage.

There are several areas where you can spot these captivating works: off Avenida Bonampak in downtown Cancun, along Avenida Yaxchilán, Avenida Uxmal, Avenida Nader as well as in the Hotel Zone. Choose a guided walking tour if you wish to unravel the stories behind these masterpieces. Or explore at your own pace and let your creative photo ideas run wild.

Go on a three-hour road trip from Cancun to the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. The bubblegum-pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas will greet you from miles away. Be sure to visit during midday when the lake shimmers brightest, and pack a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses. Close by, spot wild flamingos from a distance (best to have a zoom lens for this) as they graze in the waters.

To get the full experience, stay the night at Piña Coloradas—the new ecolodge—and catch the glorious sunrise. You don’t need filters for the perfect photos.

Revered by ancient Mayans as sacred wells, cenotes are now luring adventurous tourists. Gear up for a thrilling day trip to one of Mexico’s most renowned cenotes, the Gran Cenote.

A two-hour drive from Cancun will take you to this famous oasis. Before plunging into the crystalline waters, take advantage of the setting and do a quick photoshoot. Cool off from the Mexican heat with a rejuvenating swim after.

As the attraction closes before 5 p.m., be sure to plan your itinerary for the day. Combine this with a guided tour of other nearby attractions.

Chichén Itzá needs no introduction. The Mayan ruins offer fascinating glimpses of ancient Mayan architecture. Saunter around this UNESCO World Heritage Site and check out the renowned Chac-mool status. The 30-meter-tall El Castillo, a massive step pyramid, is hard to miss and a superb photo backdrop.

Try to visit right after opening or late in the afternoon to avoid huge tour-bus crowds. If you’re there later, don’t miss the impressive light and sound show at one of Mexico’s largest archaeological sites.

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